If you’re anything like us, you hold on to comfortable furniture as long as functionally possible. That’s the case with our Ikea Karlstad couch. It’s still in great shape, and we both love it, but I’ve been desperate for a new Karlstad couch cover. Since most of that line has been discontinued, I thought we were stuck with our dark brown cover until I sewed something else. Imagine my eagerness to do that. Fortunately, I remembered the internet exists and I discovered Comfort Works can help me solve this problem without buying a new couch. Phew!

Now I realize that not everyone keeps furniture as long as we do. BUT IF YOU DO… keep reading.

Hunting for a Karlstad Couch Cover

Ikea makes it pretty easy to keep your furniture forever by selling separate covers for some of their lines. Fortunately, Wyatt had the foresight to buy multiple covers when we bought a couch a few (ok, twelve) years ago. Unfortunately, we only bought two Karlstad couch covers, not anticipating that we would want to keep our couch until the end of time. I’m obviously joking here, and we did look around for substitute, but the Karlstad sofa is still our favorite/in great shape/most practical for our living room layout.

So what happens when Ikea discontinues a super popular line?? As it turns out, there are thousands of us out there, in the same boat. And luckily, we don’t need to buy a different Ikea couch because there is actually a solution to this very problem! Enter Comfort Works.

Comfort Works + Ikea = Problem Solved

After investigating my options, I decided to buy a replacement Karlstad couch cover from Comfort Works. They have a pretty slick website, and I had a hard time narrowing down the fabric options since there are many great choices. I paid $5 for three samples in order to see the fabrics in person, which I highly recommend. My favorite fabric was not what I expected, so don’t skip this step!

Based on our lifestyle, I chose a 100% cotton duck fabric in the color Gaia Fog, which I hope will hold up well to both kids and the washing machine. Being able to machine wash the covers is essential in my house. I also loved the super soft Madison Ash cotton fabric, and the heavy duty Kino Ash fabric would probably hold up really well. The Gaia Fog cotton seems like a good compromise – tough enough to wear well but also soft and comfy for a nap.

I paid about $400 for this cover, which seems reasonable, based on my research. It’s far more than the original covers cost, but considering that’s no longer an option, I’ll take it! Better than buying a whole new couch when this one is still in great shape.

Getting Down to Business

Here’s a tip for when you actually plan to change out the couch covers: make sure you have plenty of time! This whole project took me about three hours on a Saturday. Aside from switching out the covers, which is easy, disassembling and reassembling an Ikea Karlstad couch is not for the faint of heart. Fair warning.

Once the couch was disassembled and uncovered, I also made sure to vacuum each of the cushions and the upholstered arms of the couch. I’ve read about vacuuming your mattress for the same reasons; just think about all the dust and crud that filters through your covers over the years. Yuck.

Finally, the moment had arrived! Reassembling the cover was a snap. And I love it. My new Karlstad couch cover fits perfectly on the chaise cushion and is a tiny bit loose on the other pieces. Since it’s cotton, I hope that will allow for any possible shrinkage when I wash it. (I considered washing it to begin with, but I was too impatient.)

I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised at how nicely this all came together. The covers fit almost perfectly and the fabric looks beautiful. Each piece is well-constructed, and because I sew, I say that with a critical eye for craftsmanship. I’m thrilled!

Now that this couch finally works with our rug, I need to pull the rest of this room together. Where to start? End tables… lamps… something needs to happen on that wall, for sure. I’m thinking this artwork might be temporary.

If you’ve tried a different replacement Karlstad couch cover, I’d love to hear about it. I’m thinking of buying another backup. Of course. Drop me a line in the comments!

To read more about our adventures in remodeling a 1960’s home, check out this post: How to Create Craftsman-Style Door Trim.