5 Hacks to Make Your IKEA Sofa Look Expensive

IKEA proves sofas don't need a designer price tag to feel like designer pieces. They're beloved for their accessibility and sleek designs that fit seamlessly into any home. I should know – my apartment is 80% Hemnes (if you know you know).

However, not enough people realize how funky you can get with your furniture! I had always thought that the trade-off for IKEA’s style and price point was that you got a simpler look, but it turns out, with a few creative tweaks, you can elevate your standard IKEA couch to give it an elevated, custom feel.

From new upholstery to a few toss pillows, I’ve compiled the five very best essential life hacks to transform your couch into a centerpiece.

No IKEA Couch? No Worries

Don’t click away from this article just yet! You don’t need an IKEA sofa specifically to use these hacks. Levelling up your couch game is a universal sport. 

1. Switch Out Your Sofa Legs

You might never have thought of sofa legs a day in your life. They're about as interesting as, well, sofa legs. But swapping them out is one of the simplest ways to make your $500 sofa look like it's $5,000.

While IKEA sofas come with perfectly functional legs, they're often plastic or artificial wood, which can cheapen their look. Switching them for more luxe options enhances the aesthetic and improves functionality. Differing heights can also alter the vibe:

• Taller legs create the illusion of more space by elevating your sofa.
• Shorter legs make your seating feel grounded and cozy.

And, it's easy to upgrade your couch legs. Like, really easy. They screw on and off. You don't even need tools, just your hands! Trust me, Couch.com reader, I'm not a handy person and even I was able to replace the legs on my sofa. 

And you can find custom legs to replace them online or even in vintage stores to add a one-of-a-kind touch. I had great luck on tablelegs.com, with lots of options for $10-50.

• For a Mid-Century look, try tapered wooden legs in a rich stain.
• For a Farmhouse or traditional look, try chunky, carved legs.
• For a Modern look, try sleek metal legs (don't be afraid to try an interesting finish, like these brass ones.). 

2. Slip on a Slipcover

Slipcovers are back, baby! No longer relegated to grandma's living room, they're the definition of the quiet luxury aesthetic, giving your space a refined, classic feel. 

They're also practical! You can protect the sofa underneath, try a new upholstery, and throw the cover in the wash whenever you need to (which is a real game changer if you have kids or pets).

A slipcover can give your IKEA sofa a new identity and it's easy to do in minutes. Available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns, you can redefine your sofa’s style to match your own, from Barbie DreamHouse to Coastal chic.

Where Do I Buy a Slipcover?

IKEA offers its own range of slipcovers, which is obviously the most convenient, affordable bet for their models, but there are also custom companies that specialize in designs tailored to IKEA sofas.

These are the two with the best custom offerings:

(Full transparency, I have not personally bought from either of these two. My sofa doesn't have a slipcover! But their glowing online presence speaks for itself.)

Bemz

This brand is dedicated to upgrading your IKEA sofa! 

• They have made-to-order covers for every single IKEA collection. 
• Their lineup includes 151 different fabrics, ranging from zebra print to corduroy to velvet to gingham linen.
• The cost varies, but it seems like each cover falls within a few hundred bucks (not bad given the relative price of a custom sofa, which would run you a few thousand dollars).
• Bonus: They also do couch legs! You can cross off step one and two of this list in one place!

Comfort Works

This brand promises that they 'cover any sofa brand in the world'.

• They offer a range of made-to-order options in 69 different fabrics ranging from tweed to boucle.
• They all seem to start in price from $769, so are a little pricier. However, for the convenience and style of a washable cover, they are experts at what they do.
• They also offer outdoor sofa covers!

3. Find The Right Color For Your Space (AKA, Don’t Just ‘Get the Gray One’)

This is more of a pre-purchase life hack, but if you already have your sofa, this information can help you make your space more harmonious around it! 

I’ll back up one step. There's nothing wrong with a gray sofa. They're great. But if you are thinking about choosing gray simply because that is the inoffensive option and 'probably matches everything', STOP RIGHT THERE. 

This is your sofa! It should complement your decor and living space, not just exist. The upholstery color sets the tone for the rest of the room. If you choose it right, the couch gives your room a curated, expensive look – no interior designer necessary.

IKEA offers a modest range of fabrics, but there are enough options that I know you can find something that feels tailored to your home. 

When choosing your color, consider:

• The size of your space.
• The lighting.
• How the sofa will interact with other elements in your decor.

As for the hue itself, there are different factors to consider:

• Light colors can make a small room feel airy and open.
• Darker colors ground larger spaces and add depth.
• Neutral shades like beige, gray, or cream offers timeless versatility, and a blank canvas for bold accents or seasonal decor changes.
• Rich jewel tones and deep, saturated hues can create a dramatic focal point, adding warmth and personality to your room. 

4. Toss on Some Toss Pillows

What makes a good outfit a great one? Accessories. The same goes for your sofa. Toss pillows are the ultimate styling tool. They are a small but impactful way to elevate your sofa, adding layers of color, texture, and personality. Or, for my home, some dog-inality! (Goose loves a toss pillow).

Extra pillows make your sofa look fluffy and inviting and can help tie it in to the rest of your decor, especially if you were restricted in color choice for the couch itself. 

To achieve a chic, cohesive look: 

• Start with a mix of sizes, shapes, and patterns.
• While style is obviously subjective, it looks more natural and refined when you're not too matchy-matchy with your pillows.
• Combine solid colors with subtle prints or bold designs to create depth.
• Play with different textures like velvet, linen, or woven fabrics for added visual interest.

When arranging:

• Aim for balance without being overly symmetrical.
• Group them in odd numbers for a more natural, curated feel
• Don’t be afraid to incorporate unexpected pops of color or metallic accents to make the space feel lively. 

Toss pillows come in a full spectrum of prices too. Don’t feel like you have to break the bank! I love Target and Amazon personally for their cost and range. But for shoppers without a budget, I think Lulu & Georgia have stunning and uniquely designed options!

5. Invest in a Fabric Shaver & A Steam Cleaner

As my mum would say: You must treat nice things nicely for them to stay that way! Your sofa falls under this category.

There is no better way to make your IKEA sofa look good than to keep it in good condition. That means frequently vacuuming it and flipping the pillows to reduce uneven wear. But the almighty duo –the Batman and Robin – of keeping your sofa in good nick are:

A Fabric Razor

If you read the reviews of any of IKEA's sofas, one of the most common complaints is that their fabric is prone to pilling! It's not unusual in 100% polyester textiles, as the plastic fibers can be more damage-prone than their natural counterparts.

While common, pilling is an upholstery affliction that can make your sofas look shabby. The pills may be unsightly, but they're very easily fixed with a fabric razor. They're like $15 on Amazon and are a total game-changer! Just run the razor over pilled fabric or seams and watch them return to looking new.

My sofa is upholstered in velvet, which doesn't pill easily, but I still own and love my fabric razor. It works on sweaters, leggings, throw pillows, blankets, and so much more!

Get. The. Razor. Thank me later!

A Portable Upholstery Cleaner

Another thing that keeps your sofa from looking its best is visible staining or marks. But I mean... Tell that to my puppy, Goose! 

If you're using your sofa at all, the chances are good someone or something might eventually stain it. Some IKEA sofas have removable covers that you can toss in the wash! But for those that don't, an upholstery cleaner could be your new best friend.

I use the Bissell Little Green, but if you Google 'Portable upholstery cleaner', you'll see the full spectrum of options for what they are. These little machines use water and suction to remove difficult stains from upholstery. It's like the power of a professional cleaner in a small enough package to stash in your closet! 

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