Sometimes, a piece of furniture sticks with you because it’s just that good—comfy, versatile and full of potential, even if it’s not perfect from the start. That’s exactly how it’s been with our IKEA sofa, a piece we picked up during our time living in Tokyo. It had everything we wanted in terms of structure—a deep seat perfect for lounging—but the dark blue velvet fabric wasn’t quite right – it seemed to attract every bit of dust and fluff!
As we prepared to move back to New Zealand, we considered selling it, but ultimately we couldn’t let go. It’s super comfy and has great bones – we weren’t quite ready to give up. So, I decided to breathe new life into it.
The Quest for the Right Fabric
First, I looked into the easiest & cheapest option: ready-made covers. There are quite a few companies that specialise in making new covers for IKEA sofas, so I ordered several fabric samples. But as the samples arrived and I began testing them against the sofa, none of them really clicked. Either the texture wasn’t quite right, the colours didn’t resonate or feel of the fabric wasn’t quite what I was looking for. So, I decided to go the custom upholstery route again — a step up in effort but absolutely worth it.
Choosing Custom Upholstery: Worth Every Penny
Once I committed to custom upholstery, the options opened up. Now, I could choose a fabric that complemented our style. I chose a soft, ribbed dusky pink upholstery that brings so much character to the sofa. The warm, textured fabric feels both luxurious and inviting and it contrasts beautifully with the structured lines of the original design. It’s a colour that manages to be playful yet sophisticated, creating a focal point in the room without overpowering the space.
Adding Piping for That Extra Touch
One detail that truly elevated the design was the addition of piping along the edges. The piping adds a refined, finished look that makes the sofa feel far more sophisticated than its original form. It’s such a small detail, but it adds structure and definition to the sofa’s shape, giving it a polished, custom look that feels tailored and intentional.
The End Result: A Sofa with Character and Comfort
The transformed sofa now sits proudly in our living room and it’s become an eye-catching centrepiece that reflects our style. The soft pink fabric, with its ribbed texture, adds depth and visual interest. Paired with a mix of patterned cushions and the surrounding decor, it creates a cosy, eclectic vibe. The sofa’s new look fits beautifully with the artwork on the wall and the lush greenery outside, blending elements of comfort, personality and sophistication.
Revamping the sofa with the custom fabric and piping gave it a whole new personality. Now, it’s not just a comfy spot to relax; it’s a piece that perfectly fits our home and our style, proving that with a bit of creativity, you can turn even a well-worn IKEA sofa into a unique, stylish treasure.
Before & After:
I love how the new fabric brightens up the space!
Click here to see the upholstery transformation of our other sofa!
More interior styling inspiration for you to discover:
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