IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS: The armchair-bed that solves small-space living

A new IKEA piece of furniture aims to solve the problem of limited space with style.

Many people will recognise the situation: a tiny studio flat, occasional visitors, yet no room for a proper bed - let alone a bulky sofa bed. This is precisely where an understated IKEA model, the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS armchair-bed hybrid, comes in. It is quietly becoming something of an insider tip, and despite its catalogue-like name, it could replace the conventional sofa bed in many homes.

Why the IKEA armchair could replace the traditional sofa bed

Anyone who has unfolded a cheap sofa bed knows the ordeal: a heavy metal frame, a mechanism that catches, endless pulling and tugging, and eventually a groove running along your back. When it is not being used as a bed, it sits in the room like a lump, taking up space that is needed elsewhere.

The LYCKSELE LÖVÅS takes a different approach. Rather than beginning life as a sofa that somehow turns into a bed, it is fundamentally a compact armchair that becomes a proper single bed within seconds. There is no folding frame, no metal arms and no hunt for a concealed handle.

“The change from armchair to bed happens in one movement - with no strain, irritating levers or swearing.”

Its outline stays slim even in armchair mode. Instead of looking imposing in the middle of the room, the seat remains visually discreet. This makes a noticeable difference in small studio flats or a home office that occasionally needs to serve as a guest room.

Visually, IKEA has opted for clean lines, a low profile and no unnecessary embellishments. As a result, the armchair works equally well in a typically Scandinavian-style home with pale wood and plenty of white, or in a colourful period flat filled with flea-market finds. Its shape feels understated rather than like an emergency solution for a student bedsit.

Ideal for home offices, guest rooms and studio flats

The concept is particularly useful wherever one room has to fulfil several roles:

• A home office that sometimes accommodates guests
• A combined living and sleeping room in a studio flat
• A teenager’s bedroom with infrequent overnight visitors
• A holiday let where an additional sleeping space is required

In all of these situations, a compact armchair-bed offers considerably more freedom of movement than a wide sofa bed that dominates the room permanently.

Comfort without compromise: what it is really like to sleep on

Space-saving furniture has long suffered from a poor reputation: useful, but uncomfortable. With the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS, IKEA is trying to challenge exactly that perception. At its core is a polyurethane foam mattress designed for two purposes - sitting and sleeping.

When used as an armchair, the seat and backrest provide noticeable support around the lumbar area. Anyone using it as a reading chair or for video calls while working from home will soon notice whether the posture feels right. Here, it does: you sit upright without feeling as though you are sinking into a sea of cushions.

In bed mode, the key consideration is sleeping comfort. Once unfolded, it creates an uninterrupted sleeping surface in a single-bed format. There are no awkward edges and no crossbars. The foam density has been selected to feel supportive without being hard - a balance that is especially useful for guests with very different sleeping preferences.

“The armchair does not replace a luxury hotel - but it reliably avoids the ‘I feel completely worn out’ feeling after a night on a typical sofa bed.”

For households that welcome guests more often, the benefit is twofold: back discomfort is less likely, and there is no need to apologise every time someone is put on a fold-out construction with metal bars.

Removable covers: one piece of furniture, many looks

A major strength of the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is its modular cover system. The cover can be removed completely and swapped for a different version whenever desired. IKEA offers a range of colours and fabrics, from simple standard covers to more striking shades.

• Machine washable: Stains from coffee, red wine or tomato sauce can realistically be removed.
• A visual refresh: A new cover can effectively create the feeling of having bought a new piece of furniture.
• Suitable for the seasons: Light covers for spring and summer, with darker, cosier fabrics for autumn and winter.
• Family-friendly: Children, pets and everyday mishaps are handled far better than by many conventional sofas.

Maintenance is equally straightforward: remove the cover, wash it in the machine, dry it and put it back on. The foam sections only need vacuuming occasionally. Doing this every few weeks can significantly extend their lifespan.

Price, warranty and sustainability: is it really worthwhile?

At around €249 at present, the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sits in IKEA’s typical mid-range price bracket. More relevant than the headline price is the comparison with buying two separate items: a decent armchair and a guest bed can quickly cost much more, while also taking up more room.

This calculation is particularly easy to make in cities with high rents: every square metre that is not permanently blocked makes a flat feel larger. A piece of furniture that performs two functions therefore contributes directly to quality of living.

IKEA provides a ten-year guarantee for this model. At this price point, that is a strong indication of confidence. Anyone replacing a cheap sofa bed every few years will ultimately spend considerably more, both financially and in terms of waste generated.

“A piece of furniture that proves itself every day and does not end up in bulky waste after a short time saves stress, money and resources.”

The replacement-cover system also supports the sustainability argument. Rather than throwing away an entire sofa because the fabric is no longer appealing or visibly worn, only the cover needs replacing. Less transport, less material and less waste make this a compelling point for people seeking to make more conscious purchasing decisions.

How the armchair fits into modern living concepts

The trend towards smaller homes and multifunctional rooms has long been a reality. Kitchens become kitchen-living spaces, living rooms double as home offices and balconies turn into miniature gardens. Furniture such as the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS fits this picture perfectly: flexible, compact and quick to adapt.

Anyone already reorganising their home can plan the armchair into the layout deliberately:

• Define a zone: A rug beneath the armchair can establish a small reading or working area.
• Add a side table: It can hold a laptop or coffee during the day, then serve as a bedside table for a guest at night.
• Plan the lighting: A dimmable floor lamp provides pleasant light for both reading and sleeping.

Combined with plants - such as hardy houseplants requiring very little care - it quickly creates a small comfort corner that can become a guest area in the evening.

Who benefits most from the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS?

The armchair is particularly well suited to certain living situations:

• Students living in shared houses or flats who receive visitors infrequently but regularly
• Single people in expensive central locations without room for a separate guest bedroom
• Parents looking for a flexible overnight option in a child’s bedroom for their child’s friends
• People working from home who want their office to serve two purposes intelligently

Anyone regularly needing to accommodate two people overnight, or sleeping on a pull-out bed every day themselves, should instead consider a larger option. The LYCKSELE LÖVÅS remains a comfortable single bed, not a full replacement for a double bed.

What to consider when buying and using it

Before buying, it is worth taking an honest look at your own habits at home. Those who will use the furniture mainly as an armchair and only a few times a year as a bed are the ideal target group. In that case, everyday seating comfort matters most, while sleeping quality is an additional benefit when needed.

Practical points worth checking include:

• Is there enough floor space once the armchair has been pulled out into a bed?
• Is there sufficient room to store bedding within easy reach?
• Does the chosen cover suit the rest of the room, or would it be better to buy two options for greater flexibility straight away?

It is also sensible to consider the mattress weight and how easily it can be handled. Anyone with physical limitations should try it out in an IKEA store to make sure that changing it from armchair to bed is genuinely as easy as expected.

The armchair is also an interesting option for anyone exploring a more minimalist way of living. Furniture that performs two functions well suits a household focused on owning fewer, better things. Combined with compact storage solutions, shelving that uses height rather than width, and well-planned lighting, even a small flat can feel surprisingly spacious.