ikea Archives - Emily A. Clark

Slipcovered Sofas: Are They Worth It?

Sep262018

After owning (white) slipcovered sofas for a couple of years now, it seems like a good time to give an update on how they’re working for our family and if the “ease” of washable covers is really worth it.

We have a pair of the IKEA Ektorp sofas in our living room, and I’ll stand by my opinion that for the price and the comfort, they’re a great fit for our not-so-gentle family of seven. But the washable slipcovers? Not so washable, after all.

I started out like every other slipcover owner in America who said “I’ll just throw them in the washer.” Truth be told, there’s no such thing as “just throwing them” anywhere. In a perfect world, I guess you would take them off every month or so. My average, I’m ashamed to admit, is more like once a year. We’re not suppose to, but “we” eat snacks (and ice cream and popcorn and salsa) in front of the TV and I just got tired of worrying about it, which leaves us with less then crisp white couches.

Look closely. Someone–who shall remain nameless–decided to eat chocolate ice cream while paying more attention to a ballgame. . .

While I can take the covers off by myself, the pain of getting them back on the frame is more of a two-man job. They say not to bleach them, but I’ve tried it–along with OxiClean and stain sprays and everything else I’ve read online that’s been recommended. The verdict? The white doesn’t come out white. (This could be due to my once-a-year-washing schedule.) And it’s a lot of trouble, I tell you, to go through the process of washing them and get a dingy result.

So, the alternative is to buy new slipcovers–or a new sofa. . . For our IKEA Ektorp, a new cover is $250. I’m sure it varies but a quick Google search says the average cost to have a sofa cleaned is between $100-$150. Although the “new” doesn’t last extremely long around here (for anything), I still feel like new slipcovers are a good investment for a few years, at least. While I’m speaking from the experience of having white sofas, I think you could get away with keeping the covers even longer if it were a darker color. . .

What’s been your experience with slipcovered furniture?

Do you think it’s worth it?

Getting Back-to-School Ready with IKEA

Jun132018

I know it’s crazy to think of going back to school when we literally just got out for Summer, but I also know how quickly these next months will fly by and that many of you are already scheming up dorm room and first apartment decor for your big kids. I’m teaming up with IKEA as one of their brand ambassadors to share how we recently finished up my oldest daughter’s room and to hopefully pass along an idea or two that you can use, as well.

Our inspiration was this beautiful (and ever Pinterest-popular) studio apartment designed by Lauren McGrath featured in Domino magazine. I love this layout because it offers plenty of storage on one wall and still leaves her floor space. We used a pair of the HEMNES bookcases which were a perfect fit with her (thrifted) daybed. (The IKEA FYRESDAL is another good option.) If you have less room to work with, the single HEMNES bookcase might be a better fit.

No daybed? An elevated twin mattress will work, too, and can double as a sofa/study space.

It was important to give her some hidden storage so we added several of the gray KVARNVIK boxes on her shelves and these fabric DRÖNA cubes fit perfectly turned sideways. (We also added more under her bed for out-of-season clothing storage.)

I left the shelves pretty open so that she can add her own personal touches and just picked up a few pretty vases from IKEA’s GRADVIS collection. I also added color to her neutral bedding (the TRÄDASTER duvet is a good alternative) with super affordable GURLI pillow covers. The colors worked great with the artwork that was already above her bed.

The GÖRLÖSE rug is super affordable and does a good job of sectioning off this part of the space. (A trick that may be more needed in a shared dorm room!) I floated a KVISTBRO table (with a removable lid for more possible storage) in front of the bed that can serve as a nightstand and/or ottoman.

1. RANARP wall spotlight 2. FYRESDAL daybed 3. HEMNES bookcase

4. TRADASTER duvet 5. GURLI pillow cover 6. KVARNVIK box with lid

7. GRADVIS vases 8. KVISTBRO table 9. GÖRLÖSE rug

10. DRÖNA box 11. MELLTORP table 12. BERNHARD chair

I am a Brand Ambassadör for IKEA U.S. This is a sponsored post.

Fire Pit Friday Nights

Mar222018

I remember when my dreams used to consist of dressing up and going out every weekend. That was before kids–and before I was a full-time driver. Now, my happiest place is at home with our family. (No plans, no carpooling, no getting ready; sounds like a dream to me!) We built this little fire pit soon after we moved in, but I decided to improve the set up and initiate what I hope will become more regular fire pit Friday nights.

For the second year in a row, I’ve joined with IKEA to serve as one of their brand ambassadors for the US. One reason I go back to IKEA time and time again is that it lets me affordably turn my ideas into reality. Sometimes, my design dreams are made up of nothing more than a night off, some comfortable chairs and a few of my favorite people.

The key for me is to keep it simple. I did a quick grocery run and stocked up on s’mores supplies, hotdogs and drinks. We put everything out on this lightweight outdoor table (easy to carry and move as needed) so that everybody could help themselves. (I love these IKEA black and white windowpane blankets–for warmth and as a makeshift tablecloth.)

I picked up several of these new little bowls at IKEA. They’re the perfect size for snacks or condiments or ice cream or. . . . I think I’ll get more. I also used a tiered wire basket for s’more supplies and drinks and a metal serving tray that works great for outdoors.

Another great use for IKEA’s ever-popular utility cart: I can transport everything from kitchen to fire pit in (almost) one trip.

And finally, I sit. These chairs really are comfortable, by the way–we all agreed. An add bonus: they’re light weight and fold up for easy storage along our garage wall.