Ikea LYCKSELE LÖVÅS: The Clever Armchair with Bed Function for Small Flats

A new piece of Ikea furniture promises a remarkably clever answer to exactly that problem.

Anyone living in a city flat will recognise the dilemma: you want somewhere comfortable to sit and occasionally need a guest bed, yet the floor plan offers very little room. Ikea is now putting forward a model that could make the traditional, bulky sofa bed unnecessary: the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS armchair with bed function.

Why this Ikea armchair outperforms the old sofa bed

Conventional sofa beds tend to have the same drawbacks: they are large, heavy and cumbersome, while their sleeping comfort is often only average. They occupy considerable floor space during the day, then reveal their thin, sagging mattress substitute at night.

“The LYCKSELE LÖVÅS addresses precisely these weaknesses, combining compact dimensions, straightforward operation and genuine sleeping comfort.”

Rather than arriving as a wide two-seater, this item begins as a single armchair. Its outline is slim, it has no armrests and its design is clean-lined. In a room, it looks more like an ordinary armchair than an “emergency bed” – an important advantage when every square metre matters.

Turning the armchair into a single bed takes only a few seconds. There is no heavy metal frame to pull out and no awkward folding mechanism that catches. Simply fold the construction forwards to reveal the mattress surface. Anyone hosting guests, or sleeping on it themselves each day, will soon appreciate how uncomplicated the process is.

Suitable for lofts, shared flats and guest rooms

Thanks to its pared-back look, the armchair fits into virtually any setting: a minimalist Scandinavian-style flat, a colourful shared bedroom, a compact home office or a more traditionally furnished guest room. The LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is especially effective in studies that occasionally double as guest rooms: an office with an armchair by day, and a proper bed at night.

The concept is particularly appealing for studio flats. Instead of giving up half a room to an expansive sofa, you have a compact armchair that becomes a fully functional place to sleep whenever required.

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

Many space-saving furniture pieces look convincing in photographs, but everyday use quickly shows that comfort is another matter. With the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS, Ikea deliberately uses a mattress-based design rather than simple upholstered pads.

At its core is polyurethane foam, providing support both when seated and lying down. The foam density falls into an “pleasantly firm” range: you do not sink into it as you might with a cheap foam mattress, but neither does it feel as though you are sleeping on a board.

“In bed mode, the sleeping surface helps keep the spine relatively straight – guests are more likely to wake refreshed than with back pain.”

When used as an armchair, the back section offers noticeable lower-back support. Anyone working on a laptop from home or spending a long evening reading will quickly notice that this is not merely intended as a temporary solution, but is suitable for daily use.

Change the covers whenever you like

One major advantage is the replaceable cover. Ikea uses a system in which the entire cover can be removed and replaced. It comes as standard in a neutral fabric that suits most interiors. Those wanting a more individual look can choose from different colours and textures.

• The covers are machine washable, so stains, red wine, coffee and dog hair are not a disaster.
• A replacement cover can make the armchair feel like a completely new piece of furniture.
• Seasonal updates are easy: muted shades in winter and light, bright tones in summer.
• Families with children benefit from the hard-wearing, easy-clean cover.

Care is straightforward: put the cover in the washing machine, vacuum the foam components from time to time, and that is all. In smaller flats, where furniture receives heavier use, this simple maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan.

Price, guarantee and sustainability: is it worth buying?

At around 249 Euro, the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sits between a cheap sofa bed and a high-quality designer daybed. Anyone who needs every area to serve two purposes gets both an armchair and a guest bed in one item of furniture.

“When the cost of a separate armchair and an additional guest bed is compared, the price seems surprisingly reasonable.”

Its long-term prospects are also noteworthy: Ikea provides a ten-year guarantee for the model. This suggests that the frame and mattress are not designed as a short-term stopgap, but as a lasting furnishing choice.

Sustainability is another consideration becoming increasingly relevant in large cities. Buying one item rather than two saves resources in manufacturing, transport and eventual disposal. The removable covers follow the same principle: if the fabric wears out or your taste changes, a new cover is enough instead of replacing the entire piece of furniture.

Who the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is particularly suited to

How to plan the armchair into a room effectively

In very small rooms, it is worth creating clearly defined zones. The LYCKSELE LÖVÅS works well as the “anchor” of a combined reading and sleeping nook. Add a narrow side table, a floor lamp and perhaps a small rug, and you have a cosy daytime corner that can quickly become a sleeping area at night.

A practical tip: if you regularly host guests, plan storage for bedding close to the armchair, such as a box beneath a shelf or a slim cupboard. This means you will not have to search through half the flat whenever someone decides to stay unexpectedly.

Small additions, significant impact

To use a compact home intelligently, ideally pair the armchair with other multifunctional furniture: a coffee table with storage, stackable stools or a folding dining table. The more purposes each piece can fulfil, the tidier the room appears.

Plants can also make a surprisingly large difference in compact homes. A hardy green plant such as a monstera, or low-maintenance herbs on the windowsill, brings life to the area around the armchair and noticeably improves the feel of the room without taking up much space.

What to consider before buying

Before visiting the furniture store, it is worth considering your own habits:

• Will it mainly be used by visitors, or will you sleep on it every day?
• Will the armchair sit against a wall or in the middle of the room?
• Do you need a neutral cover, or a statement piece in a bold colour?
• Do you have pets or children who are likely to put more wear on the fabric?

The clearer the answers, the more focused your choices regarding the cover, room position and possible accessories will be. Anyone particularly sensitive to mattresses should take the time in the furniture store to try both sitting and lying on it properly, rather than just briefly trying the seat while passing by.

Ultimately, the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is best suited to people who want to use every square metre deliberately and no longer want a bulky sofa bed. It saves space, remains practical for everyday use and can be visually adapted to your own home – precisely the combination that has long been needed in many city flats.