UPPLAND IKEA: the complete guide to the pocket sprung sofa with washable covers
The UPPLAND sofa arrived in the IKEA catalogue at the beginning of the 2020s with a clear proposition: to bring the comfort of pocket springs – a technology previously reserved for more expensive ranges – to an affordable sofa, with fully machine washable covers. This positioning quickly earned it a serious place in IKEA's seating range, alongside the EKTORP and the SÖDERHAMN.
This guide is for those who already own an UPPLAND and are looking to maintain it, repair it or simply understand it better. And for those who are hesitating to buy it and want to know exactly what they will have in their hands.
What an UPPLAND really contains: sofa anatomy
Opening an UPPLAND sofa reveals a construction that stands out for its price range.
The supporting structure is based on a solid wood frame and particleboard panels. Nothing exceptional here: it's the standard in the IKEA range. What changes is what comes above.
The seat cushions with pocket springs are the heart of the UPPLAND difference. Unlike entry-level sofas where the seats rest solely on high-density foam, the UPPLAND incorporates genuine pocket springs in its cushions – each spring is wrapped in an individual textile pocket. Result: the springs work independently of each other, which reduces the propagation of movements from one area of the seat to another and ensures better body support over time. High-resilience foam and polyester fibres which complete the cushion provide surface softness.
The back cushions are, themselves, padded with polyester fibres only. They are reversible, allowing you to turn them regularly to even out wear.
The covers are the second strong argument of the range. They are fully removable – zipper under each cushion, discreet fasteners under the structure – and machine washable. The fabric used has been tested to 20,000 abrasion cycles (Martindale), which exceeds the 15,000 cycle threshold required for intensive domestic use.
The feet are truncated cones made of plastic, screwed under the structure via threaded M8 metal inserts. They are removable and individually replaceable.
This point is important: the UPPLAND is not a monolithic "fully upholstered" sofa. It is an assembly of distinct components – structure, cushions, covers, feet – each of which can be treated separately in case of a problem.
The UPPLAND variants: which one do you have exactly?
The UPPLAND collection comes in four main configurations. Accurately identifying yours is essential before ordering a replacement cover: covers are not interchangeable between formats.
UPPLAND 2-seater (loveseat)
The compact version of the range. Designed for small spaces or secondary rooms, it is suitable as a main sofa in a studio as well as a complement to a larger configuration.
Approximate dimensions: 164 cm total width, 88 cm depth, seat height around 47 cm.
This is the least common model in family configurations, but it is regularly chosen as a study-living room or guest room.
UPPLAND 3-seater
The reference model of the range. It represents the majority of sales and most spare parts requests.
Dimensions: 224 cm width, 92 cm depth, seat width of 172 cm, seat depth of 58 cm, seat height of 47 cm.
Three people can sit comfortably. The seat depth of 58 cm allows you to sit with your legs crossed or lie down partially – a feature that many sofas at this price cannot claim.
UPPLAND with chaise longue
The sofa + chaise longue version is one of the most popular configurations. The chaise longue can be attached to either the left or right of the main seat – the choice is made during assembly.
Dimensions: total seat width of 203 cm, seat depth of 58 cm, seat height of 47 cm. Delivered in 3 packages.
This is the ideal configuration for L-shaped living rooms or for those who want a semi-reclined position. The chaise longue shares the same pocket spring technology as the main body.
UPPLAND 4-seater corner sofa
The large format of the range. It combines a 3-seater sofa and an integrated corner section to form a fixed L-shaped configuration.
Colours available throughout the range:
| Fabric family |
Available colours |
Notes |
| Blekinge |
White |
Washable up to 60°C |
| Hallarp |
Grey, Beige |
Washable up to 40°C |
| Hakebo |
Dark grey, Grey/green |
Washable up to 40°C |
| Hillared |
Beige, Anthracite, Dark blue |
Wash according to label |
| Kilanda |
Light beige |
Wash according to label |
| Karlshov |
Grey-beige |
Wash according to label |
The washing temperature varies depending on the colour and fabric. Never rely on the general rule: always consult the label sewn inside each cover.
How to choose your UPPLAND cover: compatibility, references and pitfalls to avoid
This is THE question that generates the most requests. And this is where ordering errors are most frequent.
Basic rule: an UPPLAND cover is specific to a configuration AND a colour. The cover for a 3-seater sofa does not fit the 2-seater loveseat. The chaise longue cover is not the same as the standard 3-seater cover. Buying the wrong reference is a waste of time and money.
How to identify the correct reference: the reference of your sofa is located under the furniture, on a label attached to the structure. It usually starts with numbers (e.g. 19384116 for the 3-seater Blekinge white). This is the reference you need to use to search for the corresponding cover on the IKEA website or on spare parts websites.
What is washable and what is not: the covers of the seat and back cushions are all washable. The structure cover (the "slip cover" generally covering the armrests and base) is also washable. However, the pocket springs integrated into the seat cushions are not removable and are not washable – it is the foam and fibres surrounding them that deteriorate, not the springs themselves.
Abrasion resistance: the UPPLAND fabric is rated 20,000 Martindale cycles. For comparison, standard domestic use requires 15,000 cycles. This means that the covers are resistant to daily use, but very intensive use (pets, active young children) may accelerate wear. The good news: they are replaceable without having to buy the sofa again.
UPPLAND assembly: what you need to know before you start
Assembling an UPPLAND is not difficult, but it requires two people for the steps of assembling the main structure. Allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the 3-seater model, a little more for the model with a chaise longue (3 packages to manage).
Tools required
- Allen key (supplied in the packaging, but a quality key makes the operation more comfortable)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- A second adult for the heavy parts
Key steps
- Assemble the armrests to the structure. The armrests are attached to the main chassis with assembly bolts. Pre-tighten first without blocking to be able to adjust the alignment.
- Attach the feet. The M8 feet screw into threaded inserts underneath the structure. Tighten by hand first, then finish with a screwdriver – no excessive force is needed, the inserts may tear if you force it.
- Position the seat cushions. The pocket spring cushions are heavy – about 6 to 8 kg each for the 3-seater. They are simply placed in the seat recesses, without any particular fastening.
- Install the covers. Start with the structure cover before placing the cushioned cushions. The reverse order is a common mistake that forces you to undo everything.
- For the chaise longue. The chaise longue section is attached to the main body via an integrated connection support. It can be positioned to the left or right depending on the room configuration – this is the time to choose, as a subsequent change requires partial disassembly.
A pro tip: before tightening all the assembly bolts definitively, place the cushions and sit on them. Some alignments are only visible when loaded. This is the time to correct, not after final tightening.
Common problems and how to solve them
The UPPLAND is a recent range and the feedback accumulated since its launch outlines a few points of vigilance.
Covers that pill
This is the most frequent negative feedback in English-language user reviews. Some covers – particularly medium-grain fabrics – tend to pill (form bobbles, these small balls of entangled fibres) after several intensive wash cycles or repeated friction.
What's happening: the mixed polyester weave is sensitive to friction, especially where the user pivots when sitting (front edge of seats, armrests). This is not a manufacturing defect but a characteristic of the material.
How to slow down the phenomenon: wash on a gentle cycle (30°C if the label allows), do not tumble dry (heat accelerates pilling), and turn the cushions regularly to even out wear.
When the cover is too damaged: it is replaced. This is precisely the advantage of the UPPLAND removable cover system over fully upholstered sofas.
Cushions that flatten or become hard
Some reviews report a hardening of the seat cushions after several months of intensive use, or conversely, a sagging.
What's happening: UPPLAND cushions combine pocket springs, HR foam and fibres. The springs retain their shape over time – this is their strength. But HR foam and fibres can compress with use. The sagging you feel rarely comes from the springs: it comes from the comfort layers surrounding them.
What can be done: the cushions are removable and reversible. Turning and alternating them regularly (interchanging left/right, right side/wrong side) prolongs their life.
Feet that come loose
The M8 feet can gradually loosen under the effect of vibrations and daily movements. This is not a structural defect, it is the physics of screwed assemblies under dynamic load.
Preventive solution: tighten the feet every 6 to 12 months. A turn of a screwdriver, 30 seconds, and the problem does not exist.
When a foot is broken or missing: this is the easiest part to replace on this sofa. UPPLAND feet use a standard M8 thread. The original foot can be ordered via the IKEA spare parts service.
Structure creaks
Crackling sounds when sitting are sometimes reported. Before considering anything, tighten all the structure assembly screws – the armrest bolts in particular tend to loosen after the first few weeks of use, when the wood has "settled". In most cases, this operation is sufficient.
FAQ: the most frequently asked questions about the UPPLAND
Do UPPLAND covers really wash at 60°C?
Some do, not all. The Blekinge white cover can withstand a wash at 60°C – which is sufficient to eliminate dust mites and maintain a thorough hygiene (useful for families with allergy sufferers). Hallarp and Hakebo colours are limited to 40°C. Always consult the label sewn into the cover: it is the only reliable reference, above all general rules.
Can you change the colour of the cover without buying a new sofa?
Yes. This is one of the strong practical arguments of the UPPLAND system. Replacement covers are sold separately by IKEA in the available colours. You can therefore buy an UPPLAND in white and switch to grey two years later if you change your decoration – provided that the desired cover is available for your configuration.
Are the pocket springs repairable?
No. The pocket springs are integrated into the cushion and cannot be replaced individually. If the seat cushion is defective (broken spring, collapsed cushion), the entire cushion must be replaced. This is the trade-off for pocket spring technology at this price level: the comfort is superior, but repairability at the elementary component level is not on the agenda.
What is the UPPLAND assembly instructions?
The assembly instructions are available in PDF format on the IKEA website, in the product sheet for each configuration. It is also provided in each package. To find it online, search for "UPPLAND instructions" on ikea.com/fr and download the PDF corresponding to your product reference.
Can the chaise longue be reversed after assembly?
Yes, but this requires partial disassembly of the connection support. It is not a complicated operation – an Allen key and a screwdriver are sufficient – but you must remove the cushions and turn the sofa over. Allow about twenty minutes and two people.
Are the UPPLAND feet compatible with other IKEA sofas?
The M8 thread is a standard widely used in the IKEA sofa range (it is found on several other models), but the shape and height of the feet vary from range to range. Always check compatibility before ordering a foot from another range.
The UPPLAND is a sofa designed to last – provided you maintain it properly. Wash the covers regularly, turn the cushions, tighten the feet every year: three simple gestures that make the difference between a worn-out sofa after five years and a still presentable sofa after ten. And when a cover reaches the end of its life or a foot gives way, the replacement is direct – that's exactly why the range was designed this way.
