FRIHETEN IKEA: the complete guide to the convertible sofa with chaise longue and storage
The FRIHETEN is not just another sofa in the IKEA catalog. Since its launch in 2015, it has established itself as the benchmark convertible sofa for small apartments in France and Europe. Ten years in the catalog without interruption – this is a rare performance for IKEA, which regularly renews its ranges. This success is due to a simple but difficult promise to keep: three functions in one piece of furniture (living room, storage, guest room), at an accessible price.
But this success has a downside. Millions of units sold mean millions of users who, sooner or later, find themselves facing the same problem: the chaise longue that sags, the storage compartment lid that no longer stays up, or the bed unfolding mechanism that seizes up. This guide is for them – and for anyone who wants to understand their FRIHETEN inside and out before buying or repairing it.
What the FRIHETEN really hides: anatomy of a three-function piece of furniture
At first glance, the FRIHETEN looks like a classic corner sofa. You have to look closely to understand its true mechanical complexity.
The main body is a 3-seater sofa with a laminated solid wood and particleboard frame. The cushioning rests on pocket springs – a high-end technique for this price level, which guarantees correct support over time.
The chaise longue is the centerpiece of the system. It attaches to the main body via a connecting bracket (reference #122464) which allows you to choose its left or right position. Under its seat is the storage compartment, closed by an articulated lid. And this is where the first critical mechanism resides: the storage compartment hinge (reference #117363), fixed with specific screws (reference #109566). This small metal component is responsible for holding the lid in the open position and its resistance when you sit on it.
The bed conversion mechanism is entirely independent of the storage compartment. Located under the main sofa, it works by sliding and unfolding: you pull the seat towards you, the frame slides on metal rails, and the sleeping surface lies flat. This mechanism with two distinct components – rails + articulated frame – is the second critical area of the furniture.
In summary: the FRIHETEN incorporates two autonomous mechanical systems. When something "doesn't work", the first step is to identify which of the two is involved. Storage or bed – these are different parts, different logics.
The FRIHETEN variants: which one do you have exactly?
Ten years of marketing have generated several versions and combinations. Here's how to find your way around.
The two main families
FRIHETEN convertible corner sofa + storage – This is the flagship model. It includes the 3-seater body, the removable chaise longue with integrated storage, and the bed conversion mechanism. This is the one mentioned in the majority of spare parts requests.
FRIHETEN 3-seater convertible – Version without a chaise longue. The sofa converts into a bed, but there is no storage compartment. Less common but sold in parallel for several years. If you have this model and are looking for a "storage compartment hinge", you are on the wrong track: this component does not exist on this version.
FRIHETEN / KLAGSHAMN – For a few years now, IKEA has been offering combinations of FRIHETEN + KLAGSHAMN footstool sold separately. This is not a new structural model: the sofa remains identical, only a coordinated pouf is added.
Chaise longue left or right
The FRIHETEN chaise longue can be mounted on either the left or right side. This choice is made during assembly by simply reversing the position of the connecting bracket. The good news: if you have moved and the configuration no longer suits you, you can change sides without buying a new part. The bad news: many users are unaware of this possibility and believe they have "the wrong model".
Available colors
The FRIHETEN has gone through several generations of fabrics. The current references are based around two families of coverings:
Skiftebo fabrics – Woven microfiber, matte finish, good resistance to daily wear and tear.
- Skiftebo dark grey: the reference color, by far the best-selling
- Skiftebo blue: a more assertive option, available in some markets
- Skiftebo beige: neutral and bright, available intermittently
Faringe fabrics – Fabric with a more pronounced grain, slightly textured appearance.
- Faringe light grey: a bright alternative to dark grey
- Faringe orange brown: a warm and original color, still in the catalog
Bomstad black – Fabric with a leather-like appearance (coated), easy to clean. Sold at a slightly higher price than the fabric versions.
Key dimensions to know
| Configuration |
Total width |
Depth |
Seat height |
Sleeping surface |
| Sofa + chaise longue |
230 cm |
151 cm |
44 cm |
140 x 204 cm |
| 3-seater sofa alone |
211 cm |
83 cm |
44 cm |
140 x 204 cm |
The sleeping surface of 140 x 204 cm corresponds to a standard double bed. This is one of the strong arguments of the model compared to competing convertibles which often only offer a width of 130 cm.
The two most frequent breakdowns: diagnosis and understanding
Breakdown 1: the storage compartment lid sags – or worse, the seat collapses into it
This is by far the most common complaint on forums and in after-sales service requests. The user sits on the chaise longue and feels the seat "give" slightly. Then, gradually, the lid no longer stays horizontal.
What is actually happening: The storage compartment hinge (reference #117363) is composed of an articulated metal arm. When the lid is closed and you sit on it, this arm transfers the load to an internal support. If this arm becomes misaligned – after years of use or slightly approximate assembly – it no longer rests correctly on its support. The hinge then works "in a vacuum" and eventually gives way.
Before ordering a part, check this: Open the storage compartment lid by hand, look at how the metal arm is positioned. It should rest flat on a horizontal support surface fixed to the wall of the compartment. If it is offset, try to reposition it manually. In half of the cases, the problem is a misalignment – not a broken part. Only if the metal is bent, cracked or if the fixing to the frame is torn off, replacement is necessary.
Breakdown 2: the bed mechanism seizes up and refuses to slide
After two to five years of use, the bed conversion mechanism can become stiff, or even blocked. The metal rails slightly oxidize and the original assembly grease degrades.
What happens: The sliding rails accumulate dust and debris. Friction gradually increases until extension becomes difficult or impossible.
The preventative solution: annual lubrication of the rails with a dry spray grease (PTFE / Teflon type) or, failing that, petroleum jelly. Never use pure WD-40 oil: it attracts dust and worsens the problem in the long run. This operation of five minutes, performed once a year, can easily double the life of the mechanism.
When the mechanism is already seized: first try to unlock it manually by pulling firmly and regularly (not jerkily) on the main seat. If the mechanism remains blocked after lubrication and controlled traction, it is because a rail is deformed or a screw has worked and obstructs the sliding. In this case, partial disassembly of the base is necessary to inspect.
Spare parts: what you need to know before ordering
The FRIHETEN has been in the catalog since 2015 without a major redesign of the mechanism, so spare parts are available and stable over time. This is a real strength: you don't have to fear incompatibility between a 2016 part and a 2023 sofa.
The two most requested parts are the chaise longue storage compartment hinge (#117363, with its screws #109566) and the chaise longue support (#122464). These references are available via the IKEA spare parts service (in store or via the IKEA Spare Parts website).
An important point of attention: the parts of the FRIHETEN are not interchangeable with those of other IKEA convertible sofas. The storage compartment mechanism is specific to this series. If you are searching for "IKEA sofa hinge" in a generic way, you risk receiving an incompatible part.
Special cases that trap users
"My chaise longue is on the wrong side" – As explained above, it can be mounted on either side. No need to buy anything new: unscrew the bracket, turn it over, reassemble on the other side. The assembly instructions (available in PDF on ikea.com) detail the procedure.
"My FRIHETEN creaks when I sit down" – This is almost never the fabric or the padding. Creaks come from wood-metal assemblies. Tighten all the frame assembly screws (a check every 12 to 18 months is recommended for all IKEA furniture with heavy use). If the creaking persists after tightening, it probably comes from the rails of the bed mechanism – see lubrication section.
"The bed does not stay flat, it rises" – The locking mechanism in the unfolded position is generally a simple mechanical stop on the rails. If the bed "closes" on its own, check that no foreign body is blocking the rails in their full extension. The mechanism must reach the stop to lock.
"I'm looking for a replacement cover" – IKEA does not offer a separate cover for the FRIHETEN. The coverings are sewn and fixed to the structure, not removable like on EKTORP sofas. Third-party manufacturers offer protective covers (type stretch protective cover), but they do not exactly reproduce the original covering.
FAQ: the most frequently asked questions
Is the FRIHETEN still manufactured in 2025?
Yes. It is still in the IKEA France catalog in 2025, ten years after its launch. It is one of the few IKEA models to have survived so long without being discontinued.
Has the bed mechanism evolved since 2015?
No major redesign has been documented. The parts from the first series are compatible with current models, which facilitates repairs on older copies.
Can I sleep on it every night?
The FRIHETEN is designed as an occasional guest bed, not as a daily main bed. Intensive daily use will accelerate the wear of the conversion mechanism and the springs. If it is for a main use, a real mattress base + mattress will always be more suitable.
What is the capacity of the storage compartment?
The exact volume is not communicated by IKEA, but the storage compartment of the chaise longue is large enough to store a duvet + two pillows – precisely the bedding needed for the night. This is its primary purpose.
Can the chaise longue be purchased separately?
The chaise longue is not sold separately in the standard catalog. However, the connecting parts (brackets, hinges) are available via the spare parts service.
My FRIHETEN dates from 2016 – are the parts still compatible?
Yes, in most cases. The absence of a major redesign since launch guarantees compatibility of mechanical parts throughout the marketing period.
The FRIHETEN is a piece of furniture that deserves to be understood before considering replacing it. Most breakdowns that seem to condemn the sofa boil down to a misaligned hinge or dry rails – two problems that can be repaired in less than an hour with the right parts and a little method.
