Koala Sofa Bed versus IKEA Sofa Bed

When you’re looking to furnish a spare room or a small apartment, the sofa bed is the ultimate MVP. It’s a comfortable place to sit during the day and a welcoming bed for guests at night. But when you start shopping, you’ll likely find yourself choosing between two heavyweights: Koala and IKEA.

IKEA is the world-famous king of affordable furniture, while Koala has built a huge following for its focus on simple, high-quality comfort and "mattress-in-a-box" technology. So, which one is actually worth your money? In this guide, we’ll compare Koala sofa beds and IKEA sofa beds side-by-side to help you decide which one belongs in your home.

Comfort: Sitting and Sleeping

The most important job of a sofa bed is to be comfortable in both modes. Here is how they stack up in 2026:

Koala Sofa Beds

Koala uses the same high-density foam technology found in their award-winning mattresses.

• Sitting: The cushions are supportive and don't feel "thin". You won't feel any metal bars or frames poking through because the design is often a clever flip-out foam system.

• Sleeping: Koala sofa beds are famous for their Kloudcell® foam. It feels like a real mattress rather than a temporary guest bed. They are generally medium-firm, which provides excellent back support for your guests.

Shop Now for your favourite sofa beds.

IKEA Sofa Beds

IKEA offers a huge range, from very cheap "click-clack" futons to large sectionals like the FRIHETEN.

• Sitting: Comfort varies. Budget models can feel a bit hard, while the more expensive models like the VRETSTORP are quite cozy for movie nights.

• Sleeping: Most IKEA models use traditional springs or standard foam. Many owners find them a bit firm for long-term sleeping and often buy a separate mattress topper to make them softer.

Comparison Table: Koala vs. IKEA (2026 Edition)

To help you see the differences clearly, we have put together this comparison table.

Feature	Koala Sofa Beds	IKEA Sofa Beds
Average Price	$1,200 - $2,500 (Mid-to-Premium)	$300 - $1,200 (Budget-to-Mid)
Assembly	Tool-Free (Usually <15 mins)	Requires Tools (Usually 1-2 hours)
Sleep Technology	Kloudcell® High-Density Foam	Standard Foam or Pocket Springs
Home Trial	120-Night Risk-Free Trial	No used-item trial (365 days unused)
Warranty	5 Years	1 to 10 Years (Varies by model)
Sustainability	FSC® Certified Timber & B Corp	Large scale, focus on recycled materials
Storage	Available on select models (e.g., Wanda)	Very common in most popular models

Assembly: The "No-Tool" Advantage

We’ve all heard the jokes about IKEA assembly. But how does it compare to the modern Koala experience?

Koala: Tool-Free Magic

One of Koala's biggest selling points is tool-free assembly.

• Most Koala sofa beds can be put together in under 15 minutes by one or two people.

• The pieces usually slot together with clever locking systems.

• If you move house often, Koala is much easier to take apart and rebuild without losing tiny screws or damaging the frame.

IKEA: The Weekend Project

IKEA furniture almost always requires tools (usually an Allen key and a screwdriver).

• A large IKEA sofa bed like the FRIHETEN can take significant time to build.

• The instructions are visual and easy to follow, but if you aren't "handy," it can be a bit of a workout.

• Once built, IKEA furniture isn't always designed to be taken apart and put back together many times, which is something to consider if you are renting.

Durability and Style

Koala Quality

Koala focuses on durability and a "lifestyle" look. They use high-quality fabrics that are designed to resist pilling and staining. Their designs are modern and minimalist, fitting perfectly into a contemporary Australian or American home. Because they are a B Corp, you can trust that they meet high standards for social and environmental impact.

Also Read: Best Koala Sofa Beds For Home

IKEA Variety

IKEA wins on variety. Whether you want a velvet traditional look, a sleek grey corner sofa, or a bright yellow focal piece, IKEA has an option. A major plus for IKEA is that many models have replaceable covers. This means if you get bored of the color or the cat scratches the fabric, you can just buy a new cover instead of a whole new couch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Koala sofa bed worth the extra money?

If you plan on having guests stay for more than one night, the answer is usually yes. The mattress quality is significantly better for sleeping. However, for a "just in case" bed that is rarely used, a cheaper IKEA model might be a better way to save money.

Can I use regular sheets on these sofa beds?

Yes! Most Koala and IKEA sofa beds come in standard Double or Queen sizes. You can use your existing fitted sheets just like you would on a normal bed.

Does Koala really take the sofa back if I don't like it?

Yes! Koala offers a 120-night trial. If you find it’s not the right fit for your home during that time, they will pick it up and give you a full refund. This takes the risk out of buying furniture online.

Which brand is better for storage?

IKEA is generally the winner for storage. Models like the FRIHETEN have a massive compartment under the chaise. Koala does offer storage in the Wanda and Stunner models, but it is often a more premium feature.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose a Koala Sofa Bed if:

• You want the best sleep quality for your guests.

• You want easy, tool-free assembly and a long home trial.

• You prefer sustainable, eco-friendly materials.

Choose an IKEA Sofa Bed if:

• You are on a strict budget.

• You need built-in storage for bedding and pillows.

• You want the option to change covers easily in the future.

Both brands offer great value, but they serve different needs. If comfort and ease of use are your top priorities, Koala is the clear winner. If affordability and storage are what you need most, IKEA is hard to beat.