Despite its original February 4th due date, our big bundle of sectional joy arrived ahead of schedule. Being our first Ikea sofa, we were a bit taken aback by how many different boxes our Karlstad came in.
But since we’re no strangers to assembling our Ikea purchases we dove right in…and even made a time lapse video of the longer-than-we-expected process.
For those who can’t watch the video (maybe you’re being sneaky at work?) here’s the important stuff: the final pictures of Karl in place.
We’re especially enamored with the fabric, which is nice and durable (it’s completely impenetrable to Burger’s claws, which is always the goal). And the dark color is perfect for hiding those spills and drool spots that happen with a dog and a baby around. Plus because the entire sectional is slipcovered (even the arms and the frame) we can always wash it if something crazy happens. Which is definitely a probability in our house.
Karl certainly is a big boy. It took us a couple of hours to adjust to how much more space he took up than our old couch – but it took almost no time for him to win our hearts. He fits the space really well, the dark charcoal color rocks our socks, he’s extremely comfortable, and he makes us want to schedule a huge friends & family movie night (although that might be more fun when we get a larger TV someday).
Speaking of which, Karl’s presence really highlights the need for some other “heftier” items in the room (it’s a huge space, so larger items will make it look a lot more balanced and proportionate) – like a bigger rug, a new media cabinet, and lots of colorful art on the walls. Plus we need to make this space next to the window look more intentional. We plopped the little game table there because of the light that hangs above it, but we’re thinking that zone might be better served as a play / toy storage area for Clara (and future kiddos) down the line.
We also want to add (maybe build?) a long narrow console table to go between the sectional and the wall to host a couple of lamps and act as a spot for drinks, etc. Especially since our current nailhead ottoman & faux sheepskin solution is great looks-wise (light and round ottoman + dark and square sectional = love) but it doesn’t really function beyond feet propping. But with a console table behind the sofa, that’s all it needs to do. Plus it’s baby-head friendly, unlike an angular coffee table. And with all the angles in Karl we were itching for something soft and round anyway.
We also want to try a DIY upgrade to Karl’s legs. Ikea offers sleek metal ones (which take the look to über modern) but we wanna work with the chunky wood ones that came with Karl.
Especially since the fancy pants sofa that we coveted from Room & Board (more on him here) has the exact same legs in a darker finish. And they look surprisingly sleek in that color, as opposed to cheap and birchy like Karl’s (no offense, man):
We’re thinking we might try to stain or paint them darker (maybe even with high gloss spray paint) to help them work better with Karl’s deep charcoal outfit, er slipcover. We considered swapping them out for tapered or round spindle legs, but Karl is a big dude. So we want him to remain as well-supported as possible. Which is why the legs that come with Karl (along with a 10 year warranty) seem like a smart thing to stick with.
Despite our still-growing to-do list, we’re loving our new spot to relax. I’ve got two directions where I can lie down completely (all 6′ of me), Clara’s got a couple of deep corners to be propped up in, and the chaise just happens to be perfectly Sherry sized. Accordingly, she’s been monopolizing it since Karl’s arrival. Good thing I’m not a jealous man.
Burger is basically nutty with options for curling up, jumping around, and perching upon every possible cushion and cranny. Here’s where we discovered him sit-standing yesterday. Yes that’s business in the front, relaxation in the back. What a weirdo.
Apparently it’s a great vantage point to scope out squirrels in the backyard.
So yes, we still need to stain/paint the beams, get/build a sofa table for behind the sectional, get a larger rug, upgrade the media cabinet, remove the fans, add in a few lighting options, and possibly create a little play area for Clara behind the far side of Karl – but we’re happy to take our time and let things evolve instead of rushing into any big purchases we might regret (we have to replenish the ol’ bank account after buying Karl anyway). But I guess I could tackle those fans sometime soon. And Sherry claims to be saving up the energy to take on those beams (she says as she reclines on the chaise and lies motionless, closing her eyes as if to “charge”). Should be interesting…
UPDATE: We’re still loving Karl over a year later. Check out our little update post here.
danielle says
I think we may be house twins – except I’m doing everything first, and you’re following! It needs to be the other way around, since I come here for inspiration!
-I painted the house light and dark grays last summer
-We’re using bold, dramatic colors as accents
-We just bought a charcoal gray sectional! (And plan on accenting with bright yellow and purples)
So…either I’m going to have to slow down, or you’re gonna have to speed up ;)
Lindsey says
I love the new sectional. We have the same one. It has held up well despite being spilled on and loved. Where did you guys get the rug from?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s from Pottery Barn a while back (called the Moorish Tile Rug). They no longer sell it but maybe try eBay?
xo,
s
Christine says
First, it looks fantastic!!
Second, it’s way bigger than I imagined, but in a good way!
Third, that video is priceless. It took me forever to put together an IKEA chair. I couldn’t even imagine tackling “Karl”!
torrie says
can i just say, i’m not one to normally care for chihuahuas AT ALL, but Burger is seriously winning over my heart. i love his personality […or at least his Blog personality!;)]
Tovah says
That is one huge room and a huge sofa (it definitely would not fit in my tiny house!) Karl looks awesome though and I am digging the yellow and gray. Can’t wait to see what else you have planned for this room!
Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
It looks great guys! Looks comfy too! And I heart your videos! They’re so funny ;)
Lauren B. says
Love it! We have a sectional, as well as a 3 year old and almost 2 year old. We just added the 2×4 expedit unit behind our sectional, for just what you hinted at, drink placement. Also, we put in 8 baskets in all of the openings and it’s GREAT for toy storage. Our living room looks so much better now!
Megan V. says
love this couch! We just purchased 2 Luxe couches from World Market and I decided to go with the charcoal gray color as well. It’s slipcovered which is a must for us and our huge german shepherd. She drools over everything. :)
I told my husband and if I didn’t like them in our living room, we were totally going to return them and get a Karl. It’s a great looking couch!
maribel says
Love the couch…and the pillows the yellow one really pops. I’ve been on the hunt for toss pillows for my bed. I have a navy blue bedspread I purchased from Ikea years ago and just recently brought it out. It’s a busy floral pattern so I wanted to had a solid (thinking of orange). You have inspired to think out side the box on color. So my question is since I’ve had no luck will the iron on tape work when I go to make them my self….and how would I go about making them, any tutorials you know of?
YoungHouseLove says
For pillows I actually just sew three sides by hand with the fabric inside out and then reverse the pillow “case” and stuff it and sew the fourth side closed with loop stitches. I bet you could google around for tutorials and pics. Good luck!
xo,
s
heather s. says
Envelope pillow covers are super easy to make and you can remove them from the pillow to wash. Sherry’s info below means you can’t wash the covers since you are sewing the cover closed around the pillow form. There are a ton of tutorials out there. Good luck!
Brittany Kaye says
I seriously have no idea where you guys find the motivation to keep all these projects going. I think you’re great. That looked like SO much work in the video… I love the idea of darkening the legs. You guys see stuff that I would never come up with, and I always love it! Cute shots of Clara too. :)
Amber says
I browsed through the comments but didn’t see this question (sorry if it’s a repeat!)… what are you doing with the white couch???
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t have a use for a second living room so we’re planning to craigslist it. Will post the link for all locals interested when we do.
xo,
s
Dusa says
I LOL’d during the video when Burger has the whole room torn down around him and he’s trying to snooze/hide on the sofa pillows!
Lyndsey says
Your sectional looks awesome! I thought I only liked all-white sofas, but your charcoal one has me maybe changing my mind. It’s like a seating arena!!
I know you guys are pros when it comes to stuff like this, but would you recommend putting together an ikea sofa like yours to a non-handy person? Just the number of boxes alone made it look pretty daunting to me. Just curious what your opinion is. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah it was really straightforward. Just connecting things and stuffing cushions for the most part.
xo,
s
Jyl says
Have you thought about wrapping the legs in iron-on veneer? I fell in love with the stuff recently as we’re finishing up the major parts in our Ikea kitchen renovation. It comes in a zillion colors- some that you can stain!
Love the new couch- good luck with it!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that sounds fun. We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Steve says
If you guys are getting a new rug…I would be happy to take the current one of your hands. For a price of course.
BTW looks great, the room is coming together.
Carla says
I love, love, love the color. Pre-baby we made the mistake of picking a very light colored couch -oops! Now all I want is my own Karl, you guys always make me want to buy stuff, thank goodness your bargain shoppers :)
liso. says
I never in a million years would have picked that, but I love it! As for your console table, I had the same idea, and it’s one of my favorite parts of our living room – i went super simple – you can see it here…
http://chadandalison.blogspot.com/2009/12/living-room-makeover-ikea-inspired.html
and here’s a few more glimpses where you see more of the effect and less of the actual shelf… i mean, if you’re interested :) thanks for all the inspiration!
http://chadandalison.blogspot.com/2010/03/today-i.html
http://chadandalison.blogspot.com/search/label/our%20casa
pamela says
oh i can’t wait to see the legs in a dark color, it’ll make it look even more fab!!
LOVE the video btw!
Melissa says
The sofa looks really great and there are clearly many “pros” to the purchase. But I’m curious – any “cons”? As in “I wish Karl was…” Or maybe it’s still to early in the relationship to admit to his flaws??
YoungHouseLove says
Probably too early. Haha. Right now he can do no wrong!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I’m always up for a good time lapse video by YHL! Especially when I’m procrastinating on studying for three midterms that are this week.
I love Karl. He’s swell.
Jen says
It’s posts like these that bring me back each day! Love your videos! Love the look you create by bringing in something new and using what you have to make it work! Love your choices in colors… I Love Young House Love!
xoxo,
Jen
kelley@paperdollmn says
It’s perfect for that big room of yours! Is it bad that I think you guys should move all the time? This is FUN!
amanda says
Love the blue/yellow combo and the proportions are great in your living room. I’d definitely get a console table and some end tables. Where is your other furniture now?
YoungHouseLove says
Sitting in the future dining room but since we don’t need a second living room we’re going to craigslist what we no longer need (like the sofa).
xo,
s
mike @ the lil house that could says
very cool! I always wondered how ikea delivers/ships the larger items like this.
Darcy says
Wow karl looks like he fits right in :D
Mellissa says
Wow! Karl looks great and I love the color combination! I had a deja vu moment when I saw this morning’s post – we also brought home a new sectional this weekend. Isn’t it so exciting?! It’s my first ever brand new couch (I’ve only ever had hand-me-downs). We got a huge deal on a great piece (including an ottoman) from Costco. I never thought a piece of furniture would make me so happy!
Jill says
Looks great! I’m super jealous you have the room for that sectional! Can’t wait to see how the room evolves!
Mandy of Kini Style says
That looks so great in the space!! I love how you have the yellow to complement the dark charcoal color! Can’t wait to see what it looks like with new legs :)
Hilary @ My So-Called Home says
It looks so perfectly proportioned in the room so great choice. Can’t wait to see it with its new “pedicure.”
Monika says
Karl looks awesome! I really like the idea of a little play area/toy storage where the table currently is. Also excited to see how your console table idea plays out, sounds like you guys have lots of good ideas in the mix.
My dog also likes to perch on the sofa to look out the window.
:)
katie says
LOVED the video!!!! Great idea as a way to document that, it was adorable!! Y’all should set the camera up again one day and just do a “day in the life of…” Everything is coming together SO beautifully! Can’t wait to see what else is to come!!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be pretty boring. Just one of us on the computer all day while the other takes care of the baby. Then some project at night while Clara sleeps. Haha. Not too glamorous.
xo,
s
brandt @ New House on the Blog says
Wow…I think the Karl just jumped a few places on the “New House Wish List!”
I’m wondering how the cloth would do for cat claws, which are obviously skinner and sharper than Burger claws. From what we’ve seen after touring the store, the Karl seems to have a good tough fabric, so the wear-and-tear for cats might be good as well.
Anne G. says
Okay, it’s official. I have sectional envy.
I actually really like the wooden legs. They kind’a blend with the warmer yellow tones of your pillows and rug, and help keep the room from being too matchy matchy. But, I agree that left unstained they shout cheap pine. A not-too-dark stain would be awesome. Can’t wait to see what you guys decide.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
I can’t help but laugh at all those boxes–I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if IKEA asked their customers to literally put together wooden blocks to make the sofa themselves. All their stuff scares me, because of that aspect, I’m afraid that my version of putting it together would fail miserably and just end up looking cheap.
Good for you! How long did the whole process take?
YoungHouseLove says
About an hour, but it was a huge three piece sectional. One sofa would definitely have taken under 30 mins!
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Looks great! I didn’t get a good idea of how big that room was until you placed Karl in there! Awesome that you can fit a nice big sectional!
Rachel Powell says
Hm… I wonder, since it’ll most often just be the three of you sitting on the couch between large family gatherings, if Karl will sink in at your usual spots? That’s a lot of couch to take up! Hopefully we’ll get a future update about whether the usual spots look more worn than the rest of the sectional.
Val says
Re: your console situation. We mounted an eight foot long 1×4 on the wall behind our Ektorp. Painted it high-gloss white and used pretty, decorative bracket on the visible ends and cheap ones on the inside. It’s perfect for drinks and our surround sound speakers and didn’t cause the sofa to stick out much further into the room (it actually helped it center on the other side of the L shape). It’s very sleek and everyone comments on how well it functions.
Just a thought. Could be a good temporary measure.
Love your Karl! I’ve never liked the grey/yellow thing, but I love it at your place! I think I like the more grey:less yellow ratio.
Dayna says
Love Karl! And yes, I agree that a dark wood instead of birch would be great. I do love the metal feet, but that does take it to ultra modern. Looking good!
Erin says
I looove your new couch, it’s one i’ve been eyeing lately myself. You say Burger isn’t going to be beating dear Karl up too much with his nails, but does Burger have magical genes that keep him from shedding? I have a pup (Henry, the short haired tan chihuahua/doxie) that loves to let me know he’s been sneaking naps on the couch. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH SHEDDING DOGS!!??! Sorry for the shouting, I just think I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t shave the dog bald and by him a sweater.
YoungHouseLove says
Burger has very short hair (and a bald underbelly) so we don’t really have shedding problems but maybe some other peeps can offer up some tips for you. Good luck!
xo,
s
MJ in NYC says
I have a Karl sofa with an attached chaise with the same exact fabric AND a short-haired, tan pooch who looks like a giant chihuahua. She loves to snuggle up on the couch, but I can brush off her fur easily just using my hands. I think it has a lot to do with the denim-like fabric because her fur would NOT come off of fleece throws and certain other types of fabric – no matter what I try. Hope this helps :)
Jen says
I love Karl! I too have looked at him for our basement. It’s nice to see the sofa in a real life setting, and it’s great to hear from so many of your commenters that the Ikea sofas hold up well. After reading about it and talking to my husband about it, of course calling the sofa Karl, he stopped me mid-sentence and said, “Who’s Karl again?” lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha love it!
xo,
s
Danni says
Just FYI…save your receipt because I have the same sectional (not as large since I live in a small apartment) and the cover began to fade to a bright yellowish-orangish color at the joints after 1 year. We thought it was sun effect but it turns out it was something they used as a sealant or adhesive in the wood frame (thank you Google for clearing that up).
We go to Ikea A LOT and the manager knows us (again, we go A LOT) so he gave a a new cover which will probably do the same thing after another 1-2 years. But he did assure use the problem was fixed (change materials) nationwide as of a year ago.
Danni says
PS—-love the arrangement! Wish out living room was bigger so we could have the extra pieces.
Aimee says
If I remember correctly, your plan is to pain the wood beams on the ceiling? I think it looks beautiful as-is! It complements the furniture.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup we kept them unpainted to see if we would come around, but we still love the idea of a weathered gray stain or coat of paint.
xo,
s
Janna says
It looks amazing! We have a sectional that is very similar from JCPenny and I’m coveting the more modern look of the “Karl” – and the slipcovers!
Oh and great video!
Erin says
Ohh! One other question.. Ikea’s instructions can leave something to be desired sometimes, how did Karl’s instructions do?
YoungHouseLove says
Not bad at all. It was all really straighforward.
xo,
s
Michelle B says
hey guys… it looks great! How long did it take you to put together? My husband and i are thinking of getting this sectional as well (without the attached chaise as that would be a bit too large for our space)… and he’s curious how long it took to put together.
YoungHouseLove says
About an hour, but it was a huge three piece sectional. So one sofa would definitely have taken under 30 mins!
xo,
s
Kara says
Love the time elapse! What a great way to document the rather…daunting task of putting Karl together. I was wondering what/how you did the time elapse. Is it a setting on your DSLR? Or were you using a flip cam? Thanks in advance. Love the blog!
YoungHouseLove says
We used our Flip cam and sped it up in iMovie. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
LindseyR says
Karl goes perfectly in Casa Petersik! Your time-elapsed videos are always so fun too!
Karla says
RE: staining the legs. I can’t say enough good things about General Finishes products, especially their gel stain….and more particularly, their gel stain in Java. Java (unless it’s Java with a layer of Pitch Black glaze over it.) http://www.generalfinishes.com/retail-wood-finishing-products
If you page through this Ikeafans thread, you can see what the gel stain did for golden oak cabinets: http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/kitchen-planning/46175-new-house-new-kitchen.html
megan e says
I know you’re a ways off from putting artwork up on the walls, but I envision a DIY masking tape-style large canvas (maybe 3 pieces) mimicing the inspirational napkin over Karl. Maybe keep with the chevrons for a bolder statement. http://remodelthishouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/me-woman-you-man-cave-part-1-art.html