We have had the same red couch for over 9 years now. When I bought it, I wanted something with some color...I wasn't thinking ahead. I momentarily forgot that I am a schizophrenic decorator. I didn't think about how often I love to change things, I just jumped. Two years later I was completely over the red. I wanted more blue in my life. So, I tried to find pillows that would help bring in a little more blue. That didn't do it for me. I brought up buying a new couch to Matt and he gently reminded me that we spent a fortune on the red one that I just had to have at Haverty's. Not happening. So, I decorated around my red couch for 9 years. Then, IKEA happened. I went on a mini shopping spree at IKEA a few months back, and noticed that their Ektorp sofa was strangely similar to my couch...even better...the white slipcover that fits the Ektorp sofa was only $100!!!
So, I started my campaign for a white slipcovered couch. Matt was all, "No way we can have a white couch...kids, dog, yada yada yada..." Then he joined a bowling league...random I know, but oh he needed a new ball, and a new bag, and new bowling shoes, so I took full advantage and said, sounds good if I can get that white slipcover. I had him right where I wanted him, and so the white IKEA Ektorp slipcover was mine...bahahahaha!
I waited for 3 weeks for it to come...oh, that was tough. I'm kind of an instant gratification kind of girl, so it was painful! So there I was one day hanging out on G+ video chat with my girls Gwen and Courtenay when the doorbell rang! It was finally here! I ripped it out of the box and put in on my couch while I was talking to the girls. I finally had to get off of the computer so I could sit on my new couch and accessorize her with some pillows and blankets...isn't she devine??? The white is sooo much more me than red...doesn't it just brighten up my living room?
I used to spend all of my time in my breakfast nook, but now, I can't seem to get my hiney off of the couch.
It's my new favorite spot in the house...serene and a bit beachy...even if it's the middle of December.
Do you use slipcovers? Do you dare have a white couch?
Need a little Christmas inspiration? Click the pic below to see all of my Christmas projects...including that fabulous chalkboard that used to be a mirror...
Laura Beth Gunter says
I love how the white freshened everything up!! I think I'd be settle in on that couch too :o)
Susan Cosby says
Oh how I love slipcovers! They are the greatest decorating item invented! I found my covers at j c penney's outlet store for $29 each. Yes I now own several slipcovers!
There's something about the white and sand colors that make me feel closer to the beach even in DEC.
I love what you have done with your home!
~Susan
Courtenay@Creek Line House says
Oh, that really does change the whole room! So glad you decided to share it and let us finally see! It makes the whole room look bigger too!
Our Pinteresting Family says
It really looks great, Jessica. It's amazing how much brighter your room really looks. Beautiful!
Ruby Jean says
The white really freshens up the whole room and allows all your lovely accessories to shine through!! Love it!
Angelina
Heather SettingforFour says
Jessica - it would drive me crazy to wait for 3 weeks for it too! Your sofa looks so amazing now and really changes the entire room! I love Ikea, we have a huuuuge one here - you'll have to come and visit me so we can shop and eat meatballs! :D Love your Christmas decor!
Vanessa says
Hi, Jessica
These look great, it changed the look of the whole living. Lovely!
Vanessa
Beth@Unskinny Boppy says
What a huge difference!! Love it, Jessica!
Shannon Fox says
Oh Jess its fabulous. Love a white, slip covered sofa. How fun, you can change all you extras now on a whim and it'll match!!
Tracy / soulstyle.ca says
It's awesome Jessica! I had a white slipcovered (IKEA) sofa for 12 years - 3 moves (1 cross country), 2 dogs, and only ONE slipcover the whole time - washability in a sofa is AH-mazing! when it finally died, we got another! No matter what you do with your space, it ALWAYS works! Sit, relax, enjoy that decision, you're brilliant! xoT
Gwen says
Oh, what a freakin' HUGE difference! It was super cool to be there with you when it came!!! You're making me want a white couch...
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Great slipcover Jessica....love how it changed the look of your room...it's beautiful...it is no wonder you are so very happy with it!!
Jacque n Matt Knowlton says
I'm so jealous! I just sold our couch because I didn't want to hand make a slip cover for each cushion & it had a chaise too! I love how this turned out, seriously this is awesome!
-Jacque
keri @ shaken together says
Ooooh the possibilities with a white slip cover!! Definitely brightens your room!!
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says
Wow! What a huge difference! I have a super comfy but oh so dated armchair in my bedroom that is in dire need of a slipcover but I'm not sure where to get a good one yet. You've motivated me to go look around some more!
Kara @ Petals to Picots says
Looks great, Jessica!
LiveLoveDIY says
OMG I looooooooooove it!! You know I love white! Look absolutely fabulous! :)
Rosemary@villabarnes says
The slipcover really brightens things up.
Irma Baker @ The Ordinary Beautiful says
Its gorgeous! I love ours and they are easy to clean even with our 3 kids:)
reFresh reStyle says
It looks great! I had a similar experience, I had a sofa and chair that the Ektorp slipcovers fit perfectly! I love it when stuff like that happens :)
Leslie Harris says
Hi Jessica, I saw your post on the linky party and I could'nt resist clicking on to see your slipcovers. I love them! I've had white slipcovers for years with boys and dogs too. I've washed them so much theve actually shrunk and I want another set but can't afford. They were professionally made, gulp. But never regretted the white. If you're curious how they've held up you can visit ny holiday home tour I just posted. So happy to meet you!
kim says
From one schizophrenic decorator to another I LURVE my Ikea Ektorp. I have 2 teenagers, a baby and a new puppy and I don't regret for 1 second having white. When it gets dirty (and it has to be really dirty for this) I just throw it in the wash! Easy-peasy. One piece of advice - a lint brush works wonders for a quick clean-up.
xoxo,
Kim
Kris says
If you want the slipcover to fit a little bit tighter, lay some quilt batting over the sofa arms and wrap it around the sofa cushions. That should let the cover lie smoother without affecting the comfiness of your couch.
I love the makeover, btw. While the red couch is nice, the white just looks so perfect with the room.
tara says
Hi. What was the size of the sofa? I am trying to figure out if it will fit the Bennett Sofa by Ethan Allen.
Trish says
Hi Tara,
Did you ever find out if the Ektorp cover will fit the Ethan Allen Benett sofa? Thank you!
Trish
Jessica says
Hi, Trish! The couch that I used to use the Ektorp slipcover on was from Haverty's from years ago. I don't remember the brand, but we had it for years and loved it. I think they called it a "chofa." I guess a mix between a sofa and a chaise lounge. Hope this helps! Oh, and it was nice and firm...the cushions held up well for years.
Gretch says
Hi, did anyone figure out if the Ektorp sofa cover will fit the Bennet Ethan Allen sofa?
Jim Justice says
Hy Gretch, did you ever figure out if the Ektorp cover will fit the Bennet from Ethan Allen?
Diana Serrano says
Thank you for sharing I have been in love with a white cover.look at many reviews.nice to know that the cover. Fits other couches.is great..I'm so ready.