Bemz Review: The Easiest Way to Make an IKEA Sofa Look Designer — Order Samples First
Bemz turns tired IKEA furniture into something that looks custom-upholstered, with 150+ machine-washable fabrics, a 3-year warranty and 22,800+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.5 / 5. Order free samples first, because returns cost you shipping and the window is short.
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rating 8.3 / 10
8.3/10
- Best for
- IKEA sofa and armchair owners who want a fresh, higher-end look without buying new furniture, especially Ektorp, Söderhamn, Kivik, Karlstad and Stockholm owners
- Price
- Varies by IKEA model, size and fabric — single sections start low, full sofa covers run into the hundredsbemz.com
The shortlist
04 PRODUCTS · PRICES CHECKED AUTOMATICALLY
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Best Overall Pick Ektorp Sofa Covers Bemz
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Best for Families Söderhamn & Kivik Covers in Performance or Tactile Fabrics Bemz
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Premium / Upgrade Pick Conscious Recycled Fabric Covers Bemz
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Approach With Caution Velvet Covers on Heavy-Use Sofas Bemz
Why We Reviewed Bemz
Bemz was founded in Sweden in 2005 with a simple, sustainable idea: instead of throwing away an IKEA sofa when the cover wears out or goes out of style, replace the cover. It makes covers made-to-order for dozens of IKEA models, including Ektorp, Karlstad, Stockholm, Söderhamn, Kivik, Ekenäset, Hyltarp, Vallentuna and more, in over 150 fabrics, from cotton and linen to velvet, bouclé, teddy and recycled "Conscious" fabrics. Every fabric is machine washable, Bemz is a certified B Corp, and you can order five free fabric samples before buying. With 22,800+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.5 / 5, it's the clear leader in its niche.
The honest caveat is logistics and fit. Because every cover is sewn to order, delivery takes longer than off-the-shelf products, and some buyers report extended waits. A minority describe fit issues such as tight seams or loose areas, or colours that look different in person. The return policy is only 14 days from receipt, you pay return shipping (buyers mention $60+ for sizing returns), and fabric by the metre, curtains and replacement cushions aren't returnable unless faulty. With those rules in mind, ordering samples and double-checking your model and version is essential.
Bemz at a Glance
At a glance
- Founded
- 2005 — Sweden
- Product Category
- Made-to-order covers for IKEA sofas, armchairs, beds and ottomans; cushions; curtains; fabric
- Price Range
- Depends on model, size and fabric; free shipping on larger US orders
- Ships To
- USA, UK, EU and worldwide (DHL / DPD)
- Made In
- Sewn to order; sustainable and recycled fabric options
- Warranty
- 3-year limited warranty on workmanship and materials
- Return Policy
- 14 days from receipt; customer pays return shipping; fabric by metre, curtains, replacement cushions non-returnable
- Available At
- bemz.com (direct)
- Review Count
- 22,800+ Trustpilot reviews (4.5/5); 99% reply rate to negative reviews; B Corp certified
- FailleGlam Rating
- 8.3 / 10
What FailleGlam Found: The Honest Breakdown
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+01
✅ Designer look for IKEA furniture. Buyers say covers turn older sofas into "showpieces," often for far less than new upholstery.
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+02
✅ Huge fabric choice. 150+ options, including trend-led bouclé, teddy, tweed and velvet, and recycled Conscious fabrics.
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+03
✅ Machine-washable everything. Every Bemz fabric can be washed, which is a big win for homes with kids and pets.
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+04
✅ Free samples. Five free swatches let you check colour and texture in your own light before committing.
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+05
✅ Strong service and sustainability. A 3-year warranty, B Corp certification and replies to 99% of negative reviews.
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−01
❌ Longer made-to-order waits. Custom sewing means longer delivery, and some reviewers report extended delays.
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−02
❌ Fit isn't always perfect. A minority report tight seams, loose fabric or covers that didn't fit as expected, often down to IKEA model version differences.
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−03
❌ You pay return shipping. Sizing returns can cost $60+, and you only have 14 days to request one.
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−04
❌ Colour can differ from the screen. Some buyers found colours looked different in person, which is why samples matter.
Our readBemz does exactly what it promises for most buyers. The risk is ordering the wrong model or colour without checking first.
Best Bemz Products Worth Considering
Based on buyer feedback, fabric performance and fit reports, here's where to start.
Bemz
Ektorp Sofa Covers
Ektorp is IKEA's most-covered sofa and Bemz's most proven fit, with a huge fabric range and lots of buyer photos to guide your choice. A loose-fit cotton or linen blend gives a relaxed, slipcovered look that hides wear well.
Bemz
Söderhamn & Kivik Covers in Performance or Tactile Fabrics
These deep, modern sofas look much more expensive in bouclé, tweed or a tightly woven performance fabric. Every fabric is machine washable, so pet hair and juice spills are manageable.
Bemz
Conscious Recycled Fabric Covers
Recycled-fibre fabrics suit eco-conscious buyers who want to extend a sofa's life and reduce waste, which is Bemz's founding mission. They're a great pick if sustainability matters as much as style to you.
Bemz
Velvet Covers on Heavy-Use Sofas
Velvet looks stunning, but it shows pressure marks, pet hair and sun fading more than woven fabrics. The warranty doesn't cover sun fading. Order a sample and rub-test it before choosing velvet for a family sofa.
What Buyers Are Actually Saying
A buyer on quality:
Exceptional quality of the soft, durable fabrics.
Another on fit:
Every element fit the cushions perfectly.
On the concerns side, a buyer on fit:
Product does not fit as expected.
And a buyer on service when problems happened:
Swiftly resolved by their very friendly and excellent customer service.
The pattern: most buyers are delighted with the transformation and the fabric quality, while the minority of complaints are about delivery times, fit on certain models and paying for return shipping.
Bemz vs The Competition
| Bemz vs The Competition | Our pick Bemz | Comfort Works | New IKEA Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid–premium | Mid–premium | Lowest |
| Quality / Build | Tailored, 150+ fabrics | Tailored, custom options | Limited fabrics |
| Fabric Choice | 150+ incl. recycled | Large | Few |
| Machine Washable | All fabrics | Most | Most |
| Returns | 14 days, you pay shipping | Custom restrictions | IKEA returns |
| Warranty | 3 years | Varies | Standard |
| Unique Strength | B Corp + fabric range | Custom dimensions | Price + speed |
| Best For | Style upgrades | Non-IKEA/custom sizes | Like-for-like swaps |
Is Bemz Right For You?
Perfect For
Owners of a structurally sound IKEA sofa with a stained, faded or dated cover. Renters and budget-conscious decorators who want a designer look, and eco-minded buyers who'd rather re-cover than replace.
Worth Considering If
Your sofa is an older IKEA version. Confirm the exact model and production years on the Bemz site, because cushion shapes change over time, and order samples first.
Skip It If
Your sofa frame or cushions are worn out (a new cover won't fix sagging), you need it in a week, or you want free returns.
FailleGlam Recommends
Bemz
Bemz Ektorp or Söderhamn Cover — order 5 free samples first
Pick the right model and version, test samples in your room's light, then order a machine-washable woven or Tactile fabric. Check the fit within 14 days, photograph any issues and contact Bemz straight away. For families, choose a tightly woven fabric over velvet.
Bemz — Questions We Get Asked Most
Q.01Are Bemz IKEA sofa covers worth it?
Yes, if your sofa frame is in good shape. It's a much cheaper way to make it look new than replacing it.
Q.02How do Bemz Ektorp covers fit?
Most buyers report an excellent fit. Choose loose or regular fit and confirm your Ektorp version before ordering.
Q.03Can you return Bemz covers?
Within 14 days of receipt, but you pay return shipping. Fabric by the metre, curtains and replacement cushions aren't returnable unless faulty.
Q.04What's the best Bemz fabric for pets and kids?
A tightly woven cotton blend, tweed or performance-style fabric. All Bemz fabrics are machine washable.
Q.05How long does Bemz delivery take?
Covers are sewn to order, so it's longer than regular shipping. Estimates are shown at checkout.
FailleGlam Scorecard — Bemz
