A fresh Ektorp Sofa Cover can make your sofa look almost new, but first you need to fit it. The bare frame, cushions and a small mountain of fabric may look complicated. Luckily, a Covereo cover fits in exactly the same way as the original IKEA cover. You need no tools, and the process usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
Before you start
Remove the old cover and vacuum the frame. This is the perfect moment to collect the crumbs and mysterious objects hiding under the cushions. Shake and reshape any cushions that have become flat with use.
Unpack your new Ektorp slipcover and place all the pieces near the sofa. Separate the large frame cover from the seat and back cushion covers. Fully open every zip before inserting a cushion. A partly closed zip makes fitting harder and puts unnecessary pressure on the zip and fabric.
Step 1: Fit the cover over the sofa frame
Start with the largest piece. Find its front, back and arm sections, then place it loosely over the frame. Check that it faces the right way and its seams sit close to the correct edges.
Pull the fabric gradually over the backrest and arms. The most important rule is to work evenly: pull the cover down a little on one side, then move to the other and pull it down by the same amount. Continue from side to side, a few centimetres at a time. Never finish one whole side first, as this stretches the fabric unevenly and makes the other side much harder to fit.
Think of putting on tight jeans: a little on the left, a little on the right, and repeat. It works.
Once the main part of the Ektorp sofa slipcover is in place, line up the seams with the sofa edges. Gently push the extra material into the gaps around the seat, backrest and arms. Secure the hook-and-loop fasteners underneath the sofa, just as you would with the original cover. Finally, check that the lower edge hangs evenly.
Step 2: Cover the seat cushions
Covereo Ektorp slipcovers fit closely. This is intentional: a snug cover follows the cushion’s shape, stays in place and does not form loose, untidy folds. You may therefore need to compress the cushion quite firmly.
Open the zip completely, strongly compress the seat cushion and fold it almost in half. While holding it like this, push it deep inside the Ektorp couch cover. Insert the corners furthest from the opening first, then gradually release and unfold the cushion inside.
Push the cushion into every corner, distribute the filling evenly and check that the piping follows its edges. Only then close the zip.
Never use the zip to pull a poorly positioned cover together. It is meant to close a correctly fitted cover, not to compress the cushion for you. If the zip does not close easily, stop, reopen it and push the cushion further into the corners.
Step 3: Cover the back cushions
Use the same method for the back cushions. Fully open the zip, compress the cushion firmly and fold it almost in half. Slide it into the IKEA Ektorp sofa cover, starting with the furthest corners. Unfold it inside and spread the filling with your hands.
Back cushions are softer, so they may look uneven at first. Shake each one, fill the upper corners and shape both sides. Careful reshaping can make even older, flatter inserts look better.
Before closing the zip, make sure no fabric or filling is caught in it. Hold the opening together with one hand and move the slider gently with the other. Never force it.
Step 4: Arrange everything and check the result
Put the seat and back cushions on the sofa, then step away and look from the front. This makes uneven seams and folds easier to notice.
Check whether the piping runs straight, every corner is filled and the main Ikea Ektorp couch sofa cover sits evenly. Smooth the fabric and push it deeper into the gaps if necessary. Make sure both arms look the same and the lower edge is level.
Finally, sit on the sofa and adjust it once more. Yes, sitting down is officially part of the fitting process. It helps the cushions settle and reveals any place that needs one final smoothing.
Should a new cover feel tight?
A new Ikea Ektorp couch cover may feel tight during the first fitting, especially around the cushions. This is normal. A tailored cover must be snug enough to keep its shape and create a neat, upholstery-like finish.
However, tight does not mean you should pull hard on a seam or force a zip. Check that the cover is on the correct cushion, facing the right way and pushed into every corner. On the frame, make sure the fabric has been pulled down evenly on alternating sides. What looks like a sizing problem is often simply material that needs to be redistributed.
>> Want to know more? Explore our complete Ektorp covers guide.
Common fitting mistakes
Even the best Ektorp Cover will not look right if it is fitted incorrectly. Common mistakes include:
- putting a cushion cover on backwards;
- leaving the zip partly closed;
- pulling the complete frame cover down on one side first;
- closing the zip before the cushion fills every corner;
- using the zip to pull the fabric together;
- leaving seams or piping twisted;
- judging the result before shaping everything.
If something looks wrong, do not immediately blame the size. Remove the piece, check its direction and try again. A quick refit is safer than a battle with the zip.
What if the cover still does not fit correctly?
Check the basics: Is it the correct piece? Is the zip completely open? Does the cushion reach every corner? Are the seams aligned? Was the frame cover pulled down evenly, alternating between both sides?
If your Ektorp covers still do not sit correctly, take photographs before contacting us. Show the complete sofa from the front and side, plus a close-up of the problem. If something seems loose or tight, use your fingers to show how much adjustment may be needed. This helps us advise you faster.
A neat result in no more than 10 minutes
Fitting a Covereo Ektorp Cover is just like fitting the original IKEA cover and usually takes no more than 10 minutes. The secret is not strength. Follow the right order, pull the frame cover down evenly on alternating sides, firmly fold each cushion before inserting it, and shape everything before closing the zips.
Once the seams are straight and the cushions fill their corners, your sofa is ready. The hardest part may be deciding who gets to sit on it first.