IKEA Fans, Rejoice: This Iconic Item Is Back Years After It Was Discontinued

Almost exactly five years ago, on January 31, 2021, I made what felt like my first “big girl” purchase: a brand-new sofa. I wanted something versatile, and something that would last — but as a recent grad, I also wanted something that cost no more than $500. And I found all of that in the IKEA KARLSTAD.

The KARLSTAD was a classic and celebrated IKEA sofa; if memory serves, it cost me just about $350 at the time for the three-seater model with washable slipcovers. Here it is below, pictured in my very first apartment.

Shortly after I made my purchase, however, IKEA actually discontinued the KARLSTAD. I was sad to see it go; luckily, brands like Bemz assuaged my concerns about ever needing a new slipcover (and I do hope to try out one of their super-stylish KARLSTAD covers soon). But I still always hoped, quietly, that the KARLSTAD would come back. So when I encountered IKEA’s newest sofa in the showroom just a few weeks ago, it was like seeing a ghost: Was this new sofa the KARLSTAD reincarnated? 

It certainly looks like it! Allow me to (re)introduce: the SALTSJÖBADEN!

IKEA makes no official reference to the KARLSTAD in its description of the SALTSJÖBADEN (which I am definitely incorrectly pronouncing as “salts Joe Biden,” by the way) — but it was immediately clear to me, as a professional IKEA shopper and sofa tester, that this new model is almost identical to the KARLSTAD. The boxy, modern frame and square-shaped birch legs were a dead giveaway.

Like the KARLSTAD, the SALTSJÖBADEN touts washable fabric covers; alternatively though, unlike its ancestor, it’s available in no fewer than SEVEN stunning colors. It also has an option to add matte black metal legs, as opposed to the classic birch design. I’m not sure about the KARLSTAD’s constitution — though I can confirm it’s still comfy 5 years later — but SALTSJÖBADEN advertises “innovative” cushion construction, using pocket springs to maximize comfort and longevity by keeping the cushions cushier for longer. 

To make extra-certain that I wasn’t just seeing ghosts, I compared the measurements of my KARLSTAD (which yes, I still own — and love — five years later!) to the SALTSJÖBADEN. My KARLSTAD three-seater measures at 80” wide, while the SALTSJÖBADEN is 80 3/4.” Pretty close, if you ask me! The seat height is also the same at about 18”, as is the armrests’ height and width (25” and 5”, respectively). Even the overall depth — 34 5/8” — seems to be exactly the same. 

So don’t just take my word for it: The KARLSTAD is so back, baby! You can test out the SALTSJÖBADEN in-store or order online, and choose from either the loveseat, three-seater, chaise sectional, or 4-seater corner sectional designs. The collection also includes a separate ottoman and an armchair in the same style. 

If you couldn’t tell, I’m so psyched to see this iconic silhouette make a comeback at our favorite Swedish retailer. I’ve moved with my KARLSTAD sofa several times over the last five years, and my personal style has changed significantly; but this couch has proven to be a true chameleon (and a comfy one, at that).  

A note from the SALTSJÖBADEN’s designer at the bottom of the product page reads: “The look is clean and elegant, fitting beautifully into most decor [styles] — and can easily change depending on the legs you choose. I hope many will feel these are pieces that make everyday life a little more pleasant, for years to come.” And truly, I could not agree more; if it is at all like the KARLSTAD, I expect the SALTSJÖBADEN will soon be a true IKEA icon.