Marks and Spencer or Ikea sofa?

[PickupaPenguin8]

I am looking for a sofa, currently torn between the Ikea Gronlid and Marks and Spencer Oscar sofa. The Ikea sofa is made from plywood, but is very comfortable, and there is a sofa bed option.

The M and S sofa also very comfortable, but no option for a sofa bed and its made from hard wood. So I am told by customer service, but there is no info on the website.
M and S sofas seem to get terrible reviews which worries me, and the customer service is supposed to be awful. There is also no mention of any sort of guarantee.

Anyone got any experiences which might help me make up my mind?

Just be aware that the sofa bed option may not be as comfy as the sofa only version, they often aren't. Never had an ikea or m&s sofa though.

Do you want a sofa or do you want a sofa bed? What is the main purpose of the sofa?
If it's the main sitting place to watch TV /socialise/sit then sofa bed may not be the best option as they're usually less comfy.

Then try all the available options in your budget in your area. go travel around the showrooms and sit on them all. We went for a Parker Knoll double reclining sofa and a triple seater non reclining sofa figuring the odd time a sofa bed might be needed one could actually sleep on the recliner either as a recliner or not, or on the triple seater both are VERY comfortable.

The sofa is for a den which is not used as often as the living room. It would be useful if it is a sofa bed , but it's not crucial. I did wonder if the comfort of the sofa would be as good if it's a sofa bed. Both are very comfy . The Ikea one is cheaper and bigger and has a chaise longue option.

Have you sat on the IKEA sofa as a sofa bed? Personally I think it's noticeable different as a sofa bed option but if you're not using it much as a sofa either this might not matter to you.

I’m a big fan off IKEA….. except for two things.

One- the amount they charge for delivery despite other places delivering for feee

Two- their couches are terrible. We have experience of three separate IKEA couches. (Ours, my DH parents and my friends)

My mother always buys M&S couches and I think she’s always been happy with them.

@bumbledeedum

Have you sat on the IKEA sofa as a sofa bed? Personally I think it's noticeable different as a sofa bed option but if you're not using it much as a sofa either this might not matter to you.

No I haven’t. I agree though that they are often very uncomfortable

@MaybeAMoaner

I’m a big fan off IKEA….. except for two things.

One- the amount they charge for delivery despite other places delivering for feee

Two- their couches are terrible. We have experience of three separate IKEA couches. (Ours, my DH parents and my friends)

My mother always buys M&S couches and I think she’s always been happy with them.

Ah! That’s helpful.

Had two IKEA sofas and neither lasted even five years.

Have a third time n our dining room but it's hardly ever used ( not too comfy either) , only bought it as it exactly fitted a nook.

I have had an ikea sofa and a M & S one. I also have a DFS sofa and 2 sofas from sofa sofa. (Not all in the same room) The sofa sofa one is very robust, has removable covers and their customer service is brilliant. The other sofas wear quickly.

I’m 3 years into an IKEA stocksund which is still looking good! Very comfy for a cheap option

@C0nn1e

I have had an ikea sofa and a M & S one. I also have a DFS sofa and 2 sofas from sofa sofa. (Not all in the same room) The sofa sofa one is very robust, has removable covers and their customer service is brilliant. The other sofas wear quickly.

Would you mind posting a link to the sofa you have from sofa sofa?

We’ve had our M&S sofas for 15 years now and they are still going strong. Don’t know if they’re still using the same supplier but we’ve been very happy with ours. They were reasonably budget ones too.

Get an Alstons sofa bed.

I'm 10 years in on an Ektorp in our well used conservatory, original cover, been washed numerous times, looks and feels brand new. Very comfortable. Wouldn't like to say whether the quality is up to the same standard these days.

We had an M&S one and it was absolutely rubbish. Really poor build so you just sank right down when you sat on it. We got rid of it within a few years and all the reviews of that particular sofa were the same.

We have an 8yo IKEA Ektorp sofa in the family room - it's in great nick despite being jumped on and abused by 2 boys and their friends.
The covers are easily washable and also vax-able (useful when your 5yo projectile vomits all over it 😳)
Never had a M&S sofa but have regretted our John Lewis sofa bed - not cheap but back cushions have aged badly.
Looking for another sofa bed atm for our new extension but wasn't keen on most of the styles in IKEA so am scratching head for what to go for.

We have had an IKEA sofa and sofa bed. The sofa bed was really uncomfortable to sit and sleep on. The sofa was very poor quality. I would never buy a sofa from them again.

Sofa sofa has lasted 11 years, have just brought new covers for them though. I did pay extra to have the comfy seat cushions though

We’re a few years into an ektorp, looks like new.

I do find the IKEA fabrics a bit joyless though, have you compared them both in person?

Yes I have. I do think generally the Ikea sofa fabrics are awful. The particular one I looked at was surprisingly nice.
It’s to replace a sofa workshop sofa which is 21 years old!!