The story behind the series
Make it your own with SÖDERHAMN
How do you create the perfect family sofa? One that’s sustainable, comfortable, affordable, and can be mixed and matched to suit every lifestyle? That was the challenge designer Ola Wihlborg took on when he set out to design the iconic modular SÖDERHAMN series.
Great design often begins with real life – and for Ola, it was his everyday living situation that helped shape the SÖDERHAMN series. “When I designed SÖDERHAMN, I was living in a small apartment and felt the need for a sofa that could adapt – something modular that I could move around and reconfigure as life changed. I also went with a lower design than most of what we had at IKEA at the time, since many of our sofas were quite high. I wanted something the whole family could enjoy – where kids could climb up and play, and everyone could sit together comfortably.”
At first, the series took time to catch on, as it was a completely new concept. But gradually, it found its place and grew into a well-loved classic. Ola believes the success of the series comes down to its Democratic Design – where form, function, quality, sustainability, and low price all come together. “It’s the combination of style and price that people love,” he says. “You can buy similar sofas with a similar style, but they cost three, four, even five times more than this one.”
Flexible
The idea was simple: to create a sofa that evolves with you. Its modular design means it can grow or shrink to suit your space, whether you're starting out in a small flat or settling into something larger. Begin with a two-seater, then expand into a corner sofa or add a chaise longue. It adapts easily, so your sofa always fits your life and your home.
Sleek
SÖDERHAMN's slim seat cushion is its signature feature. Ola and the team refined every detail to create a sofa that feels light and airy, while using less foam for a more sustainable build. Flatter cushions, a slimmer frame, and taller legs give it a modern, streamlined look. And to help it last longer, the team added removable, washable covers, so you can easily refresh the style without having to replace the entire sofa.
Comfortable
Most sofas have springs that run from front to back – but SÖDERHAMN was designed with a different approach. Its seat weave wraps all the way around the seating area, even under the back cushions. The result? A deep, roomy seat that gives you plenty of space to stretch out and kick back. And with a mix of big and small cushions designed to be arranged just the way you like, it’s easy to get comfortable.
“I’m really happy to see the sofa continuously evolving – with new colours and new styles of covers. Having options like a loose cover that reaches the floor not only changes the look but also helps extend the life of the sofa. I hope we’ll see even more of that in the future.”
– Ola Wihlborg