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Covering Your Sofa in Style — Is Bemz the Real Deal?

Ava Thompson11 Views

Bemz Featured Image

Bemz is a Swedish company specializing in custom-made covers (slipcovers) for IKEA furniture and home textiles. Instead of replacing your sofa or armchair, you might want to give it a fresh look with a new cover in the fabric, color, or texture of your choice. On paper, this sounds tempting—especially if your furniture’s structure is still sound, but the upholstery is faded, stained, or simply no longer matches your decor.

Introduction & Philosophy

Bemz was founded in Sweden in 2005 with the vision of transforming the ubiquitous IKEA furniture into something more personal and stylish. Bemz specializes in custom covers for IKEA sofas, armchairs, beds, and other furniture. Instead of replacing a sofa when the cover is outdated or no longer matches your interior style, you can reupholster it at Bemz, breathing new life into the frame.

Bemz also places value on sustainability and conscious consumption. Their strategy: Instead of throwing away furniture, extend its lifespan with new covers. Fabric selections often include the “Respect” line, which uses recycled cotton or more environmentally friendly materials.

As the motto “From idea to interior” suggests, the ordering process is meticulous: measurements are double-checked, seams and workmanship are inspected, and only quality-assured covers are shipped. Bemz positions itself as a high-quality, design-focused alternative to conventional slipcovers—with more fit options, fabric variety, and style flexibility than many competitors.

However, made-to-order and design-oriented manufacturing also brings with it some challenges (lead times, costs, quality fluctuations). We’ll see how this plays out when we test specific products.

What to Expect in Slipcovers / Bemz Covers Generally

Before we get into the individual products you’ve chosen, here are some general expectations and common problems associated with Bemz slipcovers:

The custom fit is crucial. Accurate measurements are crucial. Even small deviations from the furniture frame can cause the cover to sag, slip, or wrinkle in awkward places.
The fabrics play a role (durability, stretch, shrinkage). Some fabrics (linen blends, looser weaves) may shrink or stretch slightly over time. Others (tightly woven cottons, heavier fabrics) perform better.
Seam and workmanship quality. Since covers are cut and sewn, seam tracking, pattern matching, stitching strength, and finishing details (e.g., hems, corner panels) have a major impact on the luxurious appearance of the final result.
Color/pattern variations. The fabric you see on screen or in samples may vary under different lighting or in practice. Pattern repeats can also shift at seams.
Delivery time and shipping. Since each cover is made to order, delivery typically takes several weeks.
Care and maintenance. Slipcovers are removable and washable, but washing instructions (temperature, gentle cycle, line drying) must be carefully followed to avoid shrinkage, fading, or wrinkling.

With that in mind, here are my analyses of the points you listed.

PROS

Wide material & fabric variety — linens, cotton, velvet, corduroy, and designer prints. Free fabric samples available.
Customization & made-to-order — cut and sewn to fit specific IKEA furniture models, even discontinued ones.
Good craftsmanship & aesthetic lift — transforms furniture with premium look and feel.
Sustainability appeal — extends life of furniture, reduces waste, and offers samples to avoid returns.
Warranty & guarantee — three-year fabric warranty adds buyer confidence.

CONS

Fit & shrinkage problems — some covers tighten or misalign after washing.
Price vs. value tension — high cost compared to buying new furniture.
Color & pattern inconsistency — actual fabrics sometimes differ from website photos.
Delivery time & delays — made-to-order model can mean long waits.
Customer service mixed reviews — some slow responses or refund challenges.
Maintenance & washing care matters — some fabrics wrinkle, shrink, or show wear more easily.

Review of Specific Bemz Products / Covers

(These are based on public product listings and likely fabric/style characteristics; actual performance may vary depending on your measurements, use, and care.)

Landskrona Armchair Cover

This is a Bemz cover for (likely) a particular sofa or chair model (the “LAK4” model) in fabric “S132.” The product code suggests that LAK4 is the furniture model, and S132 is the selected fabric variation.

Strengths:

It should offer a clean, tailored fit for the LAK4 frame, giving a renewed look without re-buying the frame.
The choice of fabric S132 is probably among Bemz’s curated selections; that means you have some confidence in the material’s durability, color stability, and design.
Because it’s a cover, the transformation from old upholstery to new look can be dramatic, especially if the original was worn, faded, or mismatched.

Potential Weaknesses / Risks:

If the furniture frame (LAK4) has padding, curves, or dimensions that are slightly different (due to wear, past repairs, cushions shifting), the cover might not align perfectly — you may see wrinkles or loose areas.
Fabric S132 may behave (stretch or shrink) subtly over time; if the weave is looser, the fit may loosen after many washes.
Color rendition of S132 in your home lighting might differ from the sample — you might wish to order a swatch before committing.
Seams along arms, corners, or high-stress stress points may show wear faster, especially if the cover is tight.

Verdict: This cover is a worthwhile investment if your LAK4 frame is in good condition and you want to refresh its look. To reduce risk, measure carefully, order a swatch of fabric S132, and follow care instructions. If you aren’t sure your measurements are perfect, expect slight adjustments or slight imperfections in drape.

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Söderhamn 4 Seat Section Cover

This appears to be a Bemz slipcover for the SOD22-XR furniture model, made from fabric OT173.

Strengths:

OT173 is likely a color/fabric selection with special appeal (texture, durability), so this cover gives a more customized look.
For the SOD22-XR part, the cover can extend the lifespan and allow you to refresh the style without changing the structure.
The code name suggests that Bemz supports many models, including advanced or rarer ones – which speaks to their coverage and flexibility.

Potential Weaknesses / Risks:

The XR extension in the model name indicates an additional size or variant – sometimes less common variants have less perfect pattern alignment or more tolerances.
OT (textile code) fabrics can vary in thickness or weave; thicker or heavier fabrics may bunch up in folds or corners, making the fit somewhat stiff.
Over time, seams in corners, seat edges, or back cushions can shift if the fabric gives slightly.

Verdict: If your furniture is indeed the SOD22-XR model, this cover is likely one of the safer options among Bemz covers (assuming you've chosen the right model). However, expect the cover to take some time to settle after installation—cushions, joints, etc. may need to be readjusted.

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Söderhamn 1 Seat Section Cover

This is another model cover from Bemz: for the furniture model SOD9-WQ in fabric SL116.

Strengths:

SL116 is perhaps one of Bemz's mid-priced fabrics – perhaps a balanced choice between luxurious feel and durability.
For the SOD9 model, a new cover can significantly refresh the piece of furniture, especially if the original upholstery shows signs of wear.
With proper alignment, the result is often clean and tailored.

Potential Weaknesses / Risks:

The WQ designation could indicate a variation (wide, quarter, or special version) that could challenge expectations of the standard fit.
Some fabrics labeled "SL" (if they have a "slub" or linen style) have more noticeable wrinkles or textures, meaning flatter or bright lighting can highlight imperfections.
When matching patterned fabrics, seam misalignment can occur if careful sewing/placing is not done.

Verdict: A good choice if you prefer some structure or character (as opposed to plain fabrics). The optical texture of SL116 can conceal small creases or wrinkles, which can be an advantage. Still, expect realistic, straight seams and edges.

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Mattress Cover, without piping

This is probably a slipcover for a bed or sofa, model MAT3, in fabric NCT104.

Strengths:

NCT104 is probably one of Bemz's more neutral or classic fabrics and creates a sophisticated, easy-to-style look.
For a bed or larger piece of furniture, the cover can unify the design, hide signs of wear, or harmonize with the interior fabrics.
Bemz's sewing quality for large pieces tends to be better in current production runs (from experience), so seams and cuts are likely to be of high quality.

Potential Weaknesses / Risks:

On larger surfaces, small deviations or measurement errors are more noticeable (corners, folds, creases).
Stains or marks may be more easily visible on NCT104 fabric if it is a lighter or neutral shade.
With prolonged use and washing, the long fabric panels may show more signs of wear or discoloration than smaller covers.

Verdict: This type of upholstery can be a worthwhile investment for a large piece of furniture like a bed or sofa. Make sure you get accurate measurements, request samples, and consider the pattern direction or grain of the piece (you want symmetry).

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Bed Skirt, straight

This appears to be a variant of a duvet cover (model BED1S) made from the same NCT104 fabric, possibly in a 40-inch or "size 40" variant.

Strengths:

The uniform fabric selection (NCT104) ensures stylistic continuity when used for multiple pieces of furniture.
For a smaller bed or piece of furniture, this can fit well without creating waste - it often fits better than oversized covers.
For smaller or more standard covers, seam complexity is sometimes lower, reducing alignment errors.

Potential Weaknesses / Risks:

If the 40 cm variant is a special size, there is a possibility that differences in thickness, corners or mattress depth may cause tension, wrinkling or shifting during use.
Edge areas, bed rails or protruding parts can stretch the fabric over time if subjected to high tension.
The surface at the corners or on the bed frame may become stressed or cracked over time if not reinforced.

Verdict: This option is relatively safe if your furniture is very similar to the BED1S-40 option. It's less demanding (compared to larger covers), so the likelihood of a perfect fit is slightly higher. However, please check the depth and height measurements carefully.

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Overall Impressions from These Products

The five covers you listed cover various furniture models (sofa, bed) and fabric variants. This provides a helpful cross-section to see how Bemz handles diversity.
The repeated use of the NCT104 fabric in two of them suggests that it’s one of Bemz’s most popular neutral core shades—arguably a safer choice in terms of color stability, familiarity, and predictable performance.
The variety (LAK, SOD, MAT, BED) shows that Bemz supports many niche model variants—a strength in coverage.
The more specialized the variant (e.g., XR, 40), the higher the risk of minor misalignments or fitting stresses.
If your frames are in good condition, carefully measured, and free of warping, these covers should provide a significant aesthetic upgrade.

What Customers Say?

“Fits perfectly – thank you so much! The product arrived on time, fits perfectly, and breathed new life into my old sofa!” – satisfied customer.
“Delighted with the dining room chair covers…the stitching exceeded my expectations.”
“Free samples made the decision easier.” Several reviews say this helps avoid regrets.
On the other hand: “The covers shrank significantly after the first wash. Tight, difficult to put on again.”
“Delivery time: three weeks… also, pattern shifted at the seams… fabric stretched.”
“The colors looked different in reality; the texture felt scratchy compared to expectations.”

So there’s a consistent pattern: Many are happy with the look, style, feel, and transformation; however, problems usually center around shrinkage in the wash, fit after wear, and non-conformity with expectations.

Shipping, Return & Warranty Policies

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a purchase from Bemz, especially if you’re outside Sweden or in a country with import duties.

Shipping Policy

Orders are made to order—nothing is kept in stock in large quantities. This means production takes time. Typically, the lead time from order to delivery is 3-5 weeks.
Bemz uses courier services such as DHL or DPD and tracking is available after shipment.
International shipping is available, but customers may be subject to additional charges such as customs duties or taxes. These fees may apply to orders above a certain threshold (e.g., USD 800).

Return Policy

If the product doesn’t fit or isn’t satisfactory, you have 14 calendar days (from receipt) to notify Bemz that you wish to return it. This applies to the right of withdrawal (i.e., you can change your mind) in many countries.
Returned products must be unused, unwashed, undamaged, in their original packaging, and well packaged. Unless otherwise stated, all parts of a multipack must be included.
Certain items are excluded from returns: “yard goods”, custom-made curtains, spare parts, etc., unless they are defective.

Warranty & Quality Assurance

Bemz offers a 3-year warranty on fabrics. If you discover a defect, you are asked to report it (often within 2 months of discovery). Photos may be required to assess the problem.
Under certain circumstances, return processing fees may apply. Furthermore, you may still be responsible for return shipping costs under your right of withdrawal.

Final Verdict: Is Bemz Worth the Price?

Here’s how I see it:

If your furniture is structurally sound and you want to refresh its appearance without replacing the piece, Bemz offers a powerful solution. The customization, wide fabric selection, the ability to reuse furniture, and the aesthetic upgrade make it attractive—especially for those who take the time to carefully measure, order fabric swatches, and are comfortable with proper upholstery care (careful washing, shrinking, ironing/steaming if necessary).

Bemz, on the other hand, is more of a luxury/investment option—prices are high, production and shipping take weeks, and comfort and care are very important. Those looking for something inexpensive, instant, or easy to care for, or who expect the clothes to be non-shrinking or the color to match immediately, will likely be disappointed.

Who Bemz Is (and Isn’t) Good For?

Good For

IKEA furniture owners who want a refresh without buying new furniture.
Style-conscious buyers who want individual colors/fabrics to match their decor.
People who are willing to wait for custom-made products and who care about sustainability.
Those who can cope with careful care (washing, handling, etc.).

Not So Good For

People who need quick turnaround or instant gratification.
Those who expect durable sofa covers for pets/children with no risk of damage.
Buyers who may not measure accurately or order samples.
People on a tight budget or who don't like paying extra for something custom/plated/handmade.

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Written by

Ava Thompson

Ava Thompson is a lifestyle writer and wellness advocate with a passion for intentional living. With a background in mindfulness and sustainable practices, she explores brands that enrich everyday life—from self-care rituals and home organization to eco-friendly innovations. Ava believes that the best products aren’t just things; they’re tools for crafting a life you love.