Although the delivery was originally scheduled for February 4th, our large sectional arrived earlier than expected. As first-time Ikea sofa owners, we were surprised by how many boxes the Karlstad came in, but excited to get started.

We’ve assembled plenty of Ikea furniture before, so we jumped right in. The process took a bit longer than we anticipated, so we even set up a time-lapse video to capture the whole thing for anyone curious about the assembly.

If you can’t watch the video right now, here are the key takeaways and some final photos of Karl in place.

We really love the fabric. It’s durable and stands up to pet claws—something we were keen to test with Burger around. The dark charcoal color is ideal for hiding spills, pet hair, and baby-related messes. Because the entire sectional uses slipcovers, including the arms and frame, we can remove and wash them if anything gets particularly messy—an essential feature for a household with a dog and a baby.

Karl is a substantial piece of furniture. It took a little while to adjust to how much more space it occupies compared to our old couch, but it didn’t take long for us to fall in love. The sectional fits the room well, the charcoal tone complements our space, and it’s extremely comfortable. It’s already inspiring plans for a big friends-and-family movie night—ideally once we upgrade to a larger TV.

With Karl in place, the room now feels like it could use a few heftier pieces to balance the scale. The space is large, so bigger items will help it feel proportional: a larger area rug, a new media cabinet, and more artwork on the walls are near the top of the list. We also want to make the corner by the window feel more intentional. Right now there’s a small game table there because of an overhead light, but that spot might be better suited as a play and toy storage zone for Clara and future kids.

We’re considering adding—or building—a long, narrow console table behind the sectional. It would provide space for lamps, drinks, and small items, and would pair nicely with our current ottoman and faux sheepskin setup. The existing ottoman looks great and is cozy for feet, but it doesn’t offer surface functionality. A sofa table behind Karl would solve that and is safer for kids since it keeps sharp corners out of the main play area. Plus, with the sectional’s strong angles, we’re drawn to incorporating softer, rounder elements in the room.

We’re also thinking about tweaking Karl’s legs. Ikea sells sleek metal legs that give a modern look, but we like the chunky wooden legs that came with our sectional for stability. We’ve noticed the same leg shape on more expensive sofas finished in a darker stain, and those darker legs look elegant rather than cheap. So instead of swapping them for entirely different styles, we may try staining or painting the existing wooden legs a darker tone—possibly even a high-gloss finish—to better match the charcoal slipcover while keeping the solid support Karl needs.

Despite our growing to-do list, we’re thrilled with our new lounging spot. There’s plenty of room for both of us to stretch out—ample space for me to lie down fully and several deep corners where Clara can be propped up. The chaise has already become Sherry’s favorite spot, and she’s claimed it from day one. No jealousy here—just contentment.

Burger has also taken to the sectional with gusto. He has multiple places to curl up, leap between cushions, and perch to keep an eye on the yard. We even caught him in a sit-stand pose on one cushion—business in the front, relaxation in the back. It’s an excellent squirrel-watching vantage point.

There are still projects on the list: staining or painting the ceiling beams, adding a sofa table, upgrading the rug and media cabinet, replacing ceiling fans, improving lighting, and creating a little play corner for Clara on the far side of Karl. We’re choosing to take our time and let the room evolve instead of rushing into major purchases we might regret—especially after investing in the sectional. Some tasks will happen soon; others can wait while we save up and refine the plan. For now, Karl has earned his place as our favorite new hangout.

UPDATE: We’re still loving Karl over a year later. We shared a short update reflecting how he’s held up and how the room has evolved since his arrival.