FRIHETEN sleeper sectional downsized into a chaise

Our cats had basically destroyed this poor couch (see photo of side arm) and we’d already decided that it was time to change it out. I had even posted it free on Craigslist.

friheten chaise-arm

Related: FRIHETEN sofabed /couch Hack – Add bass to your couch for ultimate movie experience!


BUT I loved the storage and the couch and chaise were both still very comfy.

So I decided we could just keep the chaise. I uninstalled it to make it easier to transport and realized that the chaise was ideal if we put it against the wall.

At first I thought about chopping the back so the chaise would have a back, but decided that the pillows against the wall were sufficient for the time being.

Maybe one day, I’ll build a back for it, but for now, it’s all good. And the space we have it is a PERFECT reading nook. 

IKEA items used: 
  • FRIHETEN sectional sofa sleeper
FRIHETEN sleeper sectional

FRIHETEN Sleeper sectional | Buy on IKEA.com

Other materials and tools: 

FRIHETEN sleeper sectional disassembly instructions: 

Just uninstall the chaise from the sofa part.

frihehten sofabed to chaise

Move the chaise to a place against a wall.

Save the pillows to use as a back. 

FRIHETEN sleeper sectional to chaise lounge

Order furniture covers from Amazon. The one we ordered — color and fit are almost perfect matches.

How long and how much did it cost?

Took about 30 minutes. 

I had the sleeper sofa already. So the only cost for this was $30 for cover from Amazon.

What do you like most about the hack?

It has storage and makes a comfortable reading nook. 

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Disassembling the sofa section piece.

What to pay special attention to?

There will be a space in the back where the back of the full sofa usually is, but the pillow will cover it.

FRIHETEN sleeper sectional to chaise lounge
friheten chaise side

A part of the side will be exposed (see photo above), but the slipcover covers it easily.

~ by Kate