Over the past four years, one of my most asked questions has always been, “What do you really think of your Article Sven sofas.” I get a DM like this at least once every week, so I thought it would be helpful to write a thorough review here. Just to let you know upfront—this is the exact same review (just longer) that I send privately in our DMs all the time. I also wanted to share how I restuffed our couch cushions recently because it was super easy and made such a huge difference!
I think the main reason why I get SO many questions is because buying a sofa online that you can’t test IS scary. I get it! I wish I could read a post just like this before every major purchase!
In our main living spaces, we have the Sven sofas and also the sectional (pictured above).
I chose the sofas because my friend who has kids said they wear really well over time. I have had my share of sofas in the past that did NOT age gracefully, or were a huge pain to upkeep due to our dogs (we have two dogs that shed a good amount). I chose these sofas for practical concerns.
When they first arrived, I noticed that they already looked a bit worn in due to the leather. They are big and comfy, but not “too big” like a lot of the comfy sofas from past decades. I really loved that they feel a bit broken in right away—you don’t have to be scared of messing them up. Since becoming a mom, I now FULLY recognize the value in low maintenance furniture and these are very easy to take care of.
To spot clean them, I use water and a microfiber cloth. If you want to use special cleaners, that is up to you, but water has worked well for me (I don’t use too much, just what is needed to remove the stain). And speaking of stains, we’ve had some pretty gross spills (and other accidents lol) on these sofas. They are easy to clean and can take a beating!
One thing a lot of people have asked about is the back cushions losing their shape. Here’s a tip for the EASIEST way to fix that because yes, they will lose some shape over time (especially if it is your main sofa where you spend a lot of time, aka your television/lounge spot).
Look at that difference!
All I did here to restuff our cushions was add ONE standard size pillow to the back of each pillow. There is a zipper on the bottom back of each pillow, so you can add more filling or an extra pillow like we did.
We just used some pillows from our guest room that were looking a little worn out (needed to be replaced anyway).
We have had this sectional for about two years and our other sofa set for four years. I highly recommend these sofas if you are looking for something kid and pet friendly, as long as you like the comfy look and feel of them. If want something a bit more tailored looking, I would look at the Timber sofa (it’s still comfy, but not as big/fluffy—we have them at our holiday house in Missouri).
Also, I can’t say enough good things about brown leather. I LOVE IT. It is so easy to decorate around season to season.
OK, that’s all I have for now! If you have any more questions about the Sven sofa, I am happy to answer in the comments.
Article is currently having a big Labor Day sale and the Sven sofa (in oxford blue) is included, along with a lot of other things. Click here for more details on that sale.
Happy Labor Day weekend! Elsie
25 Comments
You just added a pillow to the cushions? DId you have to remove any of the old stuffing in order to do that?
No, I didn’t remove any of the old stuffing. Just added a standard size pillow to each of the 3 back cushions.
Oh gosh, I love the sofa! It looks so comfortable and rustic – it really brings character to your living room! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Have you had any issues with scratches/damage from your dogs’ nails? I love the sofas, but have two dogs that we let lay on our furniture.
Hi!
So the sofas arrive already kind of imperfect, which I love. The leather already has some difference and I have never noticed any dog nail scratches (although I’m sure there are some, but they are well hidden!) xx
We have the Timber sofa in the same color and love it! So amazingly comfortable and the more scratches and flaws it gets, the better it looks. We have the sven in fabric and I’m having some issues with it. The fabric won’t stay tight on the seat, making it look saggy, cheap and worn out after a month. Glad to see the leather version wears better.
I think sofas that have cushions which are loose, have more issues with the stuffing! (at least that has been my experience)
We purchased almost identical sofas from a company called EQ3 (or eq3.com) , the only difference being that the cushions are all attached. They are 4 years old now, and still look brand new!!! We LOVE them! I’m wondering if it’s the fact that the cushions are secured, maybe helps with the problem that the Article sofa has?!
Have you treated or conditioned the leather with anything? (It’s the small standalone stains that stand out to me and bother me, but maybe as you get more wear they all start to blend in? 🙂 We’ve had ours for 6 months.)
I haven’t. 🙂
I am so excited to try this out with my Sven couch! My cushions aren’t as saggy yet because it’s only about 6 months old but maybe it will be a preventative measure. I love this couch, so glad I purchased it. I have 3 little dogs that climb and lay all over it, we’ve spilled things, and it still looks amazing. It’s comfy and stylish. Best couch purchase ever.
This hack is brilliant! I have the Swen sofa in velvet and our cushions desperately needed to be revived, so I followed your hack using a couple old standard pillows. I think king size pillows might work better since they are longer, but I used what I had and it’s perfect. Thank you!!!!
I just checked the sofa cushions ARE longer than the sectional cushions. So yes, king size pillows for the sofa!! xx
OMG this is so helpful! I’ve wanted this sofa for almost two years now, and I definitely admire the sectional in your living room. It looks styled yet comfy and lived in at the same time. I figured that if it’s really been holding up with two kiddos and two dogs, then it’s gotta be a great piece! Thanks for sharing. I’m hoping to get one soon!
Hi! Have you noticed the seat cushion sagging in the places where you sit more often? That is the thing I worried about with a sofa with one big seat cushion. On our tufted sofas, we usually sit on one side the most (by a lamp, good for reading) but I can rotate the cushions around so they wear evenly. With one big seat cushion I worry it would just sag in one spot?
No- the seat cushions aren’t saggy, just the back cushions. 🙂
Just got to give you a HUGE THANKYOU!!! Your idea for adding a pillow has saved my very expensive leather couch from the garbage bin. And you’ve saved me a ton of cash.
Awesome!!!
We have the same Sven sofa from Article (just not the sectional), and I don’t know why ours is so awful when everyone seems to love theirs! I read a million reviews before buying and it’s still been such a regret. The seat cushion is about two inches short for the couch (Article said it would ‘settle,’ which it didn’t) so there’s always an awkward gap at one end; the back cushions deflated almost instantly; but most important the leather stains when almost anything touches it (forget sitting on it if you put on lotion or sunblock in the past six hours or if you’re wearing blue jeans, even old ones; my kid left a coconut cookie on the couch and there’s a massive grease stain that won’t come out for anything). We have tried everything to save this couch, called Article a few times, used leather conditioner and restorer, and no dice. After less than two years the couch was moved out of sight to the basement because it’s so terrible looking, and we dug our old couch, the one that we had attempted to replace, back out of the basement.
I agree with this! I have the exact same sofa (bought it two years ago) and definitely regret buying it. My pillows are totally squashed down compared to how the pictures look online, and despite being pretty careful with it/constantly cleaning, it has little stains all over it. Anything even remotely oily is a no-go, so food can’t be anywhere near it. The leather seems really nice, thick, and soft, but it really doesn’t seem to hold up to normal wear and tear in terms of staining. Article sells this couch in fabric now, which I think would’ve been a much better choice. Article has decent customer service, but I don’t think I would’ve purchased this if I knew how much of a pain it would be.
This has been nearly our exact experience!! And I’ve thought the very thing…how could hundreds of others have ZERO problems with this? Could it really only be my sofa or is it crowd mentality? This won’t extend our base cushion of course, but so excited that it maybe won’t have to be in the unfinished basement. Maybe with the back cushions filled, it can earn a place in the loft.???? Thank you!
I read this with great interest as we ordered online and panicked about doing so, so I was curious as to your experience. We bought from Joybird and it was a mixed bag. I actually just did the same as you, shared a review. Thanks for the helpful info!
I have the same sofa and I do love it. I’m definitely going to try the pillow trick! I have gotten a couple of punctures in the leather unfortunately (we have a cat and a bigger dog) and mine has also discolored a little more on the front of the seats. They’re getting a bit grey. ????
I am so glad to see an update on this sofa!
I’ve had it on my wishlist for years, but I always seem to spend my sofa money on other junk. I have 5 kids, so it’s really important that it ages well.
Elsie, is the leather thick, or does it feel on the thinner side?
I ask because a friend ended up with a huge rip in the leather of a different brand couch on the first day! It was from a pen in her teenager’s pocket. Ugh.
I have an identical sofa from SLK furniture and I’m back and forth with them about the squishy pillow issue. The pillows are so squishy that they can’t hold my back and neck up. Slk are sending me firmer pillows for the second time now and I have a feeling that third time is a charm!
Hi! Do the seat cushions have zippers as well?