[bboy]

I just purchased the birch 2 seater Lillberg sofa today for our apartment as my wife and I loved the display model (comfy and great dimensions). Much to my dismay, however, I notice that the cushions (sold separately) have a very strong polyurethane (paint like) smell which does not appear to be dissipating after an airing out.

I'm wondering if there are any folks out there who have this sofa and have found alternative cushion options (possibly not polyurethane)? If not, did the smell eventually go away for you (or did you not even notice a smell)? Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[DesignDiva]

Hi and welcome!

I haven't purchased that particular sofa, but I have had other items that had that smell...it does dissipate eventually, or it should anyway, within a couple of days. It depends how long it was sealed up in plastic. If you have a way to get it out into the fresh air and sun, it will speed up the process...may need only an afternoon with a good breeze!

[beck86]

I'd love to know if the smell went away. I just bought a Lillberg sofa bed and it , too, has a not very pleasant chemically smell. I understand that IKEA has high standards in regard to formaldehyde use, etc., but I don't think new furniture should smell so much that you don't want to sit on it. I've been airing it out outside for four days. The smell has diminished, but is not gone. I wish I knew what was causing the smell in the first place, just so I could rest easy. I went to IKEA to talk to them about this. They were very nice and accomodating, but did not give me any new information. I haven't decided if we should return the cushions or not, though I've been advised to return them since the source of the smell is unknown. I did find a place that will make custom cushions. I'm stumped. If anyone has any information, expertise, or had a similar experience, I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks!