We Know: How to Buy Slip Covers

What types of slipcovers can I purchase?

There are two kinds of slipcovers you can purchase to cover your upholstered furniture. They are custom-made slipcovers and ready-made slipcovers.

What are the benefits of ready-made slipcovers?

  • They can be purchased in retail stores or catalogs
  • They are designed to fit a variety of chairs and sofas
  • They are the least expensive option

What are the negatives of ready-made slipcovers?

  • They often fit loosely and must be arranged regularly
  • They do not  fit all styles of furniture, such as, sectionals
  • Seating pillows are under the slipcover making it obvious the furniture has been covered

What are the benefits of custom made slipcovers?

  • They fit the furniture more closely and rarely need to be adjusted
  • Pillows can be covered separately
  • It not obvious that the furniture has been covered
  • You can use custom slipcovers to alter the style of your furniture by adding a skirt or hiding the legs or formal furniture

What are the negatives of ready-made slipcovers?

  • Custom made slipcovers can be expensive
  • Custom made slipcovers are often made by independent contractors so quality can be unpredictable

What else should I consider when purchasing slipcovers?

When purchasing slipcovers, you need to consider the fabric, color, and proper the fit of your furniture. The environment in which your furniture will be placed, how much the furniture will be used and who will use it will dictate fabric and color. In addition, your slipcover manufacturer must have a good return policy, defect warranty, or repair guarantee.

How do I choose the fabric for my slipcovers?

You need to make sure your fabric is durable enough its specific uses and traffic. If you have children, dogs, or high traffic on your furniture, you need to purchase something that will withstand abuse. If the furniture if for formal use only, you may want to consider a more delicate, beautiful fabric. The fabric should not shrink when washed, be colorfast, or puncture easily. It you are covering dark furniture with a light colored slipcover, you furniture needs to be opaque, so the underlying color will not show through.

How do I ensure my slipcover fits properly?

  • Measure your furniture whether you purchase ready made or custom-made slipcovers. Slipcover makers will normally measure it for you. Since you will need to OK these measurements before they start sewing, double check the measurements yourself.
  • To adjust the fit of ready-made slipcovers, you can add polyester batting to the furniture to make a loose slipcover fit more snugly. This also works when your furniture has wooden arms. If you are covering leather furniture, you will surely want to wrap it in batting first to prevent it from slipping around.
  • You can further secure your slipcover to your furniture by sewing it in place where the stitches are not visible or by inserting PVC piping deep into the creases of the furniture to hold it in place.


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