Slipcover Buying Guide
Before you buy, there are three things that you should consider.
Whether you are looking to update old furniture, change your look seasonally, or prevent stains, we can help you find the slipcover for your needs.
What Is a Slipcover?
Types of Slipcovers
Material
Slipcover Design
Cushion Design
How to Find the Right Slipcover Size
What Is a Slipcover?
Slipcovers are removable, fitted covers that are secured around pieces of furniture. They are an easy way to update old furniture and change the feel of your space, and they allow you to be worry-free when it comes to kids and pets. Slipcovers can be used on sofas, loveseats, futons or daybeds, recliners, chairs or stools, and even ottomans. Before purchasing a furniture slipcover, there are three things that you should consider: material, design, and measurements.
Types of Slipcovers
When choosing a type of slipcover, there are different options to choose from. Decide on a material and design that best suits your style and needs.
Material
Choosing the right material for your slipcover depends on how much your furniture will be used. Slipcovers come in a variety of materials, such as cotton, microfiber, denim, polyester, linen, and more. Here are a few of the most popular materials to consider:
Cotton: Cotton is light and machine-washable. It tends to be on the softer side and adds a casual feel to the piece. Cotton slipcovers are durable but can also become wrinkled. Keep this in mind if you remove your slipcover regularly.
Microfiber: Microfiber is a popular option because it is stain-resistant and easy to clean. Microfiber is soft to the touch but is thick enough to protect your furniture. Any spills can be easily cleaned before turning into a stain.
Polyester: Polyester is one of the most common materials for slipcovers because it is durable and easy to clean, which will keep your slipcover looking nicer for longer. The durable, synthetic material makes it a great option when deciding on a type of sofa cover because the strong fibers help it keep its shape and resist wrinkling.
Faux Leather: If you find that your leather sofa or chair is getting a lot of wear, consider a faux leather slipcover to protect it. Faux leather is durable and is a great option if you are looking for a slipcover that can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth.
When shopping for your slipcover, you will find there are different options when it comes to designs. You should consider the purpose of your slipcover as well as the style you are going for.
Furniture Protectors: These are the most common type of slipcovers because they protect your basic pieces of furniture – like sofas, chairs, and ottomans – from daily wear and tear, stains, or spills. If you have a home with pets and young children, furniture protectors will help you keep your furniture in good condition. Furniture protectors are usually one piece of fabric and tend to be attached by hook-and-loop fasteners or ties. They can be easily removed, which makes it easier to clean in case of a spill.
One-Piece Protectors: One-piece protectors make for an easy on and off, which makes them ideal for washing on a regular basis. One-piece protectors typically have ties along the skirt that allow you to tighten the fabric around the base. When putting a one-piece protector on your furniture, you may need to tuck the extra fabric into the crease. If you are having trouble getting a tight tuck with your hands, a wooden spatula will do the trick.
Stretch-Fit Protectors: Stretch-fit covers give your furniture a form-fitting look. They are easy to set up, and the stretch helps keep the slipcover secure, which makes them great options for households with small children and pets.
Separate Seat Protectors: These types of sofa covers tend to come in two separate pieces and are most commonly used on sofas or loveseats. One piece is for the body of the sofa and the other piece is for the cushions. Depending on your cushion design, you could have more pieces. Separate seat protectors give your sofa a more custom and tailored look.
There are two different cushion designs for slipcovers: regular cushion or T-cushion. It is important to know which design you will need when choosing your slipcover.
Regular/Box Cushion: These are rectangular or square cushions.Due to their shape and straight lines, these cushions can be flipped as a quick fix to hide a stain.
T-Cushion: These cushions have an outline of a T shape. T-cushion slipcovers are commonly used on sofas or chairs. The slipcover layers over the back and seat cushion, giving it the classic T-shaped look.
How to Find the Right Slipcover Size
Knowing the size of your furniture will help you confidently choose the right type of slipcover. Whether you are measuring a sofa, chair, or ottoman, it is important to measure the overall length, width, height, and depth. If you are purchasing a slipcover with a dust ruffle or skirt, you will need to measure from the top of the legs to the floor.
For some types of sofa covers, you will need to measure the cushion width. Measure from the outer edge of the left cushion to the outer edge of the right cushion. Measure the cushion depth by measuring the front of the cushion to where the cushion meets the back of the sofa.
If you are looking for a recliner slipcover, some slipcovers will require reclining length. Put your recliner in the fully reclined position and measure the recliner from the top edge to the bottom of the footrest.
Tip!
To identify which slipcover size to buy, look under the Weight & Dimensions tab in your furniture's product description.
With your question "what is a slipcover?" answered, now you can choose the perfect one to protect your furniture.
