Fabric Options in Slipcovers for Couches and Sofas
When choosing between different types of slipcovers for couches and sofas, you will notice that they can come in a huge variety of patterns and fabrics. While deciding on a solid or print is an easy process, picking out the right slipcover fabric is a more difficult process. This is because not all fabrics are created equal and this will ultimately affect its cost, maintenance, and durability.
Below, we will cover all the fabric options available for your sofa:
Cotton is the most common slipcover fabric for couches and for good reason. It’s highly versatile, can come in a huge variety of patterns, and is easy to clean. High quality cotton has a higher fiber count, so be sure to make a note of this when shopping around. Cotton’s only bad qualities are wrinkles after washing and the look. It simply does not look as luxurious as a suede slipcover, which we will cover further down.
Linen is very much like cotton. It is very strong and robust but as with linen clothing, is prone to wrinkling very easily. If your decor has that laid-back look, then linen can be a great choice. If you’re shooting for sleek or modern though, consider other fabrics.
Silk is one that looks and feels luxurious, but in reality don’t wear as well as other fabrics. Besides being hard to clean, silk is not as strong and is therefore better suited for more decorative furniture rather than a slipcover over a couch which is used every day. Even if a manufacturer offers this, it’s best to avoid.
Chenille is a yarn-like fabric that is used often in quilting. Chenille is soft and has a very unique look due to the weaving process and as a slipcover will give your couch an elegant country look.
Twill is a fabric that has diagonal lines in the pattern. As a slipcover for a couch, it is very durable and there are a number of great patterns to choose from. They also have an interesting texture but if you are looking for a smooth look, then twill is not for you.
Denim is actually a specific form of twill fabric and just like your favorite jeans, wear better and better with age. Though denim slipcover color options can be limited, they are easy to wash and last forever.
Suede slipcovers are generally synthetic. They give off a luxurious leather feel without costing nearly as much as they look. These are offered by retailers like Sure Fit and are quite popular because you can easily turn an old cloth couch into a sleek “leather” one. Synthetic suede is smooth and easy to clean and is much more durable than genuine suede and leather.
As you can see, there are a myriad of fabric options you can choose from when shopping slipcovers for couches. Be sure to weigh the benefits and costs of each fabric carefully as it is probably one of the biggest factors during selection.
Tips for Fitting Stretch Slipcovers for Couches
If you want to update the look of your current couch without spending a fortune on a replacement, consider stretch slipcovers for couches instead. These are a great way to completely change your couch’s appearance and on top of that you will be benefiting from a huge host of advantages like cost savings, easy cleaning, and saving the environment. By not throwing your beloved couch out on the driveway for the garbage collector, slipcovers for couches breathe new life into perfectly functional furniture.
While a perfectly good couch won’t get a lot of points if it looks worn or dirty, a slipcover can greatly enhance these flaws and basically deliver a new couch. You can often find cheap slipcovers for couches if you shop long enough and compared to buying a brand new couch which can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, it makes economical sense especially in today’s environment.
Select the Right Slipcover
Don’t sacrifice your design tastes just because of your budget. There are a huge host of fabrics like chenille, twill, denim, and suede that you can select from to dress up your couch. Best of all, these stretch slipcovers for couches are designed for a great fit. The most important criteria for getting a good fit is to buy one that’s right for your couch’s size and dimensions. Any slight misfitting after this point is easily resolved. Slipcover sets usually come in 3 pieces: one for the back cushions, one for the seat cushions, and one for the sofa base. Choosing the right set is usually based on your couch’s arms whether they be wedged, square, armless, or rounded. Picking the right one is easier if you narrow your search down to those categories.
Fitting the Couch Base
Even if you have a couch with pillow backs and cushions, you will still be able to fit them nicely into a one-piece slipcover if you follow these tips. First of all make sure you read the directions completely that come with your slipcover set. The slipcovers themselves are marked with helpful positioning guides so you know what’s up and down, front and back. To start, set up the base first. Your secret weapon here will be quilt batting, which can be used to fill up loose space for a fitted look. The arms are the most noticeable portion, so you may need to wrap a layer around to get them fit snugly.
Fitting Pillow Backs and Seat Cushions
When you get down to the slipcover for the couch pillow backs, lay them side by side (or in threes) and use foam padding between them if you need them sized a little wider. If you have the opposite problem, consider removing one of the pillows and replacing it with a smaller foam stand-in. Wrap the pillows into a single piece with more quilt batting before covering and make sure the surface is smooth. A smooth surface is the key to getting a seamless gorgeous look with stretch slipcovers. Remember that the elastic portion usually faces down and out of sight. Do the same process for the seat cushions and you will have a beautiful new couch that your family can enjoy.
Before you buy that new sofa, think about whether or not slipcovers for couches are a better solution for you. If your couch is in good condition, don’t be wasteful. Save yourself some money and splurge on a custom made slipcover–one that is made to fit your couch dimensions precisely. The fabric choices are endless and they are easy to clean in your washing machine. You can even use the money you save to buy a few sets to replace your couch’s look every so often. Slipcovers for couches are indeed a great budget saving alternative with a host of great benefits. Follow these tips to get the most out of your slipcover.