Changing out decor seasonally sounds like a daunting (and pricey) task, but there is one simple switch that is easy, affordable and makes a big impact -- covering your sofa with a new slipcover. This can instantly transform a space, update tired seating or protect furniture from pets, kids and stains. If you happen to be handy with a sewing machine, you may consider making your own, but if not, don't worry. There are many options on the market in a range of colors, fabrics and price points that will suit any design style. Read our buying guide and tips from decorating experts to help you choose the best slipcover for your furniture. Buy the right size. Since slipcovers come in many sizes, it's important to measure your furniture before heading to the store. Margaret Nanni, SVP of Product Development at Sure Fit, suggests to take note of the longest measurement of your chair or sofa, including the arms. Sure Fit and other similar slipcovers will fit couches that are 83 to 96 inches long, a love seat cover will be for a 58 to 73 inch piece and a chair slipcover is for 32 to 43 inches.
Also, measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of your sofa, as some covers have a ruffled or pleated skirt at the bottom. Bottom line: If you are hoping to get a more fitted, custom look, look for a cover made for your furniture's exact measurements. (Annie Sloan, an interior designer and author of Creating the French Look and 22 other books on interior decorating and paint usage, suggests measuring twice!) For a more laid-back feel, an approximate measurement will do. Or, consider a loose-fit slipcover. You won't need to fuss over exact measurements, yet you can still achieve that same casual affect.Slipcovers have gotten a bad wrap in the past as generally unsightly and unstylish pieces of fabric thrown over furniture. But Nanni told us that "the perception of slipcovers has changed, they are not only functional -- they are fashionable. They have come a long way from what they used to be." Lisa Jackson, interior designer and CEO of Lucca & Co., always slipcovers furniture.
She told us, "I love the attitude; it's more casual and inviting. You want to put your feet up and relax." Surprisingly, there are many options available in terms of fit. Traditional covers looks the best on sofas and chairs with rounded arms and rectangular cushions, but specialty shapes are available for other types of seating, such as wingback chairs or recliners. You can find a slipcover that works with any decor style, whether you prefer a clean modern look, traditional or shabby chic. And a slipcover can even give new meaning to a room's decor, making it unique and stylish. Jackson says, "there is no reason not to mix slipcovers with more formal furniture. It's the juxtaposition which makes the room sing." Fitted styles that hug the furniture tightly come in several pieces and have a seamless aesthetic. Also, details like contrasting welt or decorative trim can add visual interest and accent the lines of your piece. Jackson mentioned that she looks for details -- like a tailored skirt and zippers -- when choosing a cover.
Other covers drape loosely and just tuck into the cushions and may tie in the back. These are often less expensive, and our friends at Sure Fit say they take only minutes to slip on, so are great for pet owners or even to spruce up a dorm room. Bottom line: While the seamless styles are clean and modern, make sure they are easy to slip on and off for cleaning and swapping.Sloan says "It’s the fabric that defines the style. An upholstery fabric needs to be tough and firm." Heavy cotton duck, canvas or a twill blend are the best bets for seats that get a lot of traffic. These fabrics often fit looser and are more inviting and comfortable to sit on. Form-fitting covers offer a more modern and tailored look and are made from stretchier fabrics like a micro-suede or a polyester and spandex blend. Wool, linen and silk may be elegant and soft to the touch, but often need to be dry-cleaned. But, if used to cover an occasional piece (like a bedroom chair), Sloane said it could be worth investing in a fine fabric.
Heavy fabrics like chenille and velvet are bulky and won't conform to the shape of your piece. Bottom Line: Cotton, canvas and denim are machine washable, come in an array of colors and patterns, and are of a medium weight so they will lay nicely. Sloan's favorite slip covers are "pure cotton ones, that can be washed easily and then while just a little damp, can be put back on the chair so the fabric dries tight to the chair and in the right shape." Jackson suggests choosing deeper colors for the fall season. "It's all about color-swapping out your beachy whites and sand colors for deep eggplants. Click through the slideshow below to see some of our favorite slipcovers on the market now.Are you looking for a slipcover for your lift chair recliner? This article reviews the top 3 best selling lift chair recliner slipcovers. It looks at the power lift chair slipcover’s design, usage, and functionality. It ends with recommendations for each slip cover. Read on to find the right slipcover for you.
Note: slipcovers are available in more colors than brown.Available for $79.98, this slipcover is as promised: it’ll fit most lift chairs pretty well. The fabric is made of 94% polyester and 6% spandex, giving it a really soft, stretchy feel. It is available in Cream, Garnet, Black, Chocolate, Antique, and Taupe.Below is the measuring guide for SureFit products. The Pique will fit lift chairs whose back is between 78″ and 88″ in circumference. Some reviewers said that the Piquet fits their much larger recliner as well.The Pique received 4 out of 5 stars from 110 reviewers on Amazon. Here was what they had to say:In conclusion, the Pique from SureFit is a good slipcover for any recliner. If your lift chair is within its 78″ to 88″ around the back size, get the Pique. Some individuals have found that the Pique works for larger recliners as well. Click here to read reviews, see photos, view color options, and make a purchase.While not a slipcover, the Anti-Slip Furniture Protector from Furniture Fresh does a lot of the functions of a slipcover.
It is water repellent and fits on top of a recliner, giving the recliner a protective layer against spills.Do not buy this product however. It is cheaply made and not worth the $39.99 Furniture Fresh is charging for it. The first thing to notice is that the cover is not waterproof. It is “water repellent” and one must remove the cover immediately after a spill or else the liquid will seep through.Reviewers noted that the material holds on to fibers and is hard to clean. They also say that it is ugly and slips often. One even had their anti-slip strap break.Best Lift Chair recommends you avoid the Anti-Slip Furniture Protector from Furniture Fresh.The Crossroads by Stretch Sensations is a one-size-fits-all slipcover that fits most recliners. It is made of 96% polyester and 4% spandex. It is available for $31.60 on Amazon and is the #1 selling slipcover.The material is a bit loose and holds on to dust, fibers, and hair. It comes with very poor installation instructions. The stretch slipcover will fit most recliners well.