A Guide to Slipcovered Furniture

Slipcovers are removable fabric covers that fit on a piece of furniture. They typically can be washed, dry-cleaned, or replaced when stained or worn out, so they can extend the life of your furniture pieces for years.  With the high price tag these days on quality furniture pieces, this can save you so much money in the long run! 

Slipcovers are also popular because they can be made to match many different interior design styles, and you can customize them by changing the fabric, skirt style, and other details. This lets you change the whole look of your furniture by changing the slipcovers as your tastes change or even seasonally. A new slipcover can turn any plain or outdated furniture into a beautiful piece you’ll be proud to show off!

Today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about slipcovers, including my process for making a custom slipcover for your home.

What furniture can be slipcovered?

In my own home, I’ve slipcovered all my living room furniture (sofa, chairs, ottomans, and recliner) several times over the years. The key to creating a slipcover has less to do with the type of furniture and more to do with how well-built the piece is. 

When purchasing new furniture pieces, inspect them thoroughly for structural issues, like broken or saggy springs or a broken frame. Cushion foam can be replaced easily, but a slipcover will not fix saggy springs or broken frame pieces. Even with new furniture pieces (made in the last 20 years), you can end up with cheaply made frames that aren’t worth the expense of slipcovering because the furniture will not last.

Styles of slipcovers

You may choose a more fitted look for your slipcover by adding hidden zippers or Velcro closures to give the illusion of having reupholstered the piece of furniture. This style is particularly common if you use upholstery fabrics, like chenille, velvet, tapestry, or brocade, for the slipcover. If you want a more casual look, you may opt for a looser fit and a slipcover made of basic washable canvas or denim fabrics. 

For a more custom look, you can add extra details, like covered buttons, ties, lace-ups, and box-pleated or ruffled skirts. If you want to update a skirted piece of furniture, you can remove the skirt, replace the basic legs with decorative wooden legs, and choose a corded hem on your slipcover. I’ve also made slipcovers with more than one fabric by using complementary fabrics for the various sections or cording. These types of slipcovers are particularly cute for a nursery, child’s, or teen’s room. 

And don’t forget about coordinating pillows!

The process

When you ask me to fabricate a slipcover for you, I strive to make the process as easy as possible while ensuring you end up with a product you love.

Step 1: Learning more about the piece of furniture & style

To start, I’ll ask you to send me pictures of the piece of furniture from all sides, along with rough measurements of the width and height of the item and the size of the cushions. The pictures and size estimates help me determine the labor required to fabricate the slipcover. Unusual pieces of furniture (like recliners, pullout sofas, loveseats, and furnishings with carved wood arms or other details) require more time and skill. Then, you’ll tell me about the current condition of your piece of furniture. Don’t worry; I’ll let you know what to check.

If you have an idea of what you want the slipcover to look like, I’ll have you send me pictures. Otherwise, I’ll share inspiration photos to help you choose the perfect style. 

Step 2: Choosing the right fabric

I’ll also ask whether you intend to wash the slipcover because, if you do, I’ll have to ensure that the fabric chosen is labeled as washable. I usually recommend prewashing and drying the material before the pieces of the slipcover are cut out. For an additional charge, I can do this for you. I prefer doing this step myself because I can lay out the pieces to be cut and wash the fabric in more manageable sections.

If you prefer to use an upholstery fabric for your slipcover, keep in mind that you will likely not be able to wash it. Instead, you will need to spot-clean your slipcover or have it professionally cleaned. For example, some of the most popular performance fabrics, like Crypton, Revolution,  and Sunbrella or must only be spot cleaned and only with recommended cleaners. Cleaning methods for other upholstery fabrics, such as chenille or velvet, depend on the fiber content of the fabric.  I provide this crucial information to all of my clients for slipcovers or any other soft furnishings so that they will know how to take care of them in the future.

Also, for unwashable fabrics, I recommend purchasing additional material to add custom arm covers. These arm covers will protect the slipcover and can be replaced easily as they become stained or worn out. If you have an ottoman, you may also want to buy extra fabric for replacement covers since the ottoman will inevitably get dirtier faster because it’s meant for you to put your feet on.

Step 3: Getting a quote

After I have the rough size, condition, style, and fabric, I will send you a preliminary quote for the labor, fabric, and upholstery foam or batting needed. This quote will also include pickup and delivery fees. If you want to move forward, I’ll have you sign the estimate and pay a 50 percent deposit. We’ll also discuss the best time to pick up the furniture piece.

Step 4: Fabricating the slipcover

I don’t always bring the piece of furniture back to my studio. If you want a new slipcover for a sofa or loveseat, I can do some of the work onsite in your home and some in my workroom without moving the furniture piece out of your home. In my studio, I’ll fabricate the cushion covers and various sections. Then, I’ll custom-fit and pin these sections in one (or sometimes two) fitting appointments.

Step 5: Fitting the slipcover

Once the slipcover is completed, I’ll deliver the furniture and place the slipcover on it. This allows me to check that the slipcover fits perfectly and gives me a chance to iron or steam the cover as needed. 

Do you want a new slipcover for the same piece of furniture?

Over the years, I’ve had clients come back and ask for a new slipcover for the same piece of furniture (plus, I’ve made several for my own pieces). Because of this, I always save my fabrication notes and pattern pieces. So, if you want a new slipcover for the same furniture piece down the road, I can easily replicate the slipcover without having to “reinvent the wheel.”

Are you ready to refresh a beloved piece of furniture with a new slipcover? Contact me today to get started!