If your couch or sofa has begun to show signs of wear, or you’re simply looking to refresh your living space, a slipcover might be the solution.
Slipcovers come in a variety of fabrics, styles, and patterns that can suit any home aesthetic. From snug-fit stretch covers that conform to your sofa’s shape to loose and adjustable designs with a more relaxed appearance, there’s a vast array of options.
However, the key to slipcover success lies in finding the perfect fit.
Ready to ensure your sofa gets a slipcover that looks like it was tailor-made just for it?
Following are steps to guide you to doing just that, beginning with how to measure your sofa for a slipcover.
Preparing Your Sofa for Measurement
The key to slipcover success starts with precise sofa measurements.
Before you grab your tape measure, it’s crucial to prep your sofa to ensure accuracy. If your couch or sofa doubles as a life ship, start with a good clean-up. Remove any throws, cushions, and personal items. This bare state gives you a clear view and makes it easier to access every nook you need to measure.
Next, look over your sofa. Does it have any special features like reclining seats or a pull-out bed? These features could affect your measurements and, more importantly, the type of slipcover you’ll need.
Take note of these features. If you intend to purchase a ready-made slipcover, you may want to discuss them with customer service and seek some guidance. If you are opting for a custom slipcover, you will definitely want to share them with the slipcover manufacturer.
Here are the tools you’ll need:
- A flexible measuring tape that can curve around the sofa’s arms and back. Don’t snatch the retractable metal carpenter’s measuring tape from the garage … it won’t measure true.
- A notepad or some such for jotting down the numbers. Or a digital device.
- A friend. Yes, a second pair of hands is immensely helpful, especially when you need to stretch the tape across the sofa’s length or width … and, no, your friend is not a tool, I hope.
Once everything’s off the couch and your tools are in hand, give the sofa one last look. Double-check the frame, armrests, and legs. If there’s any part of the sofa that’s removable, decide if you want to include it in the measurements. Will you cover the legs or leave them exposed? Will the armrests need separate covers?
It’s these details that make the difference between a good fit and a perfect one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Sofa
Getting the measurements of your sofa right is CRUCIAL. It ensures your new slipcover will fit as if it was custom-made. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure your sofa accurately.
First, measure the WIDTH of your sofa from one outer arm to the other. Make sure the measuring tape is pulled tight and straight.
Next, determine the DEPTH by measuring from the front-most point to the back-most part of the sofa frame. Don’t include the cushion’s overhang in this measurement at this time.
The HEIGHT is next on your list. Measure from the floor to the highest point of the sofa back. For accuracy, take this measurement from the side of your sofa as the back of your couch most likely reclines slightly.
If your sofa has removable cushions, whether or not you consider the CUSHION OVERHANG separately will depend on the type of slipcover you intend to purchase.
- If you are purchasing a slipcover that covers the entire sofa – including the cushions – the CUSHION OVERHANG is best counted as part of the sofa’s overall DEPTH.
- If your slipcover will cover your sofa’s cushions individually, measure the sofa’s DEPTH as above and measure each cushion separately. As with the special features noted above, here too you will want to scrupulously follow the guidance provided by the slipcover manufacture.
Wrap up by writing these numbers down … legibly.
And while you are forbidden to use a carpenter’s measuring tape, you are strongly encouraged to embrace a carpenter’s wisdom and measure twice! Double-checking your measurements will prevent a mistake that can mean the difference between a snug fit and a return. (All the more important with custom-made slipcovers, where a return is not likely.)
Understanding Slipcover Sizes and Fit
After you’ve meticulously charted out the dimensions of your sofa, if you are purchasing a ready-made slipcover, the next crucial step is making sense of slipcover sizing charts. These charts are your roadmap to selecting a slipcover that fits almost as well as one custom-made.
The size charts for slipcovers will typically list ranges for width, height, and depth. It’s paramount to closely compare your sofa’s measurements with these ranges.
Ready-made slipcovers come in standard size ranges, like ‘loveseat’ or ‘three-cushion sofa.’ Although cost-effective and convenient, ready-made options may not suit every furniture type, particularly those with unconventional shapes or sizes.
Custom slipcovers, while a costlier venture, ensure a tailored fit. If you prefer a seamless look and your sofa has unique characteristics, custom might be your best course.
For true ease, custom slipcover maker, Karen, of The Slipcover Maker uses your couch's original cover as a pattern to create a custom slipcover. Of course, you'll have to be starting with removable covers in the first place, but still, pretty cool!
Whichever option you choose, consider the slipcover material. Fabrics with some elasticity, like spandex blends, offer more forgiveness in fit, while stiffer materials demand precise measurements, but are likely to be more durable.
Remember, a good fit lies not just in choosing the correct size, but in understanding the properties of the material from which your slipcover will be made.
Choosing the right slipcover extends beyond the fit—it’s also about style and function. Consider the room’s decor, your lifestyle, and what you want the slipcover to achieve. Whether it’s a temporary seasonal change, a permanent makeover, or kid and pet protection, the slipcover should complement your home and life.
Caring for Your Slipcover Post-Purchase
Once you have chosen and installed your new slipcover, it’s important to keep it looking as good as new. A proper fit is essential not just at the time of purchase but throughout the life of the slipcover. Regular maintenance can extend its lifespan and keep your sofa looking impeccable.
Installation of a slipcover is straightforward, but for a tailored appearance, ensure you tuck the fabric into the crevices of the sofa. Use foam rods or slipcover grips if necessary to prevent slippage and preserve the neat look.
Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your slipcover and also one of its chief benefits. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, though. Most covers are machine washable, but some do require professional cleaning. For minor spills, acting quickly with a mild detergent can prevent long-term stains.
In case of wrinkles or creases, many slipcovers can be ironed on a low setting or steamed even while on the sofa. This helps maintain a smooth surface and a professional-looking fit. However, if you have done your homework and chosen the right fabric for your lifestyle and decor aesthetic, with proper expectations, this step is unlikely to be necessary (unless you are Felix Unger … or my father in law).
You may encounter issues such as pilling or wear and tear over time.
All fabrics pill, though to varying degrees. Consider using a fabric shaver or regular razor to remove them.
If your slipcover becomes damaged or tears, you can try mending it. Your ability to repair your slipcover will depend on your own craftiness. If you are not especially crafty, you can seek help from a local seamstress (likely to be found in the back of a drycleaner that offers alterations).
But remember, this is a slipcover. If you have chosen your material well, your slipcover should be long-lasting.
But it will not be eternal any more than your sofa’s original uphosltery.
So, unless you have invested reupholstery price points of money in it, replace your slipcover once it begins to show the same wear and tear that inspired you to buy it in the first place. Try to find your original measurements (I know, me too) and buy a new one – you may be ready for a change anyway.
Remember, a slipcover is more than a protective layer; it’s a cost-effective way to update your décor without the expense of buying a new sofa.
With careful measurement, the right choice of fabric, and a reasonable standard of care, your slipcover should serve you stylishly and well for many years.
Have any questions? Or any especially useful tips for measuring your sofa (or other upholstered furniture) for a slipcover? Please leave them in the comments below!
