If you’re looking for a way to rescue or refurbish your furniture without breaking the bank, slipcovers are a great option.
Slipcovers protect your furniture from wear and tear, dirt, stains, spills, or other damage. This not only extends the life of your furniture. It saves you loads of money!
If that sofa is already looking a little sad and … uhm … “dated” …
… slipcovers can be used to give your furniture a new and fresh appearance.
They’re easy to install, easy to clean, and can be changed out seasonally or whenever you want to update your space. Slipcovers transform the look and feel of your furniture … even the style and mood of your entire room.
That’s what slipcovers do … but precisely what is a slipcover? Curious? Read on!
What's covered: • What is a slipcover? Its More than Just a Cover-Up! • In the Past: The Fashionable History of Slipcovers • Varied and Versatile: The Different Styles of Slipcovers • Not Just for Sofas: The Range of Furniture that Can be Slipcovered • Protect and Beautify: How Slipcovers Safeguard Your Furniture ... and Your Wallet! • Reignite Your Furniture's Charm with Slipcovers
What is a slipcover? Its More than Just a Cover-Up!
The word slipcover is a compound of the words “slip” and “cover.” “Slip,” in this context, refers to the fact that slipcovers can be easily slipped on and off of your furniture. “Cover” is autological.
Slipcovers are used on many different types of furniture, including sofas, chairs, recliners, loveseats, ottomans, and more.
And while slipcovers are usually made of fabric, they can also be made from other materials, such as faux leather and vinyl.
Slipcover styles.
Slipcovers can be thought of as falling into a few basic styles – fitted, loose, and partial covers. Partial covers have historically been mostly utilitarian. (Think of covers designed specifically to protect your couch or armchair from the family dog, which typically cover only the seat, back, and arms.)
You can take just about any slipcover from the entire universe of slipcovers and fit it into one of these style categories.
Slipcover types.
Another way to think about basic slipcover differences is by type, which mostly addresses how the slipcover is manufactured, but also encompasses aspects of purpose and style.
Different types of slipcovers include: ready-made slipcovers, custom-made slipcovers, slipcovered furniture, specialty covers, DIY slipcovers, and even simple throws and couch covers. (For a deeper dive into slipcover types, please see “Dressing Your Furniture: What Are The Different Types Of Furniture Slipcovers?“)
Slipcover uses.
Slipcovers are commonly used to:
Protect furniture. Slipcovers are an excellent way to protect your furniture from spills, stains, and pet hair.
Cover imperfections. If your upholstered furniture is already showing some wear, slipcovers can be used to cover it, making your furniture look like new.
Change the look of furniture. If you have outdated furniture in need of a fresh new look or if you are simply looking for a change in décor, slipcovers make it easy to change the fabric of your upholstered furniture without having to buy new pieces.
Make furniture more comfortable. Some slipcovers can even make your furniture comfier and cozier, adding extra padding or cushioning or modifying the texture or firmness of your furniture. Specific fabrics can add softness and warmth to your furniture or, alternatively, make it more breathable and cooler.
What is a slipcover? A slipcover, then, is a removable, fitted cover, usually made of fabric, which may be slipped off and on a piece of furniture (typically upholstered furniture such as a sofa or an armchair) for the purpose of protecting it or changing its appearance.
In the Past: The Fashionable History of Slipcovers
While the Merriam Webster Dictionary dates the first known use of the word “slipcover” to 1856, Texas-based custom slipcover manufacturer, Homeleon, reports that slipcovers came into existence as early as the 1600s. At that time, according to Homeleon, they were used by European aristocrats as a practical solution to protecting fine furnishings, including upholstered furniture, wooden furniture, and even carpets.
To protect expensive and delicate upholstery fabrics and gilded and inlaid wooden surfaces from dust, dirt, sunlight, and insects, less expensive materials (such as plain muslin or linen) were used to cover fine furnishings, often year-round, with covers only being removed for special occasions. These first slipcovers were typically quite loose and clearly intended as “add-on coverings,” Homeleon notes.
By the 18th century, however, slipcovers were no longer simply a practical solution for protecting expensive furnishings. They had become a “focal point for interior décor.”
According to Homeleon: “By the 18th century, the wealthy English were requesting custom-made sofa covers from their tailors, who rose to the challenge by adding piping, cording, bows, buttons, ruffles, and other flourishes. Well into the Victorian Era, slipcovers were an area of showmanship for tailors, and a chance for people to express the latest home fashions.”
While throughout their early history, slipcovers were custom-made, beginning in the 1900s, the world of slipcovers began to change.
First, a handful of companies began to manufacture ready-made slipcovers.
Then, in the 1940s and 1950s, new materials like vinyl and plastic joined wool, linen, and cotton fabrics as slipcover materials. Used to protect upholstered furniture from sweat and other damage, these clear plastic and vinyl slipcovers were available in large department stores continuing the trend toward mass market, ready-made slipcovers.
In recent decades, ready-made slipcovers fabricated from stretchable materials have emerged. These form-fitting slipcovers are more tolerant of slight variations in furniture dimensions, snugly fitting over furniture, following its shape and contours, and enabling the covering of more complex furniture shapes.
Today, slipcovers in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials are widely available, affordable, and popular due to their versatility and practicality.
Varied and Versatile: The Different Styles of Slipcovers
While slipcover colors, patterns, and materials vary widely, as noted above there are a three basic styles into which most slipcovers fall.
Here are the three main styles of slipcovers and their distinctive features:
Partial Covers. Partial covers are often furniture protectors. Furniture protectors are designed to cover the main parts (but not all) of your furniture, such as the seat, back, and arms. They are intended to protect your furniture from damage that exceeds typical everyday wear and tear, such as pet damage. Like other slipcovers, furniture protectors come in various colors and patterns and are generally machine washable.
In addition to protective covers, today’s ready-made slipcover market features a growing number of partial covers which emphasize style over protection. These covers aim to universally cover a wide range of furniture shapes and sizes by only covering part of them. Sometimes stretchy – fitting over individual cushions – and sometimes more tailored – draping over various parts of your couch like the pet protector cover above – this variation on the partial slipcover has lately been popping up all over TikTok and Facebook.
Fitted Slipcovers. These are slipcovers that are designed to fit snugly over your furniture, following its shape and contour.
With custom-made slipcovers a wide array of materials can be used to achieve a tailored fit.
When it comes to ready-made fitted slipcovers, however, stretchy materials like spandex or polyester – which can readily adapt to different furniture sizes and styles – are typically used. Ready-made fitted slipcovers are particularly good for giving your furniture a new and modern look, and do provide some protection from dirt and damage, but the lighter materials from which these covers are often fabricated will not stand up to hard use.
Loose Slipcovers. Loose slipcovers are slipcovers that are draped loosely over your furniture and tucked in at the edges, creating a cozy and casual feel. These slipcovers will not offer the form fit of ready-made fitted or custom-made slipcovers, but they are typically fabricated from sturdier materials, which admirably withstand wear and tear. They are also easy to adjust and remove and are usually machine washable.
In selecting a slipcover, it is important to consider its primary purpose. If you’re looking for a slipcover to protect your furniture from pet hair and stains, you will want to choose a slipcover made from a durable and perhaps water-resistant material. If you’re interest runs more to design, the pattern and color of the material may be as important or even more important than its durability.
Purpose should be foremost in mind when choosing a material for your slipcover.
Slipcovers come in a variety of materials, including cotton, microfiber, denim, polyester, linen, and more. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the most appropriate material for your slipcover depends greatly on how much and in what ways your furniture will be used. (Material selection is key to ensuring a successful slipcovering experience. For more guidance on how to choose the right material, please see, “What Is The Best Material For Slipcovers?“)
In addition to purpose and material there are several other factors to consider when choosing a slipcover:
Size. Choosing the right size slipcover is important to ensure that it fits your furniture properly. Be sure to measure your furniture carefully before purchasing a slipcover. Also, keep in mind that the larger the piece of furniture is, the more unwieldy the slipcover tends to be, so make sure that the slipcover you choose is easy to put on.
Shape. In addition to different sizes, slipcovers come in different shapes. It is important to understand that not every sofa slipcover will fit every sofa, even sofas of the same basic height, width, and depth. For example, when it comes to sofas (and chairs and loveseats) there are two different cushion designs: box cushion and T-cushion. If you’ve never bought a slipcover, you may never have noticed this distinction, but if you are planning to buy a slipcover you will definitely want to take note of this and other subtler differences in shape.
Color. Slipcovers come in many colors, so choose one that complements your existing décor. If you have a neutral-colored room, you might want to choose a slipcover in a bold color to add some interest. If you have a colorful room, you might want to choose a slipcover in a neutral color to balance things out.
Attachment type. Slipcovers can attach to your furniture in different ways, such as ties or elastic edges. Choose the attachment type that best suits your needs, the shape of your furniture, and your design aesthetic.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right slipcover for your furniture and create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Not Just for Sofas: The Range of Furniture that Can be Slipcovered
While slipcovers can be used protect, update, or add style to many different types of furniture, here are some of the most common types of furniture that benefit from slipcovering.
Sofas. Slipcovers are a great way to protect this much used piece of furniture from stains and spills. They can be easily removed and washed and can also be used to update the look of your sofa saving you from buying a new one. Because they come in various colors and materials, it is easy to find a ready-made sofa slipcover that complements or updates your existing décor.
Loveseats. Just like sofas, but smaller, usually with two cushions instead of three. Loveseat slipcovers are designed specifically to fit the smaller dimensions of a loveseat though otherwise are basically identical to sofa slipcovers.
Armchairs. Slipcovers for armchairs are a great way to protect this beloved piece of furniture from wear and tear or to give it a facelift and a new life. Like sofa slipcovers, slipcovers for armchairs come in a variety of styles and materials, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Ottomans. Slipcovers for ottomans are especially beneficial because ottomans tend to get dirty very quickly. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your ottoman, then a slipcover is a great way to give it a fresh new look. While ottoman slipcovers in a range of colors and fabrics are available for very little money, the simple shape of most ottomans lends itself to DIY.
I’m no great seamstress, but I once made an ottoman slipcover from old curtains. I use it to this day.
Recliners. These slipcovers are designed to fit over recliners and, like other slipcovers, can be removed and washed. Given the complex shape and mechanics of recliners choosing a slipcover specifically designed for this piece of furniture is essential … and sometimes a little tricky.
Dining chairs. Slipcovers for dining chairs are a perfect way to instantly elevate your dining room and make it look much more impressive and formal. They’re great if you’re going to be having a fancy party or they can be used everyday as long as you buy ones that can be easily laundered. As with other slipcovers, dining chair slipcovers can also be used to update the look of your dining chairs without having to buy new ones.
While some of the most popular pieces of furniture to slipcover are couches and armchairs, they are certainly not the only pieces of furniture that may benefit from protection, ease of cleaning, and updating. There are also futon slipcovers, patio furniture slipcovers, and slipcovers for wingback chairs, chaise lounges, and stools.
Look at it this way, if 17th century Europeans were slipcovering carpets, you can pretty much slipcover anything … although some things more readily and successfully than others.
Protect and Beautify: How Slipcovers Safeguard Your Furniture … and Your Wallet!
Hands down, slipcovers are a simple and cost-effective way to protect and beautify your furniture and your home!
Slipcovers shield your furniture, not only preventing it from getting dirty or stained by food, drinks, pets, kids, or other sources, but also preventing your furniture from getting scratched, torn, or worn out by friction, movement, and use. Slipcovers even protect your furniture from fading or discoloring due to sunlight or other environmental factors. By protecting your furniture from these factors, slipcovers can help you keep your furniture clean, intact, and colorful for a long time.
Because furniture is expensive, this alone makes slipcovers a wise financial investment.
Because slipcovers are much less expensive than buying new furniture, they offer an affordable option to update your existing furniture, especially if it is already showing signs of wear and tear or has simply become a little dated. Slipcovers can be used to cover up imperfections or stains on your existing furniture, making it look like new again … a great option if you’re on a budget or just budget-minded.
Better still, slipcovers themselves can be easily replaced or changed if they get damaged or worn out.
Of course, just like furniture, slipcovers get dirty. But while you can’t throw your entire sofa into the washing machine, slipcovers offer near effortless cleaning.
One of the biggest advantages of slipcovers is that slipcovers can be easily removed and washed (or dry-cleaned, depending on the material and instructions). This not only helps you deal with accidental spills or stains (before they set in), it helps you keep your furniture clean and hygienic, preventing the accumulation of dust, dirt, allergens, or odors. Slipcovers can also help you avoid the hassle and expense of hiring professional cleaners or buying special products to clean your furniture.
In addition to all these practical benefits …
Slipcovers are a versatile and reasonably priced design tool that can be used to add style and personality to your home. The variety of colors, patterns, and materials in which slipcovers are available makes it easy to find one that complements or updates your existing décor or ties together different pieces of furniture and accessories, creating a cohesive look throughout your space.
Overall, slipcovers are a practical, versatile, and cost-effective way to protect or renew your furniture. They are affordable, easy to clean, and come in many colors and styles, making it easy to find one that matches your wants and needs. By using slipcovers, you can extend the life of your furniture, save money on costly repairs or replacements, and create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
What’s not to love?!!
Reignite Your Furniture’s Charm with Slipcovers
As you can see, slipcovers are a cost-effective, stylish, and practical solution, enabling you to extend the life of your furniture or give it a fresh and new look.
Slipcovers come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, making it easy to find one that complements your existing décor or allows you to express your creativity.
And they are oh so convenient, easy to install, easy to clean, and readily changed out whenever you want … or whenever your spouse spills chocolate ice cream or spaghetti on the couch. (Just me?)
Overall, slipcovers are great! I certainly think so. So why not give them a try? You might be surprised at how much of a difference they can make! Not just to your furniture, but to your life!
If you’ve been thinking about buying slipcovers and have any questions please let us know in the comments below. We’d love to help!
Or if you are already a devoted fan of slipcovers and would like to share your personal experience, please use the comments below to do so. We’re interested!
