Why Slipcover?
Custom- made slipcovers are an affordable alternative to having your furniture re-upholstered. In re-using worn or out-dated furniture, you are being kind to the environment and saving money!
Not only will a removeable fabric cover give an old piece of furniture a new lease on life, it can also jazz up a whole room. Use it to inject a splash of colour, reinforce your decorating theme, or add a note of comfort or luxury.
Slipcovers can also extend the life of a new piece of furniture and enable you to change its look from season to season.
Durability is a key factor in choosing fabric for slipcovers. Any medium-weight firmly woven fabric will work, but the better the quality, the longer your slipcover will last. Upholstery fabrics, which are intended for furniture, work well, as do cotton twills and hemp. Many of the fabrics are machine washable and very hard wearing, making them a practical choice if you have children or pets.
Here are some before and after shots of some loveseats I’ve slipcovered.
Almost any piece of furniture can be slipcovered, but the best style couches, loveseats and armchairs are ones that have loose cushions. Then the cushions can be covered separately, which make for a much more tailored look.
How much do slipcovers cost?
Well, that depends alot on the fabric that is chosen. My slipcover fabrics range from $20/yard to $50/yard. The amount of fabric needed for a loveseat is 8-10 yards and I charge aproximately $350 for labour for a loveseat with 2 loose cushions.
When looking for someone to make you a slipcover make sure you have seen samples of their work. Ask them if they use upholstery thead and heavy zippers. If you want to be able to machine wash your slipcover, make sure the fabric has been pre-shrunk! Also, make sure you are both clear about what you want your slipcover to look like. Do you want a tailored skirt and piping? Do you want extra arm protectors? Where do you want the piping? Do you want it fitted, or slightly larger than the furniture for a more relaxed look?
I think slipcovers are great – Do you have a slipcover story?
