SLIPCOVERS 101

by Todo es...

 

So you want a new look, but you don't know if you want to re-upholster your furniture or a slipcover. What's the difference? Which would be better?

Slipcovers vs. Re-upholstery
First, let's talk about the differences between re-upholstery and slipcovers. Depending on the condition of your furniture, re-upholstery could involve as little as a new fabric covering or as much as re-constructing the entire frame and springs. The benefit of having your furniture re-upholstered is that basically your furniture ends up as good as new. The cost, of course, depends on the amount of work you have done and the fabric you select. This process can be very expensive and you should weigh the cost against the value of the furniture. Good, well constructed, furniture is meant to last for years and having it re-upholstered can be less expensive than buying comparable furniture in today's market.

But, what if your furniture is in good condition and you just want a change or you want to protect it? In that case your best choice is a slipcover. It can also give your furniture a whole new look; but, unlike upholstery, it can be changed with the seasons and removed for cleaning.

Fitted Slipcovers vs. Furniture Throws
Today, due to the popularity of the slipcover look, there is a whole range of furniture covers available. But, not all slipcovers are created equal. First, let's discuss furniture throws. A furniture throw is a one-piece cover that is designed to go over your entire chair or sofa, cushions and all. These can be as simple as a large sheet with ties or as complex as a large sheet with strategically placed elastic. Furniture throws come in a range of sizes, from armchair to sofa size and can be purchased at a variety of retail stores. Of course, these types of covers are not going to give you a very fitted look and keeping them neat and in place could become a full time job if you have small children and/or pets. But, if you're on a very tight budget and just need something to cover your sofa or chair, this is probably your best option.

On the other hand, there are fitted slipcovers. Think of a fitted furniture slipcover as a removable second skin that is custom made to your furniture's measurements with separate covers for all of the removable back and seat cushions. They usually include covered welt accents and decorative skirts. Like new upholstery, fitted slipcovers can change the look of your furniture. They not only change the fabric and color of your furniture; but, in many cases, they can change the design as well. Tailored, contemporary furniture can become ruffled and romantic. Furniture with traditional box-pleated skirts can become sleek and modern. You can show off your furniture's legs or hide them. The options are endless and the choices are all yours. With custom made slipcovers you're in control.

However, there is one thing you should keep in mind: no matter how fitted a slipcover is made, it is still a slipcover and has its limitations. If your furniture has complex rolls and curves, a slipcover will, in many cases, simply drape over these details.

Slipcover Cost
Of course, like all custom made items, slipcovers are not inexpensive and the price is dependent on the size of your furniture and the fabric you select. Watch out for shops offering bargain basement prices. They could be using cheap fabric that will not wash or wear well. You may be getting a low price, but you may be shopping for new slipcovers after the first cleaning. Well-made slipcovers should last for years.

Who Can Make Them
Also, finding someone to make your slipcovers may be not be easy. Not all upholstery shops make slipcovers. Although re-upholstery and slipcovers both deal with putting a new cover on furniture, the skills required to make a slipcover are very different from the skills required to stretch and tack fabric. Think of making a slipcover as making a piece of fitted clothing for your furniture. Upholstery isn't designed to be removed, or to be washed and replaced - slipcovers are.

What Fabric Is Best
If you have decided to slipcover your furniture, the next logical questions are fabric and color.

Start by looking at the environment in which your furniture will be placed. Is it highly active? Are there children and pets? Will the slipcover need to be cleaned often? If the answer is yes, look for durable, tightly woven fabrics that are washable: such as canvas, twills, hopsacks or tightly woven jacquards. Don't be afraid of whites and naturals. Remember, these can be bleached.

You should be aware that not all fabrics make good slipcovers - not even if they're upholstery fabrics. Fabric for slipcovers should not be stiff. It should be able to drape over the curves of the furniture. That eliminates upholstery fabrics that have a backing. But, the fabric can not be too loose. It should have a tight weave. This eliminates many chenilles.

Color is a little easier. If you're covering a piece that is in a room with an established color scheme, trying to find the exact match to a color may be difficult. It's much easier to look for a print or color that complements the colors already in the room. Starting from scratch is even easier and much more fun. The easiest way to start is with a painting or a rug and work off the colors in these pieces. Don't be afraid of color. Bright vibrant colors can do miraculous things for a room. There are hundreds of decorating resources to help you work through the "what ifs", so have fun. And remember, with slipcovers, you can always change the look and color whenever you change your mind.

Copyright Todo es, Inc. 2001 All rights reserved