TIP #1:
Consider slipcovers on dining chairs or bar stools. Our barstools came with removal, velcro-ed covers. They are a cinch to wash when food gets on them.
TIP #2:
Having slipcovers made often costs as much as reupholstery. So, decide if your furniture piece is worth it. Find your local slipcover maker through friends’ referrals and check out sources like Yelp.
TIP #3:
Have slipcover fabric washed before fabrication.
First, try washing a swatch. The fabricator may charge you $1 to $2 per foot to wash the fabric for you (which may be worth it if you have large quantities).
TIP #4:
Look for white, off-white, taupe or oatmeal fabric on sale or at a discount outlet.
I use 100% linen, cotton/linen/rayon blends, cotton basket weaves or cotton twill fabrics.
TIP #5:
Purchase at least 10% more fabric for shrinkage and if want to have throw pillows made…or to back expensive, designer fabric pillows with it.
TIP #6:
Generally, stick with solid fabrics in the colors mentioned above so that you can change your look.
TIP #7:
Make sure your fabric is sturdy enough to hold up to wear. In fact, in this loft office, we recently took the cotton duck slipcovers off these club chairs after 10 years of use…and the chairs underneath still look good. Ha! And plaid came back in style.
TIP #8
White is good for cleaning with mild bleach and stain removers.
Use slipcovers to change or refresh the design. Today’s slipcovers are tighter fitting and less sloppy.
I would LOVE To have a slipcover for every season!I have a decorator friend who does and BOY does it change the room!!!!
You know I love a good slipcover! Love the tip about having extra seat covers made:)
Mary Ann,
I’ve never had slipcovers. I may have to give them some serious thought the next time we need to recover our sofa.
xo,
Karen
Thanks so much for this post. I am a big fan of slipcovers! I went through so many sofas when my kids were younger, I learned my lesson, but didn’t have the money back then for a good quality sofa. Now the kids are grown and gone, and I got an amazing sofa 13 years ago. I also got slipcovers in white made. I have thrown those slipcovers in my washing machine more times than I can say. There aren’t any kids, but there are two cats and a husband who loves laying on that sofa. So dirt eventually shows, but not for long! They wash up beautifully!
Linda, I had my sofas made 15 years ago…first upholstered and now on the second set of slipcovers. I haven’t had to wash these new ones, yet…it is a bit of a chore, but then like having new sofas. Enjoy those times with the cats and husband.
yeah for slips, love the relaxed look.
great looking examgreat tips!
xx
debraples &
Wonderful post, Mary Ann!
First things first…personally, I would like to get a post from you everyday…yep! I get so excited when I see “Classic Casual Home”in my inbox! But that would be asking way too much so my choice would be to stick to your 2 posts a week. I find a lot of blogs are way too long, and I’ve always thought your posts were just perfect. The right amount of photos and info to tell the story. So for me…keep things as is!
I love slipcovered furniture and your tips are great. I’ve already ordered those twisted pins that Liana recommended, I’ve never heard of them!
Happy Spring! xoxo
I love the relaxed look of slipcovers! Big fan here. And great post and tips, Mary Ann!! xo
When we decided to replace a leather pit set that my husband had had for eons, I looked at a lovely, expensive Louis XVI settee and my first thought was: what do you do with this when some guest spills red wine on it? We bought a pair of white slipcovered sofas instead, to my husband’s great disappointment. But when (his) relatives visited with small children whom they let eat on the sofa (!!!), I was able to wash out the spilled juice and applesauce and pee (yup). I also slipcovered some club chairs–I did it myself and they turned out great. However, making a pattern isn’t easy–I did some other chairs, and they didn’t turn out so well. They look OK, but aren’t nice and tight the way I wanted.
An alternative to twist pins is to put velcro on the bottom of the chairs or attach a strap underneath to hold the covers taut.
Love this post !!! You know I can’t live without slipcovers on my furniture, they add so much longevity to the furniture and my house feels so fresh after washing my covers. For the people who love a less casual look, tight fitting slipcovers can easily get dressed up or down by adding special details like flat welting, a trim border at the skirt, contrasting piping etc.. That’s just like clothing 🙂
If I were to add my 2 cents… Use twist pins on hidden areas to keep the covers always neatly in place, and if you can afford, order extra fabric and have your fabricator make an extra set of covers for the seat only, as well as arm dust covers, those are the areas that get dirtier, and will also wear out sooner since you’ll wash them more often.
I MISS YOU, LIANA. You are the expert. Exactly right about the pins. I use them thanks to you. And good point about the arm covers. I think I will go back in and add your comments to the post. THANK YOU!
I’m trying to finish decorating my living room. I had slipcovers made for my sofa from a bright white heavy cotton denim. But my IKEA Ritva panels aren’t as bright white.
Should they be the same bright white? Should I replace the Ikea panels with a bright white fabric?
I like to use lots of shades of white, Mary. I think most decorators do. And shades actually change in different corners of the room. I actually have those IKEA panels (the linen-like ones)? You could send me a photo to [email protected]
I do not know how anybody could ever live without slipcovers! I bought a Lee slip covered sofa, chair and ottoman at Macys in 1999, and it still looks amazing. Its an off white twill. When it gets dirty, (which with 2 kids, numerous guests, several dogs and more than one glass of spilled red wine ) is inevitable, I take the main body to the laundromat, wash it in cold water, wash all the pillows at home, then hang everything outside in my yard until just damp dry. Then, while still damp, I put everything back on and smooth it down, (just like your suggestion!) By drying the fabric outside, I feel like I bring the outside in. It looks and smells heavenly! My other suggestion for people looking for an in-expensive fabric to use for slipcovers is to buy the canvas drop cloths they sell at Home Depot for under $20. I wash them, and put them in the dryer, (to really make sure they are pre-shrunk). You end up with over 10 yards of fabric, so the cost per yard is amazing. The fabric is great, it kind of looks like a linen blend,( without the wrinkling)Then I had my upholster make a window seat cushion, that sits in a very sunny west facing window. It has been there for 4 years now, still looks great and has been washed several times! I enjoy your blog. Thanks for the beautiful pictures!
Thanks, Martha, for the great tips!! Like drying outside (wish I could do that) and the dropcloth material.
I lived in Danville for 35 years, so my drying season was limited to spring/ summer. Now, I’m in Carlsbad , north county San Diego, and I just increased my drying season to year round!! Still, miss my Northern California town though.
nice
belgian linen pillows, linen pillows,designer pillows, luxury pillows- http://trentrhodeshome.com
designer pillows
I definitely enjoyed reading every little bit of it and I have it bookmarked to check out new stuff posted regularly. Chino carpet cleaning
Love this post! Thank you. Love my slip covers. Beautiful pics! Painters
Hello Mary Ann, PLEASE HELP. I am in search of slip covers. I see BEAUTIFUL covers online and in books, but when I go to "well known cover" sites-I SEE,BLAHHHH.. could it be my couch, with the huge arms.. I love it because it is large and do not wish to throw it out yet.. Please help:)
Hello Mary Ann, PLEASE HELP. I am in search of slip covers. I see BEAUTIFUL covers online and in books, but when I go to "well known cover" sites-I SEE,BLAHHHH.. could it be my couch, with the huge arms.. I love it because it is large and do not wish to throw it out yet.. Please help:)
Very nice restful house. Great! impressive photos.
Wonderful suggestions, and such great timing. My cushions are already with a seamstress; just trying to make a final fabric decision! I have narrowed it down to PB Twill & PB Washed Cotton/Linen. Do you know which would be more durable for a toddler/multiple dog home? I'm not worried about wrinkles, but definitely need something that will wash well and resist snagging. Am off to wash the swatches now – thanks for the idea!
Hi Mary Ann… Great site, love your style! I am so excited to find your site and start following. This article on slip covers is so informative. Just in time because we are in the process of buying a sc sofa for our new family room. We are unsure where to buy the sofa from, the fabric or the seat cushions (meaning one long, 2, or three seat cushions, down wrapped, or inner spring). We are torn between RH, PB, or Ethan Allen. I am in love with the Track Arm Sofa in belgian linen form RH but worried about the quality and if the long seat cushion will loose its shape. We live in Northern CA and have 3 children- 20, 8,6 plus 2 dogs… So slip cover is for us! Will you be so kind to give your expert suggestions and experience regarding quality, construction and where to purchase. Thanks so much!
Making extra ones will be a good idea in order to change if it gets dirty.
As always- Great tips.
Nice blog… thanks for sharing with us..
What a fabulous post, and you have inspired me… not to make my own, but to find the fabric to give my living room a fresh look for spring/summer.
I have marked this post for reference – bravo!
Bises,
Genie
Thanks for so perfectly spelling out how to use slipcover and their care. Perfect post!
Great post! I'm a huge slipcover fan also, plus I love light neutral fabrics so when it comes to sofas the only practical way to have that is by slip covering for easy clean up. Im currently wanting a pair of matching sofas for my living room ( slipped) and I'm finding that unless you want pottery barn or restoration hardware, which I don't , it's very difficult to find! I have inexpensive ikea sofas in there now, moved them in there temporarily & decided I loved the look. I just want something a bit nicer for my permanent sofas. They will do for now though. Have you ever ordered anything from Best Slipcover Company?
Terrific guide to the always practical, chic (if done correctly) alternative of slipcovers!
I always use slip covers because it keeps the furniture clean and it gives an extra look to my home.
From Raoul Textiles.
Could you tell me where the blue and coral pillows in tip #7 came from? I love that pattern! Thanks!
Hi Mary Ann, Thanks for all the great info. I have been looking at slipcovered sofa's lately and you helped me decide to go ahead with the purchase.
xx, Sherry
We love slipcovers-and especially slipcovers for your walls. Just about all the tips you listed for fabric slipcovers are applicable to selecting "slipcovers" for your walls. Using a vinyl repositionable, removable and reusable wallcovering makes installation a DIY project, affords design flexibility and is economical.
BTW, wonderful ideabook on Houzz. Congrats!
Great Post Mary Ann! Lots of wonderful tips on slipcovers…which I love. Haven't had to wash mine yet, but will keep your tips for when they need it! Always love seeing your pretty house!
Hello- First of all, I love your blog and your sense of style. It is so elegant and yet so livable. To me, that is the perfect balance. I adore the slip covers you have on your dining chairs (specifically the seat-only slip covers with the wooden back of the chair still showing -Photo below tip #3). I have my grandmothers dining room chairs and we just had the seats reupholstered a year ago. We now have a 5 month old baby and I need to get slip covers made before the inevitable spill happens. Do you have any advice on what I should ask for when I place the order? I will be showing a photo of your chairs. Any help would be hugely appreciated! Thank you! -Isla
Isla, you might want to scotch guard the current seats. Regarding the fabrication of the new slipcovers…there are choices for fasteners…I have buttons on mine, but you could also do ties or hidden velcro.
I've also had breakfast room cushions made from a soft outdoor fabric that my client says has been easy to spot clean. I have thought about using soft outdoor fabric for slips…but I think it loses it stain resistance with washing.
Hello,
Love this post! Thank you. Love my slip covers. Beautiful pics!
Take care,
Claudia
I love my slipcovers! Someone at a show room a few months ago told me that slipcovers are no longer popular??? The show room did not have any. I think she was completely wrong. So many people want CLEAN upholstered furniture that I can't imagine it ever losing popularity. I would like to try my hand at making my own slipcover. Would you mine sharing your favorite sources for fabrics and is their a particular fabric weight that you prefer??
I go to a local discount warehouse called Dorell…or Michael Levine in L.A. I watch as the fabric is rolled to make sure there are no defects. Just remember to wash a swatch to see how it turns out.
I love slipcovers! I have several in our vacation home. They are all white and they are very easy to clean! Thanks for the beautiful inspirations.
Leslie
House on the Way
I bought an Ikea Ektorp sofa cover in white and then had it made into chair slipcovers. It is thick, prewashed, washable, bleachable (even though it says you can't-I have) and only cost me around $50! On a side note, my seamstress said that she was very impressed with the quality of the fabric and the construction of the slipcover.
Can you tell me where you got your bar stools from?? I am in LOVE 😉
Thanks, Anna. They are from Halo Styles.
Mary Ann: Here is a post I had done on slip covers for our chairs in the dining area:
http://www.libbywilkiedesigns.com/2011/09/contrast-piping-on-slipcovers-part-ii.html
Once again, I used contrast piping: it's one of my very favorite "details"!
You put the slipcovers in the dryer?? yikes. I always wash in cold water and line dry to avoid any shrinking at all! Well, and now I don't even own a dryer any more…..
Ha! I don't own a clothes line, Libby. Plus, the fabric was all pre-washed and is already shrunk. Off to see your post 🙂
This past fall I purchased a new sofa and two chairs with ottomans, all slip covered. I need to wash them from all our holiday entertaining. Wondering what they'll come out like! Do you throw them in the wash at home or have them cleaned somewhere?
Did they tell you that you can machine wash them, Marilyn? The sales people at Crate & Barrel have told me that their customers wash their slip covers with great results. I wash my slip covers in small batches in my washing machine. Perhaps you could try washing just one cushion cover in cold water and take in out damp…to test. What's the fabric content?
Perfect timing. I will soon be purchasing a new sofa and chairs for my FR. I definitely want slipcovers. I love linen but don't think I can live with the wrinkles. Of the four fabrics (linen, linen/cotton blends, cotton basket weave, and cotton twill), how would you rate them for wrinkling? Thank you for your great post, Jan Walton
Cotton basket weave and cotton twill wrinkle less. I have cotton twill on the club chairs in the mountains and that is super sturdy (held up to my kids when they were smaller).
This is great information for anyone who is thinking about slipcovers. I really can't imagine having a upholstered sofa or chairs with dogs and a child running around. I have to wash our slipcovers often with all of the activity they see. I wish someone had told me years ago to take the slipcovers out of the dryer before they completely dry. I just learned that about a year ago and was amazed I didn't have to be drenched in sweat after putting the covers back on the furniture. Haha!
Heather
I agree.. so practical and the perfect solution for a home with kids, pets, etc. Your tips are wonderful and I wish I'd seen all this years ago when I was first starting a family!
Your home looks so organized and everything coordinates perfectly 🙂
leslie
Mary Ann,
Such a great post. BTW, your dining table looks so pretty set for a wonderful meal. I do not own any slipcovers because I've always been afraid it would be such a hassle to take them off and wash them that it would defeat the purpose for me. In addition, I don't care for the relaxed fit, only reinforcing my thoughts on how a tight-fitting slip cover would be to remove for laundering.
Karen
Karen, It's not fun to remove my slipcovers to wash and put back on since they are fitted…but sooo rewarding to have them fresh and clean.
These are all really great tips. I am considering having a slipcover made for my living room sofa. I received a quote for over $500 plus fabric. Not sure if I want to spend that much though, seems like I could just purchase a new one! Is that the going rate?
That seems very reasonable to me. In my area custom slipcovers are actually more expensive than reupholstering.
Brandi, if your sofa is well made and in good shape that is a good price for a custom fitted slip cover. This means that the cushions have separate covers, too, right?
Yes, separate covers for the cushions too! Thanks so much for your response(s). Now onto the hard part, choosing fabric!
Hey, Mary Ann! We got the Pottery Barn "Comfort Short Slipcovered" chairs for our dining room. Love the look with the great table you found us. Question about the slipcovers: do I untack the pleats? I like a more tailored, tight fitted look, but Pottery Barn shows the pleat open. What do you think?
As always, love your work and your blog!
Nancy C.
Carlsbad
HI Nancy…sounds like it is all coming together!!! That is so great. I would untack the pleats (like when the pleats come tacked with a skirt or blazer)…you can starch or velcro the pleats a little if its not tight enough for you…but I think it looks pretty untacked on the website. Bravo! Send me a photo, please.
The velcro idea is a great idea!
Will send pics of the chairs and of (are you sitting down?) the new carpet! 🙂
Hooray…perhaps I can post about it…I still have your before photos. Just get the throw pillows and I can show your living room before and after, too!
I am "patiently" waiting on my my new slipcover for our sunporch. I have everything done in the room … the slipcover will be the piece that pulls it all together! Slipcovers are Amazing!! xo
The versatility can't be beat! I haven't had mine for long, but within the first month a guest spilled coffee, it came right out in the wash! Great post, Mary Ann!
I have always loved slipcovers for the same reasons!
Slipcovers are the best. I don't think I'd ever have anything but slipcovers, and always white or white-ish. This is great info on color and fabric selections…I totally agree.
I am especially loving the texture of your white sofa slipcover…love that texture.
Have a great night!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! This was very helpful advice on slipcovers. Our family room couches have been tormented by a certain little pug who will remain anonymous. I have thought about slipcovers, but it is a clean lined small sectional…..also thought about the cost. I think we just nee to pick up a few Ikea sofas, teach our pug better manners, and call it a day!
I have just taken "a walk" around your blog and I am smitten 🙂
This is great information…where were you a couple of months ago with this info?? haha…
xo
annie
Great info!! Thanks.
great article!!!!!! can't have too many slipcovers as far as I am concerned!!!
I love slipcovers, too, but I've never understood how you pre-wash the fabric since a sofa can take up to 20 yards. Do you have to find an industrial sized washer?
That's why I let the fabricator do it…they know where to cut it and still make the slipcover…and they do use an industrial size washing machine.
Love slip covers! I have them too and there perfect to throw in the wash!
Great post (as always)! Very timely. Love your bar stools. Where are they from?
Thanks! The bar stools are from Halo Styles.
Inspiring rooms (as always). Slip covers make so much sense, but, as you have said, they have to be made very well. Bisous
I am ALWAYS so inspired by the choice of fabrics in your home and your clients, Mary Ann! My mom always had them in our house growing up. White cotton in the summer on all the sofas in the house and wool or silk damask in the winter. BTW-Your lifestyle makes me want to live in CA so much! (However, I do not want to pay the taxes that go along with it!)
Yes, Cindy…our taxes are terrible.
This is a fabulous post…and you are soooo talented. If i ever get my beach house, I want you to decorate it! I love your style…and all these options, brilliant!!
And yes to slipcovers…..love the look especially for the coastal home.I love what you have done (and your talented friends too)! Thanks for sharing……
I have a slipcovered sofa in my family room from PB, and don't know how I got through life without them. I can't imagine how I put up with the everyday dirt that I couldn't see because I always used dark upholstery before. Now I want to slipcover the chippendale style sofa in my living room. How do I find someone who will do a great job? I do live in SoCal so if you have a recommendation….
Madeline
I feel like this post was written just for me – thank-you!! x Sharon
Our next sofa is going to be a white slipcovered one! Can't wait!! These are great tips!
I have had such mixed emotion about slipcovers. I was never sure what was the problem. You have resolved my issue. Apparently I love the look of slipcovers, but I need a little less casual fit. I am now laughing at myself for something so obvious. This is a great post.
I couldn't live without my white slipcovered sectional, club chair, loveseats, and barstools ! 5 kids & 1 dog , slipcovers keep me sane & happy:))) great post!
Great informative post Mary Ann….thanks for the mention. I'm thinking of having slips made for my dinning room chairs.
Thanks for all the great tips…I made a decision awhile ago that my next sofa and chair in our living room will be slipcovered. The fabric on our current furniture has faded terribly even with the double low e glass on our windows. And they aren't even right next to a window! Also we have a dog and grandchildren in our future so slipcovers seem to be the way to go.
Linda in SD
Great post with lots of good advice. Slip covers are such a great idea when done right and I like the way they can so easily transform a tired looking chair or sofa. Eating on the sofa? Moi? Never! 😉 xo
Hi, Mary Ann – Wonderful and so informative!! Thanks for this post. This will be very helpful for homeowners and designers. It's been a while since I've had slipcovers made. I do love the look.
xoxo
Loi
Thanks for the mention Mary Ann! Slipcovers really do make sense, whether you have dogs, kids or just want a different look for the season. Great post! ~Delores
I think using slipcovers is very smart. Especially when there are children or pets. I've been wanting to have some made for my house and need to move that project along before I regret my procrastinating. Because yes, we do eat on the sofa!
I am getting ready to have slips made for my dining chairs, so this post is very timely! My chairs currently have a floral fabric on them. Which slipcover material do you think would work best, so the pattern doesn't show through?
Thanks, Mary Ann!
I have 100% linen (pre-washed) on my dining chairs…they have lasted 8 years (although seasonly I take them off–like right now). The thicker linen hides the suzani pattern (bold colors) beneath well. Good luck, Carolyn.
Mary Ann, I'm so glad you posted about this today! I am online trying to figure out a white fabric to cover the pillows of a bamboo chair in. I'll look for cotton or cotton/linen blends – thanks so much for the recommendation!!
I do love my slips. Great tips.