The biggest advantage of buying a slipcover for your sofa is the ability to personalize it to your tastes and décor. However, there’s such a choice of different products available, it can be confusing to know which one to choose. In choosing the style, fabric and color, you will also need to take into account your lifestyle and how the furniture will be used as well as what you personally like the look of. When shopping for slipcovers for sofas, it’s important to consider the following:

1 Style

Design divas need not fear, slipcovers have gone through a fashion renaissance. Gone are the days of sticky plastic covers and ill-fitting fabric. The industry has taken notice and now offers options for your every design need. One piece slipcovers are available in a range of colors and provide ties along the front to secure the slipcover. For a more fitted silhouette, try a separate seat or two piece slipcover. These slipcovers have a snugger fit and come in stretch fabrics to define the shape of your sofa. Pleated skirts are also a way to add a little sass and flair to your old couch.

2 Cushions

Not all sofas are created equally, and understanding the style of your sofa will lead to a better fit. Know the difference between a box cushion and a T-cushion? A box cushion is used mainly for cushions where more depth is required. This type of cushion is perfect on sofas because the extra padding or foam makes the seat cozy. There are generally two or three box cushions along the sofa. A T-cushion is long, and has notches sewn in to comfortably fit around the arm rests. While just as plushy and cozy, a box cushion slipcover will not fit on a T-cushion. Many affordable and stylish options are available for both types of cushion. Be careful to note which style of slipcover you are ordering to avoid any confusion. There are also slipcovers for sofas with pillow backs. If you have loose back cushions, then a three piece slipcover is designed to fit, as this will have a separate cover for the back cushions.

3 Color and Patterns

How big is the room your sofa is in? When choosing a pattern, not only does the color and theme need to blend with your room, but the size of the pattern does as well. Big blocky shapes will seem overwhelming in a small space, and a tiny French toile scene will get lost in a room with 12 foot ceilings and dramatic moldings. The same can be applied to the color choice. Keep in mind that you don’t need to stay matchy-matchy in colors, as long as you’re in the same color family, or contrasting, your slipcover should blend right in. There are big differences between rusty reds and pinky reds, bright blues and soft baby pastels blues. Consulting a color wheel before purchase will save you a lot of time and help you get it right on the first try.

4 Fabric

Before considering reds or rusts, blues or browns, think about the function of your slipcover. Will the sofa get much use or is it in a formal living room that’s used for entertaining guests? Then choose a stain resistant slipcover for when those glasses of red wine slip out of your guests hands. Is the sofa in a spare room used sporadically for friends and family, but mainly used by the family dog for an afternoon nap? Dander and hair, muddy paw prints, and claws can all damage fabric, so choose a hardwearing fabric like 100% cotton duck. Do you have children that will inevitably jump on the cushions and decorate the cushions with pens and markers? Consider a twill slipcover, it’s stain resistant and has a hard weave, making it more durable.

Hopefully these tips will help make your purchasing decision easier and you’ll be able to find a new slipcover that ticks all the boxes!

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