Custom Slipcovers
Custom slipcovers are generally more expensive than ready made ones and probably aren’t the best choice if you’re on a tight budget. They do have a tailored fit, because they are made to fit the exact dimensions of a piece of furniture. However, you should consider what your couch or chair is actually worth and how long you’re going to keep it for, before buying a custom slipcover. There’s little point spending a lot of money on a custom cover for an old sofa if you could buy a new sofa for not much more, or if you plan on upgrading your furniture in the near future.
Of course, if your furniture is exceptionally good quality and you’d like to use a slipcover to protect the upholstery from aging, then you may decide the higher price of a custom slipcover may be worth it in the longer term.
The reason custom slipcovers cost more than most ready made ones is that they’re made to order, so there is a lot more work involved. Because of this extra work, you may have to wait longer for a custom made cover to be delivered, compared to a one-size-fits-all cover that will usually be shipped in a few days.
When you order a custom slipcover, most companies will send a representative to visit you in person, to measure your furniture for you and ensure they have the correct measurements. This is a good idea as they are experts in making slipcovers so they will know exactly how to measure your furniture. This way, you don’t need to worry about taking the measurements yourself – if you made a mistake the slipcover wouldn’t fit properly and you’d probably still have to pay for it. The downside of this service is that you will need to find a convenient time for the appointment, which can be tricky if you have a busy schedule.
Some companies offer a quicker service, where you can provide them with your furniture’s measurements yourself rather than having someone visit your home. However, if you decide to do this, it’s advisable to be very careful and to double-check your measurements. You should always check the returns policy as you may still have to pay for the cost of a slipcover that doesn’t fit if you got a measurement wrong.
When choosing the fabric for custom made sofa or chair covers, it’s sensible to check the care instructions. Most ready made furniture covers are made from machine washable fabrics, so it’s easy to keep them clean. Bear in mind that if a fabric is dry clean only, it will be more hassle for you to clean your slipcovers, compared to simply putting them in the washing machine.
Ready made slipcovers are available for most types of seats, including recliners, wingback chairs and ottomans, as well as regular armchairs, loveseats and sofas. They are designed to fit tightly and smoothly, particularly those made from stretch fabrics, and can look great. As they tend to be cheaper than custom slipcovers, it’s worth comparing prices before you buy.
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