Reasons to Use a Sectional Couch Cover
Covers are casual—instead of the harsh formality of many furniture designs, using a sectional couch cover (or slipcover for other kinds of furniture) gives the room a relaxed, laid-back look. This helps visitors feel at ease in your environment.
Covers are easily washable—this makes them an excellent way to combat messes made my young children and pets. Instead of ruining your upholstery, the only thing at risk is a much less-expensive slipcover.
If a sectional couch cover is part of your strategy for dealing with kids and pets, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of washable fabric—and then keep two on hand, so you can use one while the other is in the wash.
Covers allow you to update and customize the look and style of your furniture—without replacing the costly furniture itself. If you have custom slipcovers made, there’s even more you can do.
Covers can protect antiques—if you have old and valuable furniture in your home, using slipcovers can ensure that it stays protected. In addition to this, using covers over antiques can both update their appearance, and coordinate them, so they all look like they belong in the same environment.
Covers can be easily changed with the seasons—thin, white covers look beachy and summery, while thick covers in warm colors are comforting for the winter.
Covers are easy on your budget—rather than buying a new sectional couch, just buy a sectional couch cover, and you’re set.
Covers can be purchased for almost all of your furniture—not just the couch. Daybed covers, ottoman covers, and recliner seat covers are also available, which lets you coordinate your look between furniture.
How to Choose a Couch Slipcover
To help you choose the right cover for your couch, loveseat, or recliner, answer the following questions.
1. How often is this piece of furniture used?
If it’s going to see a lot of wear—for example, if you have company over often—you’ll want to get a colorfast cover that isn’t going to wear with frequent use.
If your guests occasionally spend the night your couch, you might want a cover with antimicrobial qualities.
If you can find a cover that is reversible, this will help, too.
2. Do you have kids or pets?
If so, you’ll definitely want slipcovers made from a fabric that is easily washable, and that won’t stain easily. A waterproof cover might even be in order.
To help with stability under heavy use, a cover with a non-skid backing can keep it on the furniture for longer.
3. Are you concerned about appearances?
If you want your slipcovered furniture to look as fashionable as possible, you’ll want to buy custom-made or semi-custom covers.
Semi-custom covers are designed specifically for the brand and model of furniture you have. Fully custom-made covers are designed and created according to your precise specifications and measurements.
Fully custom-made slipcovers might not be machine-washable, however, requiring trips to the dry cleaners instead. But if style is your main concern, they’re your best option.
On the other hand, ready-made slipcovers are manufactured in standard furniture sizes. To get them to look right, you’ll usually have to tuck-and-pin the fabric in and around the furniture.
4. What’s the size of your furniture?
To get accurate measurements of your sofa or loveseat, measure from one outer arm to the other to get its length, and then from the front of the couch to the back for depth. Last, measure from the floor to the tops of the seat cushions to get the height.
You’ll want to avoid buying a slipcover that just barely fits over your couch. It should slip on and off easily, having just enough stretch to wrap around the furniture fully.
5. What kind of fabric is right for you?
If durability is your primary concern, some highly indestructible fabrics include canvas, twill blends, denim, and cotton. (Cotton especially is lightweight, yet durable, capable of withstanding high temperatures. Best of all, it’s highly breathable.)
Fabrics like velvet and chenille, while heavy-duty, won’t conform well to the shape of your furniture.
Fabric with a water-resistant coating is necessary for use outdoors.
Microfiber and polyester fabrics offer a more fitted appearance, but they’re also more lightweight.
For a very sophisticated look, wool and silk are nice choices, but they can only be dry cleaned.
We know how it can be: you’ve just dropped a significant amount of money on a brand new couch, and only realized after the fact how chaotic your household is. Whether you’ve got animals running rampant, a few messy children, or are firmly established in your “eating on the couch” ways, you still expect this major purchase to last a good while — and you’re not alone: 91% of sofa-buyers don’t plan on needing to buy another one for at least five to nine years!