Slipcovers: Questions and Answers
Question: What is a slipcover?
Answer: A slipcover is a plastic, or, more desirably these days, a fabric sheath that is placed on furniture for a variety of different reasons.
Question: Are the covers made to protect furniture?
Answer: Although they can do that, it is no longer their primary purpose. Now, they are used more to cover worn or stained furniture. Or, they are used to add interest by changing the colors and fabrics of your furniture often.
Question: Will specially shaped chairs fit in these covers? For instance, will my wing chairs fit in slipcovers?
Answer: Not every manufacturer makes this type of slipcover. Some make generic formless bags that will fit any furniture, but fit it poorly. Other companies offer special wing chair covers, sofa bed covers, and recliner covers, to name a few.
Question: Do slipcover fabrics have give in them, or do they stretch?
Answer: Yes, these covers can be bought in designs that will stretch to fit most any size or style of furniture. The fact that they stretch also makes them more comfortable to sit on. Beware, though! Not all of those on the market are made of stretch fabric.
Question: How do you clean these them?
Answer: Some manufacturers are taking the lead in the industry by making covers that are 100% washable. While these and other makers still produce covers that need to be spot cleaned instead, the trend is toward easy care.
Question: I want to order online or from a catalog, but I can’t tell what the color really looks like. How can I be sure?
Answer: You can ask for swatches. In many cases, you will get them. If you don’t, you are taking a chance that the color is what you want. Then, if you don’t like it, you have the trouble of sending the slipcover back.
Question: How does the cost of a ready made cover compare to custom covers or reupholstering?
Answer: A custom cover will run you about $50 for the consultation and then around $800 for a custom couch slipcover. Reupholstering for the same couch could cost as much as $2000. However, you can get a couch cover with 2 T-cushions and 1 box cushion for less than $300 if you go to the right companies.
