Slipcovers are protective cloth covers that are made out of fabric and serve many purposes. One of the main reasons to purchase slipcovers for sofas is to maintain the original upholstery for longer. Slipcovers for couches are usually fitted by the length, height and width of the sofa and are easily installed and removed for cleaning, storage or changing.
In some cases, and much more often in recent years, slipcovers for sofas can be used to change the entire color scheme of a room without the exorbitant expense of reupholstering the furniture. In a matter of minutes, a colonial classic room can become an art deco masterpiece, just by changing the slipcovers on the furniture.
When some people think of slipcovers for couches, they recall the clear plastic zip on covers their grandma used to keep dust out of the upholstery. Today’s slipcovers are made of hundreds of different styles of cloth, with a rainbow of colors and accents intended to compliment any room design. Slipcovers can even be found in popular upholstery choices such as suede, brocade and damask.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Slipcovers
The advantages of slipcovers are endless; they save furniture from stains (especially sweat stains in the summertime), they can be purchased in any number of colors to match new or existing decor and they can easily be removed, machine washed and dried to keep them fresh.
The disadvantages of slipcovers for sofas are usually directly related to the cost of the slipcovers. The less expensive the cover, the more difficult it is to fit it to the exact size of the sofa. Slipcovers that can be purchased for a few dollars resemble inexpensive bed linens and must be tucked into the cushions whenever anyone stands up from the couch. Spending a few more dollars, in this case, can often make the difference between a stunning furniture ensemble and a secondhand grouping of poorly upholstered furniture.
There are several locations online which carry slipcovers, including popular sites like Overstock.com and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Prices for slipcovers generally range anywhere from $20 to upwards of $150, depending on the fabric and the fit of the slipcovers.
