What Is a Slipcover?
Your slipcover buying guide.
Asking yourself, "what is a slipcover?" We answer that question below and share more information on how to find the right slipcover for you.
In this guide:
What Is a Slipcover?
How to Choose a Slipcover
How to Find the Right Slipcover Size
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Slipcover?
Slipcovers are removable covers that are placed on pieces of furniture – from sofas to loveseats, futons, daybeds, recliners, chairs, ottomans, and more – to keep them clean. They come in a variety of styles, colors, attachment types, and materials. While most people use them to protect furniture from stains, spills, and pet fur, they can also be used to change the color and look of your furniture.
How to Choose a Slipcover
Slipcover Design
When shopping for your slipcover, you will find there are different options when it comes to designs. You should consider the purpose of your slipcover as well as the style you are going for.
Furniture Protectors: These are the most common type of slipcovers because they protect your basic pieces of furniture – like sofas, chairs, and ottomans – from daily wear and tear, stains, or spills. If you have a home with pets and young children, furniture protectors will help you keep your furniture in good condition. Furniture protectors are usually one piece of fabric and tend to be laid on top of slipcovers and attached by hook-and-loop fasteners or ties. They can be easily removed, which makes it easier to clean in case of a spill.
Stretch-Fit Protectors: Stretch-fit covers are stretchy and fully cover your cushions and furniture. They are easy to set up, and the stretch helps keep the slipcover secure, which makes them great options for households with small children and pets.
Separate Seat Protectors: These types of sofa covers tend to come in two separate pieces and are most commonly used on sofas or loveseats. One piece is for the body of the sofa and the other piece is for the cushions. Depending on your cushion design, you could have more pieces. Separate seat protectors give your sofa a more custom and tailored look.
There are two different cushion designs for slipcovers: regular cushion or T-cushion. It is important to know which design you will need when choosing your slipcover.
Regular/Box Cushion: These slipcovers work best on rectangular or square cushions.
T-Cushion: These slipcovers work best on cushions that have a T shape. T-cushion slipcovers are commonly used on sofas or chairs.
Choosing the right material for your slipcover depends on how much your furniture will be used. Slipcovers come in a variety of materials, such as cotton, microfiber, denim, polyester, linen, and more. Here are a few of the most popular materials to consider:
Cotton: Cotton is light and machine-washable. It tends to be on the softer side and adds a casual feel to the piece. Cotton slipcovers are durable but can also become wrinkled. Keep this in mind if you remove your slipcover regularly.
Microfiber: Microfiber is a popular option because it is stain-resistant and easy to clean. Microfiber is soft to the touch but is thick enough to protect your furniture. Any spills can be easily cleaned before turning into a stain.
Polyester: Polyester is one of the most common materials for slipcovers because it is durable and easy to clean, which will keep your slipcover looking nicer for longer. The durable, synthetic material makes it a great option when deciding on a type of sofa cover because the strong fibers help it keep its shape and resist wrinkling.
Faux Leather: If you find that your leather sofa or chair is getting a lot of wear, consider a faux leather slipcover to protect it. Faux leather is durable and is a great option if you are looking for a slipcover that can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth.
Tip!
Choose a machine washable slipcover to make cleaning up stains and spills even easier.
There are four types of attachment types: elastic, hook & loop fasteners, ties, and zipper closures.
How to Find the Right Slipcover Size
Knowing the size of your furniture will help you confidently choose the right type of slipcover. For all slipcovers, you will need to measure your furniture's overall length, width, height, and depth. If you choose a slipcover that is covering individual cushions, you will also need to measure the cushion's width (from the left outer edge to the right outer edge), height (top of seat to bottom of seat), and depth (front to back).
If you are purchasing a slipcover with a dust ruffle or skirt, you will need to measure from the top of the legs to the floor.
Some slipcovers only cover arms of sofas, measure the width, length, and height of your sofa or chair's arms to find the right size for you.
If you are looking for a recliner slipcover, some slipcovers will require reclining length. Put your recliner in the fully reclined position and measure the recliner from the top edge to the bottom of the footrest.
Tip!
To identify which slipcover size to buy, look under the Weight & Dimensions tab in your furniture's product description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a slipcover?
Slipcovers protect furniture from stains, spills, and pet fur, and can change its look.
How do I measure for the right slipcover size?
Measure the furniture's overall dimensions and, if needed, the cushions and arms.
What materials are common for slipcovers?
Common materials include cotton, microfiber, polyester, and faux leather.
