Reclining Chair Covers

Benefits

• While recliner covers allow you to cover up and transform ripped, worn or otherwise unattractive old chairs, they can also protect new chairs, keeping their upholstery clean and unworn. Recliner chair slipcovers are typically machine washable, so if your chair becomes soiled you can simply take the cover off and throw it in the wash. Recliner covers are easy to put on and take off, allowing you to change your room's color scheme any time you like.

Materials

• While some chair covers are made of cotton duck, which gets points for durability, a better choice may be a chair cover made of stretch fabric. Stretch slip covers are durable and machine washable but have the extra advantage of a superior fit. Thanks to Spandex, these covers stretch over your chair's contours for a snug fit that looks as though it was custom-tailored to your chair. Some stretch fabrics mimic velvet and even leather.

Types of Recliner Covers

• Because there is more than one type of recliner, there is more than one type of recliner cover. Standard recliner covers accommodate a recliner lever while wing chair recliner covers are specially designed to fit over wings and multiple foot rests. Lift recliner covers are specially designed to cover lift chairs and accommodate their electronic controls.

Sizes and Colors

• Recliner slipcovers are made by a number of manufacturers and are available in numerous fabrics, colors and sizes. While they are all adjustable in size to some degree, some are one-size-fits-all while others come in two or three basic sizes. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for measuring your chair and determining the correct slipcover size.

Where to Shop

• You may find recliner slipcovers at specialty home stores; however, your best bet for the largest selection is likely through online retailers. Some will even send you fabric swatches to help you pick the best color and fabric before making a purchase.