Tips for Slipcover Styling

Preparing the Slipcover and Sofa

• Take all wrinkles out of the slipcover before putting it on your sofa. Toss it in the dryer along with a damp cloth on low heat for about 10 minutes, or use a hand steamer. Also, think of what you're covering. If you're covering a cloth sofa, then you don't have a lot to do except put the slipcover on, but if you're covering a leather sofa, there are some tips to try to keep the slipcover from slipping. Purchase some nonskid strips like those you put under carpet to prevent the slipcover from moving. Put them on the leather cushions under the slipcover to hold the cover in place.

Prints and Colors

• Consider the rest of your décor. While slipcovers now come in a variety of prints and solids, consider what works best with your home. You may absolutely love a slipcover you found in a houndstooth pattern, but if you're putting it in your beach house with decor of sand, shells and aquatic color themes, it may not work well. Also, beware of big prints unless the rest of your décor is in solids. Putting a slipcover in a large print over a sofa can overwhelm most rooms. Try saving the large prints for smaller pieces of furniture or wall hangings.

Putting it On and Tucking

• It's OK to have excess fabric on the slipcover as long as you can tuck it away on your sofa. Push it down into the couch cushions. Also, enlist help. Like making a bed, it's very possible to put a slipcover on a sofa by yourself, but it can be easier to put on, tuck and see how it fits if you have an extra set of eyes to help you judge, especially if it's someone you trust.