Decorating Ideas for Armchair Slipcovers

Cover the Arms

• When using an armchair slipcover, you must add more padding to the armrests. The padding is especially important if the arms are made from carved or decorative wood. With wood arms, add a piece of polyester fill, like the fill designed for quilts. Wrap the polyester fill around each arm, and tie with a piece of ribbon or string. Use foam padding to cover leather pads on the arms as the fabric from the slipcover will slip and slide on the leather. Adding more padding gives the armchair a cleaner look once the slipcover is added.

Pick the Color

• Armchair slipcovers come in almost every color of the rainbow and a variety of patterns. For a cleaner look in the room, opt for a plain slipcover that uses just one color. Add decorative throw pillows in a patterned print. When you're ready to change the look of the room, leave the slipcover on, and just change the pillows. If you do want to use a pattern, opt for one with a small print over a neutral colored background. The neutral colors complement other colors in the room without overwhelming the room.

Add Accessories

• Even a small accessory added to the chair gives it an upscale look and makes it look less like a mass-produced cover. Tie the cover to the front of the armchair with ribbon in a complementary color or a contrasting shade. For a different look, add vintage earrings or beaded jewels to the front of the chair. You will also find slipcovers with brass buttons that hold the cover to the chair. The buttons give the cover an almost old-fashioned look.

Fabric Choices

• The sky is the limit for armchair slipcovers when it comes to the fabric choices. For a funky look, opt for a cover made from stretchy denim. Corduroy and velvet have a soft texture and a rich look, ideal for an office or bedroom. Lighter weight fabrics like cotton and chenille are best suited for chairs that are rarely used as the fabric breaks down over time.