Sofa Styles for Slip Covers

Scroll Arm Sofas

• A traditional-style sofa with a scroll arm can be easily slipcovered. If "fits like a glove" is your style, then a custom-made slipcover is required. A slipcover for sofas with loose back and seat cushions will have one piece sewn for the frame and each cushion fitted separately. The sofa can have a skirted bottom or show the legs. This is unlike a ready-made slipcover that generally uses one large piece of fabric that lays over the back and seat cushions as well as the frame of the sofa, using elastic and ties to hold it on.

Box-Style Sofas

• Custom slipcovers on box-style sofas look like fitted upholstery. The slipcover has a tight seat and back and the it can project a sleek look. Alternatively, contrasting piping can be used on the seams to emphasize the boxy lines. Slipcovers do not work well on furniture that is upholstered in leather, plastic or velvet.

Studio Couches

• This simple, modern style needs a streamlined design, so soft edge (no piping) slipcovers will keep that contemporary look. However, as in the case of the box-style sofa, contrasting piping can play up the boxy lines for an interesting look. There should be no skirts on this style sofa as it sits on a platform. The same goes for modular seating.

Sectional Sofas

• No different than a regular size sofa as far as slipcovers are concerned, sectional sofas have the same arm styles as other sofas--wedge, scroll and straight. Custom slipcovers cover each section independently of the other sections. If the frame of your sofa is in good condition but the cushions have lost their firmness, new foam or additional batting can plump them. Many upholstered sofa cushions zip off and on allowing the additional stuffing to be added.

Considerations

• Custom slipcovers are a wonderful way to update good-quality furniture that still has years of life left, but it is not an inexpensive proposition. It is comparable to having your sofa reupholstered, unless you sew them yourself. However, if the slipcover idea appeals for its other advantages, such as easy cleaning and quick change, then it may be just what you want.

  Not all upholstery fabrics are suitable for slipcovers. Choose fabrics that have a tight weave but are not too stiff. Upholstery fabrics with a glue-type backing are not suitable.