Ways to Cover a Couch

Custom Slip Covers

• One of the more expensive options to covering your couch is a custom slip cover. According to OregonLive.com you can expect to pay as much as $1,000 (as of 2009) for a professionally made couch slip cover. The advantage of such a cover is that it is made of thick and durable material that should protect your couch for many years. It won't need to be constantly readjusted and it can be removed and washed regularly.

Homemade covers

• You can make your own couch cover out of a white drop cloth, or a large piece of canvas. Both are inexpensive and both can get the job done. Be sure to use cloth thick enough so it can protect your couch and prevent the couch from showing through the cover. You can also use an old, clean blanket.

  To install a drop cloth or canvas cover on your couch, lay it over the couch and then use a staple gun to attach it to the wooden frame under the couch. No one sees the staples, and the cover stays tight on the couch. Use only a few staples in case you have to remove the cover to clean it. Vintage Lifestyles suggests using fabric paint to add some color to the new cover. Some colorful pillows may give it some flair too.

  Get the family involved by having them make colorful designs on the drop cloth or canvas covering. Just be sure to paint the cover before you put it on the couch, and do not install it until it is dry.

Knit Covers

• Consider a knit cover as they add some charm to your home and they are very comfortable. If you knit then you can create a colorful couch cover that has some of your personality in it. A knit cover needs to be large enough to tuck under the couch, and secured tightly enough so it doesn't get wrapped around the wheels or feet of the couch. You may be able to purchase a knit blanket large enough to cover your couch.