Thank so much to everyone who checked out my guest post last week over on Amber Interiors. In case you missed it, I revealed a new slipcover for my modern sofa. I was able to completely change the look of my sofa by recovering it in a linen fabric and adding a skirt. Since it’s a slipcover, I can take it off and on to change up the look or to get it cleaned.
A few years ago, I never would have thought I’d have a slipcover. I perceived them to be frumpy, beachy and granny. Only for really ugly sofas or people with kids. But I’ve learned they can be tailored and chic and provide you with great flexibility. I thought I’d share a few tips for those considering a slipcover.
First, let’s look at my sofa again. (If you want to see Martin in his original form, please click here.)
Tip #1 Get a custom slipcover
Custom slipcovers may cost a little more, but will fit your sofa like perfection and the quality will show through. They come in pieces: a fitted section that covers the body and arms, and then separate covers with zippers for each loose seat or back cushion. A better fit means less shifting with daily use. I’ve never had to re-adjust or tuck mine.
Tip #2 A single skirt adds casual elegance
This is purely my opinion, but I love the look of a straight skirt across a sofa. I didn’t want any added seam definitions. Sometimes I’ll run a seam along the base of the sofa (where the feet begin) to help hold it in place, but for my own sofa, I wanted more of a flowing feel. I also did NOT want any pleats. Many slipcovers have a pleat at each cushion, or one in the middle, but I wanted a single piece of fabric across my base. I thought it looked cleaner, and thus kept the sofa more modern.
Tip #3 To welt or not to welt
Adding welt (cording) to the cushions, arms and back can help add definition and be a nice tailored look. I decided that since my sofa frame was so modern, I wanted to soften it up a bit, so I opted for no welt. If you take note, Old Martin, has welt, and it makes him seem a lot boxier.
Also, some might say welt cording helps keep the cover in place, but you also notice when the cording is “off track” on the arm or sofa. My edges are less defined, and for me that’s convenient and beautiful.
Tip #4 Don’t ignore the back
If you don’t specify, your slipcover fabricator may put the zipper right down the middle of the sofa back. The horror! My sofa floats in my room, so that would certainly not be OK. I have my workroom put the zipper in the back corner every time. It’s a nice clean look and it gives you flexibility. Your sofa may be against a wall now, but it doesn’t mean it always will be.
Note the single seam across the back of my sofa. The zipper is tucked into the left side pleat.
Tip #5 Choose the right fabric
Cotton and linen are the most common slipcover materials. Cotton can be thrown in the washing machine. White cotton can be bleached. It’s hard to beat that in terms of practicality. For families with young kids, I like to have two made. This lessens the wear and tear on the slipcovers and allows one to be on while another is being washed. For my own sofa, I was less concerned with practicality and more concerned with look and feel. Fact of the matter is that linen just has a classier look and feel than cotton. I spot treat any stains and find that it’s held up great so far.
These tips are just my opinion. I’ve done slipcovers several ways. For my own sofa, I felt a tight fit, seamless, skirted slipcover was a modern bohemian interpretation. If you are a regular reader to this blog you probably recognize this fits me to a T. Thanks for reading and a big hug to those of you who sent me kind words and compliments!
Happy Monday. Any one else secretly excited for Bachelor Pad to begin tonight? Tehe.
