LITTLE ROCK — When most people think of slipcovers, images come to mind of gaudy floral prints their grandmothers employed to make sure their sofas lasted “the rest of their days.”
Not so anymore. Today’s slipcovers come in patterns ranging from elegant damask to funky fresh stripes.
They are available in myriad colors including raucous reds, blues the color of the ocean, and pale sage greens - each offering a unique way to jazz upolder furniture, protect new furniture from pets or small children or simply redecorate without having to spend money on new furniture or reupholstering.
Slipcovers are often associated with sofas, love seats and armchairs, but more and more are being offered for overstuffed chairs, recliners, ottomans and wooden dining room chairs.
They can be one-piece, two-piece or three-piece these days. One-piece covers are designed to fit loosely over furniture and be tucked in at the corners, instead of having separate covers for cushions. Two-piece covers include a cover for the main part of your sofa or chair plus a cover for the seating cushions. Three-piece covers are designed for sofas and chairs with detached back cushions.
Furniture covers also come in a variety of fabrics. Stretch fabrics featuring a spandex-cotton or spandex-polyester blend are now more widely available - and more popular since they fit furniture like a glove.
More traditional slipcovers range from basic cotton and polyester to twill and denim. Covers made from more ornate fabrics like velvet are also sold, but aren’t recommended for sofas or chairs that are used daily.
Slipcovers can be custom-made - either at home or by a seamstress - or can be bought ready-made from local retail stores or online.
Regardless of the color, pattern, fabric or shape you choose, slipcovers are a simple way to add spice to your living room, dining room or den.
HomeStyle, Pages 33 on 02/19/2011