How do you choose the slipcover fabrics when it is time for you to upgrade your furniture or reupholster the couches? This ultimate guide to slipcover fabrics explains how, when, what and which type of fabric you should choose for what type of furniture.
Fabric’s composition, texture, fibre and type of fabrics are some must known areas when it comes to the selection of slipcover fabric. Choose a fabric that covers the need of occasion, season, wear and tear and transformation well. After all, this selection covers the looks, comfortability and functionality of the sofa afterwards.
Complete Reupholstery Of Couches
When it comes to transform your living room with new aesthetics and looks, without spending a lot of money and with the furniture resources you already have, reupholstery is a good option. You can cover the sofa with a totally new fabric, design and pattern to create a new look. But the selection of the right fabric for this process is crucial. You can slipcover your sofa with this new fabric to create a completely new upholstered look.
It must contain the right texture, needed fabric pattern and type and show a curated look when completed. To understand the science behind this formula we must inspect the rights and wrongs when choosing the slipcover fabrics. Cover your sofa, couches, chairs and love seats with elegant and attracting fabrics to highlight the vibes.
The Right Slipcover Fabric
Washing Routine
The type of fabric that is always good for slipcovers are the ones that are easily manageable, and washable. Some fabrics are easy to throw in the washing machine and offer a worry less clean, however you do it, it is always right. But some fabrics like velvet, leather need some pre washing treatment to avoid the damage.
Durable Fabric Is Best
When choosing the right slipcover fabric, keeping a check on durability is the right choice. Durable fabrics are the best ones while considering the wear and tear, pet and kids resistible and dust resistance. Durability covers the wear marks over the time. Some households need to place a slipcover fabric that covers and protects their couch from water and spots, they should incorporate waterproof textures in slipcovers.
Consider The Right Fabric Type
When it comes to explore the ultimate guide of slipcover fabrics, we should know that every piece of furniture does not go with each and every type of fabric. Each type of couch and it’s purpose of serving choose the accurate type. For example, for an occasional L shape couch you must choose some elegant, soft and shiny fabric like silk or leather. These serve the plush, premium and luxurious purpose.
Texture Guide For Slipcover Fabrics
Smooth And Sleek Textures
Texture selection depends on the purpose of the piece of furniture that it must serve. Choose delicate and premium textures for festive slipcovers like leather, silk and velvet. Cotton, linen and polyester are good for daily usage, as they also protect the couch from pet pee, hair, and daily wear and tear. Satin which is not so common texture for slipcovers is also sometimes used in slipcover making , it can be customized on demand.
Rough Textures
Rough and hard textures like canvas and Denim are good for outdoor furniture slipcovers. As these textures are prone to dust, dirt, heat, sunlight and UV rays, and ultimately protect your roof, garden and porch furniture from seasonal damage. Also, these textures are meant to provide care for the furniture pieces that are in rough usage areas like waiting areas and swimming pools.
Unique Textures
Herringbone, tweed, have a unique woven type texture. But obviously these are not made from wool, but these textures serve the purpose of plush and warm looks. Often in cold areas these fabrics are used to make slipcovers that can provide warmth and heated sittings.
Textured Weave
It is specific synthetic design that shows texture, it is mostly used in premium couch slipcover fabrics. This texture can be synthesized or can be incorporated with other fabrics to create a new texture. Microfiber texture is the perfect example for this one.
Tips To Consider While Shopping For Slipcovers
A Quick Scan
Whenever you go on stores for sofa cover fabrics or buy from online stores, check these pointers really quick to match your needs. First of all, check for the fabric, fiber and its sustainability. If you are a fan of nature, do check for the blended fibers or synthesized fibres. Compare the prices between online stores and go to stores. Check for the required texture and for measurements.
Must Checks For The Final Product
Compare the durability of the fabric, and provide exact measurements for the piece of furniture you want the slipcover for. If you are going to make the sofa cover by yourself at home, and are just buying fabric sheets then must check the durability, washing routine, strength of fibre and color fastness. Make sure the option for money return policy or exchange of product is available.
Customization vs. Universal Fit
Customization is always a best option rather than going for universal fit purchases. You can provide the exact measurements of your couch and get the perfect fit, seamless ends and tailored look for you sofa. While universal fits on the other hand, can cause some loose corner fittings and unmatched fits. Some vendors offer you the customized, tailored and ready to fit slipcover while you can choose the fabric sheets and texture all by yourself.
What Fabrics Are Best For Sofa Covers?
Twill
Cotton, heavyweight cotton like canvas or twill is highly durable fabric. It has natural fiber, easily washable, some of them are machine washable too. It can shrink under high heat and sun, but is highly durable. It’s color can fade under high sun heat, you can use this fabric for classic sofa covers and everyday use.
Denim
Prewashed denim is highly durable fabric. It is though not natural fabric, it has synthesized blend in it. It is also easily machine washable, and normally does not shrink in natural substances. Denim fabric is mostly used in homes that has kids, pets with them, because sofa covers made from this fabric will be somewhat water resistant and wear and tear resistant.
Synthesized Fabrics
Synthesized fabrics blends like polyester, linen are likely less durable than natural ones. So many of them are not machine washable. Their colorfastness test is almost zero it means they will fade very soon. you can use this fabric to make tailored sofa covers like elegant uses.
Canvas
They are also known as heavy weight cotton, hard fabric, and somewhat textured too. They are highly durable and can be used for long time. Easily machine washable and can hold many laundry sessions. These fabrics are frequently used in high traffic areas like waiting areas, and other gatherings.
Performance Fabrics
Sunbrella and crypton are known as performance fabrics, because of their durability and their colorfastness being high. They are not so easy to machine wash, but their cleaning and maintenance routine can be managed easily. You can use this fabric to cover your outdoor furniture, garden and portico seatings.
Conclusion
This specific ultimate guide to slipcover fabrics unfolds many aspects of fabric selection and slipcover making for sofa and couches. Choose the fabric texture according to your specific requirement. Soft, sleek, natural, synthesized, hard, performance textures are common textures to make sofa and couches shine. Choose fabric texture according to type of furniture and cleaning needs of the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural fibres are best for daily use sofa covers. You can easily wash them in machines and they are highly durable. But you can choose from synthetic ones too according to your requirement.
Leather is the most premium fabric for sofa covers. A classy, luxury and plush look can be availed from leather an d silk.
Yes, slipcovers do protect against pet hair, pee, wear and tear and spills. You can cover your furniture with sofa covers or slipcovers to protect them.
