skip to main content

Home Decorating

Slipcovered sofas

16 years ago

I need to buy a new sofa. This time around I want a sofa I can sink into. The mushy, cottage style that goes so well with French/English Country. I really like sofas that come with a slip cover. Peaking underneath a couple I've looked at in stores I see white muslim so I take it they're designed to always have a slip cover on.

What's your experience with slipcovers that come with a sofa? Do they hold up well to laundering? How many washes before they start to fade or fall apart? Are they easy to remove and put back on again?

Is there anything I should know about or look for when shopping for this type of sofa? If you have pictures to post I'd love to see them...and to see how you decorated around your comfy sofa. :o)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

karenforroses
16 years ago
I ordered a Rowe sofa, chairs and ottomans several years ago and really love them! The slipcovers are a very good quality and have velcro strips that hold them in place nicely. The cushions are soft and comfortable. The fabric I selected needs to be dry cleaned, but I've only had to do that once. The fabric protector treatment does a good job. I love the soft cottage look the slip-covered furniture gives the room and have been very pleased with them. Unfortunately, I think Rowe has gone out of business - I'm not sure. I should get a new picture of the living room - my husband built beautiful white cabinets and bookshelves for either side of the fireplace and we got rid of the old dark entertainment center.
Sueb20
16 years ago
We have a loveseat from Lee's Coveralls collection. It is VERY comfortable. I've washed the cover a few times because our dogs sleep on the sofa (I'm in the process of changing that!). The fabric I initially got w/ the loveseat is a light colored cotton, which was somewhat difficult to get completely clean in the wash, although the fabric itself has held up very well to machine washing. I recently ordered a new cover (you can get the Lee replacement covers from any store that sells the furniture) in a darker, sturdier fabric.
Related Discussions
Slipcovered sofas? (for beach house)
Q
Comments (15)
Almost all of my furniture is slipcovered, and I must say that the pieces of furniture that I have that are not, are the ones that give me fits. Also, my slipcovers are all quite light, and although we will be getting new furniture in the next year or so, I plan to get mostly white slipcovered furniture then, too. I have 3 little kids (soon to be 4), and they have really held up well. I think the secret is getting tough fabric that is washable. Most of my slipcovers are cotton canvas or duck, and they have held up to a lot of abuse. My kids have even colored all over the sofa a few times, and they still look really good. I don't find it to be a very big deal to take off the slipcovers. It reminds me of changing a big bed that is against the wall-- it is awkward and a bit of a struggle, but not something that would keep me from getting them. All of my furniture is from Cisco Brothers, and I have been really happy with them. My friends who have slipcovered furniture from Quatrine are happy with it, too.
...See More
Help on comfy slipcovered sofa
Q
Comments (14)
Judy G, above you mention a bench seat is more comfortable but I wonder about it getting saggy looking and are there any other downsides? I only have had 3 cushion sofas. Also how do you think the Capris brand rates on expense side? I went to their website and they don't list retailers so asked for some with my FL zip code. One more question for a design pro- what do you think of slip covered couches? To me they look a little sloppy but I do like that it can be washed.
...See More
Please Recommend Furniture Company for Slipcovered Sofa w/Chaise
Q
Comments (2)
IMO the chaise part makes seating impossible when entertaining . I would do a sofa and a matching ottoman same look but the ability for seating on the whole sofa. I have clients with Ikea sofas that are now 10 yrs old and they ordered 2 colors of slip covers when they bought to have choices . Ikea has all kinds of grades of furniture so don’t be so fast to ignore them I like sofas with removeable cushions where the foam can be replaced I also like the foam with a down pillow wrap . As for good quality I am really not familiar with American made upholstered furniture since I buy Italian made or German made furniture 99% of the time for the simple fact that their furniture is just better made IMO. The sofas with no srprings but webbing IMO just keep the seating the same longer than any spring.
...See More
Emory Slipcover Sofa from Arhaus
Q
Comments (0)
I’m considering purchasing the Emory slipcover sofa from Arhaus. I’m concerned about the sometimes unkept wrinkled look of a slip cover, but I have young kids and a dog so I need something that’s washable and stain resistant. Has anyone ordered this and has a fabric they recommend? I was originally thinking of RH Cloud sofa but it’s too expensive and I’m concerned about it looking too messy as well. But I love the soft feel of the down feathers.
...See More
flyingflower
Original Author
16 years ago
That's exactly what I'm talking about! Karen, your sofa is wonderful. I just hope what makes the cushions comfortable holds up over time and they don't flatten out. But I've had it with stiff sofas so I'm going to take my chances with a softer one.

Sue, when I was in a store yesterd, snuggling myself into their slipcovered sofa, I looked at the tag for the price and saw the name "Lee Coveralls". I'm not familiar with the name nor do I recall it being mentioned before on this forum but I'm glad to see that you have one of their sofas and can attest to the quality. That's great the company allows you to order more slip covers from them down the road...another good reason to buy a brand that will be there in the future.

I'm going to research both these names and see what else I can find. Unfortunately the sofa I sat in at the store had an angled back that I didn't like so I can't buy that particular one, but I definitely want to see what else Lee makes.
organic_smallhome
16 years ago
LOVE your room, Karen.

flyingflower: Rowe's is still in business--in fact, we just bought a Rowe slipcovered sofa last spring. If the "Lee Coveralls" is a sofa from Lee Industries, then it is definitely good quality.

Related Stories

UPHOLSTERY Slipcover Magic: Casual, Washable and Fresh for the Season

By Laura Gaskill

Reinvent your sofas, chairs and ottomans with surprisingly chic and versatile slipcovers

WHITE White Slipcovers for Pure Practicality

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

With a washing machine and bleach on your side, white slipcovers for couches and chairs keep your furniture looking pristine

Your Guide to Stylish Slipcovers

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Get the Look You Want With Custom, Semi-Custom and Readymade Slipcovers

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Freshen Your Furniture With Slipcovers

By classic•casual•home

Make a clean break with fussy, unwashable fabrics. These slipcovered furniture pieces let you keep things spotless with little effort

FURNITURE Slipcovers: Problem Solvers With Style

9 Great Ways to Change Up Your Look With the Ever-Practical Slipcover

FURNITURE Guest Picks: 20 Sofas for Every Budget and Space

By Vanessa Francis

From tufted to slipcovered, get cozy with these diverse seating options

DECORATING GUIDES Why Your Next Sofa Should Be a Roll-Arm

By Toronto Interior Design Group

They work great with any style and take bold color, pattern and even slipcovers exceptionally well

FURNITURE Know Your Sofa Options: Arms, Cushions, Backs and Bases

By Mike Dietrich

Get your sock arm straight from your track arm — along with everything else — to choose the sofa that’s right for you

FURNITURE How to Buy a Quality Sofa That Will Last

Learn about foam versus feathers, seat depth, springs, fabric and more for a couch that will work for years to come

FURNITURE Why It's OK to Hate Your New Custom Sofa

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

It takes time to get used to bold new furniture, but dry your tears — the shock can be good for you. Here's what to expect

Sponsored

Wannemacher Interiors

26 Reviews

Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Columbus, OH

More Discussions

Pillows selection for a chartreuse sofa.

136

Interior bedroom door ideas?

16

Where do I place my bath vanity sconces

3

Tile suggestions for small wet bar

14

Free Standing Gas Range

2