skip to main content

Home Decorating

Choice of Slipcover Fabric for Toddlers

onelady1dog2girls

13 years ago

Hello everyone. We have a couch and loveseat that has taken a toll from two toddlers. I'd like to cover in a custom slipcover, but am wondering what type of fabric would be easiest when it comes to removing the inevitable stain? I am assuming darker is better? I would like to keep the fabric suitable for a transitional, clean line traditional style that we have going on in the home. This particular room has warm gray/brown tones and some light sage green (as well as braz cherry flooring). The current couch color is kind of linen, sage and brown. The linen definitely takes a beating, so I don't think I can get away with light. Any experiences to share or suggestions for cool fabrics would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

avesmor
13 years ago
A rich dark brown sounds like it would go well. Then you can bring back in the linen and sage with throw pillows and/or a blanket.

Dark brown is (IMO) one of the more forgiving colors out there. Before we had kids, but hoping we would soon, I bought dark brown microfiber leather-look couches mostly for the kid factor. :)
Nancy Adamopoulos
13 years ago
I second microsuede/microfiber. You can also look for fabrics by Crypton(supposedly stain and wear resistant and easy to clean) It is expensive and runs aroung $30/yd. We will be upholstering our future dining chairs in it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crypton
Related Discussions
White Slipcovered Sofa with toddler? Am I crazy?
Q
Comments (8)
The choice of style is yours, but patterns of different colors hide stains and soil much more than solid colors, especially white. I also encourage you to stay away from 100% cotton. It stains easily and cleans with difficulty. Some stains will just NOT come out. Dark colors in 100% cotton fade readily in sun and wear, and bleed dye. In dark colors, the (relatively) short fiber length causes cotton to fibrillate, giving a frosted appearance with wear. If you want to go with a denim/duck, get one with a good percentage of polyester. (I professionally clean upholstery, specializing in spot stains, usually food and body fluids). Would I buy a white slip cover? No. Also avoid chenille, particularly rayon. It will not tolerate any contact with water without irreversibly damaging the look of the fabric.
...See More
White slipcover-Need help finding fabric to cover dark upholstery
Q
Comments (1)
Where are you getting it slipcovered? When I got a quote on getting my chairs slipcovered I had the same problem but the upholsterer had many different weights and types of fabrics available to order. Does your upholsterer not have access or are you using a private person? The problem with using something underneath is that with a white cover you will likely be washing it fairly often and it will be a pain to arrange an underlayer each time. Maybe you could staple the underlayer on?
...See More
Slipcover fabric question.....
Q
Comments (6)
Depending upon your fabric style in the room where the chair is, I'd get some samples you like and wash/dry them to see how they handle such. I love taylored slip covers and have 3 changes for couch and two chairs. They are great to work with the seasons. Usually if the fabric has some man made content it won't wrinkle as much, look for fabric content. Although I have a heavy pure cotton denim in white that has been washed for 6 years, even bleached and still looks like new. I'd rather have a heavier fabric for a slipcover than lighter. They last longer and tend to not wrinkle as much. Most of the premade covers (one size fits all) are far too light of a fabric. The matelesse suggested would work well if a true upholstery fabric. Not sure of the sunbrella fabric. When washing taylored slipcovers, they are easier to put back on while slightly damp. You can form them and not have to iron.
...See More
slipcover/drapery weight fabric for duvet cover?
Q
Comments (14)
Thank you for your thoughts and comments, annie1971.. I suppose I'm trying to work something out where I might accomplish the most I can. I love my down duvet, but keep it aside with a light cotton cover on it that I made, and it seems to work fine for our needs. I also have a comforter I can cover (believe duvet covers are used to cover them as well.) I am here trying to find a way to add the colors/design of the fabric I found, to my bed, and show it, the furniture, room, etc, off - let it sort of function as a whole on another level(an enjoyable and relaxing room to be in). The colors in this fabric will bring the whole thing together... especially if I can find a way to being it together with 'function' - also important, as you indicate. I'm also trying to be practical, as regards how much upkeep any addition would need to keep it clean and look its best, with our lifestyle. Not so simple, so I appreciate all participants' input.
...See More
emagineer
13 years ago
Corduroy is another good choice in wide wale. Easily washed and wears well.
nanny2a
13 years ago
Another good choice would be a brown cotton canvas duck fabric. It wears well, is washable, and holds it's shape.
izzie
13 years ago
I made one out of light/med colored denim. I think if may be able to find that, or some kind of heavier cloth, like a canvas. If it's too thin it will wear too quickly, done that.

Related Stories

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Toddler-Friendly Furniture

By Jen L'Italien

With a small scale, soft edges and easy-to-clean fabrics, these furnishings are smart choices for anyone with a wee one

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

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

ECLECTIC HOMES My Houzz: Stylish City Living, Toddler Included

By Margot Hartford Photography

Natural fabrics and nontoxic furniture make for a home that’s as beautiful as it is family friendly

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

DECORATING GUIDES Pin Down a Fabric for Your Couch

By Rooms and Words

Material, color and pattern choices for couch fabric can be dizzying. These upholstery ideas can help you choose wisely

UPHOLSTERY Fabric Focus: 6 Ways to Bring Ticking Stripe Fabric Home

By Karen Egly-Thompson

From window treatments to upholstery and more, here are ways you can decorate with this decorative workhorse of a fabric

LIVING ROOMS Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Living Rooms of 2012

By Vanessa Brunner

Every design style gets a shout-out in the most saved living room photos of the past year — see if any elements speak to your own tastes

KITCHEN DESIGN A Single-Wall Kitchen May Be the Single Best Choice

Are your kitchen walls just getting in the way? See how these one-wall kitchens boost efficiency, share light and look amazing

Sponsored

Fresh Pointe Studio

4 Reviews

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators | Delaware County, OH

More Discussions

Powder room by the kitchen

253

Feedback on spraying grasscloth with water repellant.

8

Lever style handle for cabinet?

5

I'm trying to figure out how to put this idea into action.

5

Need help decorating

0