How to
Put on a Sofa Slipcover

 

How to Put on a Slipcover 

What do you think of when you hear the word “slipcover?” Years ago, putting a slipcover on a sofa was almost a workout! Fast-forward to today and you’ll find a whole new world of slipcovers that are easy on the eyes and even easier to put on your furniture. Slipcovers have improved, and at Pottery Barn we offer designs that fit better and look even more tailored than before.

 

First, Get Oriented

Our signature slipcovers aren’t just slipcovers. They’re made of upholstery fabrics and easy-care performance fabrics. We designed them to be easy to remove, put in the wash and easily put back – looking beautiful just in time for entertaining. When you’re choosing your next sofa or sectional, consider one that has a removable, washable slipcover designed to fit smoothly and snugly on its frame. In the meantime, let’s walk through the simple steps of how to put a slipcover back on any frame.

 

Even if you’re maximizing a small space with a compact sofa or apartment-size sectional, there’s still plenty of room for you to get a slipcover on and off the frame. That’s how easy it is. All you have to do first is drape the slipcover on the back and on the seat of the sofa. After unfolding the fabric, you’ll see a section indicating that a specific part of the slipcover goes on the seating area. Remember, the cushions aren’t on the couch at this point. Smooth out the seat section. Then, bring the back part of the slipcover up on one corner until you see that the fabric and corner of the frame are aligned.

 

Then, Start on the Arms

Toss the slipcover over the frame. Now the fun begins, and the fabric begins to take shape! Firmly tug and pull on the fabric to move the slipcover into position. Newer slipcover designs have added strips of industrial-strength Velcro that attaches to the sofa frame. In addition, where the arm meets the back, you’ll see a barely noticeable zipper on each side of the sofa’s slipcover. Zip one down. Fit the flaps over the arms using the Velcro. This creates a more streamlined, tailored fit on the sofa. The Velcro under rolled arms helps keep the slipcover’s shape better, too.

 

Finally, Tighten Things Up

Believe it or not, you’re almost done! Pull the excess fabric and tuck it into the sofa frame. Smooth it out as you go. It’s completely normal to see creases and wrinkles in the sofa once the slipcover goes back onto the frame. Those wrinkles flatten out. The slipcover takes on its normal, smooth appearance over time as you use it.

 

Add Cushions and Pillows

Now, add the sofa’s seat and back cushions. Simply slide these into their separate slipcovers. Fluff the cushions. Add and arrange a few pretty accent pillows. Your sofa, now brightened and freshened up, is ready to face the world.

 

Why Slipcovers?

Slipcovers are easy-off, easy-on. But why do you need them? You might prefer to buy high-quality furniture that lasts longer than the average sofa – more than about eight years or so. Maybe you have an active household of kids, pets and occasional dinner party guests. Or perhaps you just like changing the look of your furniture every so often.

 

Does that sound like you? A slipcover is versatile and helps you keep your home looking fresh. Consider a family-friendly slipcover that looks wonderful every time you put it back on the frame after a wash. You can also find matching slipcovers for accent chairs and ottomans, too. Fitted, easy-care slipcovers are made for all types of furniture pieces for a coordinated look.

 

Not all slipcovers are alike. Some top-quality slipcovers have piping around the arms. Some don’t. It depends on the styling of the slipcover for the frame you purchase. You can also find loose-fitting slipcovers for any size and type of sofa that you want to reinvent. Plus, they’re made out of the same top-quality fabrics that fitted slipcovers come in. Order a free custom fabric swatch to see if you’d like a certain fabric as a slipcover.

 

Whichever sofa, sectional or chair frame you choose, a fitted slipcover conforms neatly to the shape of your furniture. It’ll look beautiful for years to come, no matter what fabric you might pick next.