How to Find the Perfect Slipcover Size for your Furnishings

Is your upholstered furniture worn out and needing a new life? Nothing is worse than spending money on a slipcover that doesn’t fit or washing one only to find out that it doesn’t fit anymore. So, here’s how to buy the perfect size the first time for any chair, couch, or love seat.

How to Find the Perfect Slipcover Size for your Furnishings

Easy tips for ensuring your slip covered furniture fits beautifully

Image via: Sproost

Measure the Length First

Start off by measuring your sofa from the outside of one of the arms to the outside of the other arm. It’s probably best to have a friend help you with this and use a tape measure so that you can get an accurate read on the length. Rigid tape measures wont’ work quite as well.

Always measure twice and write down the measurements. Then, have your friend measure twice. If there are any discrepancies, start over. This might seem like a daunting process, but you will reduce errors this way and save money later.

Measure the Outside Edge

Now measure the outside edge and width. Start at the front outside edge of the chair or sofa. Now, continue into the back corner and then continue around the back side of the furniture. Keep measuring until you get to the front outer edge of the opposite side.

Again, do this twice and have your friend do the same and write down all measurements. They should be the same, or within 1/8” of each other. Don’t overestimate the width because slipcovers tend to bunch in the middle when they are too wide.

Measure the cushion height and outside edge for a proper fit

Image via: HGTV

Measure the Cushion Height

Measure the cushion height and width in the front of the chair or sofa. This is the area that’s directly below the sofa arms. Measure at the widest point when you measure the length of the sofa or chair.

Measure The Full Height

Measure the height from the floor to the top of the cushion to figure out the lower end height of the slipcover you need. If you have a chair or couch that’s uneven in height, measure at the tallest part of the couch so that you don’t run short. Some slipcovers do stretch, but some don’t so it’s best to be conservative in your measurements when it comes to height.

Washing Your New Slipcover

Most slipcovers from bedbathandbeyond.com can be washed pretty easily, but you still need to pay attention to the instructions and follow them to a “T”.

If your slipcover is 100 percent cotton, this is something you need to watch out for. If it’s pre-shrunk, then you’re probably OK to go ahead and wash and dry it. If it doesn’t say it’s pre-shrunk, assume it’s not. The only way to know in some cases is to ask when you purchase it, or ask the manufacturer.

But, even preshrunk items can shrink a bit more, though it shouldn’t affect sizing unless you already purchased a cover that barely fits. If it’s a little loose now, expect it to be a snug fit after you wash it.

If you’re worried about shrinkage, let the cover air-dry. It’s the moisture and rapid drying that shrinks the cotton fibers.

Eleanor Emmons is a home decorating consultant. She enjoys sharing her insights on interior decorating. Look for her articles mostly on DIY and home improvement websites.

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