Slipcovers are the unsung heroes of furniture preservation and restoration. Investing in one is an easy way to completely renovate a room without having to get all new furniture. Before you buy a slipcover, it’s important to be sure you invest in one that’s right for your needs. It isn’t merely about the color and pattern, as there are other factors that should go into selecting the right one. To help you make the right decision, we’ve created a brief guide on how to choose the perfect slipcover for your furniture.

Take Measurements

The very first thing you should do before you buy a slipcover is measure the piece you’ll cover. An ill-fitting cover will look sloppy and make a room feel unkempt. A properly fitted cover, however, looks clean and refined. Create a checklist of the things you should measure, which includes the following:

• The entire length from one arm to the other
• The width of the arm
• The cushions when placed side to side
• The height of the couch from the top of the cushion to the floor
• The height of the entire piece, top to bottom

The Fit

While the proper fitted cover is in many respects related to the measurements you take, there are other factors that go into choosing the perfect fit. There are generally different shapes to account for. For example, if the arms of your piece have sharp edges, you wouldn’t want to get a cover made for rounded arms. For the ideal fit, you may want to get a slipcover that comes with several pieces as opposed to one.

Material

This is one of the most important choices you can make, as the material you use plays a large role in determining your couch’s comfort. You want to avoid choosing one that is too heavy or that slips out of place. Cotton is a popular choice because it’s breathable and easy to wash. Polyester is resistant to wrinkles and usually keeps its shape well. Suede is often one of the more comfortable options, and it’s more resistant to stains. If you aren’t sure what slipcover is right for you, many companies will send swatches at no charge and can create a custom slipcover to suit your needs.