How to Choose the Best Armchair Slipcover?
Table of Contents
Top Best Armchair Slipcover Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need a Good Slipcover for Armchair?
Slipcovers are specially made covers that can be slipped on and off a piece of furniture. They are usually designed for protective and decorative purposes. Instead of watching your furniture take in dirt and damages that are hard to remedy, why not get a slipcover? All you need to do is slip them on and then off when they need washing.
However, choosing your armchair slipcover is a decision that can give you some headaches. We will try to help you with your choice by showing you some essential things to watch out for before buying an armchair slipcover.
Top 9 Factors to Consider Before Buying an Armchair Slipcover
1. Analyze Your Living Room and Your Armchair
First, you should know that you are the best person to know what type of cover is right for you in relation to size, style, and dimensions. So, the first step is analyzing your needs and environment of use.
Look for the predominant colors, the general style that your decoration follows. It is very helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my living room light or dark?
- What materials are predominant in my living room?
- How often are the armchairs used?
- Are the armchairs designed according to standard sizes or not?
- Do I want a machine-washable material or anyone is fine?
2. Types: Extendable or Bi-extensible Armchair Slipcover?
After understanding a little better the space in which your armchair is placed, it is time to ask yourself about the type you would like to choose:
Stretchy/Extendable Slipcover Covers
The extendable covers allow you to fully cover your armchairs efficiently. Their fabrics are horizontally stretchable. They are woven jacquard, offering great durability. The stretch covers can only be fixed on armchairs which incorporate removable cushions or which can be removed. This is because the elastic band of the cover must be placed under the seat cushions to push the fabric down. This lets the cover fit padded backrests and the armrests of the armchair, preventing it from moving once placed.
Bi-extensible Slipcover Cover
The main characteristic of the bi-stretch slipcover is its elasticity, both horizontally and vertically. These are standard-sized jacquard-woven armchair covers, which offer great durability. They are highly recommended for leather armchairs or for those with fixed seats that do not allow the system of fixing stretch covers.
We also recommend this type of cover for armchairs with very padded or raised armrests. These covers incorporate foam elements that secure the cover to the armchair and prevent it from moving.
Slipcovers for Corner Armchairs
The covers for corner armchairs consist of three individual pieces that cover the chaise longue and the central part of the seat’s backrest separately.
Extendable Covers for Corner Armchairs
They are made of stretch or bi-stretch fabric, depending on the model. You can cover your entire corner armchair with these covers. These covers may include foam elements that secure the cover to the armchair and prevent it from moving.
Slipcovers for Recliners
These are individual covers of standard size for mechanized reclining armchairs. They have a footrest independent of the seat. They exist inextensible or bi-extensible models. These covers consist of 4 pieces; one for the frame, another for the footrest and two for each armrest. If you have an armchair with the footrest joined to the seat, you will need an armchair protector for recliners.
Armchair Protector
The armchair protector is a 3-piece product that covers the armrests and the central part of the backrest separately. This item is perfect for covering the armchair as quickly as possible. It is ideal for armchairs with straight lines or irregular shapes.
3. One-piece or Two-piece Slipcovers?
The one-piece slipcovers are meant for one-seater armchairs. They are often made of polyester and spandex, especially if the furniture is extensively padded. There are armchair covers made up of two pieces. These are made for a two-piece or loveseat armchairs. You can cover the frames independently from the main. This helps you make the most of the design of your armchair.
Note that these covers are only compatible with armchairs whose seat cushions are not fixed and are not placed too much below the backrest. These covers are not compatible with armchairs with sliding seats.
4. Choosing the Size of the Armchair Slipcover
Most slipcovers within its range of pieces are designed to fit all chair sizes. However, always ensure the correct size before placing an order. If not, it’s simple enough; you may either get an oversized or undersized model.
- For a 1-seater armchair: The distance between the ends of the armchair is between 90 and 140 cm. The appropriate slipcover size is 90-140 cm.
- For 2-seater armchair: The distance between the ends of the armchair is between 140 and 185 cm. The appropriate size of the slipcover is 145-185 cm.
- For 3-seater armchair: The distance between the ends of the armchair is between 190 and 230 cm. The appropriate size of the slipcover, therefore, is 190-230 cm.
- For 4-seater armchair: The distance between the ends of the armchair is between 235 and 300 cm. The appropriate size, therefore, is 230-300 cm.
5. Choosing the Size of the Corner or L-shaped Armchair Slipcover
If you have a corner armchair, a rounded corner armchair or an armchair with chaise longue, you must order 2 armchair covers. In clear terms, you must choose a cover for each part of the armchair. It is imperative that your armchair has a separation – even a small one – to insert the covers. You have to measure the distance between the two points of the first corner armchair piece to know the size of your first cover. Then measure the distance between the two points of the second chair to know the size of your second cover.
6. Choosing the Size of a Sofa Bed Cover
Just measure the length of your convertible armchair as illustrated in the previous section above. Then refer to the indications below:
- Length between 150 cm and 190 cm: Cover size S
- Length between 180 cm and 230 cm: Cover size L
7. The Choice of Color
The slipcover color has to blend with the interior decor of your living room. Buying a slipcover may be tricky, especially if you are buying online. Some colors, as seen on our computer or mobile phone screens, may not be what they really are in reality. So, one of the most recommended things to do is ask for sample materials from your seller. You can do this before paying for the real product.
However, if you’re really confident in what you see online or physically, there is always a wide range of color options for each product. For example, on Amazon, most products can be available in as much as 30 colors for each armchair slipcover. This can range from beige, black, bluestone, brown, camel, chocolate, Christmas red, ivory, dark colors, and so on. If a slipcover isn’t available in a color suitable for your chair and its environment, move on to the next!
8. Type of Slipcover Material: Choosing the Fabric Material
As far as the material is concerned, you have a choice to make on the fabric material and elasticity level. Most slipcovers are not specifically designed for a piece of single furniture. Instead, most manufacturers design them according to the type of chair and the number of seaters it is. So, for each material to fit virtually all furniture within its size, it has to be made of stretchy materials. If you have armchairs with unusual sizes or designs, then your go-to model has to be a stretch material. For this, a combination of spandex and polyester will be great.
On the fabric material, cotton duck, cotton-polyester blend, canvas, twill blends, and denim are always the best and most popular choices. These materials are durable, resistant and easily washed. However, these always come combined. The best types of fabrics for your slipcovers are those with a combination of natural and synthetic materials.
9. Machine-washable Covers
Another important thing to watch out for in purchase stores is the machine washability of the material. Like we all know, not all fabric materials are machine-washable. However, the good thing is, if the materials are washable, it will be specified. Meanwhile, if this information isn’t available on the site, know that it may not be machine-washable.
Final Verdict
Choosing a slipcover is not as easy as purchasing your armchair set. If you’re not making or ordering a DIY or custom-made product, it’s always going to be a tricky decision-making process.
In conclusion, always go for models that are designed to fit into all types of armchairs within each category. The corner armchairs always have different designs and the number of pieces. Also, know the suitable color options and measurement range of your armchair set before proceeding.
Finally, the stretchiness and type of armchair slipcover will save you the stress of returning it due to non-compatibility. Finally, slipcovers are materials you’ll have to clean regularly. So choose a model that is easy to maintain and can go in the washing machine.
