Slip Cover Solutions

Hi Christine -
I came across your blog while searching for some decorating ideas early this morning and I have spent aaallllll day (literally- the entire day) reading your blog and soaking up your ideas and suggestions!! We'll be moving soon and I was looking for some ideas. I have realized I desperately need a new couch in order to make any design work well, but it isn't in the budget right away. The love seat we have is a hand-me-down, comfy & greatly appreciated, but it isn't the right colors and such, so I was wondering what your thought are about slip covers. To make it more complicated - I think - the love seat is a dual recliner. Do they even make slip covers for recliner love seats? I keep picturing the awful slipcovers from years ago that don't fit and "slip" off the furniture the instant you sit down. Any suggestions would be great. Brands to look for? Brands to stay away from?
Thanks in advance.--
Beth

Dear Beth,

Upfront- I want to say that I am bit of a snob. It actually helps me with my work.....

Anyway- I have yet to see pre-made slip covers that I like. They are sloppy and have too many gathers- and rarely really fit well. The two examples above are some that I found. The recliner slip cover fits in the picture- but do you really think it would fit your recliner like that? I doubt it.

I do, however, love a nice slip cover look- but they are custom looks- like the rest of the photos in the post. If you are a good seamstress- you might be able to make them yourself...

If you cannot sew (and your mom can't sew)- And new furniture is not in the budget- I would sooner look at yard sales and on Craig's list and consignment stores for inexpensive replacements before I purchased pre-made slip covers. If you happen to have just the right size and shape- the pre-made look might work for you. For all of you who have pre-made slip covers in your home, don't go get all offended. Especially if you are my friends... :)

XOXO

Christine

Photos from Country Living