Custom Slipcovers- Calico Florida

Reupholster with
custom slipcovers

Custom slipcovers can change the look of a room instantly and extend the life of your upholstery. Beyond the advantages of easily expressing a different style or color palette (and changing it back again if and whenever you want), slipcovers are a beautifully relaxed option for vacation houses and rental homes, or just for making visits from the grandkids completely worry-free.

One thing you may be asking yourself, is “How much fabric do I need?” Custom slipcovers are often less expensive than reupholstery. Calico design shops can provide better estimates when they know more about your furniture and fabric. The following are “ballpark” estimates and do not factor in the additional fabric needed for pattern repeats:

SOFA, 60″ to 90″ with a tight back and 2 cushions: 17 yards
SOFA, 60″ to 90″ with a tight back and 3 cushions: 18 yards
Add 1½ yards for each additional loose cushion on seat or back
Add 1½ yards for sofas that are 90″ to 108″ long
LOVESEAT, up to 60″ with tight back and 2 cushions: 16 yards
ARM CHAIR, club or wingback chair with 1 cushion: 9-10 yards

These estimates assume that the slipcover will be made with self-welting and a skirt.
Separate estimates can be provided for contrast welting.

custom Slipcover tips

1. Slipcover fabrics should not be too heavy.

There will be many different layers of fabric where seams join.

2. Textured fabrics add visual interest and resist wrinkling.

Consider prints, twills, denims, cotton duck and sailcloth. Linen and linen blends are guaranteed to wrinkle, which may be undesirable.

3. Slipcover fabrics should be tightly woven.

Tightly woven, colorful fabrics will not reveal the upholstery underneath.

4. Slipcovers are usually made with self or contrast welting.

A contrast welt draws attention to the lines of your furniture. If using a contrast welt, choosing a similar weave and weight as the slipcover fabric. If your furniture has matching side pillows consider using a contrast welt or fringe on just the pillows. This will provide visual interest, even if using self-welting on the body of the slipcover.

5. Slipcover fabrics should not have a latex backing.

Latex backing causes the fabric to buckle and wrinkle instead of sliding over the fabric beneath it.

6. Slipcovers are best for fully-upholstered furniture.

An exposed wood frame will be felt beneath the slipcover, unless it is designed to tie-on like a pinafore, instead of covering the frame like a dress.

7. Slipcovers will change the look, but not the sit or comfort of the furniture.

Slipcovers will not fix sagging cushions or broken springs. Add new foam or Dacron wrap to renew your cushions.

8. Slipcovers can be short and flirty.

You’ll save on fabric if your sofa or chair is suited to a slipcover without a skirt, or if a dining chair can be made with a short skirt. Wing chairs with legs can also be slipcovered without a skirt, or have a short pleated or gathered skirt added.

9. Slipcovers can fit like a glove or be relaxed for a casual look.

Be sure to specify the look you want. Your slipcover will be cut and fit in your home so you wont be without the use of your furniture.

10. Slipcovers should be dry-cleaned to prolong their life and appearance.

This will preserve the hand of the fabric and reduce the risk of shrinkage. Most slipcover fabrics are not suitable for washing., which could cause shrinkage, stress on the seams, and shorten the life of the slipcover.