Slipcovered Furniture: Family-Friendly or Not?

I see it all the time. Furniture retailers and designers (famous ones, too!) alike lauding the merits of slipcovered furniture as a great solution for busy households with kids and pets.

Genevieve Gorder's NY Apartment - via Huffington Post

 

source

You know what I’m talking about – best typified by the many slipcovered sofas and chairs at Pottery Barn. Is a slipcover removable? Yes, of course. Is it washable? Indeed. Is it a great look for a casual and/or coastal home? Sure. But is it family-friendly? I say, NO.

Here are come common myths about slipcovered furniture I’d like to address…

 

Slipcovers are low maintenance.

Do you love doing laundry enough to add to your chore list a weekly removal, machine wash, dry, (maybe) iron and reapplication of slipcovers to your furniture? Probably requiring multiple loads? During which time you and your family have to stay off your furniture? If so, slipcovers may be for you. Seriously, I don’t know why they are billed as a low-maintenance solution. The typical cotton twill fabric of a slipcover at retail is a magnet for dirt and other stains, requiring frequent cleaning to keep looking good. For me, and for most moms I know, additional housework to maintain furniture does not rank high on my wish-list. Those who are mindful of their impact on the environment will also want to consider all the additional water required for this laundry.

 

Whites Line Drying

source

 

A white slipcovered sofa is great because it can be bleached.

While you can certainly bleach the heck out of a white cotton slipcover, remember that frequent bleaching of 100% cotton fabrics may turn your pristine white-as-snow slipcover into a yucky yellow. Here, too, the environmental impact of the manufacture and run-off of bleach is a major factor for many eco-conscious families.

 

Slipcovered Sofa - Brand New

source

My chair will look like new after I wash the slipcover and put it back on.

Have you ever been to someone’s house and seen their slipcovered furniture after they’ve owned it for awhile? I can assure you, it looks like anything but “new.” In addition to the cleaning maintenance and chemicals, over time slipcovers also take on a very worn, rumpled, and yes, even sometimes shrunken appearance. This may be completely fine for some people who want that super shabby chic look, but if you don’t…buyer beware!

PB Basic Slipcovered Sofa - via The Inspired Room

source

 

A slipcover is very durable.

Think about that old, favorite t-shirt you wear all the time. It’s been around the block more than a few times, and seen its fair share of machine washing cycles. Maybe the silk-screened printing is fading, or perhaps there are a few holes emerging around the seams. It’s even becoming a bit threadbare, isn’t it? Well, the same is true for a frequently washed cotton slipcover. You could also say the same for many upholstery fabrics (that they wear out quickly) – but my point is, if durability is a concern (which it absolutely should be in a family setting where furniture is used often), there are so many better upholstery options available, both through designers and at retail. The “before” picture below shows an slipcovered ottoman after only 6 years of use! Upholstered pieces can and should last MUCH longer than that without looking so worn out.

Worn-out Slipcovered Ottoman

source

 

People love slipcovers!

I have worked with several clients who had slipcovered pieces in their homes. In each and every case, they have lamented to me how much they regretted those purchases. For all of the reasons I mentioned above. I think people like the idea of furnishings they can maintain themselves, without having to have things professionally cleaned, or worrying about stains getting into “permanent” upholstery. The problem is, I don’t think slipcovers live up to their various promises, and they therefore often disappoint and frustrate their owners. If you’re considering purchasing slipcovered furniture, make sure you talk to people you know (and trust) who have actually owned and lived with these pieces, not just a furniture store sales associate who never sees them again once they leave the showroom floor. And really think about whether or not they work for your design aesthetic, and your lifestyle.

 

Of course, these are my opinions based on my own real-world experience and conversations with clients who represent the core audience for this blog. I’m curious – and I’d love your honest opinions, as well – what do you think about slipcovers? Yay or nay for families?

 

Posted in

Kelly Rogers

27 Comments

  1. Gloria on September 16, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Great, honest insight. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Teresa on September 16, 2013 at 11:04 PM

    Hi Kelly! I LOVE slipcovers!!!! I would however suggest a set of 2 slipcovers, that way they can be rotated. Our little ones just absolutely destroy regular upholstery so they really are a lifesaver. The other advantage is since they are white and close to the sunniest window, the sun bleaches them in a good way. Wash, bleach and dry and they look brand new!

    • Kelly R. - Interiors For Families on September 17, 2013 at 1:49 PM

      Hi Teresa – Thanks for your comment. I’m so glad to hear you are loving your slipcovered furniture! I really do believe there is not one universal solution out there – what works great for one family may be totally wrong for another. I know how you like your whites at home! 🙂

  3. Leigh Anne on September 19, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    You are SPOT ON Kelly! I despise my slipcovered sofa, primarily because if has become a magnet for dust and dog hair, loves to wrinkle and is “dry clean only” fabric. Even for the beach cottage, I should have gone for a true denim with scotch guard protection.

    • Kelly R. - Interiors For Families on September 19, 2013 at 7:33 PM

      Oh man, dry clean only – that’s even worse than machine washable! Regarding the denim – there is a fabric I carry from Joe Ruggiero’s line for Sunbrella, which has the look of denim, but is actually an indoor/outdoor fabric that cleans easily and beautifully, in place. Sounds kind of progressive, but denim was actually used for upholstery back in the 19th century! Good ideas always come back around again…I’m dying to use it! Check out the chairs on this page: http://pressroom.sunbrella.com/images/view/47/cat/4-16/2012-spring-joe-ruggiero

  4. p90x3 classic calendar on April 21, 2014 at 3:06 PM

    whoah this blog is excellent i like studying your posts.
    Keep up the great work! You realize, many people are
    searching around for this info, you can aid them greatly.

  5. Eva on June 3, 2014 at 9:03 AM

    Hi, yes this post is actually good and I have learned lot of
    things from it about blogging. thanks.

  6. Francesca on June 10, 2014 at 3:41 AM

    Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was
    super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole
    thing. Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  7. Ted McGrath on June 18, 2014 at 9:41 AM

    I know this site presents quality depending posts and other stuff, is there any other web page which presents such stuff in quality?

  8. http://www.measuredup.com/ on June 18, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

  9. Consuelo on June 28, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    Good web site you have got here.. It’s hard to
    find high-quality writing like yours these days.
    I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  10. how to make a craigslist ad on July 3, 2014 at 8:55 PM

    Their customer service goes above and beyond in order to help you get your money.
    Those who are interested in purchasing a property after they have run a title search can use the information they have obtained to ensure that they are not purchasing a property that
    has liens and encumbrances they were not aware of.
    Simply think of it as an old fashioned weather vane (minus the rooster.

  11. Orval on July 10, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things
    out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it

  12. how to improve eyesight naturally on July 10, 2014 at 1:21 PM

    Hello there, I found your web site by means of Google even as searching for
    a comparable subject, your web site came up, it seems to be good.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply turned into alert to your blog
    via Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of other people will probably be benefited out of your
    writing. Cheers!

  13. survival training courses on July 10, 2014 at 1:41 PM

    I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with
    the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a
    great blog like this one these days.

  14. the paleo recipe book review on July 10, 2014 at 3:24 PM

    If some one desires expert view concerning blogging and site-building after that i recommend him/her to
    pay a quick visit this web site, Keep up the fastidious work.

  15. Carole on July 13, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
    using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a
    difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs
    and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  16. www.jv.ac.th on July 13, 2014 at 11:10 PM

    I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my
    problem. You’re incredible! Thanks!

  17. capture your man on July 18, 2014 at 3:14 PM

    Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter
    group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really
    appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you

  18. cool math playground kick santa on July 29, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you
    will be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back later in life.
    I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice evening!

  19. Www.kssino.com on August 6, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    I visit day-to-day a few blogs and blogs to read
    articles, however this website offers quality based writing.

  20. Lonna on August 6, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your
    next post thank you once again.

  21. usa 30' x 60' nylon flag on October 19, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a information! present
    here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.

  22. Billie on July 2, 2015 at 7:10 AM

    Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening.
    I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this
    article together. I once again find myself personally spending a
    lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  23. Houston on November 30, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Barrier/Selection Barrier – An kind of option which
    has a specified level which must not be
    broken in order for the choice to be paid.

Leave a Reply to OrvalCancel reply