Category Archives: armchair slipcovers

3 Reasons to Slipcover in Summer

Custom Chair Slipcovers Natural Denim

Mary does “summer dress” beautifully.

As soon as warm weather arrives she swaps out her cozy, plush winter decor for fresh, breezy items in a lighter color palette.

Sheer linen curtains replace dark winter drapes. A bouquet of homegrown lilacs take a front and center spot on her mantle. And, her new natural denim slipcovers brighten up her English roll arm chairs.

I got talking to Mary about her seasonal makeover ritual when I was pin fitting at her  home in Lowell, MI. Here are 3 reasons why summer slipcovers suit her lifestyle so well:

1. Instant refresh.  With slipcovers, Mary can create an entirely new look & feel in her living room for the warmer months. Then, when winter returns she can store her summer slips and enjoy the texture and darker colors of her upholstered pieces once again. It’s like having two sets of furniture!

2. Protective and practical. Durable, washable slipcovers are the best way to prolong the life of upholstery. Mary’s home is busy during the summer, welcoming family, friends and pets. Her slipcovers protect her furniture from harsh sunlight, dirt, sweat, spills and muddy little paws.  Who cares if they get dirty — they’re washable!

3. Provides cool comfort.  Cotton denim slipcovers feel cool to the touch, which is ideal for our hot and humid summers here in Michigan. Mary chose a light color and a washed, casual fit for her covers, a comfy combo for laid back summer living.

Want more summer slipcover inspiration? Check out my denim slips in white and natural.

Slipcover Linen Favorite: Washed Navy Blue

Navy Blue Linen Chair SlipcoverA request for a washed, navy blue linen slipcover is a sure sign of spring!

For this project I updated Roz’s vintage channel back chair with Brazil, a 100% linen in color navy blue 6 from InstaLinen. Brazil is offered in different shades of navy but no. 6 is my favorite. I love this dark inky color. It has just the right amount of black to make it a classic navy.

I’ve worked with Brazil several times and it never fails to impress. It’s a 12 oz. that is weighty and offers good coverage over worn upholstery.  The after washed look is beautiful! I rarely press this linen after I pre-shrink it (you can, but don’t have to). It comes out of the dryer with a soft dimpled texture  and floppy drape — like a quality linen should — but never any hard wrinkles. Be sure to follow my pre-shrink instructions.

Custom Chair Slipcover Navy LinenRoz’s vision for her new slipcover was casual with a tailored fit….and a little pleated skirt, which I will be adding. Cute! That’s easy to achieve with this type of linen. It’s versatile and works well for many different slipcover designs.

Want to learn more about linen? Check out my article, 4 Things to Look for When Choosing Slipcover Linen. 

Channel Back Chair Slipcover

Custom Gingham Slipcovers for Welsey Hall Chair

Slipcover Makeover for Welsey Hall Chair

I had a burst of color and pattern in my workroom last week. My customer’s pair of Welsey Hall armchairs and ottoman came in for a slipcover makeover in a cheery gingham check. Fabric: Roth & Tompkins Chester Gingham, color Sienna/Wheat.

They are going to look so pretty next her family room sofa and chair slipcovers in cream linen cotton that I made last year.

Roth Tompkins Gingham Slipcover Sienna

Charcoal Canvas Slipcover Custom-Fit for Pottery Barn Chair

A custom-ft slipcover in charcoal cotton-poly canvas for my Kalamazoo customer, Andrea. It’s just what her Pottery Barn chair needed to look new again. Farewell old brown slipcover!

Pottery Barn Slipcover Copy in Grey CanvasSlipcover Fabric Cotton Poly Canvas GreyFabric for this project: 12 oz. cotton-poly canvas, color charcoal. Look closely and you will see a subtle two-tone color effect.  Love that!

This durable canvas is made with 11% polyester, which softens the wrinkle and adds strength.  It takes on a wonderful relaxed French Laundered look after it’s washed. It has a more upscale, substantial look than basic cotton canvas.

Great for family-friendly, washable slipcovers that get moderate to heavy traffic.

Well-Made but Worn-Out: Slipcover to The Rescue

Chair Slipcover in Mushroom DenimWorn upholstery isn’t sending this well-made chair to the landfill anytime soon. Carolyn opted for a custom slipcover to keep it in service a while longer. A good idea since this family-favorite piece is still sturdy and comfy.

Brown Denim Slipcover DetailFor this project I used 12 oz. cotton bull denim in color Mushroom from Big Duck Canvas. Denim makes the best casual, washable, put your feet up type of slipcover.

In keeping with the relaxed look & feel of the fabric, I pin fit over the fussy upholstered details at rolled top sides and front arms with simple, flat panels. Instant update!

Tip: be sure to pre-shrink any cotton denim you choose for your slipcover even if it’s labeled “Preshrunk” or “Prewashed”. Follow my instructions for best results.