Category Archives: inspiration

Stunning Slipcover Makeovers for Estate Sale Chairs

Summer is the best season for finding a super deal on a secondhand chair at an estate sale or garage sale.  If you find one with makeover potential, grab it!

A well-made, older piece is a good candidate for a slipcover especially if it’s sturdy, comfortable and has the right foot print for your space. Tip: check the condition of the frame, seat springs and cushion inserts before you buy.

Look past the ugly, outdated upholstery and imagine the possibilities.  Here are 4 slipcover makeovers that will inspire a new look for your found treasure. Continue reading →

Fabric Pattern Mixing with Slipcovers

Fritz Cotton Linen Custom Slipcover

Putting together a harmonious combination of fabric patterns and furnishings comes naturally to artist and painter Mary Bommarito.

So it’s no surprise her new stripe slipcovers look right at home with her cabbage rose rug, botanical print pillows and grain sack-like upholstered pieces.

For this project, I used washed Richloom Fritz Persimmon. This understated stripe in rustic cotton linen is big on texture and rich color. It mixes easily with florals, geometrics, large scale stripes and small checks.  Continue reading →

Slipcover Style: Indigo Ikats

Cotton Ikat Prints for Slipcovers

There’s no doubt a slipcover made in an Ikat print is truly a statement piece. Just look at Pam Morris’s camel back sofa and armchair above. Stunning, right? Especially in those inky blues.

These home decor prints are inspired by woven Ikat designs that use a resist dye method on the yarns before weaving the pattern. Ikat prints do a good job of capturing the tie-dyed look of the woven version. They’re good mixers, too. Don’t be shy about combining your favorite Ikat with other patterns such as stripes, checks and small dobby designs like French General’s Ikat Pointe.

Look for Ikats printed on medium weight duck/canvas in 100% cotton or a linen blend. They work well for slipcovers that get moderate use and occasional wash.

Slipcover Cotton Ikat Prints

Ikat fabric images from Fabric.com

Here are a few Ikat options I curated for your next slipcover project — clockwise from upper left:

As always, if you plan on making a washable slipcover be sure to do a wash and dry test on a one yard sample before you commit to purchasing your yardage.