You may have noticed that slipcovers appear to be making a style comeback.  Most often associated with a relaxed beachy look or feminine shabby chic design, they are popping up on modern and sleek styles such as those available from West Elm or Z Gallerie as well as styles from Ethan Allen and other fine furniture retailers.

The most common style of slipcover is usually a crisp white duck or denim fabric that can be thrown over your heavy winter fabric during the summer months.  Not only do these covers lighten and brighten your room but they can be washed and reapplied very easily.  No more worries about sunscreen, dirty paw prints or cherry popsicle stains.  You and your family and relax and enjoy summer without the fear of ruining your upholstery.

As you can see from the romantic floral slipcover on the Ikea sofa, it is not necessary to choose all white slipcovers.  They can be made from any pattern or color you desire to give your room a new look.  And while they are commonly found on large sofas and chairs, you can slipcover a small dining room chair, ottoman, even a headboard for a quick change.  For example, your all white parsons chairs may work just fine for summer but how fun to slip a warm chenille over those same chairs for the fall and winter.  That stained ottoman that works so perfectly in your family room can be given a new life with a slipcover that is washable.

Don’t get me wrong.  Slipcovers are not inexpensive.  But the money spent is much less than purchasing a new piece of furniture.  Most slipcovers are also not for the inexperienced DIYer.  Check out my fellow onlinefabricstore blogger, Elizabeth’s, posts on slipcovers from yesterday (July 17th) as well as the 19th and the 21st for some helpful hints.

Slipcovers are an easy way to introduce a new color or pattern to your home or “save” a comfortable couch or chair so definitely give it some thought before you purchase a new piece.