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By: Abe Abbas

Source: http://ljcstyle.com/

If you are looking for a budget solution to your old and tired furniture, consider sofa and chair slipcovers. This is especially useful if you are not in a hurry to replace these sofas and chairs, but can't stand to see their sorry state.

I know there are two schools of though when it comes to slipcovers: love the idea, or perish the thought. If you subscribe to the latter, consider this: all slipcovers are not created equal, and for the budget minded amongst you, they are a lot more affordable than new furniture.

Uses for Slipcovers
•Slipcovers are good when you need to quickly change your furniture’s look, but not your furniture.
•Slipcovers are perfect for second homes or vacation homes.
•Use slipcovers when you want to protect your furniture from small children or pets. Very often slipcovers can easily be washed or laundered depending on the fabric.
•Use slipcovers as an inexpensive way to cover hand-me-down furniture, or to provide a seasonal change for different seasons or holiday decorating.
If you do decide that you need slipcovers, choose from one of these three ways to cover your furniture. As with everything else, each will provide different results.


You Can Buy Them Ready Made for an Affordable Alternative

The least time consuming option is to buy ready made slipcovers. It is also an affordable one most of the time. They are generally not very expensive as a rule. But since they are made to general specifications, they may fit your furniture perfectly, or leave a lot to desire.

If they are not very good quality, they may fit your furniture initially, but you may have to nip and tuck the slipcovers every now and then to maintain the look. Dining chair slipcovers maintain their shape longer as a rule, while slipcovers for sofas and love seats may not be as long lasting.

As a rule looser covers will be easier to maintain if you are buying ready made. In most cases the fabric for looser covers is a little heavier than for the stretchier, more fitting pieces.


You Can Have Them Custom Made

Having slipcovers custom made may ensure that you get the perfect fit. You have a better chance of finding fabric better suited to your own needs and preferences. The down side is that you may end up paying more. You have to decide whether it is worth it or not for you. Since you are picking out the fabric, and having these slipcovers made to your specifications, they may fit better, look better and last longer. Make sure that you pick a company or an individual that you can trust to do a good job.


You Can Do it Yourself

Taking the DIY route and making your own slipcovers is definitely an option, especially if you are handy with your sewing machine and know how to measure, cut and sew fabric. However, it may be too unwieldy a project if you haven’t tried your hand at sewing before. You may not be comfortable with details such as welting, for instance. It all comes down to how skilled you are. The cost can fall somewhere in the middle as you can spend money on fabric, but save on the cost of getting it made.



Article Source: http://furniture.about.com/