Does your living room need a quick makeover but you don’t want to spend a fortune on redecorating? Are your pillows looking a bit dull and worn out? Give your home decor an instant facelift by using stylish and affordable slipcovers on your pillows. Read on to learn all about how slipcovers can protect your pillows while also letting you easily change up the look of any room.
Benefits of Using Slipcovers on Pillows
Slipcovers offer many advantages for both protecting your pillows and decorating your home. Here are some of the top benefits of using slipcovers.
Protect Pillows from Dirt and Damage
Over time, pillows accumulate dirt, oil, stains, and pet hair from daily use. The friction of leaning against pillows causes the fabric to gradually wear down. Slipcovers create a protective barrier between your pillows and all these pollutants. The removable slipcover takes the brunt of the wear and tear instead of your pillows themselves. This allows your pillows to stay cleaner and last longer before needing replacement.
Change Up Your Decor Easily
One of the best things about slipcovers is how quick and easy they make it to give your decor a fresh new look. When you want to redecorate for a season or holiday, simply swap out your existing slipcovers for new ones in different colors, prints, and fabrics. There’s no need for expensive reupholstering or purchasing brand new pillows. With just a change of the slipcovers, you can completely transform the ambiance of a room. It’s an affordable and effortless way to keep your home feeling current and stylish.
Follow Trends and Try New Styles
Home decor trends come and go rapidly. With slipcovers, you can easily keep up with the latest looks and styles for your pillows. For instance, bold geometrical prints are very on-trend right now. Buy some graphic patterned slipcovers to give your living room pillows a modern flair. When floral prints come back in vogue, you can once again update the look simply by getting new slipcovers. This allows you to experiment with fun, trendy pillow styles without a huge investment.
Budget-Friendly Home Makeovers
Speaking of investment, slipcovers provide such an affordable way to redo your home decor between major remodeling projects. The cost of purchasing slipcovers is far less than reupholstering furniture or buying brand new pillow inserts and covers. For just a fraction of the price, you can give your rooms a mini-makeover and get that fresh, showroom look. Using slipcovers allows you to update your pillows and home decor on a budget.
Materials for Slipcovers
Slipcovers come in a wide array of fabrics, colors, and patterns to suit any decor. Here are some of the most common materials used.
- Cotton: A popular choice, cotton slipcovers are soft, breathable, and machine washable. Look for durable, heavyweight cottons.
- Linen: Linen has a casual, laidback look. It resists stains but does wrinkle easily.
- Velvet: For a luxurious feel, velvet slipcovers add elegance. But they attract pet hair and require dry cleaning.
- Faux Suede: Affordable faux suede has a cozy, warm appeal. Spot clean only as needed.
When selecting slipcover fabrics, consider longevity, ease of care, and cost. You’ll also want to pick materials that complement your existing decor. For high-traffic areas, durable, machine-washable fabrics are recommended. Check the fabric content before purchasing slipcovers to determine the best cleaning methods.
Slipcovers can be purchased ready-made or custom sewn. Home goods stores, department stores, and online retailers like Amazon offer many ready-made options. For a tailored fit, you can find specialized slipcover makers on Etsy or local upholstery shops to create covers suited to your exact pillow dimensions. With some basic sewing skills, you can even make DIY slipcovers.
Measuring and Fitting Slipcovers
To ensure your slipcovers fit properly, start by carefully measuring your pillows. Note the length, width, and height in inches. Measure along the seams or edges for the most accurate sizing. Round up for a more loose and wrinkle-free look.
When shopping for ready-made covers, reference the Pillow Size Chart provided by the retailer. Compare your measurements to the dimensions listed to identify the right slipcover size for your pillows.
Some tips for optimal slipcover fit:
- Look for adjustable straps and ties to customize the fit as needed.
- Zipper closures make it easy to remove covers for cleaning.
- Envelope closures provide a smooth, tailored appearance.
- Elasticized edges deliver a tight, wrinkle-free fit.
For a tidy finish, adjust and smooth out the slipcovers so they fit snugly around each pillow with minimal buckling or bunching. Proper measurement and fitting ensures your slipcovers do their job protecting the pillows while also showcasing your decorating style.
Caring for Slipcovers
To keep your slipcovers looking fresh in between decorating changes, proper maintenance is key. Here are some tips for slipcover care:
- Check fabric tags for washing instructions. Many are machine washable.
- Wash removable slipcovers frequently to prevent buildup of dirt, oil, and grime.
- If spot cleaning, use a small amount of mild detergent and blot gently.
- Avoid fabric softener which may cause clumping or pilling.
- Line dry or tumble dry on low heat based on fabric recommendations.
- Avoid ironing as heat may damage fabrics – simply shake out wrinkles instead.
Proper slipcover laundering will extend their lifespan significantly. Washing every 1-2 months keeps them fresh and clean in between design refreshes.
Style Ideas and Design Tips
When decorating with slipcovers, get creative and have fun with different looks. Here are some tips:
- Mix and match prints: Layering complementary patterns and textures creates visual interest. Try bold stripes with floral accents.
- Coordinate colors: Tie together your pillows, throws and wall art using a shared color palette for a cohesive feel.
- Change with the seasons: Use light colors and airy fabrics in summer and rich jewel tones in winter for seasonal style.
- Highlight architectural details: Use contrasting pillows to draw attention to special features like a fireplace or bay window.
The design options with slipcovers are endless. Tailor your pillow style to your personal taste and the room’s existing elements. Have fun and get innovative with different color combinations, fabric pairings and placement.
Slipcovers make it fast, easy and affordable to keep your pillows looking fresh while staying on trend with the latest home fashions. By protecting your pillows from dirt and damage, slipcovers help extend the life of your pillows. Swapping out slipcovers allows you to instantly give your rooms a mini-makeover on a budget. With minimal effort, you can customize your home decor to match your personal style. So breathe new life into your living space and protect your pillow investment at the same time with the magic of slipcovers!
In addition to the practicality and versatility of slipcovers, there are also some key environmental and health benefits. The reusable nature of slipcovers reduces waste compared to disposable pillow covers. For those with allergies, slipcovers allow for easy washing to prevent allergen buildup. Some slipcovers even have special features like adjustable straps for a more customized, comfortable fit. The wide array of fabrics and prints offer almost endless possibilities for showcasing your unique style through easily changeable, customizable covers.
