Tub chairs are cozy, comfortable additions to any living space. Their overstuffed cushioning and supportive structure make them ideal for curling up with a good book or binge-watching your favorite shows. However, their exposed upholstery can become stained, faded, and worn down over time. Rather than replacing a worn tub chair or having it reupholstered, consider revamping its look with a slipcover.
Slipcovers serve a functional purpose while adding a fun and stylish decorative element. By draping your tub chair in one of these removable fabrics, you can instantly breathe new life into a tired piece of furniture. Keep reading to explore key benefits, factors to consider when shopping, perfect placement ideas, application tips, and more vital information about using slipcovers to revive tub chairs.
Benefits of Using Slipcovers on Tub Chairs
Protect Original Upholstery
Exposed upholstered seating tends to show signs of heavy use more quickly than tables, cabinetry, or shelving. Over time, the original fabric can become faded, stained, torn, or otherwise damaged from everyday living. Rather than replacing tub chairs when they start looking worn, slipcovers offer protective shielding against further issues.
Thick fabrics like cotton twill and durable microfiber stand up well to pets, kids, messy eaters, and other potential upholstery dangers. Having a barrier between your tub chair and these risks keeps the permanent upholstery material intact longer.
Change Style Affordably
Reupholstering furniture or purchasing new seating can get quite costly. Slipcovers provide a budget-friendly route for transforming the look of tub chairs already in your home.
With a simple swap of the slipcover, the whole vibe of your tub chair changes. Refresh the look each season or mix up patterns and solids for more variety. Switch from a cozy chenille slipcover in winter to breezy cotton prints in summer.
You can alternate slipcovers on a whim without spending a penny on reupholstering costs or investing in brand new seating pieces. This makes revamping seating areas as finances allow more accessible.
Fit Any Decor
The removable nature of slipcovers means you can style tub chairs to match evolving aesthetics and complementary pieces effortlessly. Having options to switch up the look makes tub chairs far more versatile.
Choose from a vast range of colors, patterns, textures, and fabric types to seamlessly integrate covered tub chairs into your living space. Bold graphic prints can add an eclectic or modern edge. Soft chenilles complement traditional aesthetics. Or introduce rich saturated solids to anchor light and airy boho spaces.
You may opt for one cohesive style of slipcover for all tub chairs in a room. Or mix and match patterns and textures on each chair to create visual interest through contrast.
Easy to Clean
Life happens. From accidental food and drink spills to muddy paws jumping up for cuddles, slipcovers make cleaning tub chairs a breeze. Simply remove the soiled slipcover and toss it in the wash according to fabric care instructions. Avoid panic over permanent stains ruining upholstery beneath.
Factors to Consider When Buying
While slipcovers solve many style and functionality issues surrounding tub chairs, choosing the right cover requires some consideration. Keep the following factors in mind while assessing options to maximize benefits.
Type of Tub Chair
Tub chairs come in varying shapes and sizes. Some feature exposed legs while others stand atop block feet. Arm styles also differ between models. Ensure you select a slipcover tailored for the specific contours and dimensions of the tub chair you hope to cover.
Ready-made slipcovers offer more versatility across tub chair silhouettes. Getting a cover custom-sewn provides a more bespoke solution if struggling to find accurate off-the-rack dimensions.
Fabric
Look at performance factors beyond aesthetics in slipcover textiles. Children and pets call for durable, stain-resistant microfiber or tight cotton weaves. Those prone to spills may prefer slipcovers with moisture barrier treatments. And fabrics like pre-washed denim or chenille stand up well to heavy use over time.
Also ensure chosen textiles can handle machine washing and repeated removal for cleaning. Checking fabric content for high percentages of polyester allows for frequent laundering without shrinkage or other damage.
Fit
A properly fitted slipcover stays put over time, retains the shape of the tub chair, and looks tidy from all angles. Compare custom vs. standard sizing options based on your chair dimensions. Features like elastic edging, zipper closures, and adjustable straps also impact fit.
Elastic and straps allow for slight size variances while keeping the slipcover taut to the base structure. Zippers and snap closures take more time to secure but lay flat and smooth for a sleek covered aesthetic.
Style
Beyond measuring properly, factor both aesthetic and performance priorities into slipcover selection. Rich colors hide stains well and provide depth to patterns. Durable fabrics withstand pets and heavy use so better match active homes. And moisture-wicking materials add protection in spaces like dining rooms.
Also decide whether full chair coverage or a fitted seat and backrest cover better suits your needs. Play with colors, patterns, and textures that complement existing elements within the space. And determine if solid colors or graphic prints better fit your vision.
Perfect Places for Tub Chair Slipcovers
Tub chairs dotted with slipcovers instantly revitalize seating arrangements throughout any home. Beyond protecting upholstery, they effortlessly reinvent the decor. Consider slipcovers across these three commonly occupied yet damage-prone rooms.
Living Room
Living rooms endure quite a bit of wear and tear. Indentations on cushioning from movie nights or game days become increasingly visible. Pet scratches and nail snags appear on arms and exposed legs. A stray glass leaves water rings on side tables.
Resilient slipcovers withstand relentless use from gatherings and everyday living. Quick changes of the cover refresh seating space aesthetics between deep cleanings. The durable barriers also reduce permanent upholstery repairs from rowdy guests or household mishaps.
Dining Room
Paint, wine, sauce, and oil drippings plague upholstered dining chairs at mealtime. Even the most careful eaters accidentally drop crumbs or spills during dinner conversations. And rambunctious kids seem magnetically attracted to rubbing grimy fingers all over the surrounding chairs.
Water-resistant and stain-repellent slipcovers provide first line defense against meal messes. Breezy removable fabrics also make dining set refresh easier between holiday hosting and special family events. Effortlessly swap seasonal looks without moving chairs into storage.
Bedroom
Tub chairs tucked into bedrooms as cozy reading nooks need protection too. Late night snacking and early morning coffee sips often lead to spill accidents. Nightstand water glasses also get knocked over onto surrounding surfaces occasionally.
Using slipcovers prevents pajama-clad readers from worrying over ruining upholstery. Coordinating covers complement surrounding bedding aesthetics without breaking budgets. And the soft, welcoming textures make lounging with novels even more enjoyable.
How to Put on a Slipcover Properly
Achieving an expert fitted slipcover effect requires some finesse. Follow these steps for smoothly securing tub chair covers and maintaining structure shape long-term.
Prep the Chair
Start by clearing away decorative throw pillows or removable cushion inserts. Having less volume to work around keeps the cover smoothing process simpler.
Place Slipcover
Gently drape the slipcover over the top of the tub chair so it naturally cascades downward over each side. Adjust placement so seams lay centrally over chair arms, backing, and seat edge.
Smooth ripples and wrinkles from the top down as you work the cover into place. Tug gently at corners and seams until taut and even. Avoid aggressively pulling as that can cause tears over time.
Secure
Finally, fasten any closures like elastic edging, integrated ties, or zipper seams. These help reinforce shape. Elastic should fit snugly. Ties get tied into bows or knots. And zippers fully close from bottom to top stay.
Check all angles to ensure even tension. Covers appearing loose or taut in sections means further smoothing and adjusting is necessary before adding finishing touches like throw pillows or cushions back atop the covered chair.
Tips for Removing Slipcovers
Learn proper methods for taking off slipcovers to best preserve long-lasting function and aesthetics.
Check closures
Before attempting removal, double check all elastic, tie, snap, or zipper closures first. Releasing fastening points prevents tearing seams or damaging the slipcover during the lifting process. Work slowly and methodically.
Lift evenly
Gripping slipcover fabric along top seams on both sides, steadily raise the cover straight upward. Avoid pulling one side sharply up. Keep even pressure on both sides to prevent stretching out shape.
Work upward gently to avoid snags and preserve structure. Fold or hang the removed cover to await washing.
Wash gently
Always reference fabric care labels before cleaning slipcovers. Most lightweight cottons, linens, and poly blends withstand machine washing on cool in mild detergents. Lay flat or tumble dry low heat.
More delicate slipcover textiles like silks likely require professional dry cleaning. Harsher chemicals and high heat cause damage.
Matching Other Furniture
Beyond tub chairs, extend your slipcover solution to complementing furniture pieces. Maintain cohesive style between seating arrangements for a pulled together look.
Additional slipcovers
Rotate slipcovers onto accompanying ottomans, stools or bench seating to reinvent entire arrangements. Use prints that integrate with tub chair covers. Or contrast solid chair covers against patterned ottoman versions.
Accent pillows
Scatter coordinating throw pillows onto covered tub chairs. Match colors and patterns directly for a cohesive vibe. Contrast slipcover shades and graphic styles if aiming for an eclectic layered effect.
Rugs
Ground covered seating arrangements with area rugs sharing dominant colors and complementary patterns. Introduce bolder or more muted versions of a featured slipcover hue for interest. Anchor the look while protecting flooring.
Quick slipcover application instantly rejuvenates tired tub chairs without professional reupholstering or expensive replacements. Choosing durable, washable materials suited for high-traffic areas makes revamping seating worry-free. And removable covers allow for endless style switching as trends and seasons evolve.
Consider Washington Carver’s quote, “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” In decor, slipcovers transform the ordinary into something remarkable. Dress drab tub chairs in a fresh fitted fabric skin for showstopping style at little cost or commitment!
