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Using a slipcover is definitely a great way to give your old furniture a new look. In fact, slipcovers are often referred to as clothing for your furniture. And when you think about it, just like clothing, a slipcover protects and decorates. For its protective features, the slipcover is a wise choice for those with active lifestyles and homes with children. From a decorating standpoint, adding a slipcover can be much more cost effective than purchasing new furniture.

Assuming your furniture is in good condition but doesn't blend well with the home's current color scheme, a slipcover may be the solution to try. Because slipcovers come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics it is easy to find just the right fit for any d'cor and budget. Just as with clothing, care instructions vary. Many slipcovers are machine washable and dryable while others must be dry cleaned. Be sure to read the care instructions carefully so that there are no surprises down the road. In general, a slipcover will be easy to remove from your furniture for periodic cleaning.

Fabric selection for a slipcover is extremely important. In general, the heavier the fabric, the more expensive the slipcover will be. While medium-weight fabrics tend to work nicely for slipcovers, there are many options available. Fabrics available include waffle textures, elegant silk and chenille just to name a few. A popular option is to use fabric that matches draperies or some other home furnishing and have a slipcover custom made from that exact fabric. A wide variety of home decorating fabrics can be found in the market-place. If you decide to purchase fabric and have a slipcover custom made, be sure to wash a fabric swatch first to test for durability and shrinkage. A well-made sofa can have its life extended for many years with some new fabric.

As discussed previously, slipcovers come in many varieties and can be loose fitting, ready-made, semi-custom fitted or completely custom fitted. Understandably, fitted slipcovers are more expensive because they are customized exactly for your furniture. Ready-made slipcovers can be more cost effective and are available from a number of sources. One company, Sure Fit, is America's largest supplier of ready-made slipcovers. They have hundreds of upholstery quality styles, patterns and colors to choose from. By doing a bit of research online, you will find many options available.

One of the most common pieces of furniture to display a slipcover is the sofa. A sofa slipcover is perfect for a comfortable but not-so-attractive sofa. If you still have a sofa from your college days, or have passed down an old sofa to the kids, a sofa slipcover is an easy way to change the look and get a few more years out of an older but trusty piece of furniture. Remember, when you want to change the look without spending the money for a new sofa, a new slipcover is both attractive and economical. And, if you have purchased an expensive sofa and have kids or messy adults in the house, a sofa slipcover is a good precaution to protect your investment.

The benefits of slipcovers are many. Slipcovers are a budget friendly way to update your home's look, they can be replaced easily when it comes time to redecorate, they are easy to clean and they give your valuable furniture protection from spills and general wear and tear. Before throwing out that old sofa, consider your options with slipcovers.