Many people have recliners at home that they would like to cover with a slipcover. The problem is, there are many different measurements for recliner armchairs and it can be challenging to measure accurately.
Here we will share how you can measure your recliner so that you know how much fabric to buy when ordering a new slipcover.
Steps on Measuring for a Slipcover
Step one: First, determine the height of the chair from the top of the seat cushion up to the back edge of the seatback. Write this measurement down on paper or in a note-taking app on your phone if you need help remembering it later in the process.
You’ll use this number later when measuring how long your fabric needs to be after sewing it together into two pieces (one front piece, one back piece).
Step two: Next, measure the width of your chair from the front edge to the front edge. If it’s not a square-shaped recliner with four feet on each corner (e.g., if the front left and right legs are longer than the other side), you’ll want to measure at just three points–the front right-left, and back.
Step three: Write down the width of your chair. Then divide it by two (e.g., if you measure 24″ wide from edge to edge, subtract 12″, which equals a measurement of 12″). This is how long each piece will need to be on one side of the recliner.
Step four: Measure the height of your chair from back to front, or just measure it at three points–the middle and both ends if possible. Write down this measurement in inches (e.g., for a 24″ high recliner, you’ll want to write 18″). This is how long each piece will need to be on the other side of the recliner.
Step five: Measure how long each piece, and measure in inches (e.g., for a 24″ high chair, you’ll want to write 18″).
Measure how wide each panel will need to be based on your measurement from step three by dividing it by two again–12″.
Step six: After you have the measurements for how wide each piece needs to be, measure along both sides of your chair and find out where it will need to attach.
Do sofa slipcovers work?
Yes! Slipcovers will work on any sofa that has a removable cover. You can also purchase slipcovers for sofas with fixed covers if you cut the arms off and sew them back in place after putting the slipcover over the top of your current sofa. This is an easy way to update or recover old furniture without actually buying new furniture.
The Fabric that’s Best for a Slipcover?
There are several different fabrics you can choose from, but cotton is the best fabric to use because it breathes and feels natural against your skin. Another soft cotton-like linen also works well as do some types of heavy-weight denim or polyester blends which are durable.
How much do custom slipcovers cost?
Custom slipcovers are priced on an individual basis, but they will typically cost $150-$350 for a sofa cover.
What if I can’t find my couch’s dimensions?
If you don’t have the measurements of your specific furniture and want to order custom-made covers then take a measurement from any of the cushions in the sofa.
Do sofa covers look tacky?
Some do, but it depends on the style of your furniture.
Can you put a slipcover on a couch with pillows?
Yes, a small sofa with pillows will work as long as the dimensions of your furniture are still within normal ranges.
Can you put a slipcover on an outdoor couch?
Unfortunately, you can’t because it is not waterproof and won’t stand up to the harsh conditions outside in our climate.
Do Ikea couch covers fit other couches?
No, Ikea covers are specially made to fit the dimensions of their furniture only.
If your couch is a tight squeeze in a room and you’re worried it won’t be big enough for any slipcover because they have such strict measurements then don’t worry! You can always get custom-made material from places like JCPenney and Ikea.
Is it a good idea to buy an inexpensive couch just for the slipcover?
No, you should always invest in furniture that will last, because a cheap couch can break easily or wear out quickly from sitting on it every day.
What are some other ways I can protect my expensive couches without buying a slipcover?
There are many other ways to protect your couches from wear and tear, such as moving furniture away from walls when possible or getting a regular pet groomer.
What’s the best way to clean my slipcovers so they don’t get ruined?
It is important not to have any liquid seep through the fabric, so when you clean your slipcovers, never submerge them in water.
What are some other benefits of having a custom-made slipcover?
One benefit is that it will fit the chair perfectly and not shift around or become loose as many ready-to-buy covers do. Another benefit is that with a custom-made slipcover, you can choose the fabric and color to suit your style.
What are some things I should consider when measuring for a slipcover?
Some factors that will affect how long it takes to make a custom cover include: – whether or not you want pleats in the back of the chair (this is usually only an option for chairs with a reclining mechanism) – how much of the chair you want covered (this will depend on how long the fabric is, and what kind of material it is.