You have two steps to learn how to measure sofa for slipcover. In this guide, we will share the best tips on taking the accurate dimensions of your couch to ensure that you can make a sofa cover fit. You can also read this article on how to slipcover a sofa if you want to go the DIY route and make the cover yourself.
So without further ado, let’s get measuring!
How Do You Measure A Sofa For Slipcover?
You must understand basic dimensions, such as the length, width, and height, to measure a sofa correctly. But since sofas differ in shapes and styles, you have to make adjustments during measuring to get the correct numbers.
Step 1. Take the length and width of the sofa
- Get the correct length of the sofa by measuring the outside of one arm to the other
- The width of the couch will be the measurement of the front outside edge of one sofa arm around the backside and repeat on the opposite arm
Step 2. Take the cushion dimensions and overall sofa height
- The width of the cushion will be the measurement of the area below the sofa arms
- The length of the cushion will be the measurement from one side of the sofa to the other
- The height of the cushion will be the measurement from the top of the cushion onto the floor or vice versa
- Finally, get the full height of the sofa from the top edge of its back and onto the floor
Do Slipcovers Fit All Couches?
A slipcover can fit all couches if it uses an elastic material. Furniture companies often sell so-called universal sofa covers that homeowners can blindly buy and install onto their couch. However, not all types of sofas can be covered because some don’t have a straightforward design.
A universal slipcover might not also provide the best look that you’ll want on your room’s centerpiece. You can adjust it by tucking the material here and there, but the best way to get the perfect fit is to make a slipcover yourself. It’s even possible to create a slipcover at home for a sectional without extensive sewing experience.
What Is A Standard Sofa Size?
There is no standard sofa size because there are so many types available in the market. But to give you an idea, sofas are typically 70 to 96 inches long, with a height ranging from 26 to 36 inches. The depth of couches ranges from 32 to 40 inches, while the seats themselves are usually 20 to 25 inches deep and 15 to 20 inches high.
How Do I Know What Slipcover Fits?
Measuring your sofa before making or buying a slipcover is the best way to ensure that it will fit smoothly. A universal cover should install well, but you might need to tuck and adjust the material if there is an excess that bunch up. Furthermore, identify if your sofa can even be covered in the first place.
Sofas that you can slipcover
A couch consisting of back and seat cushions that are typically removable should be easy to cover. You can separate each sofa component to get accurate measurements. You should also be confident that you can slipcover a sofa if it already has such an accessory.
But what about upholstered sofas? Upholstered sofas can still be covered for added protection. Symmetrical models without much detail on the arms or back should be easy to conceal.
Sofas that you can’t slipcover
Detailed sofas or those with a unique shape can be hard to slipcover. You will have to make specific shapes and take more measurements to ensure a snug fit. It might be better to reupholster the sofa instead of making a cover for it.
Can you slipcover a recliner? Unfortunately, you can’t also cover your recliner since it has a moving part. The seats, back, and arms are all constructed together and will require too much time and effort to cover them snugly.
How Much Do Custom Sofa Slipcovers Cost?
Custom slipcovers can cost up to $800 depending on where you will get them made and what materials you will use. You may also have a labor fee, which will vary for every seamstress. But what if you made the slipcover yourself?
Making a DIY custom sofa slipcover is not as expensive as some people assume. You can use drop cloths or even upcycle existing materials. Old bedsheets should be enough to cover a sofa, and you only need to cut them accordingly to create a slipcover.
Are Slipcovers Worth It?
Slipcovers are worth it because they act as another layer of protection for your furniture. They typically use materials like cotton or canvas, which are easy to clean compared to the sofa itself. Furthermore, having the couch covered made it less directly affected by wear and tear, especially if you have children or pets.
Conclusion
If you want to get the best fit for your sofa cover, you only need to do one thing. Learn how to measure sofa for slipcover and use the dimensions when making or buying the cover. This way, you’ll ensure that the cover won’t be too loose or tight, and it will effectively do its job.
As discussed, you will take the sofa’s length, width, height, and dimensions of the couch cushions. You can then use the measurements when selecting a cover or when making one yourself.