Where do we make our slipcovers? The short and sweet answer is China, Shenzhen to be specific. Shenzhen is city that is often described as the “silicon valley of China”. It borders the sea and runs a collective of the busiest ports in the world.
Where’s Shenzhen?
I guess it’s very understandable that at this part of the post many of yous would be going “boo” – unfair labour practice, underage workers, unscrupulous business owners, and worse than imaginable working conditions. That’s what first comes to mind when imagining how the ‘average’ Chinese factory operates.
But we are not a factory. Nor one of those massive production facilities you see on TV with men and women sitting next to conveyor lines feeding product pallets to be loaded into a container and then a truck.
We’re a team that’s barely a hundred between our headquarters in Malaysia (42 people) and Shenzhen (40 people) office. Though we have been rapidly expanding over the last few years, our workspace still hardly counts as a factory. A mid-sized workshop maybe.
But we were a team of 2 once. In early 2009, we were working our ass off via our garage in Brooklyn, West of Melbourne, juggling our day jobs in between; up to the point where it’s impossible to add another 8 hours on top the 8 required from our day job. We then rented a small space in a shared workroom/studio where we need the space to stock a few rolls of fabric and the extra gears. We grew a bit more then, where we hired 2 seamstresses (they’re sisters) and bumped our production capacity to 2 sets of covers a day. Yay!
Business was going good one would say, but the fact was, we didn’t really go anywhere for 2 years since we started renting the workshop space. Cost of rental rose at 5-10% yearly, cost of material is forever expensive (we were buying stock from local fabric house, expect 350% mark-up minimum), shipping our product overseas cost upwards A$100 (try getting a quote for a 6.5 kg parcel to USA from Auspost). And we were expensive, very expensive compared to to where we are now. Our first 2 models were the karlanda 2 seater and ektorp 3 seater, they were A$420 and A$540 respectively then. So, would anyone be interested in a $500 set of loveseat covers? I didn’t think so, maybe some but definitely out of reach for the average home.
Most things in life doesn’t fully make sense at that time, even when we were running around in Hong Kong (just above Shenzhen) throughout 2010 and 2011 looking for location, hiring our first team member, and spent countless hours negotiating for everything (literally everything); but we knew that the next step of growth could only make sense if we can lower shipping fees, lower cost of fabrics, lower production hours, increase quality and speed up delivery – not a single one of these of course, was an easy feat.
To lower the shipping fee, we need to somehow move the products to be shipped from a busier port where there are more airplanes leaving towards the country of destination daily, just like an airplane ticket, the busier the route is, the cheaper the ticket is. Our worldwide shipping is now free for any purchase over $150 (any sofa slipcover)
To lower fabric cost, we started designing our own fabric lines and had them made directly via a milling house, we of course will need the space to store them as well as huge investment in buying the bulk amount of fabrics in the first place.
To get better quality, we need to individually interview/hire very experienced seamstresses and ensure that everyone shares the same passion and commitment to how great the products should be before they are being ironed and folded into a shipping box.
To speed up delivery, we need to have the fabrics ready in stock, have very experienced & efficient seamstresses, and work systematically, eg. by grouping all the similar/same product template, we’re able to cut/sew the covers in batches and ship within 2 to 3 weeks.
The question still remains though, as to why Comfort Works does not advertise this piece of information the website,and it is because we honestly feel where our product is being sewn is not a compromise to our beliefs as well as the standard of craftsmanship (words of Rachel, my partner).
Our company mission is to rejuvenate a living space without breaking the bank – one sofa at a time that is.
So I hope this helps to clarify any doubts or confusions. We have never previously thought that this topic would cause any disappointment until one of our customers as well as a blogger brought this to our attention and the blogosphere.
Hope that this also opens up a platform for discussion and as a business, we value any opportunity for any feedback as it means new grounds for improvements for us to better serve you; having said that, please don’t hesitate to leave us your thoughts below.
After years of giving you support through movie dates and mid-day naps, your sofa is looking a little tired – it’s maybe time to restore your old couch. Fret not if your cat has used the armrest as his scratch post or the cushions no longer have their bounce, we are here to help.
Thankfully we have tried and tested all the ways to bring a second life to your sofa.
1. Bring the fluff and structure back into your sofa
It’s completely normal for pillows and cushions to start to sag after some well use and loving. Luckily it’s rather simple to fix it up.
The frame of your sofa can also get worn out resulting in your sofa to sag. It’s an easy fix, all you need to do is take off your seat cushions, cut and place a piece of strong plywood to fit the area. The Plywood acts as support to the cushions, so no more falling into your sofa.
As for the sagging cushions, these are an easy fix. Adding polyester fiber or quilt matting will help fill out the any lumpy or saggy parts. If your cushions are foam inserts, its possible that they have decompressed over time. Replace the foam inserts and your cushions will look and feel brand new.
2. Dye your sofa covers
You’re tired of your boring white slipcover and you just need a little change or dash of colour in your living space. If you don’t have the money but you do have the time and determination, dyeing your slipcover is a great alternative to restore your old couch.
All you need is a plain white cover, a bathtub, some dye solution, time and space. From research we found that the best results were indeed from the hand-dyeing method.
It’s important to dye the covers all together, as different batches of dye may result in different colours! It can be extremely tiring but the results are well worth it.
3. Change/Make a new slipcover
Of course you if don’t have the time or patience to dye your own slipcovers, we would recommend having us help you make a custom slipcover.
Whether you’re in need of a replacement sofa slipcover for IKEA, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel or just about any other major sofa brand; we can make it for you – just send a photo to us :)
With over 70 different fabrics, we are sure that you will be able to find the perfect colour – and in a style that’s uniquely you since we do special customisations to truly personalise your slipcover and give your a sofa a new life! Get some fabric samples here to check out what we have!
IKEA Karlstad Sofa in Comfort Works Pure Linen Slipcover
4. Change the sofa legs
Personally, one of my favourite ways to revamp your sofa is by changing the sofa legs. Updating your sofa with small touches create personality, like adding a throw pillow or blanket – and it doesn’t take long, nor have to cost much.
High quality furniture is difficult to come by these days and it would honestly be a shame to throw out a beautiful piece. Though reupholstery is the pricier option on this list, it is also the perfect solution if you have a sofa design that in intricate and requires a lot of details (think Parker Knoll or Chesterfield sofas).
Having your sofa reupholstered locally will help revive your sofa to its former glory. The process can be a little long but the fit will be beautiful.
The IKEA Tidafors below is an example of a sofa that would be best reupholstered due to the attached cushions on the armrest. However, the Tidafors can be hacked so a slipcover can be made for it.
6. Fix a tear in the sofa
Your car keys accidentally made a small tear in your sofa? No worries we have the solution, you will just need 3 simple materials which you can find at any local craft store:
Seam sealant
Curved needle
Nylon Thread
Make sure you understand the tear in your sofa, how deep, how frayed, etc. Once you understand place some the seam sealant around the edges. This sealant will prevent the fabric of fraying and possibly ripping more.
After that you will need the fold the edges and secure it with pins. Folding the frayed edges will prevent possible sewing along these parts which may result in more damage.
Once you have secured the edges you just need to take your curved needle and strong nylon thread; and start weaving tight stitched along the rip. Check out our more detailed tutorial on the best way to fix a torn sofa here.
Voila! Good as new!
Keep the stitches small and tight to make sure the rip is secure (Photo Source: Pinterest)
7. Remove unwanted odour
Everyday smells can start to stick on your sofa after a while but it can still be fixed! To get rid of unwanted smells on leathers, the easiest way you can tackle it is with a mix of 1 part water and 1 part lemon juice.
Lemon juices help get rid of odours and will leave your sofa with fresh scent. It’s important to note that this mixture does contain bleaching properties, so just be sure to rinse the mixture off with a damp cloth and never to use it on fabric.
For fabric sofas you can sprinkle the sofa with baking soda and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming up the powder. Baking soda works as wonderful neutraliser and can combat almost any stench! Also if you opt to go with a slipcover, you can just throw your covers in the wash machine when they need to be refreshed!
Fun fact: Did you know baking soda kills 90% of pesticides i.e. making it the best solution for cleaning your vegetables?
And there you have it – our top 7 ways to restore your old couch, hope this helps! For more ways to rejuvenate your couch and bring it back to life, consider giving us a visit:
There are about 21 different types of sofas (couches) out there, so if you’re confused about which one yours is, that’s understandable. But you don’t have to be!
Start by looking at a single element of your sofa – most styles can be easily categorised by their size, arm and back shape, and we’re going to show you how. Some are are more distinct than others but worry not, this guide will turn you into a sofa expert in no time.
Typically we use the word “sofa” quite loosely here. It is defined by Merriam-Webster.com as a “long, upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed”. (I personally don’t think a sofa should convert into a bed, and would label those as sofa beds if so.)
Nonetheless, there are other furniture which can tread that grey line:
1. Ottoman
The ottoman is typically used as a coffee table, and in other countries it’s known as a footstool – for obvious reason.
This piece traces its history back to the Ottoman Empire, where it used to be a centrepiece for seating in what we call the “living space” today. Over time it has become smaller and acts as more of a complementary furniture piece to the sofa.
Some of our favourite ottomans: the IKEA Ektorp ottoman (with storage); Muji T2 Footstool; Pottery Barn Raleigh Tufted Upholstered Round Ottoman
2. Armchair
Fun fact: The chair wasn’t popular until the 16th century – benches, chests and stools were the common seating pieces. Now armchairs come in all shapes and sizes.
By 1928, the recliner (La-Z-Boy) was invented, some with a built-in massage function even.
Some of our favourite armchairs: The classic: Pottery Barn Basic Armchair; IKEA Farlov armchair; Crate and Barrel chair-and-a-half.
3. Loveseat/2-seater
Image credit: Comfort Works
The loveseat is pretty much the same as a sofa, aside from it being smaller. In other countries we refer to a loveseat and sofa respectively as a 2 seater or a 3 seater, which just makes them slightly different types of sofas.
Be it sofa (Arabic origins: suffah), couch (French origins: couche) – all of us would have a similar image in mind.
4. Sectional/modular sofa
Sectional/modular sofas are another type of sofa, or arguably a combination of sofa pieces put together to create the ultimate living room seating arrangement.
The larger families are, the more it makes sense to have more sofas in the same room to accommodate everyone. Sectional sofas allow the flexibility of expanding seating sizes, or downsizing by taking away smaller sections should they not be needed.
While this isn’t a crowd-pleaser, the sofa bed serves a dual function for homes who like to have guests over.
Due to the growing trend of having smaller apartments, sofa beds are becoming a necessity. Hopefully in the near future they’ll be a lot more comfortable.
Different types of sofas can also be classified into the armrest shapes they have – there may be more, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to nine of these most recognisable ones.
6. Classic round arm sofa
Image credit: livelaughrowe
Some people may call this Grandma’s couch, because it’s a classic piece that has stood beyond the tests of time.
Back then, the round arm sofa would have been accompanied with a floral or patterned slipcover/upholstery. Today, you’ll often see it in a white linen or neutral fabric for that farmhouse chic.
One of our favourite round arm sofas is the iconic IKEA Ektorp, and it’s successor, the Uppland.
7. Square arm sofa
Image credit: Comfort Works
Some would consider this contemporary as well, but I think everyone can agree that this is another timeless look for these types of sofas.
Once you add a skirted slipcover, it creates a completely different look and feel altogether. Get your couch covers customised here.
One of our favourite square arm sofas: the Pottery Barn Buchanan Square-Arm sofa.
8. Hard wedge-arm sofa
Image credit: Comfort Works
If you visit IKEA as often as we do, you’ll instantly recognise IKEA’s flagship sofa and series – the Stockholm. Even the 1.5 seater looks luxuriously massive.
Recently in 2017 the arms of the Stockholm sofa were changed so that they’re no longer wedged, which is a shame because I thought the wedged arms made it very premium-looking. (Read our full review of the IKEA Stockholm sofa here.)
Some of our favourite hard wedge arm sofas: the IKEA Stockholm sofa; the Article Ceni 83″ 3+ Seater Sofa; the Rowe Darby sofa.
9. Rounded wedge-arm sofa
Image credit: Comfort Works
Another common looking sofa would be a more rounded wedge arm sofa. This rounded feature gives many of these couches or sofas a designer look, because it’s a bit more unique than the classic round or square arm sofas.
Some of our favourite rounded wedge arm sofas: Pottery Barn Greenwich sofa; IKEA Tomelilla sofa; Arhaus Emory sofa.
10. Sloped-arm sofa
Image credit: Comfort Works
An oldie but a goodie, this is another well-loved design that is making a comeback.
If you’ve been to IKEA lately you might have noticed the IKEA Farlov Sofa, a little reminiscent of some Restoration Hardware sofas. (You can read our full IKEA Farlov sofa review here.)
Speaking of Restoration Hardware, here’s a sofa type that probably represents them better. A classic Belgian Roll style (and the slipcovers for it) can be hard to find, due to the hybrid construction of a sloped and round arm sofa.
Some of our favourite Belgian Roll sofas: Restoration Hardware Belgian Roll Arm sofa; Havertys Laney sofa.
12. The English roll-arm sofa
Image credit: @awholenewbuild
The English Roll is another Restoration Hardware classic – though IKEA has managed to replicate their own version, the IKEA Stocksund. (You can find our full review of the IKEA Stocksund sofa here.) This is also a sofa that’s hard to slipcover.
Some of our favourite English Roll sofas: the IKEA Stocksund; Ethan Allen Oxford sofa; Pottery Barn Carlisle Upholstered sofa.
13. Sofas with no arms
Image credit: Comfort Works
Okay, this technically shouldn’t be here but since we’re categorising sofas based on their arms, this is a consideration.
Sometimes you just want something with easy access from the sides, or you just want a super clean minimalist look. But when you want to leave your remote controls by your side, this may not be the best type of sofa to get.
Some of our favourite armless sofas: Williams Sonoma Paxton Armless sofa; Restoration Hardware Cloud Armless sofa/single-seater; Freedom Cannes sofa.
14. Sofas with wooden arms
Simple type of sofas can also be timeless, especially the ones with wooden frames.
Most of the time the cushions come upholstered and probably in leather, giving a very retro vibe. IKEA actually sold a discontinued model called the Lillberg (pictured above) which has all the cushions separated, making it extremely easy to slipcover for multiple looks.
Some of our favourite sofas with wooden arms: IKEA Lillberg; Freedom Tidal sofa; Room And Board Erickson sofa.
Types of sofa backs
Lastly, the sofa’s back is the last bit that gives a sofa its character and name. Let’s take a look at some popular ones:
15. Straight back/tuxedo sofas
The general definition of a tuxedo sofa is when the backrest of the sofa is level with the height of the armrests. This is actually a pretty common sofa – by that definition, even a Chesterfield sofa falls under this category (as well as the round arm).
Why are these called Tuxedo sofas? We’re not too sure actually, but it could be because these sofas were popular with parties and people wearing tuxedos back in the 1900s.
16. High-back sofas
In contrast to the straight back sofa (and Google images), we define the high back sofas as simply having a backrest that’s not level with the armrests. Also pretty commonly found, and arguably as popular as (or more than) the Tuxedo sofa.
Some of our favourite high back sofas: IKEA Kramfors sofa; Restoration Hardware Modena Track Arm sofa.
17. Round-back sofas
Now here’s one that’s definitely less common than the other basic shapes.
For pretty obvious reasons I feel actually. If your sofa looks like a giant mushroom in your living room, would you get rid of it?
Some of our favourite round back sofas: Pottery Barn Charlston; Ethan Allen Hyde sofa.
18. Camelback sofas
Some may consider this an antique style but it’s actually still quite popular today even after 300 years.
The downside is that it’s a piece that definitely needs to be re-upholstered should it even get dirty. As pretty as it is, practicality is still pretty important to me (and I’d imagine, for many of you out there too).
Some of our favourite camelback sofas: Ethan Allen Audrey sofa; Havertys Dakota sofa; Havertys Abilene sofa.
19. Wingback sofas
Another classic which can be found in many luxurious homes, this style of sofa is actually starting to disappear in modern times.
However, the wingback chair is still quite a popular item. IKEA even decided to create their own version, the Strandmon armchair. (Find our full review of the Strandmon here.)
Some of our favourite wingback sofas: IKEA Strandmon sofa; Ethan Allen Caden Settee; Pottery Barn Thatcher Upholstered Settee.
20. Barrelback sofas
Image credit: Comfort Works
A very straightforward sofa type that’s been aptly named since the curvature of the back extends all the way to the arms. The entire sofa or chair ends up looking like a barrel, which I believe many would consider very cosy.
Some of our favourite barrelback sofas: Ethan Allen Channing sofa, Pottery Barn Harlow Upholstered Sofa, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Vera sofa.
21. Rollback sofas
Another classic which we find tricky to slipcover, the rollback is gradually being phased out by the more squarish-looking types of sofas or couches.
Typically this sofa is accompanied by rounded arms as well, which also makes it a “Grandma” sofa in my opinion but once it becomes endangered – we might have to fork out big bucks to get our hands on this.
Some of our favourite rollback sofas: Pottery Barn Chesterfield Leather Sofa; Ethan Allen Chadwick sofa; Williams Sonoma Bond Chesterfield sofa.
Looking to save your old sofa?
It’s pretty conclusive to say that they don’t make sofas like they used to anymore.
If your old sofa is still structurally sound and you want to add a few more years to its life, consider getting a tailored slipcover for it. It’s a simple alternative to upholstery (which is so so expensive) or tossing out your beloved couch for a new one. (To figure out whether your sofa can be slipcovered, check out this infographic.)
If you want to know how our slipcovers look and feel in person, order up to 8 free premium fabric samples to try them out yourself. Click the button below to get started!
So you may or may not have come across the idea of a slipcover after going through several furniture catalogs online, and now it has become a personal mission to find out how and why custom handmade slipcovers can possibly add another few good years to the life of your beloved sofa.
How does a slipcover work? How do I know whether my sofa is slipcover-able? All the cans and cannots will be explained here in this nifty little blogpost.
Types of Slipcovers
There are two main types of slipcovers:
A universal slipcover; usually a one piece stretchable fabric that goes over your entire sofa;
A custom slipcover tailor made to fit your sofa as snugly as possible.
A Universal slipcover
Universal slipcovers usually come in plain, solid colours and are easy to put on. Compared to a custom slipcover, it’s much cheaper for obvious reasons. With a universal slipcover you’ll notice that it’s “stretchy” and it usually comes with an elastic band at the bottom to hold the slipcover in one place and any excess can be tucked away.
It’s quite easy to purchase one from sites like eBay, Amazon, Walmart etc or on shelves off TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Because of its flexibility, a loveseat universal slipcover would fit most two seater sofas, despite the differences in armrest and back shapes.
Having said that of course, you pay for what you get as you realise that these universal slipcovers aren’t exactly the most attractive things to put in your living space. Oftentimes, they feel thin and slippery as well.
Custom Slipcover for the IKEA Ektorp Sofa
On the other side of the spectrum, a custom slipcover could come in several individual pieces (depending on the sofa). It has a neat and precise form, made of real substantial sofa fabric and an overall look that will more or less turn out like the above example. And yes that is indeed an IKEA Ektorp with in one of our signature pure linen sofa covers.
If you want a custom slipcover for your sofa, but aren’t too sure if its shape and structure allows for it – fret not as we’ll guide you here as to which sofas can be slipcovered, and what can’t.
Sofas that can be Slipcovered
1) If your sofa already has a slipcover,
Then it’s usually an obvious sign that your sofa can be slipcovered, and most likely you can get your slipcover just about anywhere!
Many IKEA, Pottery Barn and other branded sofas are slipcover-friendly but once in a blue moon there will be a very intricate-looking and complex sofa with a very unique slipcover which is nearly impossible to replicate. But this is very uncommon indeed – 99% of the time if your sofa has a slipcover, it’s fairly easy to make a slipcover for it :)
2) If your sofa is upholstered,
Don’t give up if your sofa does not have a slipcover! Many upholstered sofas can in fact be slipcovered. It mostly depends on the complexity and the shape of the sofa, but if the sofa is generally symmetrical and the armrests aren’t too rounded it should be A-okay!
For best results, the back and seat cushions should be completely detached unless you want to attempt to remove them yourself. In a nutshell, if each piece can have its own individual slipcover, the more tailored and fitted the outcome would be.
3) If your sofa is mostly seat and back cushions,
These are the best kinds for re-slipcovering! As long as the wooden sofa frame is still structurally sound, you can get an almost instant makeover as only the cushion inserts need new covers (and maybe new inserts). As mentioned earlier, the more individualised the pieces – the better the look.
However there are circumstances where the cushions are attached and not removable – these can get a little tricky. The same thing applies for the normal sofas as well where the back cushions are attached to the sofa frame; making slipcovers shouldn’t be too hard for it, but making beautiful slipcovers for that sofa would be another case altogether.
Sofas that cannot be Slipcovered
1) Wingback / Camel-Back sofas and chairs
Continuing the discussion of making beautiful slipcovers, this second part is quite relevantl.
If you noticed, wingback chairs can actually have slipcovers, albeit not very common. However, due to its construction and the overall shape it proves to be a little bit more cumbersome to make especially via an online service with just measurements alone, which is why this is something we leave to local upholstery services.
Typically slipcovers for these types of sofa should be locally made, otherwise an alternative would be to have the sofa re-upholstered. Of course, slipcovers will always have the added benefit of being removable and subsequently easy to wash, giving them more years to spare than upholstery.
Any seamstress would also know that the main caveat with making slipcovers for these sofas is the fact that many measurements need to be taken in order to get the most tailored look. The rationale behind this is simply because the more curved features and elements there are on a sofa, the more measurements would be required to ensuring the most fitted look.
2) Recliners / La-Z-boy
Reclining sofas are just a big NO if you’re looking to get a custom slipcover for a recliner (aka La-Z-boy).
Sure, when we think of the term “slipcover” we’d imagine something that just goes over it and that’s completely fine – getting a universal slipcover from Kmart or Marhsalls pretty much covers it.
But if we’re looking to making it pretty then I’m afraid it’s going to be quite difficult. The construction of a recliner chair is unfortunately too intricate. Given that the arms, back and seats are all attached to the sofa – I’d have to say it’s fairly impossible to make a slipcover for it, and I don’t use the word “impossible” loosely.
In terms of investments, it’s probably best to proceed with a new sofa if the recliner has to meet its unfortunate end.
Brand X?
Not sure if you can get a slipcover made for your branded sofa? Based on the above, as long as your sofa model can be slipcovered, it is likely that we have already created a slipcover for the same model you’re sitting on!
Basically if it can be slipcovered, we can make a slipcover for your sofa :)
Of course if you’re not sure what kind of sofa you have, do feel free to drop a few photos over to info@comfortworks.com.au.
Need help in taking photos? Here’s a short guide:
Final Takeaway
Hopefully our blogpost/guide has given you a better idea and understanding of which sofas can or can’t be slipcovered. And why a slipcover you ask? Well, it’s a simple alternative to upholstery (which is so so expensive) or tossing out your beloved couch for a new one.
It is the best way to give the sofa a few more years, change up the look, and save costs to both your wallet as well as the environment.
If you hadn’t already known, you can always visit us to find a slipcover that’s customized just for you. Or just drop us an email and we’ll help you out ;)
