The notorious ready made loose covers, also known as: universal slipcovers, elastic covers, stretch sofa slipcovers… Yes, it’s time to talk about one of the most controversial kind of covers which always raise a lot of eyebrows.
They can have many names but they all have one thing in common. They are designed using general patterns to adapt themselves to different types of sofas. This sounds like a big advantage but – is it worth getting your hands on a set?
At Comfort Works we have decided to figure out all the pros and cons of the universal slipcovers, and we have summarized all we have find out about them in this article. Ready to learn more about Ready Made Loose Covers?
Some universal slipcovers we found on Pinterest.Pros of Universal Slipcovers
1. They are cheap
That’s the main reason why these covers exists! They are just a general pattern mass manufactured in series which can fit many different sofas. This way the manufacturer can sell it more easily and consequently offer a cheaper price.
2. They are easy to install
Another reason why people normally buy these slipcovers is because they think they are easier to install than other sofa covers. They are a big piece of fabric, so there’s actually a lot of tucking of any excess fabrics to make it look good. On the other side of the spectrum, made-to-measure covers easily slip on to your sofa with minimal tucking.
3. They are easy to get
As the mass product they are, you can easily buy them in many local stores like Walmart, Target or even Amazon and eBay. But this also means that you have to adapt your new sofa look to the fabrics and colours they have available, something which doesn’t happens when you decide to upholster your sofa or buy a made-to-measure slipcover. It’s just not as personalised.
4. They’ll make your sofa look… great?
These are elastic slipcovers after all and there’s no way it can fit the unique shape your sofa would have. Having said that, it can look great on advertisements but when you actually have it in your sofa… well, that’s another story!
A ready made loose slipcover we found on Pinterest.Cons of Universal Slipcovers
1. Your sofa will look cheap
The style which these slipcover provide is not the best. A big piece of fabric above your sofa can be a good solution if you are painting your living room walls, but can you imagine it every day of the week in your sofa? A house should always feel like a home.
2. Ready Made Loose Slipcovers aren’t comfy
As you can imagine a slipcover which isn’t manufactured with the specific measures of your sofa won’t be fitting like a glove. Excess fabrics everywhere means that the slipcover will move a lot so you’ll need to be adjusting it all the time.
3. It’s not a long term investment
Yes, they can be very cheap now but what’s going to happen in a few weeks, a month, or a year. As per point #1 – you’ll hate it, undoubtedly and that’s when you realise you need a new sofa cover. Sometimes it’s a good idea to make an investment and be sure you are buying something which will last (pragmatically and aesthetically).
4. Limited variety of colors and textures
A mass product like ready made loose covers will never offer the variety of customization options which a custom product can. Of course, they are normally manufactured with neutral colors (brown, black, white, grey…) and if you’re feeling lucky – red, purple, green but unless you’re creating a clown house.
Universal slipcover from Pinterest.CONCLUSION
To summarize, universal slipcovers can be a great option if you are looking for a cheap solution for your sofa and you don’t mind sacrificing the style and comfort of your couch. But another options like upholstery and made-to-order slipcovers can also offer you all the benefits of ready made loose slipcovers, and even more.
Upholstery and made to order slipcovers offer you the possibility to customize your sofa as you want, respecting all its measures and assuring a tight and comfy fit. Of course, it’s important to know that upholstery doesn’t allow you to easily change the look of your sofa and prices are higher in comparison with slipcovers.
Also, many pros of universal covers are shared with made to order slipcovers. Like having a machine washable fabric, easy installation, the possibility to change them regularly when you change your decoration, etc. A lot of the times, ready made loose covers are pretty much just a quick fix.
Would you like to chill in a couch like this? Or would you prefer to relax with your friends and family in a sofa like this?Don’t take our word for it though – remember to do your research before making any decision. You can start by visiting our Slipcover Store Next Door.
Take your time creating a living room you’ll love. Think long term!What do you think? Are you ready to rejuvenate your sofa? If you are interested in made to order slipcovers, you can contact us for more information, we’ll be pleased to help you. You can also leave a comment here or send us an email to info@comfortworks.com.au.
Or if you’re thinking of a simple sofa makeover or considering re-upholstery, check out these 7 alternative ways to restore an old couch.
Happy designing!