Don't Re-cover, Slipcover!

For a few years now slipcovers for furniture have found a place in the design world. As they've become more common and less expensive, the current trend in decorating is to replace slipcovers seasonally. This current trend is a classic case of something old becoming new again. Redecorating with the seasons was popular for our grandparents and great grandparents. In fact, it was popular because it was necessary. With the arrival of summer many a homemaker would pull up the wool rugs, pull down the heavy drapes and pull out the slipcovers. Since air conditioning was not an option, heavy d�cor items were often replaced with more breathable fabrics, and slipcovers were used to keep sweaty bodies and rampant dust from open windows from staining the furniture.

Today, slipcovers are another option toward making your home look the way you want without spending a lot of money to buy new furniture or reupholster what you have. When considering slipcovers you have two main options-you can have your covers custom made or purchase pre-fabricated ones. Obviously the custom made covers will fit better, and will generally cost more than most pre-fabricated covers. And, depending on the company you select to do the work, you may need to send your furniture to their workroom. Some companies will come into your home and measure your furniture for you, however. Pre-fabricated covers can be found at home decorating stores and most department stores.

You will find slipcovers for almost any type of furniture you own - loveseats, couches, dining room chairs, wingbacks, ottomans, and even recliners. In addition to the variety of furniture you can cover, you'll find an array of fabrics. Chenille, denim, and faux leather are among some of the more popular materials right now. While not the most practical selection, velvet is also quite popular to keep those fall and winter drafts at bay.

In your shopping for the fall and winter d�cor you are likely to see patterns like scrollwork or muted leaves. The trend in colors for the season includes earth tones and neutrals. The earth tones contain colors like cranberry, sage, caramel, and eggplant, while the neutrals include linen, stone and wheat.

If adding slipcovers isn't quite enough of a change for you, consider shopping for accessories and trims. You can add cording or buttons to any cover for an extra touch of color or texture. Fringe or rope can bring a little extra life to a normal pillow.

Sources used in this article include www.doityourself.com and Ruth J. Katz of New York Magazine.

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