Are you looking to add a new look to your living room, or are you tired of constantly cleaning spills and stains on your sofa? One easy solution is to cover it with a sofa cover.
A well-fitted sofa cover can breathe new life into your living room and protect your furniture from daily wear and tear. Whether you’re looking to update your decor with a fresh look or preserve your sofa’s upholstery, using a sofa cover is an affordable and stylish solution. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cover sofa with sofa cover, ensuring a snug fit that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your seating area.
With the right techniques, covering your sofa can be a simple and rewarding task.
What Will You Need?
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of items to help you get started:
- Measuring tape
- Sofa cover (make sure it is the right size and material for your sofa)
- Safety pins or sewing needles and thread
- Scissors
10 Easy Steps on How to Cover Sofa With Sofa Cover
Step 1: Measure Your Sofa
The first step in covering your sofa with a sofa cover is measuring it accurately. You want to ensure that the cover fits snugly without being too tight or loose. Start by measuring the length of your sofa from one armrest to the other, then measure its width from front to back. Once you have these measurements, add an extra 2-3 inches to each measurement to ensure a perfect fit and provide some room for error.
Step 2: Pre-wash Your Sofa Cover
Pre-washing your sofa cover is essential to ensure optimal fit and minimize the risk of shrinking after the first wash. Start by checking the care label on your sofa cover to determine the appropriate washing instructions. Most covers can be washed in a regular washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mild detergent.
This step is crucial not just for cleaning but also for softening the fabric, making it more pliable when fitting onto the sofa. After washing, it’s important to dry the cover according to the instructions on the label, as some fabrics may require air drying while others can be tumbled dry on low heat. By pre-washing your sofa cover, you ensure that it’s free of any excess dyes or residues, making the subsequent installation process smoother and more effective.
Step 4: Begin by Covering the Frame
To start covering your sofa, lay the sofa cover out and find the section that will align with the main frame of your sofa. Position the cover such that the seams or designated lines align with the edges and corners of your furniture. Drape the sofa cover over the back, ensuring that it covers the top and tucks under the bottom smoothly.
Begin to pull down evenly over the front and sides, securing it as necessary with safety pins or tucking it into the sofa’s crevices for a neater look. This initial placement is crucial for a seamless finish, as it establishes the foundational fit you can adjust as you continue to assemble the rest of the cover. Take your time in smoothing out any wrinkles or bunching fabric during this step, as doing so will make further adjustments easier and help maintain a neat appearance.
Step 5: Cover the Arms and Tuck
With the main frame covered, shift your attention to the arms of the sofa. Align the fabric to rest evenly over the armrests, ensuring that seams or designs on the cover fall symmetrically. Smooth the fabric down over each arm, tucking the excess material into the crevices between the armrests and seat cushions.
This step secures the cover in place and provides a tailored look that accentuates the sofa’s form. Tucking helps prevent unwanted shifting when the sofa is in use and contributes to a polished, cohesive appearance. For added security, consider pinning the tucked areas with safety pins, targeting spots naturally hidden from view to maintain the cover’s aesthetic.
Step 6: Cover the Seat Cushions
Next, zoom in on the seat cushions of the sofa. If your sofa cover includes separate pillow covers, remove the cushions from the couch and slide each into a corresponding cover. Ensure the zipper or closure mechanisms are properly fastened for a snug fit. If the cover is a single-piece design that fits the entire sofa, smooth the cover over the seating area, tucking any excess fabric into the gaps between the cushions and sofa frame.
This precision helps maintain consistent tension across the cover, preventing unsightly slackness and providing a clean, tailored look that complements the overall fit of the furniture cover.
Step 7: Adjust and Secure the Back
Once the arms and cushions are adequately covered, move to the back of the sofa. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the fabric aligns appropriately along the top edge. If your sofa allows for it, tuck any extra fabric securely between the back of the couch and the back frame. This will help to anchor the cover and provide a smooth, continuous appearance.
If the coverslips or bunches, use safety pins discreetly along the seams or concealed areas to ensure it stay in place. The goal is to achieve a tight, wrinkle-free look that highlights the sofa’s contours while keeping the cover firmly in position.
Step 8: Secure with Safety Pins or Stitching
You can use safety pins or light stitching in discreet areas to ensure the sofa cover remains in place. Focus on the areas where the cover shifts, like the corners and edges, and pin the fabric to the underlying sofa material. If you prefer a more permanent solution, use a needle and thread to make tiny stitches in hidden spots.
This step is crucial for maintaining the neat, tailored appearance of the cover and keeps it from moving out of place with regular use. Secure attachments like these augment the aesthetics of your sofa and extend the cover’s lifespan by reducing wear from constant adjustments.
Step 9: Final Touches and Style Enhancements
After securing the sofa cover, take a step back to assess the overall appearance. Check for any last-minute adjustments to maintain symmetry and tautness across the fabric. Smooth out any remaining wrinkles or folds to achieve a crisp, clean look. Consider adding accessories like throw pillows or a decorative blanket that match or complement the color and style of your cover.
These extra elements can enhance the visual appeal of the sofa, adding layers of texture and color to your room’s decor while also offering added comfort. Customize the look to reflect your personal style, and enjoy your sofa’s refreshed and protected appearance.
Step 10: Regular Maintenance and Care
Establish a regular maintenance routine to prolong the life of your sofa cover and keep it looking its best. Vacuum the cover regularly to remove dust and debris that may accumulate on the surface. Spot treat stains promptly with a mild, fabric-friendly cleaner to prevent them from setting. Depending on usage and material, periodically remove the cover for a thorough wash following the care instructions on the label.
This will ensure cleanliness and help preserve the fabric’s quality and color. Regular maintenance will keep your sofa cover looking fresh, enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of your living space.
By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently install a sofa cover that will protect your furniture while also elevating the overall appearance of your home.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using the Wrong Size: Always measure your sofa before purchasing a cover. Using a cover that is too small will not fit properly and could tear, while a cover that is too large will look sloppy and may not stay in place.
- Ignoring the Fabric Type: Different sofa cover materials offer various levels of durability and comfort. Avoid choosing a fabric that does not match your lifestyle needs, like selecting delicate fabrics in homes with children or pets.
- Overlooking Color Coordination: Failing to consider your room’s color scheme might result in a sofa cover that clashes with your existing decor. It’s best to choose a color that complements the surrounding elements.
- Neglecting Proper Installation: Simply draping the cover over the sofa without securing it can lead to a disheveled appearance. Ensure you tuck and adjust the cover properly to maintain a neat look.
- Don’t Use a Cover That is Not Washable: Sofas can quickly accumulate dirt, stains, and odors over time. Choosing a machine-washable sofa cover can make cleaning and maintaining its appearance easier.
Conclusion
How to cover sofa with sofa cover involves a careful process, but doing so can significantly enhance your furniture’s protection and aesthetics.
You can ensure a snug and stylish fit by following the structured steps outlined, from selecting the appropriate size and fabric to meticulously installing and securing the cover.
Paying attention to critical details, like avoiding common pitfalls and incorporating style enhancements, helps maintain the cover’s appearance and functionality over time. Regular maintenance will keep the cover looking fresh and clean, extending your sofa’s life.
Ultimately, a well-installed sofa cover revitalizes your living space and offers practical benefits by safeguarding your investment against wear and tear.
