For most people, slipcovers almost always conjure up images of Grandma’s chenille-covered sofa that left ripple marks on the backs of your legs in summertime. Fortunately the patterns and styles of yesterday have changed to meet today’s demands. In fact, decorating with slipcovers can be one of smartest home decor moves that homeowners can make.
For instance, how would you like your rooms to change with the seasons? Before you baulk at the thought of how much that would cost, you should know that slipcovers are a simple and economical way to give a home seasonal style. Slipcovers are also one of the easiest ways to liven up a room.
What’s more, slipcovers aren’t just for sofas or living room furniture anymore. Almost any piece of furniture, from sofas and couches to dining room chairs and even patio or sunroom furniture can be updated with slipcover options.
Here are some suggestions on how to plan a seasonal scheme for decorating your home with slipcovers.
Spring: Spring is that fresh, new time of the year when days get longer and the air is full of the aroma of new green plants. For slipcovers that reflect this time, choose florals or “slubby” linens that are textured. Pastels are especially good for springtime decorating, so think in terms of fresh yellows, pinks, sky blue and the pale green color of new buds. A spring decor is light and airy; it is best to stay away from dark colors. Also be careful not to let things get too busy. If the wallpaper or drapes are floral, then opt for slipcovers in a single color. Choose one color from the accessories to act as the color theme, and get slipcovers in that shade.
Summer: Summertime brings easy living with school out and vacations in vogue, so make slipcover choices easy as well. Lightweight fabrics are perfect for summer slipcovers because they exude a cool atmosphere to offset the season’s heat. Consider polished cotton, Irish linen or ticking fabrics in nautical stripes. The queen of summer slipcovers is crisp white in easy-care fabrics. Summer is also a time of vivid color, so don’t be afraid to give your light-colored furniture a pop of bright orange, fuchsia or bright green. Think watermelons, picnics, sailing, beaches – any of these themes will create wonderful summertime decor.
Autumn: Autumn decorating can often fall into cliches, what with the familiar themes of Halloween and Thanksgiving. To solve this dilemma, think of your fall slipcover decorating as the season of golden harvest from rich earth. Slipcovers in weightier fabrics can be apple red, deep gold, chocolate brown or burnt orange.
Winter: Winter is marked by folks spending lots of time indoors away from harsh weather. Without a cozy, comfy indoor atmosphere, folks can easily get “cabin fever” and start gnawing on the furniture like cranky old bears! Help keep the winter blues at bay by choosing winter slipcovers in rich, warm, cuddly fabrics such as corduroy, chenille and velvet. Winter is a time of sharp contrasts, such as empty black branches against white snow, so think in terms of jewel-toned fabrics as well: midnight blue, ruby red, deep forest green the color of evergreens. Accent these dominant colors with touches of oatmeal or sage.
Who knew that something as basic as slipcovers could turn out to be such an exciting tool for home decorating!
Senior staff writer Scarlett has extensive knowledge in interior design and decorating. Visit her preferred online place for beige rugs and wool rugs.
