4 Men 1 Lady

a lifestyle blog about the persuit of bringing beauty to a house full of men.

Let’s talk slipcovers.

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My inbox has been flooded with questions about my slipcovers so it’s time to dish. Pre-children, we bought these lovely cream colored, microfiber sofas. The sales lady told me that microfiber is super kid friendly (for when our kiddos came). She lied. I was constantly scrubbing these babies to get dirt out. And let it be known that I don’t think we’re dirty people either. We don’t wear shoes in the house, we don’t eat on the sofas and we don’t have pets. Nonetheless, the sofas always looked spotty to me.

I invested in some Sure-Fit slipcovers. Once I got them on on (1 1/2 hours worth of fitting, tucking, steaming, etc.) they were lovely. Then my husband plopped down on the sofa and it looked like a wrinkled mess. They came untucked, then they were baggy and I was mad.

So my options were either purchasing new sofas, having my sofas re-upholstered or having custom slipcovers made. I did the latter and haven’t regreted it since. Custom slipcovers are def. the way to go. They fit perfectly and no puddling of excess fabric. With my hard-core, DIY attitude I thought I could do them myself so I bought a how-to dvd online… I later threw in the towel and had them made. Going the custom route can cost anywhere from $300.+. depending on what kind of detail you want.

People always ask me what possesed me to choose white with children. Here’s my thing. Many of my friends (sorry to “out” you my friends) have dark sofas. They are great for hiding dirt and mess. The thing is, even though the sofa looks clean I know very well thay they are filthy. You would never not wash your bed sheets regularly. Yet I see kids with their faces directly on the sofa watching tv and all I can think is GROSS! With slipcovers you can take the whole thing off and wash it. With white I can even bleach all the germs and stains right out them. Yes, my kids jump, wrestle and sometimes nap and the sofas and I have no issues with them getting ruined.
If you decide to do slipcovers here are a few tips on getting the most out of them.
1. Pre-shrink your fabric by washing it first before your slipcovers are made.
2. When your slipcovers need a wash don’t dry them completely because they won’t fit. Put them on your sofa slighly damp and snug. That way when they dry they will fit perfectly.
3. I tuck pieces of foam in the cracks and crevices of my slipcovered sofa. The foam just helps grasp they fabric so it doesn’t shift or move around.
4. If you choose white, don’t bleach them too often. Suprisingly, over bleaching will yellow your slipcovers. I like to use Oxy clean for a crisp white look.

A lot of you have asked how I keep my house looking so tidy.
Here’s my answer: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I have two boys who know how to make a good old fashioned mess. From 7pm to 6am my house looks lovely (because they are asleep). The rest of the time it often looks like disaster central. Every surface in my house MUST be washable or wipeable. I have a hand held dust-buster that works overtime. I also do touch up paint monthly on my walls because apparently I have budding artists.
Dang, I think I just ruined the impression you all had that I was perfect.
So there!
(Hope that helps).

Comments

  1. Oh, I’m so pleased you posted this. Finally another mother who isn’t scared of a white sofa!
    We’re expecting our first child in March, and so many of my friends have asked if I’m going to buy a throw for my white sofa. Why would I? It has slip covers (just like yours), and I can just take them off to wash…so no need for a throw!
    I’m so happy to hear that children and white sofas do mix! Donna x

  2. You are to funny! I completely agree with you. (I have 2 boys to)Everything I have must be washable wipeable. I either do slipcovers or leather!

  3. Ahhhhh……….Yep! I’m alllll about the slipcovers. Aren’t they just the handiest things? How did we get along without them. I pretty much slipcover EVERYTHING at my house and my sofa is white as well. I actually just posted a slipcover tutorial…

    I love your room. Crisp as can be.

    Blessings,
    Spencer

  4. Thanks for the info! I have off white couches and I’m thinking I might have to invest in some slipcovers. No children just yet but one little puppy who refuses to stay off the sofa! Your house is gorgeous!

  5. I’m in the white slipcover club, too. No kids here, though…just a boyfriend and a golden retriever. The dog doesn’t get on the furniture, but I sometimes pull him up into a snuggle. 🙂

    Anyway, the first time I washed my slips, I was nervous, but I used OxyClean and the pure All (the one without any dyes, scents, etc). Everything worked out just fine.

    I wish I had thought to make my dining chairs slipcovered. Oh well. The boyfriend has a splat mat (a pillow case) on his just to be safe.

  6. Love your home! I was wondering if you remember where you got that fabulous light over your dinner table. I love it!

  7. Love your slip covers. I’m with you on professionaly made ones … love the look, but want them to fit. Your room looks beautiful … must be after 7:00!

  8. Hi! I am a new “follower”. You may have posted before but it didn’t come up when I searched. What color did you use in this room? I love it!

  10. Oh you are perfect! And yes, I also have white slipcovered couches with 1 husband, 1 5 yr old boy, 1 beagle and 1 calico. I would not have any other color or fabric!

    XOXO-

  11. Now that you’ve totally blew my image of you..! You are awesome, a great Mom most of all. Have a great weekend, it will be here before we know it. Check out my giveaway if you get time.

  12. I have two toddler boys and I slipcover all my furniture in white cotton twill. Most people think I’m nuts, but what you said is true! You take it off, wash it, bleach it, and *tada* new sofa! I love it.

  14. Okay……I love it and after reading all these comments I must admit that I don’t have slip covers on my couch. My couches are brownish color. I don’t allow my kids to lay on the couches to watch tv. They have to lay on the floor. (I know I am so mean, but how else am I supposed to keep them nice?) They look brand new and I am sure my kids would LOVE to enjoy laying on my couches. Maybe if I invest in slip covers……….

  15. Girl I LOVE IT!!! Okay so I heard this before on another blog and you my dear have just reassured the fact that I must proceed forward with a white slipcovered sofa! and by the way, I have 3 boys under 5 so I know exactly what you mean!!!

  18. Beautiful. I was thinking the same thing, that it is time for slipcovers.

    Also, where is your playroom/toyroom? I’d love to see a picture of that!

  19. Okay, I love this! I have to ask, though, where do you FIND somebody to do custom slipcovers? And what does it run, price-wise? I’m getting desperate here since I’m not a seamstress and I too have the “easy to clean” microfiber…yeah right!

  24. Thank you so much for the great tips. I bought a second set of white slipcovers when I bought our slipcovered sofa. I’ve yet to use them, but the tip about not bleaching is something I wouldn’t have thought of.

  25. thank you!
    felt you were speaking to me:) in a house of all boys, i need all the fresh, white-inspired, durable hints i can get!
    …one last thing, what type of fabric did you choose? duck cloth, linen,…?
    look forward to the next next post 🙂

  26. Hi there, just discoverd your wonderful blog and was wondering if you could tell me where you purchased that great ottoman you have in your living room?

  27. First time commenting, and I am starting off with a resounding: Yes! This is the exact reasoning I gave my friends and family when I installed cream flooring in my kitchen. Everyone was aghast, telling me it would should the dirt. Um, isn’t that the point?

  28. Hi,

    I just found your blog and I’m loving it! Would you be able to tell me what color you used on the walls in your family room?

    Thanks!

It is nice to meet you!

Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!

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