Decorating Elements I Love: Slipcovers

This is the first of a series of discussions about some of my favorite elements of design that I frequently use in my work. Today I want to show you a tried and true way to bring romance and comfort to a room.

_________________Slipcovers___________________

I love this chair with the simple, pleated skirt on the slipcover and the ties on the sides which allow the chair frame to peek through. And the stencilled monogram gives it such a glamourous touch. I visualize two chairs like this at either end of a big country dining table with a different type of chair, maybe Louis XIV, down the sides of the table. Ooo La La!


These two pictures illustrate a before and after look to give you an idea how slipcovers can give you a way to easily change a room's look from tailored to romantic.



The simple sheath style slipcovers give a totally different feel to the room, and the ties on the backs add just the right amount of detail without detracting from the simple elegance of the design. The addition of the floor-length tablecloth and cotton fringed topper complete the soft, romantic look.

Slipcovers are like custom tailored clothes for furniture. The type of fit they have to the piece of furniture they cover can be customized to reflect the type of interior they are placed in. They can be tailored and tighter-fitting for a little more formal look, or a less constructed, baggier fit for more casual rooms. I like both looks equally well, according to the look the client desires and their lifestyle.
Here is an example of a tailored look on an English-style sofa. It almost looks upholstered, just softer. I also like the way the sofa legs are exposed on this design since this leg style is so attractive.



Above we see the looser, more casual style. I especially like the dressmaker button details and the welted and gathered skirt.

Slipcovers aren't just for sofas and chairs. This is a pretty photo of a headboard slipped in a white linen, which beautifully highlights the curved shape of the bed. This home, while beautiful, is a little too heavy with slipcovers in my opinion. I prefer to use them a little more sparingly.

If you like to change the look of your home easily and love versatility, then I believe slipcovers may be an option you might want to consider. They are just one of the tools in the design toolbox that bring beauty, romance, and personality to a home.

Photos; 1. Southern Accents 4. Shabby Chic All Others Country Living