How to Choose the Fabric to Make a Seat Cover for Furniture

Seat covers protect chairs from wear and tear as well as change the way it looks. Many people use seat covers to match the chair to the new decor in a room. It less expensive to replace the seat cover then it is to buy a new chair. When purchasing the fabric, there are several things to consider. Follow these steps to learn what they are.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what color will look best for the new seat cover by considering the room in which it will be located. If the room is brightly colored, select a neutral color to prevent clashing and to maximize the size of the room. If the room is light and airy use a bold color to make a statement and draw attention to the newly covered chair.

2. Consider how much wear and tear the seat cover will receive. If you place the chair in the family room, consider denim or a dark, heavy cloth to stand up to daily use. If the chair is just for decorative purposes, select a delicate fabric such as faux leather.

3. Select a fire-retardant fabric to make the seat cover. This will lessen the chances of it catching fire if someone drops a cigarette on it or if you position it close to the fireplace.

4. Think about purchasing a machine-washable fabric to make your seat cover. Chairs used often need frequent cleaning, especially if you have young children. Machine-washable fabric makes this less of a chore.

Tips & Warnings

• All fabrics will burn if exposed to a large flame.