How to Measure for Slip Covers

Slipcovers can change the color scheme of a room or hide tears on furniture.

Slipcovers for furniture are available in three basic styles. The stretch style conforms tightly to a couch, loveseat or chair and holds in place with elastic surrounding the seat and across the back. The classic style lies over the furniture and usually has ties in the front on each side under the arms to adjust the fit. The wrap style slipcover wraps around the furniture from one side to the other and tucks into the seat cushion for adjustments in size.

Things You'll Need

• Soft measuring tape
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the furniture. Stand behind the couch or chair and place the measuring tape on the bottom of the back where it meets the seat. Stretch the measuring tape up and over the back of the furniture to the very bottom of the back where it meets the floor or legs of the item.

2. Measure the body of the furniture item. Stand on the right side of the item and place the measuring tape on the outside of the right arm at the front edge. Stretch the measuring tape down the arm, across the back and down the left arm to the front of the arm. Record the measurement as the maximum body width.

3. Measure the maximum width of the couch or chair. Stand in front of the furniture, place the measuring tape on the outermost edge of the furniture on the left side of the arm, and measure to the right outermost edge of the right arm. Record the measurement on paper with a pen as the maximum width.

4. Measure the widest point of the seat on the couch or chair. Place the tape measure on the left side of the seat where the arm meets the seat and measure to the right side of the seat where it meets the right arm. Measure the front, back and middle of the seat. Record the largest measurement as the seat width.

5. Compare these four measurements to a sizing chart for ordering a slipcover. If the slipcover is slightly larger than the actual couch or chair, it will hang a little lower to the floor. Excess slipcover material tucks into the seat cushion on each side near the arms and into the back of the seat where it meets the back of the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a soft measuring tape for accurate measurements on the maximum width of furniture so that it bends around corners easily. A rigid tape measure will work for the other three measurements.

• It is easier to measure for slipcovers with two people so that one can hold the end of the measuring tape in place and the other can stretch it out to the other end for the measurement.

• To measure with only one person present, use a piece of scotch tape to tape the end of the tape measure in place and gently pull it towards the other end. Remove the scotch tape and wipe any residue with a dry cloth.

• A slipcover that is too small in any of the measurements cannot be adjusted to fit the furniture. It is better to purchase one that is larger than the furniture and adjust it for a sleek fit.

References

• Sure Fit Home Furnishings, Ltd.: How to Measure