Advantages and disadvantages
In order for armchairs or sofas to last for the longest possible period of time, it is important to treat their upholstery with care, regularly clean the fabric, and prevent it from being contaminated with food. But in fact, it is much easier to preserve the original beauty of the sofa if you cover it with a special upholstered furniture cover. In past years, the most ordinary bedspreads or sofa decks were used for this purpose, but both options turned out to be inconvenient to use. That is why consumers began to pay attention to dimensionless cases.
The following describes the main advantages of such products for those buyers. Those who are not familiar with them were able to form their own opinion regarding the relevance of purchasing a universal sofa cover:
- The main advantage of universal covers is the ability to quickly and without additional difficulties return the product to its original cleanliness and attractiveness. To do this, you just need to remove the product, wash, shake, dry and put it back on the piece of furniture. Washing can be done manually, or you can use an automatic washing machine for these purposes. In both options, dirt is easily removed from the surface of the textile. The main thing is that after purchasing a case, carefully read the instructions for it. Clearly determine for yourself what type of washing and detergents should be used for a particular product;
- We also note such quality of furniture covers as versatility. The models are perfect for old-style furniture, as well as modern designs. The pulling process is carried out without any particular difficulties, even a teenager can do it;
- covers for upholstered furniture are highly practical; they are resistant to damage, water, and sunlight, so they remain attractive for a long time. Protection for the upholstery of an expensive sofa of this kind can protect it from rapid wear;
- Another advantage is the modern design, laconicism, luxury, and stylish look. And thanks to the variety of colors and textures of textiles used to make covers for universal furniture, you can easily choose the current model for any style or purpose of the room. The following photo of elastic textile furniture covers will allow the reader to independently evaluate their aesthetics. In addition, we note that many relief textures of such products are more practical to use, since they are less easily soiled;
- Stretch covers allow you to quickly change the interior design, update the decor, add a stylistic accent, new emotions, and bright colors to the decor of the room. After all, the wear and tear of the sofa upholstery spoils the impression of the entire interior.
The disadvantage of the Eurocase is its rather high cost. But if we compare the possible expenses for reupholstering upholstered furniture, then the price of a universal-type cover will seem to the consumer to be quite insignificant for the family budget.
Features of the cases
The main feature of the cases is their versatility. They are able to hide furniture of any size under them, as they stretch very well. The covers are easy to wash, allowing you to easily remove any stains. If the covers are completely worn out, they can be replaced with new ones. Moreover, the cost of the covers allows this to be done.
Covers are very popular in those houses or apartments where pets or small children live. Firstly, all stains are easily removed from them, and secondly, they are easy to sew up if a tear occurs.
The ideal option is to use covers for old furniture. They will give the sofa with armchairs the effect of novelty. And it is not at all necessary to change the furniture itself to do this.
Currently there are 2 options for changing the upholstery:
- Padding.
- Covers.
However, if you consider a budget option, your choice will be on covers. Their cost is several times less than the cost of reupholstery.
Manufacturing materials
To produce oversized furniture covers today, manufacturers try to use exclusively high-quality fabrics with excellent strength characteristics. It is also important that the textile used is dense and wear-resistant, only then will it be able to cope with the protective functions assigned to it without any problems.
Let's describe the most popular options these days, used as the main material for creating universal cases:
- corduroy is a dense material with thick, short pile. The material is made on the basis of natural cotton, but its aesthetics are more similar to velvet. A distinctive feature that is characteristic of corduroy is the presence of scars on the front side. Thanks to this texture, the material forms a longitudinal relief;
- velor is a soft, velvety fabric, the pile of which is even and located on the front side. Velor is produced from natural wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. Thanks to this fact, velor is natural, does not provoke the development of allergic reactions, but is practical and durable. The fibers on the material are formed by cutting the fibers that are attached to the base. Therefore, velor is soft and pleasant to the body;
- Gabardine is a dense material with woolen, tightly twisted threads. The fabric has a special twill weave, so a relief in the form of an oblique hem is formed on its surface;
- jacquard is a fabric with high decorative qualities and a complex weave of threads. The picturesque visual effects that are characteristic of jacquard are obtained by using threads of different composition and structure. In the production of such textiles, the production uses threads of natural silk, flax, cotton, wool, as well as synthetic fibers - polyester and so on;
- Crash header - has a special aesthetics, since an unusual decorative technique is used in the manufacture of such material. Textiles can be pressed for a long time, after folding them several times. As a result, the canvas looks deliberately crumpled. The crash header is practical and does not require any special care. It does not need to be ironed after washing. Despite the fact that fabrics with a fine structure are used in the process of making furniture covers from the crash header, the product still turns out to be voluminous and eye-catching in appearance;
- microfiber is a synthetic fabric that consists of high-fine polyester fibers. It is sometimes made from polyamide, sometimes from other plastic chemicals. The fabric is practical, it is thin but durable. The main feature of this material is the ability to quickly absorb moisture and also dry quickly, but not allow water to pass through to the reverse side. As a result, spilled water does not threaten the upholstery of upholstered furniture;
- polyester is a practical synthetic fabric that does not wrinkle at all, is safe for human health and pets, and has a long service life. Textiles of this kind take on a variety of forms, so translucent products with a very light paddle, a fabric reminiscent of wool, are produced from this material. Experienced manufacturers always write “100 percent polyester” on a cover made of synthetic materials;
- matting is a rather interesting material, often used to decorate interiors in country and eco style. The matting is made from natural cotton and linen and is rarely dyed. Therefore, in its aesthetics the material is similar to burlap. Buyers note the high strength, affordable price and durability of the matting;
- Chenille is a type of jacquard fabric. It is created using a rather complex interweaving of natural and synthetic threads, reminiscent of velvet to the touch;
- eco leather is a synthetic material that combines the advantages of natural leather and synthetic textiles. Eco-leather is affordable, durable, practical, and easy to care for. The material “breathes”, so in hot weather it is pleasant to sit on such a product; the skin does not stick to it and does not get steamed. In addition, eco-leather is liked by those people who, due to their convictions, do not accept natural leather. The fabric is made by coating a textile base with a polymer; as a result, its aesthetic qualities surprise with luxury and beauty.
Eco leather
Chenille
Gozhka
Microfiber
Gabardine
Velours
Polyester
Velveteen
Jacquard
The following materials and techniques are often used to decorate universal type covers.
| Technique | Material |
| Decor with bows | To make bows, satin ribbon is most often used, less often - organza, tulle. |
| Decoration with textile skirts, frills, decorative folds | The flounces and folds are most often made of the same material as the cover itself. But sometimes a material of a different aesthetic is sewn directly onto the main fabric. |
| Stitches, lines | Often, to organize stitches on a furniture cape, a contrasting thread is used, or a thread that matches the cape itself. It all depends on what purpose the decor is pursued. |
| Textile applications | It is made from fabric of a furniture cape or other kind of material. The main thing is that decorative applications match the interior in color and style. |
| Lacing | Thin satin ribbons and cords are used for lacing around the perimeter of the sofa. |
What kind of furniture are they suitable for?
Universal covers for upholstered furniture are incredibly popular on the domestic market today, which is not surprising given the huge number of advantages of such products. They are universal textile products suitable for sofas of any size and shape. These products are made from elastic fabrics, so they fit tightly onto upholstered furniture of any configuration. As a result, the furniture is transformed beyond recognition and receives reliable protection from wear and tear during use.
You can purchase similar products in furniture stores. If you go to the store in search of a similar product, it is not at all necessary to first measure your home sofa down to the centimeter. There is no need to know its exact parameters down to the centimeter, since the universal covers stretch perfectly. But you still have to take general measurements.
What is also worth knowing is the design of upholstered furniture: how many people the sofa is designed for, whether it is corner or standard, and so on. And also have measurements of a sofa or armchair before contacting a consultant at a furniture and related products store.
What else you need to know about furniture covers
The leaders in the market are considered to be Eurochehol, Karna, Karteks. They have the widest range, but the design of the models is similar - the only difference is the price and availability of purchase. However, it will not be difficult to find what you want on the Internet.
To care for the covers, you will need neutral cleaning products - powders without bleach. The use of softeners and rinses, as well as spinning at high speeds, is undesirable.
The washing temperature should also not exceed 30 degrees, although for some fabrics up to 40 °C is allowed. Products made of velor, velvet, plush are ironed from the inside out, all others are ironed from the front side, but through a cotton napkin. The “reaper” is not ironed at all.
How to take measurements for purchase
Hanging furniture covers, like universal-type covers, are suitable for sofas of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. Manufacturers often write on the packaging of the model what size sofa it is intended for. If the difference in the recommended size of the sofa and the actual size is not at all large, you don’t have to worry that the cover won’t fit. Since many models have an elastic band or are attached to furniture legs using ties, you can turn a blind eye to small discrepancies in the parameters of the cover and the sofa. You just need to tighten the ties on the furniture leg a little tighter.
To do this, use a centimeter to determine the length, width, depth of the sofa or chair. Also, do not forget to sketch a piece of furniture on paper, this will allow you to avoid mistakes when purchasing a cape for it. If you own a standard straight-shaped sofa, this is not necessary.
But if your sofa has a non-standard shape, original armrests, additional elements (shelves, poufs, drawers for storing linen, clothes, etc.), you must tell the seller about this. Then he will be able to choose for you a universal type of cover that will exactly suit your furniture.
Jacquard
Refers to a type of mixed fabrics. Consists of cotton, polyester and elastane. This fabric has increased strength, high quality and impeccable appearance. Jacquard does not deform and holds its shape well.
The main disadvantage of jacquard is its instability to damage. If you have animals living in your home, then this option is not for you.
Selection rules
Furniture covers are produced in different colors and styles, with a variety of textures, patterns, designs and decorative embellishments. When choosing such products, many consumers are guided solely by their own preferences, ideas about style and beauty.
But it is also important to evaluate furniture covers from the point of view of the practicality of a particular model. No matter how beautiful the model is, be sure to appreciate the material it is made from.
This can be done by touch and visually, following the following recommendations:
- when purchasing a ready-made cover, you need to pay attention to the quality of fittings, fastenings, seams, integrity of textiles, and the absence of various types of defects;
- models without decorative elements are more practical and easier to care for;
- some fabrics require dry cleaning, which will be indicated in the product instructions;
- finished products often come complete with accompanying elements: pillows, bolsters, tablecloths, napkins, which is very convenient.
Combination with interior style
When choosing furniture covers, you need to start from the general style of the room:
- Provence. Characteristic features are neat curves, smooth lines, pastel palette, natural fabrics. Ruffles, skirts and ruffles are popular for decoration. Due to the abundance of light colors, this style cannot be called practical, so furniture covers are a very reasonable solution. In a rustic style, floral prints, polka dots, and stripes would be appropriate. Images should not be too bright or contrasting.
- Classic. For upholstered furniture, covers from beautiful, expensive fabrics are selected. It can be jacquard, velvet, suede, eco-leather, tapestry. The colors are monochromatic or combine discreet muted shades, for example, brown, beige, blue, burgundy. The designs are dim, monograms, floral motifs, stripes, and checkered patterns predominate. For decoration, decorative cords, tassels, and embroidery would be appropriate.
- High-tech, minimalism. Capes for modern interiors are made from practical materials and have no decoration. The priority is artificial wear-resistant fabrics - polyester, microfiber, microvelour, eco-leather. Gray, white, anthracite, brown tones are relevant. If you want to purchase capes with patterns, you should pay attention to geometric prints and black and white photo printing. Upholstered furniture can be made a bright accent by wearing a red, yellow or blue cover.
Features of home furniture dry cleaning, methods, frequency
Minimalism
Provence
Classic
How to wear
When choosing covers for upholstered furniture, it is important to ask what method of fastening to the product is typical for it. Manufacturers create models with the following fixation methods based on:
- the cover with an elastic band is fixed around the perimeter of the sofa or armchair;
- Velcro models are highly comfortable. Individual parts of the product can be quickly, simply fastened together and fixed on the sofa;
- The cape has snap buttons and is very easy to use. Manufacturers use metal or plastic to make buttons. The first option is more reliable and aesthetically attractive;
- universal capes with buttons are more affordable. If a button is lost, it can be easily replaced with a similar design;
- The most convenient options are sewn using zippers. This method of fixation allows you to reliably protect the upholstery surface from wear;
- models with braid, lacing, and ties are also very common. In this case, fasteners also perform a decorative function.
