What type of fabric do you want? It used to be that slipcovers came only in a few basic neutrals, but that’s changed — nowadays, you can buy them in bold colors, lively patterns and interesting textures. However, if your heart is set on an extremely specific motif or an exact color, you may not be able to find it ready-made.

These days, slipcover options stretch far beyond white versus cream. These striped versions appear tailored and elegant enough for a traditional space.

Courtesy of Shane Inman

Keeping It In Shape

After you’ve chosen the right slipcover for your space, you can take it easy — almost. A big part of slipcovers’ appeal lies in their ease of maintenance, but they still need some attention. Unlike upholstery, you can remove and clean them, and small stains are simple to spot-treat.

Over time, they’ll most likely slide a bit (less of a problem with custom versions), so you may need to tug them back into place or tuck loose fabric between the cushions periodically. For a custom slipcover, consider investing in extra covers for the seat cushions, which are hot spots for wear and tear.

Most will come with specific care instructions, but in general, you’ll want to wash them every few months in cold water on a gentle cycle and dry on low heat. If you’re making a slipcover from scratch, be sure to wash and dry the fabric in advance to pre-shrink it.

Depending on how often you launder them and how sturdy the fabric is, slipcovers generally will last for a few years before they need replacing.

Courtesy of Rate My Space contributor nishag83.

Slipcovers are an ideal way to relax a formal dining area and hide spills. Tight-back versions are in keeping with the contemporary look of this space.