How can I cover an old loveseat on a budget?

516maria
by 516maria

I have a great old velvet covered loveseat. It needs to be recovered. I’ve been researching what to do. I got one quote of $3,000. To recover it. That is DEFINITELY out of the question. It’s was a lovely old Piece that my friend was getting rid of. I thought of reupholstering it..myself but I feel like it might be too much for me to handle.. so I had another thought ... what about buying a slipcover and maybe stapling it here and there so it will fit/look better. Or using a hot glue gun. Has anyone used slipcovers that they’ve been happy with .? I used one from surefit on a swivel chair and ottoman. They were ok but the room they were in was hardly ever used. This loveseat is in a very used living room. Any suggestions would be very appreciated Thank you


  10 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 03, 2020

    Hi Maria. I'm Cindy. A long time ago a friend gave me a suggestion, and it worked. Put the slip cover on the sofa. Then put a broom handle down where the back meets the cushions. It helps to keep everything in place.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jan 04, 2020

    Hi Maria, here's a few handy tips to make slip covers fit better - https://www.dummies.com/crafts/sewing/how-to-make-your-slipcovers-fit/

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 04, 2020

    Hello there,

    Not sure where you are in the world, but here in UK there is a company called PLUMBS, they come out - measure your furniture, help you select a fabric and give you a priced quotation which they leave with you. They can Re-upholster or make Stretch Covers or Loose Covers . They are pleasant and not at all pushy!!

    I have purchased 5 different sets of Stretch covers for my Suits over the years and have been very happy with the look and fit. They are quick and easy to launder too! Oh! forgot to mention, If you place an order with them, they same person will also fit the covers on for you too before they leave to make sure you are happy. PS. They also measure and supply Drapes/Curtains and Fitted etc. Bed Covers etc.

    Happy Customer...............PS. They use Foam strips to tuck in down the sides of chairs etc. and non slip fabric to hold the covers in place when fitting!

    .

  • Deb K Deb K on Jan 04, 2020

    Hello 516maria, I found this video, hope it helps you, the main success to slip covers is to have one that will take the shape of the item you are covering, hope you find one you like and good luck, hope this video helps you out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-ZrKrnchLA

  • Emily Emily on Jan 04, 2020

    Does your loveseat have a wooden frame or is it completely upholstered? These are two pieces I re-did. The sofa, I bought very inexpensive fabric for and then machine quilted it before making the slip covers for sofa and cushions. Major job. . . but then had more time than $$$$ would not want to do that again. Rocking chair, I reupholstered and remade the seat . . . this was much easier to do. Post a picture of your sofa and we can help more.

  • 516maria 516maria on Jan 04, 2020

    This is it.... in all it’s glory.. lol. I think I could make an attempt to recover it...but I don’t think I could do the tufting part which I really like. I know slipcover would cover the tufting as well. But being the practical type I am... I can’t in good conscience pay a ridiculous Amount of money to have it professionally done. I actually had another thought People learn to become hairdressers they have to go to beauty school and then the public gets the services at a discounted fee maybe there is something like that for people learning reupholstery. Anybody heard of something like that ? I’m from Long NY

  • 516maria 516maria on Jan 04, 2020

    Long Island NY sorry

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jan 07, 2020

    eBay has covers I got a velours one for 35.00 it’s great it’s elastic sides it fits great

  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 09, 2020

    You might check out the local community college night programs, sometimes they have upholstry classes were you bring your piece in and learn to upholster it. Otherwise you can use YouTube videos to guide you..... if you can sew and use a machine, you can do it. Take off the old cover to use as a pattern as you go..... the hardest part will be making new covers for the cushion if you do piping and zippers.... otherwise you will want to farm that part out to upholstry shop.