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I received some great advice about going from traditional to cottage. Today I bought a slipcover and would love to get your feedback. I'm not completely sold on it. I got a stretch cover because I thought it would be less likey to look messy...but now I wonder if it is too tight or maybe it will loosen in time. Here are some pics.

The sofa before.

Now with the cover

Here are some close ups of what I think is too tight.

One more

Wow, I think the white slip cover is a knock out.

I don't know if the three cushions are too tight or maybe just some adjusting needs to be done so there is a straight seam line across the front.

But you know what? This is a casual style so I don't think you need to do too much to align it.

Some brightly colored patterned pillows would be nice too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lady of shallot,

I agree with everything that LOS said. Love the white. Slipcovers are great, you can just throw them in the washing machine.

Agree, it might take a bit more adjusting.

Here's one thought - How about if you removed the 3 cushions and used it only on the base, tucking it in there? You could then separately cover the 3 cushions, individually.

Nice way to liven up your room!

JMHO and good luck!

I love the white too, but agree that one long seat cushion should eliminate the ripples and seam lines that individual cushions create.

Wow, that slipcover looks fantastic! One of the best I've seen. I agree with LOS, maybe just some adjusting to make it have only seam that's aligned.

Be sure to keep us updated on your progress along the way.

I really like it too. What brand did you get?
It sure fits better than most I've seen. Annie

What if you used a throw or blanket on the seat over the slip cover. It will keep it clean and cover the front edge.

What if you took the original covers off the cushions and just put the slip cover on? It's the welting that makes all the lines. You may free up enough room for it to fit correctly.

quote:

Originally posted by jaysmom49:
What if you took the original covers off the cushions and just put the slip cover on? It's the welting that makes all the lines. You may free up enough room for it to fit correctly.

That's a great idea...who wudda'thunk!!

I'm in the minority -- I like the sofa WITHOUT the slipcover . . . but I do think it's a nice slipcover and if you like the white then you should keep it! I do think that perhaps taking off the covers of the cushions might help the fit.

Martha

Thanks All. I'll try taking the seat cushions off tomorrow to see if that helps. I'm still not sure about it. It is a surefit stretch suede in cream. I got it from Bed Bath and Beyond. Price was 159.99 but I had a 20% off coupon.

Looking nice with sleep covers. White is one of the standard color, but difficult to maintain. But I think you should change the color of cushions too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jimhassel,

If you like it without the cushion covers you might wrap some batting around all three to give the look of a single cushion.

I'm going to stop and look at them. Thanks.

Annie

So sorry, JNikki, but, in all honesty, the slipcover is very ill-fitting and does not do your sofa any favors.

It is stretched too tightly across the seat and I wonder what will happen when people sit on it and whether it will hold up. Finagling with taking off cushions seat or wrapping them with another piece of fabric tells me this slipcover is close, but no cigar.

I agree that white slip covers freshen up the looks of most furniture pieces, but either your sofa is too large or the slipcover is too small to fit comfortably.

I actually thought your previous sofa looked nice w/o the slipcover, too, but I understand your desire to liven things up.

Although I like the idea of removing the individual cushions covers and restretching the white, with the 3 cushions underneath - am thinking that using the slipcover for the base alone and covering the 3 cushions individually (placing them on top of the sofa base with the slipcover) may work better for you.

Have a feeling that those 3 cushions may slip, slide or shift as people sit on your sofa, underneath the slipcover. Because you can see the outline of them under your slipcover, placing them underneath, even without their own old covers, may not be the best option. In addition, if/when they shift, the sofa might not be as comfortable.

Also wanted to suggest possibly using other colors for those base cushions, assuming you placed them on top of the slipcovered sofa base. When I think of cottage style, I envision soft colors and print fabrics. Your white feels a little beachy to me. (The colors can also be introduced through your pillows, however.)

Great idea to use a piece of batting, if you do place the cushions underneath the slipcover. That might give you the same issue with the size of the slipcover, however. You can always try out a few things to see what works best for you.

BTW, thought they used to routinely have the Surefit brand on sale at Tarjait for $69. Don't know if they still carry it, however.

Please post back with some additional photos, if you have a chance!

All, JMHO. Best of luck -

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

I'm in the minority too, I don't like the fit at all, too lumpy and bumpy. Personally, I'd keep looking or try a larger size.

I like the white cover, but not the fit, keep working on it as suggested. You've been given lots of good ideas to make it work better.

I am on the side of the line that doesn't really love the slip cover. It doesn't fit - that is true, but I am not sure that it contributes anything really great to the room.

I think that your sofa is already cottagy, it doesn't need the slip cover, and the upholstery is in good condition. It's kind of like covering up something good with something not so good. Why do that? If you can take it back, I would spend the money on something else.

OK...I did not like the slipcover any more today than I did yesterday. I like the fact that it brightened up the room, but that was about it. So it went back today. Next step...take out the black rug and move a light colored rug in from the dinning room.

Thank you all for your feedback!

One way you could brighten the room is to change the lighting.

Love the fur baby in the middle of the picture.

Even though I just slip-covered my sofa, I agree that that one doesn't work. The look you want probably can't be achieved with a stretch fabric. If you check out Pottery Barn and Ikea slip-covered pieces, you'll notice that the fit, while somewhat loose, is very tailored to the piece and in cottons, linens, duck, canvas...fabrics that naturally lay flat, not clingy. I think that's the look you're going for, right?

My cotton one requires a lot of adjustment, but I prefer the look and feel of cotton (sounds like a commercial) and it works for me. That said, I, too had the problem of the welting showing through and considered removing the seat covers (still might), but used an old comforter to solve the problem for now. It lays on the seat cushions and wraps over the front edge to pad out the welting.

I had to cover my white sofa (ironic, yes?), but yours look to be in pretty good condition, so I also agree with others that all you might really need is to change out other things to colors that suggest cottage to you...that's important because "cottage" can mean many things and all that matters is what YOU think!

Whew! I feel better now after Aych and Cocok's posts.
I didn't want to be the only naysayer in the group but now I will step up gingerly and say that the fit, the wrinkles and the uneven cushion line are all turn offs for me.
It really looks way too stretched for me.
Sorry, but you DID ask.(embarrassed face)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: arepo,

Glad you returned it. If you didn't like it after a few days, that was the best answer.

Good idea to try a rug switch. Sometimes one simple change will achieve the look you're going for.

Best to you -

I'm glad you are not using the slipcovers. You have very nice sofas and can still lean towards a softer cottage look by changing accessories, rug, etc.

This room has sofa color similiar to yours & has the cottage look.

http://www.myhomeideas.com/roo...000069041/index.html

quote:

t's kind of like covering up something good with something not so good. Why do that? If you can take it back,

One good reason Cocok is that a slip cover is machine washable and upholstery is not.

Now I'm in the minority but when I saw the pic with the white slipcover, IMHO the whole room came alive. Note that I am not addressing the fit but frankly again IMHO the color is more important visually.

Thanks All. Looking for a lighter rug. Here is a pic minus the rug with the sofas (one a gold color and one green) facing each other. Trying out the facing each other thing. They used to be in an L shape. A rug and a new or redo of the coffee table is next.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JNikki,

One more

Here is the room mmtsh posted so you can compare your space...

Would you be willing to paint your coffee table? If not, you can always find a used one on CL.

Here is a google link to images of cottage living rooms-

Not all cottage decor is white slipcovers and white painted furniture.

http://www.google.com/search?h...daUMmVOo7yigK0-4H4Aw

I am glad to see that you have removed the rug and set the couches facing each other.
Removing that rug has made a huge difference already.I wasnt liking the sofa cover.You can do more with that amount $ in bringing in lighter colors into the room with pillows and a lighter rug.I like your sofas & chairs too.LOVE the art hanging.

A1SB is right,painted-lighter tables are cottagey.Right now they are dark like the rug,weighing down the room.I love those but they arent cottagey.I'd add a lighter rug,pillows and paint those tables.Not white but maybe an antiqued cream.I have even painted my lamps.You can always change them back.

Lookin' good, JNikki; lookin' real good!

Sorry, but my take on "cottage" is that it is part old fashioned comfort with an artsy eye for eclectic detail.( Like using old vegetable crates for trays or old diner signs in the kitchen. The obvious polyester/lycra look of a stretchy slipcover does not say vintage. I would much rather see a cotton mattress ticking,or a toile.The best would be a vintage inspired bark cloth, even if it is a little loose and lived in looking.

Notice the pkg. wrap's illustration doesn't feature individual cushions. I still think one solid seat cushion would be more smooth. Perhaps removing the covers on the seat cushions will work as has been suggested.

J nikki, I just posted a link to the house pictures from "Somethings gotta give"

http://hookedonhouses.net/2009...e-in-somethings-gott

Oh wait I still had it! Anyway check out the fit of the slipcovers in this living room.

Thanks all...it is good to hear that removing the rug made a difference. I bought a rug at Home Depot. I like the colors, but will be returning it because it had several frays in it and with the dogs I can see that it would only get worse. I did find a replacement rug on line, similar in color and about the same price. Also tomorrow going to a rug shop about 40 minutes away to check out what they have there. Would love to get your feedback on this rug.

Lady--I love the Somethings Gotta Give house...that is the feel I want. Jackie..thanks so much for the comment about the wall hanging...my Dad painted it.

Here is the replacement rug I am thinking of. It is very close in color and style. I have a large ottoman upstairs that I may bring down to replace the coffee table, but it needs a different fabric.