Custom Slipcovers - Tips For Measuring a Sofa to Ensure the Perfect Fit

Ordering a ready made slipcover only requiredFor Custom Slipcovers
that you know the general shape of a sofa orWhen measuring for a custom slipcover for a
chair, but since they aren't customized for eachsofa or chair, there are several things to
piece, knowing the measurements is unnecessary.determine up front. Seat cushions are either
In contrast, ordering a customized fitted slipcoversquare or require a T cushion slipcover. A T
requires exact measurements in order to havecushion slipcover wraps around the front of the
them made to precise measurements and designseat, making the shape of a 'T' when viewed
specifications. Since they are made to fit anyfrom above. A square shaped cushion fits evenly
upholstered sofa, loveseat or chair for awithin the frame of the seat, looking like a
removable square or T-cushion slipcover, there'sperfect square or rectangle.
more involved in taking the measurements thanSeat backs are the next thing to determine. The
height and width.back cushion is either removable or fixed. There
Measuring Custom Slipcovers For Dining Chairare four styles that will help measure most
It's important to start by figuring out the style ofaccurately:
dining chairs. Fitted slipcovers can be made to fit1. Low Back - When looking from side of furniture
Ladder back, Parsons, Queen Anne, Colonial,the back may look like pyramid or square shape.
Chippendale and most other styles of chairs withThis type has straight upholstered back rising
straight, curved, round or square, wooden orabove the armrests no more than 10 inches.
upholstered back up to 45 inches. Custom dining2. High Back - Similar to the Low back except
chair covers feature straight skirt with split kickthat the straight upholstered back rises above the
pleat in the center of chair and two ties in thearmrests usually by more than 13 inches.
back. Custom slipcovers are made for both dining3. Rounded Back - When facing the sofa, it has
chairs with arms and armless chairs.rounded, fully upholstered back (non removable
The measurements you'll need to take on a diningback cushion) rising above the armrests no more
chair include:than nine inches.
1. Seat width - This requires two measurements4. Tuxedo Back - On this type of furniture the
if the width at the front of the seat and theheight of the arm and height of the back are
width at the back of the seat are different.same or have difference of one-and-a-half inches.
2. Seat height - Measure from the floor to theAfter you've determined the style, make sure to
top of the seat cushion.measure size and shape of the seat, height of the
3. Seat depth - Measure the distance from theskirt, back style and overall circumference of the
front of the seat cushion to the back.furniture so that the slipcover can be made to
4. Overall chair height - Measure from the floor tothe exact specs.
the highest point of the back of the chair.1. Measure the total length of the seat, left to
5. Seatback height - Measure from the top of theright, tip to tip, at the widest point.
seat to the highest point of the seatback.2. Be sure to measure the maximum thickness of
6. Seatback width - The seatback widthback cushion at the top.
measurement is at the top of the seatback.3. Top length can be found by measuring the total
7. Seatback depth - Measure how thick the seatlength of the back at the top at widest point.
back is at its widest point.4. Base depth can be measured with the distance
8. For dining chairs with arms, these additionalfrom the back to the front of the couch at its
measurements are necessary:widest point.
9. Overall arm height - This should be the distance5. Skirt width is found by measuring the distance
from the floor to the top of the arm.from the top to the floor.
10. Arm height - This is the difference between6. Seat depth is the distance from to the back of
the seat and the top of the arm.the seat at the widest point.
11. Arm length - The measurement should be7. Back height is the maximum back height from
taken from the front of the arm to the jointtop to bottom at the highest point. Measure back
where it meets the front of the seatback.depth on the maximum thickness of the back
12. Arm width - The measurement of the top ofcushion at the bottom of the back. The back
the arm, how wide it is from left to right.height is at the highest point, usually in the center
13. Distance between arms - If arms are taperedof the couch.
out, you'll need the measurement from the8. Base height is the distance from floor to where
widest point from the inside of each arm to thethe seat and back meet.
other.9. Back length is the measurement of the back,
How To Measure Sofas, Loveseats And Chairsleft to right, tip to tip, at the widest point.