Slipcovered Furniture is Back, Baby

Slipcovers were a major design trend in the ‘90s, where they were complimented by floral motifs and blowsy ruffles (think: the ultimate Granny sofa). Today, however, we’re seeing slipcovers get a major design upgrade that speaks to the return of formal interiors—without the stuffiness: “The classic slipcovered sofa has a storied past, but [today’s iterations are intended] to be both modern and timeless, with elevated design detailing and heritage craftsmanship,” explains Maiden Home founder and CEO, Nidhi Kapur.
Take it from the brand’s best-selling Dune collection (above), which pairs laid-back linen slipcovers with generous seat depths and down-filled cushioning: “An ultra-lofted shape nods to overstuffed silhouettes of the moment, while the classic elegance of the linen slipcover ensures [a] perennial appeal.” Long story short? Solid textured slipcover fabrics—like linen, tweed, chenille or leather—are replacing the doughty florals, while overstuffed cushions and bench seats are helping to create a more modern silhouette from its original form. Below five pieces that nail the look (some of which you can scoop up right this second.)

This beach-dreamy sofa won our editor’s choice for the best apartment sectionals. The slipcover’s clean lines and flange seams offer a relaxed vibe against the traditionally tailored polish. Additionally, it features a handcrafted design with five configuration options—including L-shaped sectionals, chaise sectionals, and U-shaped sectionals—and you can customize the seating dimensions of each configuration, from size/direction of the L-shaped sectional to the width of the chaise sectionals (from 90 to 132 inches wide). The cushions also feature a high-resiliency core wrapped in down, feathers and fiber, providing a cloud-like, sink-in feel—and each one is individually channeled to resist sagging over time. Take it from one reviewer, who’s had it for over a year: “This couch is so comfortable…we have two dogs and they get dirt on it here and there, and it cleans right off. My second worry was the couch keeping shape. The cushions bounce right back to perfect, and I don't have to do it all the time like I thought I would. They are soft yet supportive and keep their shape! We want to buy another set of slipcovers in a different color just to have them [because] this couch is built to last.”

The cherry on top? It offers multiple customizations (like a scatter/classic back) and comes in 18 performance fabric options—available in textured linen, stonewashed linen and chenille. The slipcover is also fully removable/machine washable, so it’s equal parts durable and easy to clean: “I have a white sofa that still looks new—and has seemingly gotten even more comfortable, now that it’s properly broken in. We’ve washed the slipcovers probably a half dozen times over the past two years without issue,” another happy customer writes. 

Not in the market to drop $4K on a sectional? (Well you are, but your wallet isn’t). This ‘chair and a half’ iteration of The Dune is your answer. It has all of the same features as The Dune—from the washable slipcover and multiple fabric options to the overstuffed down-, feather- and fiber-filled cushions. Unlike its predecessor, however, this one has a 48" W x 38" D x 34" H build, making it wide enough to cuddle with two people but small enough to fit in a cozy reading nook. And of course, pricing starts at $1,975—which is a not-as-bad splurge on something that’ll hold up for years. 

Inspired by timeless Parsons's design of the 1930s (i.e., modernist square or rectangular silhouettes with flush edges at the top), this slip-covered number effortlessly combines clean lines with relaxed sophistication. Its flange seams frame the subtle curvature in its kiln-dried frame, which speaks to its handcrafted nature and meticulous attention to detail, and the high-resiliency foam core cushions are wrapped in microfiber for a structured and supportive sink: Add to that, the fact that the slipcover is machine-washable and stain-resistant—and it’s available in performance linen, stonewashed linen and woven chenille upholstery options: “Nice chairs, slipcovers are easy to cleans and take on and off. Have purchased an extra set of slipcovers for the fall in a darker color. Pairs beautifully with the 120-inch Reade table in pecan,” one reviewer writes. 

Perfect for the end of the bed or the side of a sofa, this little slip-covered ottoman packs an elegant yet understated punch. First, its kiln-dried hardwood frame is precision-cut to resist twisting, warping or cracking—and the joints are glued, double-dowelled and corner-blocked for extra stability (aka no wobbles). But of course, the real draw is its slipcover, which is fully removable, machine washable and hand-sewn in the option of linen, stonewashed linen or woven chenille fabrics (all of which are performance fabrics that are built to resist stains and spills). “These little cubes are so cute! We wanted some alternative side tables that could also double as seating if necessary, and the Franklin ottoman has been the perfect option for us,” writes one reviewer. “We have trays we keep on top of them when we’re entertaining for a stable surface, but can easily be removed when we need seats. The stonewashed linen is gorgeous. Thinking about getting a couple for our bedroom next!”

Last (but certainly not least), a slipcovered sofa that exemplifies the best of the trend. While we could go on and on about its sophisticated design, multiple fabric options and sinkable down-, fiber- and feather-cushioned feel, we think this rave review speaks for itself: “I wanted a modern, slipcovered sofa (that’s easy to clean) with a lower overall height profile, a bench seat, something deep (but not too deep for our small family room) under $5,000 and a ready-to-ship option that would not take 9 months to get… The Leonard had it all! I had no choice but to buy it! The performance linen met all my expectations…any dirt or spills come off easily with a little spot cleaning with a water-dampened towel. With a dog coming in from the muddy spring yard and jumping on her immediately, we certainly had to do that many times already.”