Changing out decor seasonally sounds like a daunting (and pricey) task, but there is one simple switch that is easy, affordable and makes a big impact -- covering your sofa with a new slipcover. This can instantly transform a space, update tired seating or protect furniture from pets, kids and stains. If you happen to be handy with a sewing machine, you may consider making your own, but if not, don't worry. There are many options on the market in a range of colors, fabrics and price points that will suit any design style. Read our buying guide and tips from decorating experts to help you choose the best slipcover for your furniture. strong Since slipcovers come in many sizes, it's important to measure your furniture before heading to the store. Margaret Nanni, SVP of Product Development at Sure Fit, suggests to take note of the longest measurement of your chair or sofa, including the arms. Sure Fit and other similar slipcovers will fit couches that are 83 to 96 inches long, a love seat cover will be for a 58 to 73 inch piece and a chair slipcover is for 32 to 43 inches.

Also, measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of your sofa, as some covers have a ruffled or pleated skirt at the bottom. strong If you are hoping to get a more fitted, custom look, look for a cover made for your furniture's exact measurements. (Annie Sloan, an interior designer and author of Creating the French Look and 22 other books on interior decorating and paint usage, suggests measuring twice!) For a more laid-back feel, an approximate measurement will do. Or, consider a loose-fit slipcover. You won't need to fuss over exact measurements, yet you can still achieve that same casual affect.Slipcovers have gotten a bad wrap in the past as generally unsightly and unstylish pieces of fabric thrown over furniture. But Nanni told us that "the perception of slipcovers has changed, they are not only functional -- they are fashionable. They have come a long way from what they used to be." Lisa Jackson, interior designer and CEO of Lucca & Co., always slipcovers furniture. She told us, "I love the attitude;

it's more casual and inviting. You want to put your feet up and relax." Surprisingly, there are many options available in terms of fit. Traditional covers looks the best on sofas and chairs with rounded arms and rectangular cushions, but specialty shapes are available for other types of seating, such as wingback chairs or recliners. You can find a slipcover that works with any decor style, whether you prefer a clean modern look, traditional or shabby chic. And a slipcover can even give new meaning to a room's decor, making it unique and stylish. Jackson says, "there is no reason not to mix slipcovers with more formal furniture. It's the juxtaposition which makes the room sing." Fitted styles that hug the furniture tightly come in several pieces and have a seamless aesthetic. Also, details like contrasting welt or decorative trim can add visual interest and accent the lines of your piece. Jackson mentioned that she looks for details -- like a tailored skirt and zippers -- when choosing a cover.

Other covers drape loosely and just tuck into the cushions and may tie in the back. These are often less expensive, and our friends at Sure Fit say they take only minutes to slip on, so are great for pet owners or even to spruce up a dorm room. Bottom line: While the seamless styles are clean and modern, make sure they are easy to slip on and off for cleaning and swapping.Sloan says "It’s the fabric that defines the style. beach lounge chair home depotAn upholstery fabric needs to be tough and firm." patio chair cushions ikeaHeavy cotton duck, canvas or a twill blend are the best bets for seats that get a lot of traffic. leopard high heel shoe chair saleThese fabrics often fit looser and are more inviting and comfortable to sit on. white folding chairs reception

Form-fitting covers offer a more modern and tailored look and are made from stretchier fabrics like a micro-suede or a polyester and spandex blend. Wool, linen and silk may be elegant and soft to the touch, but often need to be dry-cleaned. But, if used to cover an occasional piece (like a bedroom chair), Sloane said it could be worth investing in a fine fabric. Heavy fabrics like chenille and velvet are bulky and won't conform to the shape of your piece.table and chair rentals austin tx Bottom Line: Cotton, canvas and denim are machine washable, come in an array of colors and patterns, and are of a medium weight so they will lay nicely. table and chair rental northern kySloan's favorite slip covers are "pure cotton ones, that can be washed easily and then while just a little damp, can be put back on the chair so the fabric driesbrown folding chair rental

tight to the chair and in the right shape." Jackson suggests choosing deeper colors for the fall season. "It's all about color-swapping out your beachy whites and sand colors for deep eggplants. Click through the slideshow below to see some of our favorite slipcovers on the market now.Oak Cliff Oatmeal Patio Dining Chair Slipcover (Pack of 2)This is what the chairs looked like before, when Joanne found them at the yard sale. chair and ottoman ideasLook for chairs that have good structure but just need to be recovered.baby bouncy chair sleep Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets . Cut the drop cloth into big pieces to cover each large section of the chair. We tucked and folded at the seams to get a finished look. In some areas we just glued down the fabric to the chair, but in other spots we had to hand stitch some of the pieces together.

We used the finished edges of the canvas in the most visible spots — along the arms and back. The arms are two separate pieces — the inner piece folds over the outer piece. If necessary, cut each piece down further to the approximate size — make sure you cut extra to allow for curves and padding. Slowly place each piece down with the adhesive spray, pressing along the way to take out folds or wrinkles. The spray is forgiving, so if you need to pull it back up you can, and then place it back down. Cut one piece at a time and make sure the edges are finished edges. Tuck in or folded over to give each seam a finished edge. We did the chair's skirt last to cover the bottom edges of all the other pieces. You can do the skirt as one long piece wrapped all the way around or do separate pieces on each side of the chair. When all the pieces are in place and are glued down, use the hammer to insert the upholstery nail heads through the fabric and into the chair's framing.