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Has your couch or chair become soiled, worn, or have you simply grown tired of the fabric? Before you spend a lot of money reupholstering your furniture, or buying new pieces, consider refurbishing your pieces by cleaning or covering them.

If your upholstery looks dingy, but is otherwise in good shape, all it may need is a thorough cleaning.

Cloth slipcovers come in two basic forms, fitted, and loose. Most upholsterers and seasoned sewers can make custom-made slipcovers. You can also make your own.

Generic slipcovers are available at most stores that sell home decorating supplies.

• When purchasing a slipcover, all you really need to know is how many cushions your couch or chair has. Most companies list the size of slipcovers by the number of cushions it will cover.
• If you want or need a more exact measurement, simply measure, in a straight line, from the outside of one arm to the other. Back to front measurements are only used for making custom slipcovers.

Loose slipcovers are a large piece of fabric that is draped over a couch or chair, and then tucked or pinned into place.

Fitted slipcovers can be custom-made. However, a cheaper alternative is to use a multi-piece slipcover.

• Multi-piece slipcovers consist of a series of covers designed to go over each particular part of the couch or chair. For example, cushions are covered with a shower-cap like cover that slips over the cushion and is held in place with elastic or cloth ties.

Not only is the plastic uncomfortable to sit on, it also traps moisture. This moisture can cause molds and fungi to grow on the fabric, and in the batting material used in the furniture.

Slipcovers are easy to clean.

• Crumbs can be removed with a whisk brush or they can be vacuumed up.
• Small spills and spots can be cleaned with a wet towel.
• For real messes, slipcovers can be removed and washed or dry-cleaned.

Using a slipcover is only one of the many ways of disguising an ugly piece.

• Drape a shawl, throw rug, thin tapestry, or quilt over the back of the couch or chair to hide worn headrests and backs.
• In place of a slipcover, cover entire couch or chair with a bedspread, quilt, or large sheet. Tuck or pin into place, in the same manner as you would a loose slipcover.
• Crochet doilies or cloth placemats can be draped over chair and couch arms.
• Cushions can be encased in pillowcases.
• Cover the couch with wide-holed lace. This will allow the colors in the fabric to show through, but will disguise the fact that the fabric is worn or stained.

These techniques can also be used to disguise a couch or chair that no longer fits your decor.