Loose covers

If you’re covering an armchair or sofa with loose covers, it is often best to use a washable fabric (having checked the capacity of your washing machine first!) or one that is robust enough to be wiped. Whether it’s robust is shown by the ‘Rub Test’ or ‘Martindale’ test which should have a value of 15,000 for light use or 25,000 for everyday use. As loose covers are considered part of the furniture, they should comply with fire regulations, i.e. pass a cigarette and flame test, and have a fire safe label attached. If your fabric is not flame proof, I can treat it. Loose covers can be made to look quite fitted, but only if the shape of the chair allows it – tub chairs and many dining chairs, for example. Large upholstered chairs and sofas will almost always need loose, relaxed covers. Choose fixed covers if you don’t like folds and wrinkles. Not all furniture produced in modern factories can be updated with fixed covers, though. The production sequence in factories is different to that in a traditional upholstery shop, making it difficult or impossible to follow.