I know many people love white slipcovered sofas, and I also know there are plenty of skeptics. Can white slipcovers really be as easy to care for as some claim? Can you just toss them in the washer and everything looks brand new? What if you have kids, dogs, or eat on your couch? I’ve lived with white slipcovers for several years, so here are five practical things I’ve learned from experience.
Update: Don’t miss part two of this post about pets and white slipcovers.
5 Things to Consider about a White Slipcovered Sofa:
1. New dark jeans can stain white fabric blue.
I have several white pieces in my home and family members have white linens at their houses too, so I’m definitely a fan. Still, it’s a fact that newer dark denim can rub off and leave a bluish tint on white fabric after only one use. This is more likely if you live in a rainy climate where jeans stay damp longer. The good news is that most of the blue dye washes out, but if people who wear dark jeans sit on your furniture often, you’ll notice the discoloration between washes.
2. Guests may feel uneasy sitting on white furniture.
Some visitors, especially parents with small children, are hesitant to sit on white upholstery. Even when I reassure guests that it’s fine, some still look for a less-white spot or ask to sit elsewhere. If that makes you uncomfortable and you want everyone to feel relaxed in your home, consider whether white seating is the best choice. If it doesn’t bother you, you can move on to the next points.
3. You won’t always want to launder slipcovers as often as they need it.
Slipcovers are washable, and you can bleach some fabrics, which keeps them cleaner than many upholstered sofas. But everyday use shows up immediately on white fabric. Hair, food, dirt, pen marks, pet paws and other marks appear almost daily in a busy household. While patterned or darker upholstery can hide wear longer, white reveals it right away. If you plan to keep white slipcovers, be prepared for more frequent cleaning—or accept a lived-in look between washings. Also note that over-bleaching can sometimes cause yellowing, so follow care instructions carefully.
4. If you want to truly use your furniture, add protective layers or solutions.
Households should be comfortable places where people can flop down and relax. I keep a washable quilt or blanket on the slipcovered sofa we use most; it’s an easy way to protect the fabric without constantly removing and rehanging slipcovers. A quilt can be washed quickly and taken off when you want the clean white look for a photo or a special occasion. Small habits like this make white slipcovers more practical for everyday life.
5. Consider your personality and priorities.
If you love something enough, the extra care it requires doesn’t feel like a burden. I’ve been careful with wood counters and other treasured items because I enjoy maintaining them. If you take pleasure in caring for beautiful things and don’t mind a bit of extra effort, white slipcovers can be a great match. If you prefer low-maintenance furnishings, a darker fabric or pattern may be a better fit.
Bonus point:
Having pretty things, including white furniture, is wonderful—as long as those items don’t become more important than the people who live around them. If white seating would cause stress in your household or keep family members or guests from feeling comfortable, it’s perfectly fine to choose something else.
To be honest, even though I love white slipcovers, seeing them everywhere sometimes makes me tempted to choose a brown tweed just to be different. The key is making an informed choice that suits your lifestyle and climate, not simply copying what looks best in photos. White rooms and furniture can be stunning in pictures, but they aren’t always the most practical option for every home.
We all have different lifestyles and live in different climates. White isn’t the right solution for everyone—pick what feels right for you and your family.
Disclaimer: These are my personal observations. I live in a rainy region where mud and dampness are common; results may vary in other environments.
Related Posts:
The Truth About White Slipcovers Part 2 (Pet Edition)
Practical Questions To Ask When Buying a New Sofa