July 14, 2020 - Comfort Works Blog & Sofa Resources

What’s the best way to recover a sofa?

Posted on July 14, 2020April 28, 2025 by Chuck

So you may or may not have come across the idea of a slipcover after going through several furniture catalogs online, and now it has become a personal mission to find out how and why custom handmade slipcovers can possibly add another few good years to the life of your beloved sofa.

How does a slipcover work? How do I know whether my sofa is slipcover-able? All the cans and cannots will be explained here in this nifty little blogpost.

Types of Slipcovers

There are two main types of slipcovers:

A universal slipcover; usually a one piece stretchable fabric that goes over your entire sofa;
A custom slipcover tailor made to fit your sofa as snugly as possible.

A Universal slipcover

Universal slipcovers usually come in plain, solid colours and are easy to put on. Compared to a custom slipcover, it’s much cheaper for obvious reasons. With a universal slipcover you’ll notice that it’s “stretchy” and it usually comes with an elastic band at the bottom to hold the slipcover in one place and any excess can be tucked away.

It’s quite easy to purchase one from sites like eBay, Amazon, Walmart etc or on shelves off TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Because of its flexibility, a loveseat universal slipcover would fit most two seater sofas, despite the differences in armrest and back shapes.

Having said that of course, you pay for what you get as you realise that these universal slipcovers aren’t exactly the most attractive things to put in your living space. Oftentimes, they feel thin and slippery as well.

Manstad Nomad Sand — Custom Slipcover for the IKEA Ektorp Sofa

On the other side of the spectrum, a custom slipcover could come in several individual pieces (depending on the sofa). It has a neat and precise form, made of real substantial sofa fabric and an overall look that will more or less turn out like the above example. And yes that is indeed an IKEA Ektorp with in one of our signature pure linen sofa covers.

If you want a custom slipcover for your sofa, but aren’t too sure if its shape and structure allows for it – fret not as we’ll guide you here as to which sofas can be slipcovered, and what can’t.

Sofas that can be Slipcovered

1) If your sofa already has a slipcover,
Then it’s usually an obvious sign that your sofa can be slipcovered, and most likely you can get your slipcover just about anywhere!

Many IKEA, Pottery Barn and other branded sofas are slipcover-friendly but once in a blue moon there will be a very intricate-looking and complex sofa with a very unique slipcover which is nearly impossible to replicate. But this is very uncommon indeed – 99% of the time if your sofa has a slipcover, it’s fairly easy to make a slipcover for it :)

Not sure? Just ask us in the comments or check out the brands we make covers for!

2) If your sofa is upholstered,
Don’t give up if your sofa does not have a slipcover! Many upholstered sofas can in fact be slipcovered. It mostly depends on the complexity and the shape of the sofa, but if the sofa is generally symmetrical and the armrests aren’t too rounded it should be A-okay!

For best results, the back and seat cushions should be completely detached unless you want to attempt to remove them yourself. In a nutshell, if each piece can have its own individual slipcover, the more tailored and fitted the outcome would be.

3) If your sofa is mostly seat and back cushions,
These are the best kinds for re-slipcovering! As long as the wooden sofa frame is still structurally sound, you can get an almost instant makeover as only the cushion inserts need new covers (and maybe new inserts). As mentioned earlier, the more individualised the pieces – the better the look.

However there are circumstances where the cushions are attached and not removable – these can get a little tricky. The same thing applies for the normal sofas as well where the back cushions are attached to the sofa frame; making slipcovers shouldn’t be too hard for it, but making beautiful slipcovers for that sofa would be another case altogether.

Sofas that cannot be Slipcovered

1) Wingback / Camel-Back sofas and chairs

Continuing the discussion of making beautiful slipcovers, this second part is quite relevantl.

If you noticed, wingback chairs can actually have slipcovers, albeit not very common. However, due to its construction and the overall shape it proves to be a little bit more cumbersome to make especially via an online service with just measurements alone, which is why this is something we leave to local upholstery services.

Typically slipcovers for these types of sofa should be locally made, otherwise an alternative would be to have the sofa re-upholstered. Of course, slipcovers will always have the added benefit of being removable and subsequently easy to wash, giving them more years to spare than upholstery.

Any seamstress would also know that the main caveat with making slipcovers for these sofas is the fact that many measurements need to be taken in order to get the most tailored look. The rationale behind this is simply because the more curved features and elements there are on a sofa, the more measurements would be required to ensuring the most fitted look.

2) Recliners / La-Z-boy

Reclining sofas are just a big NO if you’re looking to get a custom slipcover for a recliner (aka La-Z-boy).

Sure, when we think of the term “slipcover” we’d imagine something that just goes over it and that’s completely fine – getting a universal slipcover from Kmart or Marhsalls pretty much covers it.

But if we’re looking to making it pretty then I’m afraid it’s going to be quite difficult. The construction of a recliner chair is unfortunately too intricate. Given that the arms, back and seats are all attached to the sofa – I’d have to say it’s fairly impossible to make a slipcover for it, and I don’t use the word “impossible” loosely.

In terms of investments, it’s probably best to proceed with a new sofa if the recliner has to meet its unfortunate end.

Brand X?

Not sure if you can get a slipcover made for your branded sofa? Based on the above, as long as your sofa model can be slipcovered, it is likely that we have already created a slipcover for the same model you’re sitting on!

In fact, though we’re best known for creating gorgeous custom IKEA slipcovers, we’ve also worked extensively with sofas across all the major sofa brands. This includes Crate and Barrel, West Elm sofa, Restoration Hardware, Rowe, Muji, Pottery Barn and the list goes on.

Basically if it can be slipcovered, we can make a slipcover for your sofa :)

Of course if you’re not sure what kind of sofa you have, do feel free to drop a few photos over to info@comfortworks.com.au.

Need help in taking photos? Here’s a short guide:

Final Takeaway

Hopefully our blogpost/guide has given you a better idea and understanding of which sofas can or can’t be slipcovered. And why a slipcover you ask? Well, it’s a simple alternative to upholstery (which is so so expensive) or tossing out your beloved couch for a new one.

It is the best way to give the sofa a few more years, change up the look, and save costs to both your wallet as well as the environment.

If you hadn’t already known, you can always visit us to find a slipcover that’s customized just for you. Or just drop us an email and we’ll help you out ;)

Till next time!

Photos courtesy of:
Universal slipcover photo: http://www.aliexpress.com
Wooden Sofa with cushions: http://thisforall.net/wooden-sofa-designs-pictures-in-traditional-indian-style/54
Wingback chair photo: http://www.decorpad.com
Reclining sofa photos: http://chapar.co/17109/microfiber-reclining-sectional-sofa/best-ideas-microfiber-reclining-sectional-sofa-with-modern-sofas

How to Wabi Sabi your life

Posted on July 14, 2020April 29, 2025 by Aaron Wong

Have you ever browsed through the internet and caught yourself in awe of how “perfect” everything seems to be?

From the latest in America’s got talent to flawless Instagram feeds, it’s easy to think of all the ways that we fall short.

Perhaps we should be spending our efforts on achieving greater things and living “more interesting” lives. After all, there are places to go, people to meet, and things to experience.

But wait a moment before blasting a giant hole in your wallet in the latest of expensive pick me ups. Sit down and take a deep breath.

It’s time for a humble lesson in wabi-sabi.

What is Wabi Sabi?

There’s no direct English translation to the concept of Wabi Sabi, but in essence it means: beauty in simplicity “Wabi” and tranquil aging “Sabi”.

When put together, the concept celebrates the pleasure of finding perfection in imperfection.

Sen no Rikyu is Japan’s most famous master of the tea ceremony. People revere him for his devout practice of wabi-sabi because he incorporate its elements into his tea rituals.

It is said that he would never allow anything he does to appear too perfect, even going so far as shaking the trees to scatter leaves in his otherwise perfectly raked garden.

But even outside of the ancient past and traditional ceremonies, wabi-sabi can be practiced anywhere. Its core values live on after generations and are in fact, more relevant than ever.

Simply, wabi-sabi is everything that modern, media-fuelled culture isn’t.

It means family dinners over fine dining; one meaningful relationship over a dozen acquaintances; a cracked teacup over fine crystal.

To understand the concept of wabi-sabi better, let’s see how it is applied to the different aspects of life. In true wabi-sabi fashion all it takes to get started – is nothing you don’t already have.

Wabi Sabi in the everyday

Sometimes, even the normalities of your average Tuesday can weigh on the senses. The gnawing need to feel productive everyday can impart unnecessary stress upon us.

To practice wabi-sabi, pause for a moment and ease off the pedal; soak in the bustling world around you. Take things slow instead and find enjoyment in the menial everyday.

In other words, learn to celebrate the art of doing and not the result. That means living in the moment and finding enjoyment in everything you do.

Stay in bed longer, savour your food, enjoy the sunshine on your commute to work and lose yourself in more of the things you love. Remember that nothing in life should be too pretty, or too precious to enjoy.

Wabi Sabi in what you wear

The crinkly look of linen is easygoing, effortless and very wabi sabi — Image Credit: linenme

Perhaps unintentionally, the principles of wabi-sabi are deeply rooted in fashion. Most people instinctively understand the importance of understated elegance when it comes to our attire.

And if we forget, we are usually reminded that it’s better to dress moderately rather than boldly. Oftentimes in the form of a passing comment describing our tacky or attention-seeking outfit.

There’s a reason why the sacred law of never out-dressing the bride or the groom is almost never broken.

Instead, go a step further in your closet wabi-sabi by learning to appreciate timeless fashion, starting with the vintage and well worn.

Whether it’s the look of rumpled linen or old jewelry, shop for pieces that last long and never go out of style.

Less is best when it comes to the quality over quantity debate and having a small wabi-sabi wardrobe can even give the air of being effortlessly fashionable.

Wabi Sabi in your relationships

At some point, we’ve all been guilty of trying to change the behavior of someone else. Most of all to the people we are closest to.

In the struggle to “fix” what’s broken, we may end up damaging our relationships. We may even grow resentful of the fact that others refuse to change.

Wabi-sabi in our relationships isn’t about tolerating the “imperfections” of others, but to embrace them. They are them because of these things.

Rather than dwelling on the negative, train yourself to focus instead on the many things you have taken for granted. After all, nothing lasts forever and it is especially important to value the relationships we have.

Know that nobody is perfect and it is always better to practice acceptance. They may mess up, fall down, get up and inevitably do it all again. And that’s ok.

Wabi Sabi in yourself

It is easy to fall short ourselves, especially in a culture obsessed with extraordinary things and people.

Don’t forget to nurture that most important relationship of all – the one that’s between you, and you.

The first step to wabi-sabiing your own relationship is to be conscious not to fall into the trap of imposing unrealistic expectations upon yourself.

Sometimes, it’s as easy as taking a scroll through social media to begin the thought-train that we could, and should do better.

For times like these, find the unique beauty in your own brand of authenticity and imperfection. Even if we somehow do meet these high expectations, the experience only teaches us to impose the same expectation on others.

Instead, set yourself free by giving yourself permission to be you and be less judgmental.

So the next time you catch yourself dwelling on the don’t haves, serve yourself a gentle reminder nobody is perfect. Not even that 6 year old kid on Youtube rocking Mozart on the piano.

Wabi Sabi in the home

Few living room looks are as Wabi Sabi as the farmhouse look

When it comes to design and architecture, there’s nothing that symbolizes wabi-sabi like the Japanese zen garden.

Despite its flawless looks, few stop to appreciate that the garden is built by the most “imperfect” materials of all – naturally occurring elements found anywhere.

No precision machined steel and definitely no carbon fiber. Just aged wood, plants, stone and water. Perfection in imperfection.

At home we can use these principles to create the same relaxed but pulled together look.

In fact, some of the most iconic decor styles like the shabby-chic farmhouse and minimalist living room rely on such forms of simplicity.

To start, work with what already exists and upcycle old furniture instead of buying new.

A fresh coat of paint on that old wooden table, experimenting with asymmetrical textures, and bringing in aged and distressed elements will all take you a step closer to the end goal.

And when you’re feeling up to it, take time to declutter so you have more space to add elements that “spark joy” as Marie Kondo would say.

Looking for more ways to spruce up your home without spending a fortune? Download our free Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA-Inspired Home ebook for free here:

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