How to Keep Sofa Covers in Place on Leather
Sofa covers are a fantastic way to protect your furniture from dogs, cats, dirt, pet hair, and spills. But if you have leather furniture, you might be wondering how to keep sofa covers in place on leather.
Luckily, in this post, we will show you a few simple tips and tricks you can use to ensure the slipcovers stay in place and also keep your furniture looking great.
How to keep sofa covers in place on leather
The simplest way to keep sofa covers in place on leather furniture is by using furniture weights, tuckers, grips, straps, inserts, pins, or clips. These items are designed to secure the covers tightly against the furniture and prevent movement or slipping.
Let’s see how to use each of these items to keep the couch covers from sliding off.
1. Secure the sofa cover using tuckers, grips, or inserts
Furniture tuckers, grips, and inserts might look different but they all serve the same purpose of securing the sofa covers in place.
Some covers come with either of these items included in the package some need you to buy them separately.
If your sofa covers did not come with the grips or inserts, you can get these sofa grips or these sofa inserts.
Step 1: Drape the cover over the sofa
Since leather seats tend to slip there are slipcovers specifically designed for leather furniture.
For instance, universal sofa covers like the Easy-Going Stretch slipcovers are meant to fit snugly on leather furniture since they are stretchy and have an elastic bottom.
Remember that for the cover to fit perfectly on the couch, it must be the right size. So get the measurements of your sofa first before placing the order.
Once you have your slipcover, drape it over the couch and make sure it is evenly draped on all sides.
Step 2: Place the sofa grips and inserts
Before inserting the grips or tuckers, make sure the slipcover is well smoothened out on the sofa.
As shown in the illustration below, take your inserts or grips and place them in the areas between the armrest and the cushions as well as between the cushions and the back of the couch.
The benefit of these furniture inserts is that they offer your leather furniture a seamless and smooth appearance.
In addition, they not only keep the slipcovers secure but also prevent them from creasing and wrinkling.
2. Hold the sofa covers with furniture straps
Furniture straps are elastic and flexible and can be used to hold the sofa covers in place.
Some slipcovers come with the straps attached, but if yours don’t, you can purchase these Easy-Going adjustable straps online and attach them to the covers.
The straps have clips on both ends so they don’t have to be sewn onto the covers.
To attach the straps to the seat cover, follow these steps.
Step 1: Adjust the straps
Since the straps are adjustable, you can get a bigger size and adjust them according to the length you want.
Step 2: Attach the straps
Unclip the straps and attach them to one edge of the slipcover. This will however depend on the type of sofa cover you have.
For instance, if you have a sofa cover that covers the whole couch, the straps can be attached to the edge of the sofa.
The covers can also be secured under the cushions using two adjustable furniture straps.
See the illustration below on hold to do it right.
3. Using twist pins to hold the couch covers in place
Another trick to keep the couch covers in place is by using twist pins.
You can get them from a store near you or get these Attmu Upholstery Tacks with clean heads that come in a pack of 50 twisted pins.
Once pinned into the slipcovers, the pins’ twisted design creates a tight fit to prevent movement.
Although the pins have clear heads, they should be secured on the hidden edges of the sofa. This makes them less noticeable and gives you a seamless appearance.
4. Using Velcro to hold couch covers
To apply this trick, you first need good quality Velcro that will not damage your leather sofa.
You can get one from the local store or consider getting this hook-and-loop Industrial Strength Sticky Back Fastener.
First, cover the sofa cushions with the couch covers and ensure that they fit snugly. If the covers are loose or bigger than the cushions, this Velcro method may not work properly.
Next, peel off the Velcro strip and apply it to the covers near the edge of the cushion. Apply the other part of the Velcro to the bottom of the couch as shown in the image below.
How to cover a leather sofa to stop slipping
Step 1: Measure your sofa
Before choosing a cover, measure your sofa to ensure a proper fit. Measure the width, depth, and height of the sofa, as well as the height of the arms and the distance from the floor to the seat.
Step 2: Choose a non-slip cover
Look for a cover that is specifically designed for use on leather furniture and has a non-slip backing.
Materials such as microfiber with a non-slip backing, and a combination of polyester and spandex with a non-slip backing can help prevent slipping.
Note that rubberized slipcovers can potentially damage leather if they are not used properly. The rubberized backing can trap moisture between the slipcover and the leather, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Additionally, the friction from the rubberized backing rubbing against the leather can cause premature wear and tear.
To prevent damage, it’s important to choose a slipcover with a non-slip backing that is specifically designed for use on leather furniture.
3. Prepare the sofa
Clean and dry the leather sofa thoroughly before covering it.
Any dirt or debris on the surface of the leather can prevent the cover from adhering properly.
4. Place the cover on the sofa
Place the cover on the sofa and adjust it so that it fits snugly.
Tuck the cover into the crevices of the sofa, such as between the cushions and the arms to prevent slipping.
5. Smooth out the cover
Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps in the cover to ensure a smooth and tight fit. This can help prevent the cover from shifting around on the leather.
6. Secure the cover
Some covers come with straps or ties that can be used to secure the cover to the sofa. Use these straps to prevent the cover from sliding around.
You can also secure the sofa covers using sofa grippers, tuckers, non-slip pads, and velcro.
FAQs about tricks to keep couch covers in place
What material of couch covers does not slide on leather?
If you’re looking for a couch cover that won’t slide on your leather couch, consider materials with a non-slip backing that is not rubberized such as microfiber, or a combination of polyester and spandex. Additionally, choosing a cover that fits tightly and snugly over the couch can also help prevent sliding.
Best straps to hold couch covers in place
Elastic, Velcro, D-ring, buckle, and clip-on straps are all effective options for holding couch covers in place. Choose a strap type that suits your slipcover and personal preferences, and ensure they are high-quality and durable.
How do you pin-fit a slipcover?
Pin-fitting a slipcover involves using straight pins to adjust the slipcover to fit the shape and contours of the couch. Start by placing the cover on the couch, smooth out the wrinkles, and then pin it along the seams and creases of the couch. Check the fit and make adjustments before sewing the slipcover. By pin-fitting, you can create a custom fit that will stay in place and protect your couch.
How to keep pet couch cover in place
To keep a pet couch cover in place, you can use various methods such as tucking the cover into the crevices of the couch, using non-slip pads, using furniture straps, or attaching Velcro strips.
Another option is to choose a slipcover that is specifically designed for pets. These covers often come with features like non-slip backing or anchoring straps to help keep them in place.
How to keep recliner covers in place
In addition to the conventional methods of using non-slip pads, furniture straps, and Velcro strips, there are some unique ways to keep recliner covers in place. One such method is to use pool noodles or foam pipe insulation to create makeshift rods that can be tucked into the crevices of the recliner to hold the cover in place.
Another option is to use curtain weights, which can be sewn into the hem of the slipcover to add weight and prevent it from shifting.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that slipcovers are necessary as they conceal flaws on worn-out or peeled leather couches. In addition, they shield the furniture from stains and dirt and can even be used to protect leather sofas when moving.
Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure that your furniture remains organized and tidy even while it’s covered.
In this article, we have given you 4 tips or tricks on how to keep sofa covers in place on leather to prevent sliding off.
We’ve seen that you can use sofa grips, tuckers, or inserts—which you can buy online or at a nearby store—to keep coverings in place.
Additionally, twist pins, Velcro, and furniture straps that can be placed under the cushions or on the edges can help to hold the slipcovers and prevent slipping off.
