I have a slipcovered couch and love being able to change on a whim. The most important part of selecting one is making sure the cover can be washed and material is sturdy. Many of the covers are dry clean only...which to me defeats the purpose.

My couch isn't expensive, it is from World Market. The cover and couch though are better made than previous high end bought in the past.

Also, learning by mistake...order more than one slipcover. My chair and ottoman only has one and wish I had extras. Although I've washed the heck out of the slipcover and it still looks great.

Here is a link that I bought an extra slipcover from, they weren't meant to be used on my couch. By luck, and using my measurements, they fit. Price is less than the one piece (which I have never liked) and have washed the cover with success.

Here is a link that might be useful: slipcovered furniture

try stretchandcover.com

I have been looking at the Lee sofas. Everyone on this forum seem very happy with them. They seem very comfortable and the slip covers fit very well. I called Lee and the fabrics that I have chosen were laundered before being made into the slipcovers and are machine washable, but not all fabrics that they have are. I think durability varies with how often they are laundered and if they are washed properly. Lighter colors would be more suseptible to stains, especially if cotton. Any slipcovers bought from a source other than the manufacturer are not going to fit as well. Crate and Barrel carries the lower end of Lee sofas the springs are not the 8 way hand tied but a wire type support. They have lots of the fabrics if you have trouble finding a Lee dealer. I am ordering two different slipcovers. Lee sofas are archived so that you can order another slipcover later if necessary. The slipcover does have a more slouchy look but that is part of its look. I am probably going to buy on line as the pricing is so much better than what I can do locally. I would rather buy locally but cannot leave that much money on the table. I wonder who makes the sofas for World Market. They have a 40% coupon in the store now not sure if it is good on the sofa. I had three little boys, twins and another one 18 months older, now grown, and they are alot of fun. I never had slip covers when they were little, but had a green machine with upholstery attachment. It is amazing what that could clean up! Now I am looking at the possibility of Grandchildren! You might also be interested in something in Krypton fabric! There was a thread on that earlier I think!

Thanks so much for all the advice. I am still weighing the pros and cons. I sure like how the leather chairs just wipe clean, but don't want all leather in the living room.

wekick--I don't see how anyone handles more than one baby at a time! I do love my boys--they are always full of energy and surprises!
Thanks, Wendy

I have a Rowe slipcovered sofa and loveseat. The 100% cotton slipcovers wash beautifully. I've had mine 7 years and am just now replacing the slipcovers. Mine would have lasted longer if I hadn't machine dried the larger sections and shrank them somewhat. Ours are in the main room of the house and get lots of daily use with a teenager, a dog and 2 cats in our home.

I like the furniture link you provided, looks like a good selection of fabric and style. Rowe is going through a bankruptcy now so they are slow in fulfilling orders. My new slipcovers are in, just haven't been picked up yet. I'm happy with the quality of their furniture though and would recommend them.