slipcover
SLIP-kuh-ver
/ˈslɪpˌkʌvər/
A removable, washable fabric cover designed to fit over a piece of upholstered furniture.
Implies practicality, protection, and the ability to easily change the look of a sofa or chair without reupholstering it.
The story behind the word. Historically, wealthy families used slipcovers made of plain muslin or linen during the summer months to protect their expensive silk and velvet upholstery from dust, soot, and fading from sunlight while they were away at summer estates.
Word relationships
- loose cover: Loose cover is the preferred British term, whereas slipcover is standard in American English.
Commonly confused with
- upholstery: Upholstery is permanently fixed to the furniture frame, whereas a slipcover is designed to slip on and off easily.
Word family
- slipcovered (adjective): Fitted with a slipcover.
Collocations
- linen slipcover
- washable slipcover
- fitted slipcover
Example sentences
- "To protect her expensive white sofa from muddy dog paws, she bought a durable canvas slipcover." A practical home tip.
Memory hook
You simply 'slip' the 'cover' over the dirty chair to make it look brand new. Slipcover: Slip it on to cover the mess.
When not to use
Do not use to describe permanent upholstery fabric that is stapled to the frame.
Fun facts
- In the Victorian era, slipcovers were called 'case covers' and were considered essential for preserving furniture from the heavy coal dust of industrial cities.
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