Arm Your Dining Chairs With Style Using Custom Fit Covers
Is your dining room feeling lackluster lately? Do your dining chairs look tired and dated? Custom fitted arm covers can transform the look of your dining chairs, while also protecting them from everyday wear and tear. Read on to learn why dining chair arm covers are a simple yet stylish upgrade for your dining space.
There are many benefits to using tailored slipcovers on your dining chairs with arms. Armrests tend to show scratches, scuffs, and stains more readily because they have direct contact with people's arms and hands as they eat. Arm covers can preserve your chairs' finish and fabric under a protective layer.
Reasons to Use Dining Chair Arm Covers
Protect Against Wear and Tear
Dining chair armrests undergo a lot of use during meals. Between plates, glasses, and elbows resting on them, armrests can start to show signs of wear over time. The fabric can pill or fray, and wood finishes can get scratched and cloudy. Arm covers act as a shield against this normal deterioration.
Pets rubbing against the chairs and kids' art projects can also damage chair arms. Covers prevent stains and scratches from these daily activities. They are an easy safeguard to extend the life of your dining chairs.
Refresh Old or Dated Furniture
Do you have aging dining chairs that are still sturdy but look outdated? Before investing in brand new chairs, consider reviving your existing set with arm covers. This often costs a fraction of full chair replacements.
Arm covers allow you to give inherited or second-hand chairs a modern flair. With the variety of colors, patterns, and textures available, you can customize the look to your taste. refreshing your dining space with new arm covers can save both money and the environment.
Create a Cohesive Look
Mixing chair styles around your dining table can look disjointed. But purchasing additional matching dining chairs to create a cohesive set isn't always feasible.
Arm covers are a clever shortcut to tying your dining chairs together visually. Choose complementary colors and patterns to create a purposefully curated mismatched look. Consider using arm covers on just the armchairs to tie them to non-arm versions. An intentionally coordinated dining set makes a stylish statement.
Choosing the Right Materials
Common Fabrics
When selecting a material for your custom dining chair arm covers, keep durability and aesthetics in mind. Here are some top choices:
- Polyester - Wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, and stain-proof. Rugged and affordable.
- Cotton - Breathable natural fabric with a soft hand-feel. Requires more careful washing.
- Spandex - Stretches to fit tightly like a second skin. Ideal for arm contours.
- Velvet - Elegant upholstery fabric with a plush pile. Needs dry cleaning.
Performance Features
Beyond the base fabric, look for arm covers that offer performance features to protect your chairs:
- Waterproof - Prevent spills and moisture damage by repelling liquids.
- Stain resistant - Release dirt, grease, and grime instead of absorbing them.
- Machine washable - Covers that can be tossed in the washing machine cut down on cleaning time.
- UV protection - Shield fabric from sun damage and fading.
Aesthetic Options
While protection is key, you also want arm covers that complement your existing decor. Consider these design factors:
- Colors - Choose a tone that matches or intentionally contrasts with your chair color.
- Patterns - Florals, modern geometrics, traditional damasks. Express your style.
- Textures - From smooth cottons to nubby embroidered fabrics. Add tactile interest.
Get a Custom Fit
For dining chair arm covers to serve their purpose, impeccable fit is a must. Ready-made slipcovers often have a baggy appearance or gaping areas. The solution? Custom covers tailored precisely to your chairs.
Measurements Needed
To produce custom arm covers, manufacturers will need several key measurements of your specific chairs:
- Seat width, length, and height
- Inside arm width and length
- Back height and width
Follow their measuring guidelines carefully for accuracy. Small mistakes can impact the final fit.
Benefits of Custom
With measurements tailored to your actual chair dimensions, you'll enjoy these benefits:
- Flawless fit with no sagging, bunching, or gaps
- Fabric stretches smoothly over every contour
- Crisp tailored appearance from any angle
Ordering Process
Ordering custom chair arm covers follows a simple process:
- Provide detailed chair measurements
- Select preferred fabric and colors
- Preview digital design proofs and request tweaks
- Covers ship within 2-3 weeks of approving final design
DIY vs Professional Installation
Once your custom arm covers arrive, you'll need to decide whether to DIY the installation or hire a professional.
DIY Tips
Installing the covers yourself is totally doable if you follow a few tips:
- Check for built-in back straps or ties and use them to secure the cover
- Use removable adhesive like command strips if needed
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely
Take your time and expect the process to take an hour or longer per chair. Watch installation videos to make it easier.
Professional Tips
For more complex chair shapes or upholstery patterns, consider hiring a local professional to ensure proper stretching and perfect placement of seams:
- Upholsterers have tools to smoothly cover irregular shapes
- Experts will pattern match fabric directions properly
- Cost ranges $100-200 per chair for labor
Ask upholstery shops for pricing based on the number of chairs and fabric complexity.
Caring for Your Covers
Implementing a consistent care routine will help your custom dining chair arm covers last for years. Here are some top tips:
- Wash removable covers per fabric instructions to prevent buildup
- Spot clean stains quickly to avoid setting in
- Hand wash delicates that can't be machine washed
- Inspect covers regularly for wear, loose threads, etc.
- Plan to reorder new covers every 2-5 years depending on use
With periodic washing and prompt stain removal, you can keep your custom arm covers looking like new for a long time.
Installing custom tailored arm covers lets you update your dining chairs with modern style. Made to fit your exact measurements, they allow armchairs from different sets to coordinate. Custom covers protect your chair investment from spills and scratches too. With the right fabrication and care, they can refresh your dining space for years before needing replacement. Dressing dining chairs in arm covers allows you to redecorate affordably and sustainably.
Now those dining chairs you've been meaning to replace have a new lease on life. Simply by measuring, selecting custom fabric, and having slipcovers made just for them, you've given your dining room a fresh modern look. No need to buy new ones before you're ready. Arm covers let you revamp what you already own into a cohesive set. Your chairs gain stylish new appeal along with protection from everyday wear. Custom tailored arm covers offer an easy and elegant dining room makeover.