Most people have a beloved living room couch which has been worn into the perfect comfortable shape. Because most couches are used on a daily basis, they are exposed to ordinary use, guests, children playing, pets, and much more. Any combination of these can shorten the lifespan of couch covers long before the cushions themselves are past usability. Dressing up an old couch can prolong its lifespan and, as a bonus, add some new flair to the living room.

Ways to Dress up an Old Couch

New couches can be very expensive. Unless a move or an old couch that is no longer comfortable requires you to invest in a new one, you can extend the use of your couch with a few easy steps.

Ways to extend the life of your couch include:

Couch slipcover: A couch slipcover is a large, fitted piece of fabric that is intended to cover the seats, front, sides, and back of the couch. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fabrics so that you can easily find the right fit for your home.

View couch slipcovers at Linen Store

Couch protector: Unlike a couch slipcover, a couch protector does not cover the entire couch. These protectors fit over the seats, armrests, and back cushions, and are especially useful for families with pets, such as our Quilted Microfiber Furniture Sofa Protector.

Furniture throws: Furniture throws are both a useful and attractive feature on any couch. If needed, they can easily hide stains or worn patches on cushion fabric.

View furniture throws at Linen Store

Pillows: Pillows are a great way to give your couch a fun, new look with minimal effort. They are also useful in improving comfort on couches where the cushion inserts may not provide as much support as they used to.

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Blankets: Oversized blankets are a convenient alternative to couch slipcovers in a pinch, as they can be draped over the entire couch as a quick fix for unexpected guests.

As you can see, there are many steps you can take before having an old couch hauled way. You can combine several of these solutions to update the look of an old couch or spruce up comfort levels. With some creativity and a few key additions, you can keep your favorite couch for years to come.

Decorating with Throw Blankets

Throw blankets come in thousands of styles, colors, and materials, which can make shopping for the right fit for your home a daunting task. Fortunately, there are several ways to narrow down the vast amount of choices.

Keep these tips in mind when decorating with throw blankets:

• Not all blankets are fitting for all times of year. For example, wool blankets are great for keeping warm during the winter, but won’t be comfortable during summer. In addition, wool blanket patterns such as plaid tend to evoke more of a wintertime feel.
• Blankets that are intended for summer tend to have lighter weaves, meaning more air flow for improved comfort. Spring and summer blankets are made of lighter fabrics, especially cotton and cotton blends. They also tend to be dyed in brighter colors for a fresher look.
• By folding a throw blanket into thirds and draping it over the cushion of an armchair, you can quickly protect the fabric and dress up the style of the room at the same time. If you don’t have an armchair, use an unfolded throw blanket for loveseats and couches.
• Draping a throw across the corner or armrest of a couch is a simple way to add a splash of color to the room.
• Pairing a throw blanket with complementary pillows can create a cozy, welcoming space for guests or weekend lounging.

With so many possibilities, consider changing up your style throughout the year to find the best fit for the season!