Custom slipcovers typically cost $500-$1,800 for a sofa, with an average near $1,000; a fitted sectional can cost $1,200-$3,500 or more. Fabric choice, furniture size and shape, labor, and whether the cover is made locally or shipped from an online service drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining chair slipcover | $100 | $225 | $450 | Per chair; simple shape and standard fabric at low end |
| Armchair slipcover | $250 | $550 | $1,000 | Higher for skirts, piping, or complex arms |
| Loveseat slipcover | $400 | $800 | $1,400 | Usually covers a two-seat frame |
| Standard sofa slipcover | $500 | $1,000 | $1,800 | Assumes a three-seat sofa and standard fabric |
| Sectional slipcover | $1,200 | $2,200 | $3,500+ | Price depends on configuration and separate cushion covers |
Assumptions: U.S. dollars, made-to-measure covers, standard access, and midrange fabric; local quotes vary by region and construction.
Typical custom slipcover prices by furniture size
A fitted cover for a standard three-seat sofa commonly runs $700-$1,400, including fabric and sewing. Lower quotes around $500-$700 are more likely for a simple sofa with modest fabric use, a basic skirt, and a shop that does not include an in-home fitting. A large, deep sofa or one with multiple cushions can reach $1,800 or more.
Smaller pieces generally cost less, but not in direct proportion to their size. A single chair still requires measuring, patterning, cutting, and sewing, so a custom armchair cover may cost $250-$1,000. Matching dining-chair covers often cost $100-$450 each; ordering several at once can reduce the per-chair charge.
For a straightforward three-seat sofa, budgeting about $1,000-$1,300 is a practical starting point. Prices assume a washable, medium-weight fabric and a conventional frame. A tailored fit, separate cushion covers, decorative seams, or premium textiles raise the total. Ready-made stretch covers cost less but do not provide the same fit or material choices.
Fabric, sewing, and fitting in a sofa quote
Fabric is a major line item because a sofa cover may require 12-20 yards, depending on width, pattern matching, skirt, and cushion design. Standard upholstery-weight fabric may cost $25-$60 per yard, while designer, performance, or natural-fiber options can run $60-$150 or more per yard. The fabric allowance in a quote may include extra yardage for matching a stripe or large repeat.
| Quote component | Typical range | How it affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric for a sofa | $300-$1,500 | About 12-20 yards at $25-$75 per yard for common choices |
| Patterning and sewing labor | $350-$1,000 | More for complex cushions, piping, or a close tailored fit |
| Measurement or fitting visit | $50-$200 | May be included locally or charged separately |
| Notions and finishing | $30-$180 | Zippers, ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, trim, or piping |
| Pickup, delivery, or shipping | $0-$250 | Depends on distance, furniture transport, or return shipping |
A shop may price sewing as a flat project fee or estimate labor from hours. A sofa pattern and construction can take roughly 8-18 hours, with complicated pieces taking longer. At a shop rate of $50-$100 per hour, that labor estimate would equal $400-$1,800 before fabric and related charges; many shops instead quote a bundled total.
Ask whether the quote includes fabric, pattern matching, fitting, and delivery. A low sewing-only price is not comparable with an all-in quote if the customer must buy fabric, arrange measuring, or pay shipping separately.
How fabric yardage and sofa details change the estimate
Furniture dimensions matter, but shape and construction can have as much influence as width. A compact sofa around 72 inches wide may use roughly 12-15 yards, while a sofa 90 inches or wider, a deep seat, or a tall back may need 16-20 yards or more. These are planning ranges, not a cutting specification; the maker determines yardage after reviewing the frame and fabric width.
Fabric pattern repeat is a particularly important threshold. A solid or small-print fabric may require little extra, while a repeat around 12 inches or larger can add 10%-25% to yardage because the design must line up across panels and cushions. Narrow fabric widths can also increase consumption compared with a standard 54-inch upholstery fabric.
Construction features add work. Separate, reversible cushion covers, boxed edges, welt piping, pleats, and a full-length skirt can add about $50-$300 per feature or section, depending on the piece. Loose cushions that require individual covers may add $40-$120 each. A sectional with multiple connected and detached modules often costs more than one sofa of similar overall length because each section must be measured and fitted.
Confirm the furniture’s width, depth, cushion count, and fabric pattern repeat before accepting a yardage allowance. Photos and measurements help with an initial estimate, but a maker may need an in-person fitting or the furniture itself for a precise pattern.
Local sewing labor versus online slipcover pricing
Local upholstery and sewing shops may charge more for labor than a standardized online service, but they can measure the piece, check the fit, and make alterations in person. In many metro areas, labor and service charges can be 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller towns may come in 5%-15% below that range, although fewer nearby specialists can limit choice and add travel or transport fees.
Online makers can have lower starting prices for common sofa shapes and standard fabrics, but complex furniture may require extra measurement steps or incur shipping charges. A local fitter may charge $50-$200 for a visit, sometimes credited toward the order. For bulky furniture, pickup and return can add $75-$250, depending on distance and handling.
These are broad comparisons rather than fixed regional tariffs. Fabric availability, local shop capacity, and the amount of custom work matter more than a state boundary. Requesting quotes from a local shop and an online maker using the same measurements and fabric grade makes the comparison more useful.
Compare the finished, delivered price rather than the advertised starting price. Confirm whether each quote includes measuring, fabric, fitting, alterations, shipping, and taxes where applicable.
Three realistic quotes for common custom covers
The examples below show how fabric quantity and labor affect a finished estimate. They assume standard fabric in the $35-$60-per-yard range, ordinary access, and no major furniture repairs. Actual quotes can differ based on local labor rates and the shop’s minimum charge.
| Project | Fabric and sewing assumptions | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| One armchair | 7-9 yards; about 6-10 labor hours; simple cushion | $350-$750 |
| Three-seat sofa | 14-18 yards; about 10-16 labor hours; three loose cushions | $850-$1,500 |
| Four-piece sectional | 24-34 yards; about 20-32 labor hours; multiple fitted modules | $1,800-$3,400 |
For the armchair, a basic shape with a solid fabric may fall near the low end; welted seams and a larger print push the estimate higher. The sofa range reflects the added patterning for loose cushions. The sectional range assumes several pieces and does not include reupholstering damaged foam or frame repairs.
Use these examples to test a quote’s scope, not as a guaranteed local price. If a bid is far below the range, check whether it excludes fabric, cushion covers, or fitting. A higher bid may be justified by premium fabric, a difficult pattern, or extensive in-home service.
When a slipcover costs less than reupholstery
A custom slipcover is often a lower-cost way to change a sofa’s appearance when its frame and cushions remain in usable condition. A standard sofa cover may cost $700-$1,800, compared with roughly $1,500-$4,000 or more for full sofa reupholstery, depending on fabric, labor, and repairs. Reupholstery can make more sense when the existing upholstery is badly worn or the cushion support needs attention.
Ready-made covers are a lower-price alternative, often around $40-$250 for common furniture sizes. They may be a reasonable temporary option, but sizing, fabric quality, and appearance vary. A custom cover generally costs more because it is patterned to a specific piece and can use separate cushion covers and selected fabric.
Repair can be the least expensive choice if the issue is limited. Replacing a zipper, stitching a seam, or repairing a small tear may cost $50-$250, depending on whether the work is done at home or requires transport. If fabric is damaged across several panels, a cover may be more practical than patching multiple areas.
Choose the option based on the furniture’s condition, not fabric appearance alone. A cover does not repair sagging springs, broken frames, or deteriorated foam, and those repairs can change the cost comparison.
Ways to lower the custom slipcover bill
Choosing a solid or small-repeat fabric can reduce waste and simplify cutting. Standard-width fabric in a commonly stocked color may also avoid special-order fees. Before buying fabric independently, confirm the maker’s required yardage and whether the shop charges a handling fee for customer-supplied material.
Keep the design simple where appearance permits. Skipping decorative piping, pleats, contrast panels, and extra skirts can reduce sewing time and trim expense. Reusing a suitable cushion insert or choosing a one-piece seat design may also help, but only if it produces a secure fit for the furniture.
Prepare accurate measurements and clear photos before requesting estimates. Include the sofa’s width, depth, back height, cushion count, and details such as rolled arms or a skirt. Compare at least three written quotes on the same specifications, and check whether the shop has a minimum job charge that makes a single chair disproportionately expensive.
The most reliable savings come from controlling fabric and construction choices before cutting begins. Confirm the final fabric, yardage, pattern direction, fitting policy, and alteration charge in writing; changes after cutting can mean buying additional material and paying for new labor.
Extra charges for measuring, transport, and alterations
Some makers include a measuring appointment in the project total, while others charge $50-$200. If the furniture must be taken to a workshop, pickup and return may add $75-$250, and long-distance service can cost more. For online orders, check shipping in both directions and whether the customer pays to send a cover back for a fit correction.
Alteration policies vary. A minor adjustment may be included during a scheduled fitting, while a substantial change after approval can cost $50-$300 or more. A poor fit caused by incorrect customer measurements may not qualify for a free remake. Ask who is responsible for verifying dimensions and whether the maker guarantees fit on the exact furniture model.
Old-cover removal is not usually a major charge when a new slipcover simply goes over existing upholstery. Cleaning, frame repair, cushion replacement, or moving heavy furniture are separate services and can add $100-$500 or more, depending on work required. Sales tax may apply to some or all of the order based on state and local rules.
Get a written list of included services and possible extra fees before placing the order. The total budget should account for measurement, transport, fitting, alterations, and taxes—not just fabric and sewing.