After weeks of anticipation, the slipcovers for my new Ikea Henriksdal armchairs finally arrived! It felt like Christmas morning as I eagerly opened the package. Bit by bit, this space is coming together, and I couldn’t be happier.
Of course, the excitement was slightly dampened by the state of the slipcovers—they were completely wrinkled from being folded in transit. Naturally, I couldn’t resist putting one on a chair right away, despite the creases, just to see how it looked in my dining room. Even with all the wrinkles, I loved them immediately! Comfortable, casual, and surprisingly sturdy, these slipcovers were exactly what I had hoped for.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: getting wrinkles out of slipcovers. If you’ve ever purchased cotton duck slipcovers, whether from Ikea or elsewhere, you know they don’t come out of the package looking crisp and smooth. The fabric naturally holds wrinkles, and even after washing, they tend to crease. However, with a little effort, you can make them look fresh and polished while still maintaining a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Choosing White Slipcovers—A Bold Move
Yes, I went with white slipcovered dining chairs, despite having a large, furry dog, three active kids, and a love for Italian food with red sauce. We also occasionally enjoy a glass (or two) of red wine at the table. Some might call this decision brave or downright crazy, but I love the versatility of white slipcovers. The best part? They can be washed and bleached, which makes them a practical choice for a busy household. I’ll be sure to update on how they hold up over time!
While my style isn’t exactly shabby chic, I do appreciate the soft, relaxed feel of cotton duck slipcovers. If you’re considering them for your home, it’s important to embrace a certain level of natural wrinkling. After all, these slipcovers are meant to be lived in! That said, a little effort in de-wrinkling can make a world of difference in how they look when freshly installed or after a wash.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of Slipcovers
I reached out to Joan from For The Love Of A House, whose slipcovered chairs inspired my purchase. She shared a great tip skip the dryer after washing and instead let the slipcovers air dry before ironing them while they’re still damp. This method helps smooth out wrinkles and prevents excessive creasing. Thanks, Joan!
If you’re de-wrinkling straight from the package, I recommend using a combination of ironing and Downy Wrinkle Releaser (not a sponsored mention, just my personal favorite shortcut!). Ironing removes the deep creases, but it can be time-consuming and tricky to maneuver a full slipcover on an ironing board. Wrinkle Releaser is a game-changer it helps smooth out wrinkles once the slipcover is already on the chair, making the process much easier.
Step-by-Step Process for Wrinkle-Free Slipcovers
- Iron for Major Wrinkles: If you prefer a crisp look, iron the slipcover before putting it on the chair. Focus on the most visible areas, like the chair back and seat.
- Use Wrinkle Releaser: If you don’t want to iron, spray Downy Wrinkle Releaser directly onto the slipcover after it’s on the chair.
- Stretch and Smooth: Pull the fabric taut immediately after spraying to help relax the wrinkles. Be mindful that pulling may cause slight rippling in some areas.
- Let It Set: Allow the slipcover to air dry fully so that the fabric settles into place smoothly.
For comparison, I tested both methods. The left chair in the image was ironed first, while the right chair only received the Wrinkle Releaser treatment. Surprisingly, the difference wasn’t huge just enough to make the slipcover look intentionally styled rather than rumpled.
Living with Slipcovered Dining Chairs
Wrinkles aside, I absolutely love the scale and presence these chairs bring to the dining room. They anchor the table beautifully, and they’re lightweight enough to be moved around easily. Whether I need extra seating in the living room or a chair pulled up to my desk, they’re incredibly versatile.
While I’m striving for a relaxed yet polished look, I’m also embracing the casual charm that comes with slipcovered furniture. These chairs are meant to be used daily, and a few wrinkles here and there add to their inviting feel.
Final Thoughts
This small addition to my dining room feels like a big step forward in pulling the space together. I still have a long way to go, but it’s always exciting to see progress!
Now, if only my house were as clean as it looks in these pictures it’s definitely time for a deep cleaning session.
What’s Next?
With the slipcovers in place, I’m moving on to the next step in refreshing my dining space. Perhaps a new area rug or Christmas tree is in the near future? Stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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