Uncovered History of Slipcovers: From Medieval Times to 21st Century

Have you read Jane Austin’s books? In 1807, the author wrote a letter where she mentioned the “sofa-cover’ that needs to be repaired. And indeed in the 19st century covers were an inevitable part of a fashionable home interior. But their history started long before that time. When?

Medieval times

Back then slipcovers were used solely to protect furniture from accumulating dust on it and attracting insects. The idea of covering something that needs to be protected is simple. But humidity and direct sunlight were things that could be easily taken care of with a single cover, despite the various medieval epidemics. At least the furniture was safe.

17th century

A bit later, people started paying more attention to home design. Especially in the noblemen’s houses everything of value was covered in lightweight canvas (drill, duck) or white muslin. It represented their social status and wealth. Everyone who visited such a stately property, could at once identify the price of the fabrics used for slipcovers.

18th century

The time when slipcover fashion reached its peak. Rich English ladies ordered custom covers from their tailors as seasonal furnishments. Women themselves chose something bright and made of light fabrics for their clothes to complement the slipcovers. Those were mainly linen, cotton or linen-cotton blend pieces with accents like buttons, ruffles and bows. The variety of furniture in rooms served one purpose for the house owner: to help host guests. People of that time valued fancy breakfasts and dinners above all; so surprising the guests with costly things, including luxury slipcovers, was a must-have.

1940-1950s

We’re jumping over a century to proceed to plastic and vinyl slipcovers. Fascinating invention. It was very popular to use new materials so such pieces were available in large department stores for the average customer. But that trend passed as fast as it appeared. New manufacturing techniques made custom slipcovers more expensive than furniture itself.  

Modern days

Despite their ‘plastic fail,’ covers came back in the 1970s. And again started transforming houses! Couch covers, futon covers, chair covers, recliner covers - now we have every piece of furniture styled up and protected. 

Right at that time, precisely in 1965, our Italian manufacturer Paulato started his work. Following European textile traditions, the company produced high-quality slipcovers. For 50 years they have been using WavyTech technology to make extremely elastic products that are installed easily without deforming. They don't alter sofa’s shape and indeed adapt to it. Made with love, each slipcover carries the history of generations. 

The founder was born in Gandino, the heart of Bergamo textile industry tradition. It only takes one time to visit his workshop and see the way the workers operate. Besides manual skills, they regularly renew and upgrade the style and textures of slipcovers, maintaining their high quality.

Today it’s so easy to personalize your living space and at the same time make it stylish and functional. Slipcovers already combine Medieval protection and 18th century fashion. Choose your perfect match and give a gift to your furniture!