Custom will work, with separate seat covers. I have never seen readymade slipcovers that work unless you have one of those sofas like Pottery Barn makes that have a variety of slipcovers that are made just for a particular model.

Custom is definitely the way to go...the prices are high but it's worth it!

My grandmother had furniture she bought in the early 60's and it still is in great shape. All of the tufting and wood were always visible through the plastic slipcovers. She didn't even take the plastic off for company or parties. The plastic really did the trick because no one wanted to sit on the plastic so the sofas lasted.

If you sew, then you may want to attempt it yourself. My mother did that and it turned out much better than professional slipcovers I've seen. She was once a dressmaker and just got a book on it. The book + supplies may end up being less than getting it custom. Or you can try to see if the slipcover maker will let you buy the materials yourself so you can pick out an affordable fabric. Upholstery fabric is crazy expensive. If you want to see the tufts then you will need to reupholster.

@funstraw- lol, plastic is an awesome idea! Very modern.

@JeanieS

haha, why not skip the plastic and just tell guests they can't sit on the sofa. it should last forever!

Custom is probably going to be the way to go, unless you want to give it a shot yourself. You won't be able to see the tufting short of plastic, but you may be able to find a student who will do it for less.

For the short term, while you're are putting pennies away for a custom cover, you could find a fabulous throw to drape across the back for everyday. Maybe a faux chinchilla or super yummy cashmere. For the arms, if you could find a similar fabric, make shells to cover them. My grandmother used hand towels, and while totally functional, they were not particularly pleasing from a design standpoint. Both items are easy to throw in a closet when company comes and easy to clean.

Professional upholstery cleaning isn't that expensive and will go a long way towards extending the life of your sofa. I paid about $150 to have my sectional cleaned (2 7'-long sofas) and it was well worth it.

So you're going to steam clean it and then attempt a slipcover to maintain this recent cleaning right? If that is the case, why not skip the slipcover and invest in a scotchguard treatment? Our couch has it and after 5 years any foreign matter that gets on it wipes right off with a damp rag. That stuff is freakin magical!

I have 2 Chloes in white.... And 5 boys. Curious how your steamcleaning works out for you.

Professional cleaning is recommended once a year on all upholstery. Have them apply a fabric protection at that time.
I don't understand why most are opposed to maintaining their upholstery investment. It's well worth it!

If you do go with a throw-on slipcover, I remember a trick from Trading Spaces: use a thin pvc pipe or wooden dowel tucked in behind the cushions to keep the back in place.

I have this same sofa and love it! Its in a room that does not get a ton of use, so I don't have this problem, but I would also vote for a steam clean. The slipcover will defeat the purpose since you won't see any of the tufting. Did you purchase the warrenty when you got it? They promise to clean or replace any stained areas or cushions.

I have the Chloe in slate. Cleaning was exactly why I didnt go with Cream...Perhaps you use a a throw that is long, going from arm to cover the cushions and but not the back.