Crafting Comfort: Fun & Easy DIY Recliner Sofa Slipcover Projects (2026)

Recliner sofas are all about comfort – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish and personalised too. If you love getting creative, these fun and easy DIY recliner sofa slipcover projects will help you customise a plain recliner cover, refresh an old one or add unique details that match your home décor.

Why DIY Recliner Slipcover Projects?

A ready-made recliner sofa slipcover immediately protects your chair and upgrades its look. DIY customisations then let you:

• Add storage where you actually need it (for remotes, phones, glasses).
• Layer in extra comfort with quilted or padded sections.
• Introduce colour, pattern and texture that feel unique to your home.
• Refresh your recliner without buying a new chair.

1. Two-Tone Recliner Slipcover Makeover

Create a designer-style look by turning one plain recliner slipcover into a two-tone feature piece.

Materials Needed:

• Plain recliner slipcover (base colour)
• Co-ordinating fabric (for accent panels)
• Fabric glue or sewing machine
• Measuring tape, scissors, pins

Steps:

1. Put the slipcover on your recliner and mark where you’d like accent panels – for example, across the centre back, seat front, or along the footrest.
2. Measure these areas and cut your accent fabric to size, leaving a small seam allowance if you’re sewing.
3. Remove the slipcover and either sew or fabric-glue the panels neatly in place.
4. Let any glue fully dry, then refit the slipcover on the recliner.
5. Adjust and smooth everything so the panels sit flat and aligned.

2. Pocket Organiser Add-On (Remotes, Magazines & Glasses)

Add practical storage pockets to the sides of your recliner so everything you need is within easy reach.

Materials Needed:

• Recliner slipcover (fitted to your chair)
• Sturdy fabric for pockets (canvas, denim or upholstery scraps)
• Sewing machine or strong fabric glue
• Measuring tape, pins

Steps:

1. Measure the side area of your recliner where your hand naturally rests – this is the ideal pocket zone.
2. Cut one large rectangle of fabric for a magazine pocket and smaller rectangles for remote/phone slots.
3. Hem the top edge of each pocket for a clean finish.
4. Pin the pockets onto the side of the slipcover in a layout that works for you.
5. Sew or firmly glue around the sides and bottom of each pocket, leaving the top open.
6. Refit the slipcover and test your new organiser with remotes, glasses and magazines.

3. Quilted Comfort Panel for the Seat & Back

Perfect if your recliner seat is a little tired, a quilted panel adds extra padding exactly where you sit.

Materials Needed:

• Soft fabric (cotton, microfiber or fleece)
• Wadding/batting for padding
• Recliner slipcover
• Sewing machine (recommended) or fabric-safe adhesive tape
• Chalk, scissors, pins

Steps:

1. Measure the area of the seat and back you want to pad (you can do one long panel or two separate ones).
2. Cut your top fabric and wadding to size.
3. Layer fabric–wadding–fabric (like a sandwich) and pin together.
4. Sew straight lines or simple grids across the panel to create a quilted effect.
5. Attach the quilted panel to the inside of the slipcover in the seat/back area, either by light stitching or a removable fastening like Velcro strips.
6. Refit the slipcover and enjoy a softer, cosier recliner seat.

4. Cosy Arm Wraps & Headrest Covers

Targeted add-ons are ideal if you only want to upgrade certain high-contact areas like arms and the headrest.

Materials Needed:

• Co-ordinating or contrasting fabric
• Non-slip backing fabric (optional, for leather recliners)
• Sewing machine or fabric glue
• Velcro strips or ties

Steps:

1. Measure the top of the headrest and the length/width of each arm.
2. Cut fabric to size for each piece, adding extra length if you want a draped look.
3. Hem the edges for a neat finish.
4. Optional: Attach non-slip fabric or a few Velcro tabs underneath to help the pieces stay in place on smoother fabrics or leather.
5. Place the covers on the recliner over your slipcover and secure with ties or Velcro where needed.

Common Questions About DIY Recliner Slipcover Projects

Q1: Do these DIY ideas work on any recliner slipcover?

A1: Most of these projects work best on plain, fabric recliner slipcovers (not plastic or vinyl). Always test glues, paints or dyes on a hidden area first.

Q2: Will adding pockets or panels make the slipcover harder to remove and wash?

A2: As long as you keep additions flat and flexible, your slipcover should still be removable and machine washable. Just follow the original care instructions and avoid adding very heavy elements.

Q3: I’m a complete beginner – where should I start?

A3: Start with the pocket organiser or simple arm wraps. Both use straight stitching or fabric glue and give very satisfying results with minimal skill required.

Q4: Can I combine these projects on one recliner?

A4: Yes. For example, you can have a two-tone main cover, pockets on one side and a quilted seat panel for extra comfort. Just design the layout before you begin so it doesn’t feel cluttered.

Q5: Are there particular fabrics I should avoid?

A5: Very stiff fabrics can feel uncomfortable on a recliner, and delicate fabrics may wear quickly. Medium-weight cottons, microfiber, twill, denim and upholstery remnants usually work best.

DIY touches turn a standard recliner sofa slipcover into something unique, practical and perfectly tailored to your home. You don’t need advanced sewing skills – just a bit of patience, simple tools and a clear idea of the look you want.

In our next 2026 recliner guide, we’ll look at how to coordinate your recliner slipcover with other seating and accessories for a cohesive living room scheme.

Happy crafting, The Shiny Sofas Team

Links To Product Pages

Shiny Sofas Webstore: https://shinysofas.co.uk/

Sofa Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/sofa-slipcovers

Recliner Sofa Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/recliner-sofa