Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
What are Arm Caps?
Arm caps offer a shield against daily wear and tear. Crafted to envelop the arms of seating pieces like chairs and sofas, they provide a barrier against stains, spills, and the rigors of regular use. Arm caps are available in various styles and materials, making finding the perfect match for your furniture easy.
Benefits of Arm Caps
- Protect furniture arms from dirt, spills, UV damage, and wear.
- Affordable update for old furniture – it costs a fraction of reupholstering costs.
- An easy DIY home decor option is to make custom arm caps yourself or use premade covers.
- Versatile in changing room styles. Swap arm caps seasonally or use different colors and patterns when you redecorate.
- Prevent cats from clawing furniture arms. Protect leather and fabric sofas and chairs from feline damage.
Downsides of Arm Caps
- Don’t entirely prevent damage from heavy daily use. It helps protect arms but isn’t an indestructible shield against all wear.
- It can shift around with use. Some arm caps lack backing or grip and slide off arms.
- Some want full arm coverage, while others prefer small cap covers. Get the size and shape you want.
- Don’t work well for all furniture shapes. Unique or curved arms might not accommodate standard rectangular arm caps.
Different Types of Caps
Fabric – These protective covers come in a wide variety of fabrics, such as cotton, velvet, linen, and more. Options range from basic cotton to elegant embroidered styles or seasonal prints. Measure arm width and length.
Crocheted – For a cozy, textural look, crocheted caps are perfect. Choose chunky yarns in neutral colors or vibrant hues. The dense stitch helps protect arms from wear—size to your furniture.
Leather – Leather brings a refined, upscale look to arm caps. Faux and natural leather are available in black, brown, and more. Try nailhead trim accents for added decoration. Use on both traditional and modern chair and sofa styles.
Velvet – Luxe velvet covers provide an opulent feel and visual depth through the fabric’s texture and sheen. Use solid-color or patterned velvet. Velvet is also extremely durable and protective.
Sets – Purchase in complete sets rather than singles. Sets allow you to cover multiple chairs or a sofa with matching caps for a pulled-together style. Mix and match patterns or solids across a set for a fun, coordinated look.
Here’s an expert perspective on arm caps from Amanda Gates, interior designer expert at Gates Interior Design:
“Arm caps are a simple way to refresh your furniture and your room’s style. I love that you can change them seasonally or swap in a new pattern or color whenever you want an easy update. Use arm caps to protect heirloom furniture or conceal flaws on thrift store finds. And sets of arm caps are great for decorating kid’s rooms – use fun fabrics and easily remove caps to wash when dirty. The arm cap options available today like faux leather and velvet take the look up a notch too. Don’t overlook this easy DIY possibility!“
How to Make Your Own
Making your caps can be fun and rewarding for those who enjoy DIY projects. You will require essential materials such as fabric, thread, and a sewing machine to create your arm caps. There are many tutorials available online that can guide you through the process of making your caps.
What materials are best for arm caps?
It’s hard to beat fabric arm caps’ durability, ease of use, and range of textile options. Look for medium- to heavy-weight fabrics that will withstand daily wear and hold their shape. Faux leathers, cotton duck, canvas, denim, velvet, and linen blends are excellent choices. If sewing your own, pre-wash the fabric to prevent later shrinking. Craft felt also works well for handmade caps but shows wear faster than woven textiles.
How should I measure furniture arms before buying or making caps?
Carefully measure the length, width, and height of chair or sofa arms that need caps. Remove any existing cushions or pillows first to get the most accurate sizing. Use a soft measuring tape and note whether the arm has straight 90-degree sides or slopes inward. Also, indicate whether the arms are wide or narrow. Provide retailers with these dimensions when purchasing premade arm caps for the best-fitting covers.
What’s the best way to secure arm caps?
Most products stay in place through a snug stretch fit over the arm. You can also use discreet Velcro strips on the underside edges to adhere the cap to the frame firmly. Attach a self-adhesive gripper shelf liner to the arm edges for a no-slip fit before slipping on the cover. Avoid visible staples, nails, or tape that could damage the arm finish. If caps are loose, carefully hand-stitch fabric darts or pleats to remove excess fabric and tailor the fit.
How do I clean fabric arm caps?
Check fabric care labels for cleaning guidelines. Most light-colored fabric arm caps can be tossed in the washing machine on gentle/cold and then air dried. Vacuum dark velvet first before spot cleaning by dabbing stains. Avoid overly hot water or heat drying that could shrink or damage the covers. Some faux leather caps can spot clean; avoid washing.
More Reads
- Arming Cap – Wikipedia
- Arm Caps – Pinterest
- DIY Armrest Covers for Your Slipcovered Furniture
- Furniture arm covers
Dan S. Morris is a longtime furniture and design enthusiast with a passion for beautiful and functional arrangements and a human-centered approach to home decor that integrates the needs of people. He is the founder of Chosen Furniture. Dan and his team are faithful to serving you with savvy client-focused information and furniture reviews, with uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of their service.
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