3 Ways to Update an Outdated Retro Couch

Outdated couches are easy to update if you have the right ideas. You can use these simply ways to update your retro couch and bring it into style in no time. If you have an old couch that has seen better days, then check out these easy ways to update it for cheap and get a whole new look.

By the way, some of these ideas for updating old couch for cheap work well on new couches in need of a new look.

Old Couch Update Idea #1: Button Slip Cover

So many old couches have tufted cushions. In the middle of each tuft is a button. This was a huge look in the 1970's and for the plaid couches of the 1980's. You can use these buttons to your advantage if you have a sewing chained.

Simply take a large king size sheet or pre made slip cover. Lay it over the couch and line it up how you wish it to lay. You want to mark where each f the buttons on the tufts are. Now, use your sewing machine to sew button holes on the fabric that line up with your existing buttons.

You can slip the fabric onto the outdated sofa and button it option place For the most part this will hold the slip cover in place on the front of the couch. You may want to fold the back to edges that line up with the vertical lines of the back corners of the couch and sew those into straight lines as well. Pin in place, sew the seam on the inside an then flip the slip cover right side out.

Old Couch Update Idea #2: Loose the Wood

Many old couches have wood arms, legs, or other surfaces that really date them to the 1970's and early 1980's. This was a huge look and really in style then. Today though, this is really not so hot.

My favorite trick with these old sofas is to simply cover the old wood arms by cutting out 2 inch thick foam in the same shape. Glue this in place on the wood with a high grade adhesive. You can now add that slip cover without worrying you will o to lay down on the sofa and hit your head on a wood arm!

Another look if you are not using a slip cover is to simply paint out the wood. Prime it first, then paint out in a milk paint to make it look shabby chic, which I very in right now with sofas!