How to Choose the Right Sofa Cover for Your Sofa

A sofa cover is one of the quickest ways to change how a living room feels — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Order the wrong size and it bunches, slides or leaves the arms bare. Here is how to choose one that fits your sofa and the way you actually use it.

Draped cover or fitted slipcover?

Most of our covers are draped covers, not fitted stretch slipcovers. They lay over the seat and back and fall loosely down each side — no straps, no elastic, nothing to wrestle into place. Because they are not tailored to one shape, they work on straight sofas, curved arms, recliners, sectionals and even leather. They also come off in seconds when it is time to wash them.

If you prefer a tighter, upholstered look, a stretch slipcover is the better choice. If you want something relaxed that you can change with the seasons, a draped cover is far easier to live with.

How to measure your sofa

For a full sofa cover, measure from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other. On sofas with rolled or curved arms, run the tape along the curve rather than in a straight line — a straight measurement will come up short.

Our full covers are 71" deep, which covers the seat and back of a standard-depth sofa and leaves fabric to drape down the front. Only the length changes from size to size. As a rough guide:

• Armchair or recliner: a square 71" × 71" cover, or a smaller size for a compact chair
• Loveseat or two-seater: usually 71" × 91" or 71" × 102", depending on the cover
• Three-seater: 71" × 118"
• Large three- or four-seater: 71" × 134"

Size charts differ slightly between designs, so always check the chart on the product page. If you land between two sizes, choose the larger one — extra fabric gathers softly at the sides, while a cover that runs short never looks right.

Covering an L-shaped sectional

Treat the sectional as two pieces: one cover sized for the long side, plus a 71" × 71" cover for the chaise. Ordered in the same colour, they read as one. For long sectionals, the Abstract Line Chenille Sofa Cover also comes in a 71" × 150" size that covers the long run in one piece, with no seam across the middle.

Keeping it in place

The most common complaint about sofa covers is constant re-tucking. Three things help:

• A non-slip backing. The Herringbone Chenille Sofa Cover with Tassels and the Plush Sofa Cover with Pleated Edges both have one, so they stay put with less fuss.
• A heavier weave. Heavyweight chenille, like the Chenille Sofa Cover with Floral Design, sits more firmly than thin fabric.
• A small tuck. With a draped cover like the Herringbone Sofa Cover, tucking about 3 inches into the seat crease keeps it neat.

Only want to protect the seat?

If your sofa back and arms are fine and it is the cushions that take the wear, a seat cover is the simpler option. The Plush Sofa Cover with Pleated Edges covers only the seating surface, with a short pleated drop along the front. It is measured differently: measure the seating area from the inside of one arm to the inside of the other, then check your seat depth. Most sofas are 21–24" deep and suit the 28" sizes; deeper, loungey sofas suit the 31" option.

Homes with pets and kids

A cover is cheaper to replace than a sofa. Chenille is soft but tightly woven, which helps it shield the upholstery from fur and claws — the Herringbone Chenille cover is designed with pets in mind. Choose a mid-tone or pattern rather than a pale solid; it hides everyday marks far better between washes.

Two looks in one

Reversible covers give you two looks for the price of one. The Abstract Line Chenille and the bold Safari Tiger Sofa Cover can be flipped when you want a change — a lighter side for summer, a richer one for winter.

Care

Most of our chenille covers can be machine washed, and draped covers come off in seconds. Always follow the care label for your specific cover, and let it dry fully before putting it back on.

Ready to choose? Browse all our Home & Living pieces, or start with the cover that best matches your sofa above.