A cover for a sofa is a home essential everyone needs! They can help protect your furniture against pet hair, spills, dirt and lots more. Replacing a sofa is expensive, so you want to keep it in tip-top condition. You can even upscale a worn-out old couch with a full-sized slip cover in a different colour or print to make it look as good as new.
There are many types to choose from, including stretchy sofa covers and quilted protectors, making it hard to pick the best one. We've put together a guide to help, full of tips on choosing size and design. Remember to check out our list of recommendations to buy on Amazon, including options for settees, recliners and corner sofas.
Quick List - Top Sofa Covers
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You know you'd like a sofa cover, but where should you start? Our buying guide will look at fabric, special features, size and sofa type, so you're armed with all the information you need to buy a sofa cover.
Sofa covers are usually made from either a polyester-lycra blend, quilted faux suede or cotton. We're going to tell you the benefits of each fabric so you can find a cover that'll protect your furniture and offer comfort.
A standard polyester-lycra blend will make for a stretchy cover with a smooth, tightly knitted texture that won't show up any wrinkles. These are best for sofas that are already comfortable, as they won't add any extra padding.
There are other types of polyester-lycra blends too, such as those with a velvet or a jacquard texture. Synthetic velvet is the best choice for comfort with its soft furry texture, plus it won't easily mark or fade due to its durable nature. However, this might not be as welcome during summer as it will be during the winter months.
A jacquard design is also comfortable as it has a slight fluffy feel with ribbing that will stop the cover from slipping. One downside to synthetics is that they generally aren't as breathable as natural fabrics.
Quilted protectors have a faux suede outer layer and foam or fibre filling, which is comfortable and robust. The foam or fibre adds cushioning, so they're perfect for older sofas or increasing the comfort of a harder couch. As the outer layer itself is thicker, it'll also prevent tears from excitable pets or kids.
Similarly, cotton padded covers will be durable and are sure to protect your sofa against wear and tear. Natural materials like cotton make for a more eco-friendly choice, plus they will be soft and breathable while looking good, too.
From anti-slip technology to dust mite protection, sofa covers have a wide range of special features. Pay close attention to the descriptions of each feature so you can decide whether your sofa cover needs it!
Sofa covers can slip off when you sit down or move around. Luckily, brands add many effective ways to prevent this, such as with elastic bottoms, straps or loops. Covers with elastic bottoms have a tight fit to secure the cover in place, whereas adjustable straps hook around the sofa and loops can be tied to stop the sofa cover from moving.
Covers can also come with secure-fitting extras, such as anti-slip foam or sticker pads – the foam can be put in cushion crevasses and the sticker pads can be stuck to both the sofa and cover. Whichever method you choose, your sofa cover is sure to be firmly stuck down with an anti-slip aid.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in house dust. They can easily take up residence in your sofa, causing health issues if you have an allergy to them. Just as you likely do with covers and cases for your pillows and bedding, it's important to protect yourself if you're sensitive to the effects as it could lead to asthma, eczema and sinus issues.
If this is the case, you can look for sofa covers that have undergone an anti-mite treatment. When you put them on your sofa, they will form a protective barrier to stop dust mites and organic materials from gaining access.
When you have pets or kids, accidents can happen. That's why some sofa covers are water-resistant! They'll offer protection from liquids so neither the cover nor your sofa will get damaged.
Just make sure you take waterproof claims with a pinch of salt – covers tend to actually be more water-resistant than totally waterproof. They'll shield your sofa against the initial spill by repelling the water, but you need to take the cover off quickly as the liquid will start leaking through after a few minutes.
After fabric and features, the last thing to make sure you get right is the fit. This will affect not only how good (or not so good!) the covered sofa looks, but also how comfortable and protective it is.
Sofas come in all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense to ensure you pick a cover that's suitable for the one you have. Some stretchy ones are universal (to a degree), meaning they will cover most types of sofa, but others are made for a specific style, like an armless, L-shaped or reclining couch.
Generally speaking, if you have anything other than a traditional sofa, it's best to stay away from universal covers and select a specialised design. They may work to a certain extent, but there will be extra hassle involved, like having to lift the cover up when you fold out your sofa bed or, even worse, not being able to use the reclining feature!
Don't just pay attention to the type of sofa you have to find a cover that fits. It's an easy trap to fall into! Whether it's an L-shape or a two-seater, sofas don't come in one standard size, so you need to check the measurements to make sure it will be suitable.
It can get a bit confusing as some covers have one set measurement, whereas others can fit sofas within a range. Check your sofa is in the higher end of the size range if you want the best fit, as the material will look tight and smooth. If it's at the lower end of the size range, the cover may look baggy and messy.
Sofa covers either come in one piece or have a back piece and separate covers for the seats. A one-piece is a no-fuss option that's quick and easy to put on a sofa. However, all-over one-pieces can make your sofa look like an oversized blob. Most don't tuck into sofa crevasses well, so your sofa will lose definition and look messy.
If interior design matters to you, sofa covers with multiple pieces for the back and cushion are a great alternative. They take longer to get on and off, but your sofa will keep its shape and you won't have any annoying excess material getting in the way.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | LINGKY Recliner Sofa Cover | ![]() | Re-Tucking Isn't Needed With Elastic Loops | |
2 | H.Versailtex Stretch Sofa Cover | ![]() | Full Coverage With Multiple Pieces | |
3 | Yeahmart Thick Sofa Cover | ![]() | Stretchy, High-Quality Velvet for Comfort | |
4 | ENZER 1-Piece Sofa Cover | ![]() | Comes in a Huge Range of Fun Patterns and Designs | |
5 | Mingfuxin Armless Sofa Cover | ![]() | A One-Piece Design That Fits Contours | |
6 | BellaHills Non-Slip Furniture Cover | ![]() | Totally Waterproof With Protection From Animal Hair | |
7 | CHUN YI Sofa Cover With Separate Seat Cushion Covers | ![]() | Light Colour Options and Breathable Fabric | |
8 | MAXIJIN Jacquard Couch Cover | ![]() | A Super Stretchy Design With an Expensive Look | |
9 | H.Versailtex Couch Cover | ![]() | A Quilted Water-Resistant Cover for Homes With Pets |
With its wealth of extra features, this is a suburb find. It features elastic loops that you can tie to secure the cover, as well as pleats to allow the fabric to wrap underneath. Plus, the velvet fabric is strong and soft, so it'll keep your seat comfy for years to come.
You won't need to re-tuck the cover either, as it comes in eight pieces. It even includes back covers, unlike many other options. All your sofa will be covered whilst keeping its shape. Not to mention that it's wrinkle-free, so it'll stay looking neat without ironing.
This cover will have the perfect fit if you measure your sofa beforehand. The back piece offers 360-degree coverage, and there are individual cushion covers so your sofa won't lose any definition. Plus, there's a handy one-seater option for your armchair, so you can revamp your whole suite!
The material is thick, so it'll protect against tears, which is perfect for everyday family life. It isn't overly stretchy either, so it fits but doesn't slip off when you sit down and the textured pattern helps secure it.
This sofa cover is made from a high-quality velvet fabric that will feel comfy against your skin whilst you lounge and watch TV. Add some fluffy cushions, and you'll want to relax on the sofa all weekend. The fabric has a two-way stretch, so it'll fit into the crevasses much better than other one-pieces for a neat look.
The elastic in the bottom is free-floating, too, so you'll be able to adjust the fullness to spread the fabric out to stop it from bunching up. It even comes with instructions to help you put it on correctly.
Redesigning your living room? This cover is the best choice for design, as it has a massive 53 options to choose from in a variety of unique patterns from cacti to paisley and even puppies! Plus, it comes with anti-slip foam to keep the cover in place when you sit down.
It offers good coverage for standard sofas in different shapes and you won't have to spend too long installing it, leaving you more time to enjoy your new couch! Overall, this is a worthwhile purchase that's inexpensive and easy to get on.
This cover has been specially made for an armless sofa bed, so you know it'll stay on as you fold it out. It has a one-piece design, but the material is cut to the shape of a standard sofa bed so it'll fit into the contours.
You have a great selection to choose from with options made from a standard polyester-lycra blend and velvet, so you can find a cover that suits your needs. Plus, it's anti-mite protected, which will keep anyone with a dust allergy safe!
This product is the only cover on the list for a traditional sofa that repels water, so it's an excellent choice if you have a furry friend or two at home. Plus, it's easy to shake off pet fur, and the material is thick, which will offer some protection against cats or dogs scratching the fabric with their claws.
It could be said that this cover doesn't have the nicest looking design as it's more for protection than aesthetics. However, if this is what you're looking for, it is a great option, and the adjustable straps work well to keep the sofa cover in place.
Here's a breathable sofa cover that will keep you comfy on warm days or when you have the heating on. No one likes sticking to their sofa! It's also nice and thick which gives it a stylish look, plus, you won't be able to see the original sofa colour through the fabric.
Some buyers have reported that the stitching of the seams makes it a little difficult to fit the cover, so you might have to spend some time to get it aligned and looking good. However, there's a great selection of colours with some lighter options to match modern white or nude decors.
Does your sofa have a high back? That's no problem with this cover, as it is super stretchy and able to fit traditional sofas of various shapes as well as extra-large sizes. The material is embellished with checks, which gives it an expensive and attractive look that feels smooth against the skin.
While there is an elastic bottom to offer some protection, the cover would benefit from some foam stickers to help keep it in place as it's very stretchy and could slide without them. These aren't included in the package, but you could purchase them separately.
Here's a quilted cushion cover for an L-shape sofa that's been recently upgraded, so it fits two different sizes. This should ensure a good fit as L-shape sofas can vary in size. It's also constructed to protect against tears that can happen if you have kids or pets.
As well as being available in a few different colours, the fabric is padded and soft, so it'll be comfortable if you spend a lot of time sitting on the sofa. One thing to note is that this cover is not suitable for leather couches as the sticky pads will leave marks.
You now have all the knowledge you need to choose sofa covers that will look good and fit like a glove. We hope you've picked out one or even a few cover options you love so your old settee can look brand new!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: LINGKY|Recliner Sofa Cover
No. 2: H.Versailtex|Stretch Sofa Cover
No. 3: Yeahmart|Thick Sofa Cover
No. 4: ENZER|1-Piece Sofa Cover
No. 5: Mingfuxin|Armless Sofa Cover
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