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A couch is an expensive purchase, and one practical and relatively inexpensive way to preserve this investment is to use a couch cover. Couch covers are attractive and durable protectors of furniture that serve many purposes, from repelling spills and stains to softening the general wear and tear of everyday living. They can offer protection for a newer sofa as well as provide a refreshing update for a well-loved piece.
One of the biggest perks that the best couch covers offer is low-maintenance care. They’re easy to spot clean and are also machine-washable, so you can take care of spills, stains, and pet hair quickly. There are dozens of couch cover options from which to choose, and the selection process can be daunting. This guide will help you choose the best couch cover that will add durability, function, and personality to your favorite lounging spot.
- BEST OVERALL: PureFit Super Stretch Chair Sofa Slipcover
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover Reversible
- BEST COLOR/PATTERN OPTIONS: Lamberia Printed Sofa Cover
- BEST FOR PETS: Sofa Shield Original Patent Pending Reversible
- BEST WATER RESISTANT: Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover Waterproof
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Couch Covers
It’s important to be mindful of several aspects when choosing a couch cover. They are available in a range of sizes and styles, so choosing the best fit and look for your sofa is important. Also, determine what the couch cover’s main purpose will be. Is it protecting a new sofa or providing a facelift for a worn one? Does it need to be child- and/or pet-friendly? Fabric, color, and pattern are other important factors, as they’ll add warmth and personality to the couch cover that will complement your living space.
Purpose
Couch covers serve a variety of functions. Most people likely consider purchasing a couch cover when their couch grows old and dingy. Day-to-day living, from children and pets to guests and afternoon naps, can take a toll on your couch. Often the anchor piece of a room, a worn couch can then make your entire living space look tired. A couch cover can revitalize a well-worn sofa, offering years of continued use and sprucing up your décor.
A newer couch can also benefit from a couch cover’s features. Namely, a couch cover offers proactive protection from daily wear and tear, such as accidental spills and mishaps. Its protective covering will also repel dust, dirt, and pet hair, preserving the original fabric underneath. Depending on where your couch is situated in the room, a cover will also help prevent the fabric from fading in the sunlight.
Size and Fit
Couch covers come in many sizes and styles. Consider your couch’s features. Does it have rounded or square arms? What type of cushions does it have? Are the cushions removable? Does a skirt go to the floor, or are the legs exposed? Do you want a one-piece couch cover or a two- (or more) piece set to cover each cushion individually as well? Note these and other details to ensure an optimal look and fit. You may decide you want a loose-fitting one-piece couch cover that drapes over the couch or a couch cover that stretches over each section of the couch for a tighter fit.
Next, measure the couch. Take measurements of the width from each outside edge, side to side. Then, measure the depth from the front outside edge to the back outside edge. Finally, measure the arms, width- and lengthwise, as well as the back, the cushions, and any other area that the couch cover will encompass.
Fabric/Material
Fabric options are another important consideration for purchasing a couch cover. Think about who uses your couch most often, how often they use it, and for what purposes. Is the couch where the kids sit, eat snacks, and watch television? Are pets allowed on the couch? Is the couch in a high-traffic area, or is it nestled in a corner as a decorative piece with only occasional use?
As you consider those questions, select the desired fabric for your couch cover accordingly, noting the feel, weight, and texture of the material. Polyester, microfiber, and cotton blends offer great protection, are easy to care for, and often have stain-resistant or waterproof qualities. If you’d like an even thicker fabric, velvet, twill, and cotton duck canvas couch covers are also available. While these extra-heavy fabric options may provide a longer life span, they can also bring a higher price tag.
Textures range from soft and smooth weaves to nubby surfaces and quilted patterns. For a more luxurious feel, there are even velvet and lightly fleeced couch covers available. Some couch covers are reversible, which doubles the durability and design options.
Color/Pattern
Next, consider the color scheme of the room where the couch resides. Would you like the couch cover to make a statement or simply blend into your existing décor? Is the room a recreational and relaxing space or a formal seating area? Colors and patterns can reflect a room’s use and style, as well as complement your other furniture and décor.
Couch covers are available in an assorted range of colors and patterns. From soft neutrals to rich, striking shades, they offer instant style, whether it’s a muted pastel or earth tone or a pop of color to create just the right balance. Colors and patterns also offer benefits for day-to-day living. Neutral colors can be forgiving for those little spills and everyday wear and tear. Dark shades can hide deep-colored stains and dirt but may show lint, dust, and pet hair more quickly.
Most importantly, choose a color and pattern that you like and that will function well for your home since the couch cover will most likely be a long-term fixture.
Ease of Cleaning
The couch is probably the largest piece of furniture in a room, which makes it a target for unplanned spills and stains. One of the biggest perks of a couch cover is that it is easy to clean.
A couch cover will make your daily household upkeep easier because—in the event of a spill or just an accumulation of pet hair—you can either spot-clean the cover or remove it from your couch and machine-wash and tumble-dry it. Whether you have kids, pets, frequent guests, or all of the above, couch covers offer a low-maintenance option to protect and preserve one of your most important furniture purchases.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks offer an array of choices for protecting and rejuvenating your couch in the areas of fit, color, durability, and ease of care. Not only will these couch covers refresh an older, well-loved couch, but they’ll guard against longtime wear and tear for newer furniture as well. Check out some of the best couch covers on the market to ensure your couch will be preserved for years to come or simply to add a refreshing new design element to your living space.
Best Overall
PureFit Super Stretch Chair Sofa Slipcover
Our pick for the best overall couch cover is designed for comfort and durability. Soft and super stretchy, its form-fitting fabric is a comfy blend of machine-washable polyester and spandex. Whether you want a lighter palette in a crisp white or light gray, the fresh tones of cyan or peacock blue, or classic black or brown, this couch cover from PureFit offers an impressive array of colors to complement your décor.
Perfect for kids, pets, and all your guests, this attractive option will fit like a glove and is ready-made to cover a couch from 66 to 90 inches long. Installation is easy due to the cover’s flexible fabric and the illustrated instructions. The cover is both wrinkle-resistant and slip-resistant, so it’ll look sleek while staying in place.
Best Bang For The Buck
Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover Reversible
This reversible couch cover from Easy-Going offers a thick, microfiber fabric designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life with kids and pets. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also features an elegant, quilted texture that gives it both soft comfort and durability for long-lasting coverage and protection. This couch cover is water-resistant and easy to install, and it will stay in place thanks to strategically placed elastic straps. It’s also machine-washable, so just remove it and throw it in the wash whenever just a spot cleaning won’t do.
Not only is this couch cover durable, it’s attractive as well, with an assortment of 21 colorful shades. Lighter color choices include white, ivory, pink, and light gray. Medium tones range from camel to darker grays and greens. Deeper colors feature dark blue, red, brown, and classic black. These colors will complement most any décor, while the reversible option offers double the color coordination and longevity.
Best Color/Pattern Options
Lamberia Printed Sofa Cover
With 15 patterns from which to choose, these couch covers from Lamberia add beauty and inspiration to any room. Available in both bright and more muted florals and patterns, they are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, creating a soft, stretchy, and anti-wrinkle fabric that is eco-friendly, durable, and easy to install.
Ideal for use with kids, pets, and in high-traffic areas, these couch covers feature a wide variety of color and pattern choices to complement any décor. Design options include leafy botanicals, subtle geometrics, and bright florals. To refresh these pretty covers, simply machine-wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and tumble-dry on low heat. For those looking to protect a new couch or refresh a well-loved piece, these covers provide eye-catching variety and long-lasting function.
Best For Pets
Sofa Shield Original Patent Pending Reversible
Designed to hold up under daily pet use, this couch cover from Sofa Shield will wear well under the rigors of kids and guests as well. Available in a range of sizes to fit most any couch, its waterproof design resists pet accidents and general spills, offering an extra layer of protection.
This attractive couch cover features a high thread count that provides maximum softness and comfort. The quilted fabric is reversible with a pleasing assortment of contrasting tones. From subtle neutrals in beige and gray to medium shades of seafoam and charcoal to deep, striking options like burgundy, navy, and hunter green, there is likely a match for your style and décor.
When it’s time to launder this versatile couch cover, just machine-wash and tumble-dry for a quick refresh. Overall, this cover is a solid choice for pet lovers looking for long-lasting protection and beautiful durability, though it is not recommended for leather couches.
Best Water Resistant
Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover Waterproof
This simple yet attractive couch cover from Easy-Going boasts a compound waterproof layer in the fabric, in addition to a corner funnel-shaped design to prevent liquid from leaking onto the sofa. It also features a nonslip fabric back that stays in place, as well as elastic straps for a tight, secure fit.
Available in two sizes, this couch cover is designed to fit most three-cushion standard couches. With an appealing quilted pattern, it is offered in 12 colors ranging from soft neutrals like sand, camel, and ivory to the rich, dark shades of peacock blue, chocolate, and wine. Laundering is easy: Just machine-wash and tumble-dry. An ideal choice for a busy home with children and/or pets, this cover will help keep your couch protected and dry.
FAQs About Your New Couch Covers
Couch covers are a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option for refreshing a key piece of furniture. They protect this important lifestyle investment, whether it’s new or old, and enhance your space to relax and entertain guests. Durable fabrics, with great features such as waterproofing and reversibility, add both longevity and pizzazz to your couch, lending new life to your décor.
Q. Are couch covers cheaper than reupholstery?
Slipcovers are a more affordable option, due to the cost of fabric plus labor required to reupholster your couch.
Q. How do I find the right couch cover for my couch?
Consider the size and style of your couch. Take accurate measurements, and research available options to ensure the best fit.
Q. Can you put a couch cover on a leather couch?
To cover a leather couch, special measures may be necessary, such as a varied installation process and use of nonstick padding or material. This Sofa Slip Cover for Leather Couch is a solid option for covering your leather couch.
Q. How do you put a couch cover on a couch?
Place the slipcover on the couch from front to back, and then place the cover’s arms over the couch’s arms. Next, pull the cover over the couch’s back and arms, and smooth out any wrinkles. For more specific details, consult the couch cover’s instructions. If instructions are unavailable, visit this helpful post for more information.