“You need to consider what fabrics make the most sense for your couch,” says Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance. “For example, if you have pets, you need a fabric that is pet-friendly.” Couch covers are available in various sizes, fabrics, and colors to fit any couch, loveseat, or chair. No matter what type of couch cover you’re looking for, this list has plenty of options to provide some extra protection and style. To come up with our top picks of couch covers, we researched the category and considered factors like size, material, and care instructions. Our overall choice for the best couch cover is the Easy-Going 2 Pieces Microfiber Stretch Sofa Slipcover. Available in 26 colors, this non-slip cover is machine washable and takes only 10 minutes to put on. To help narrow down your choices, here are the best couch covers. Keep in Mind: It only works with couches between 66 and 90 inches long, so be sure to measure your piece before ordering. If little ones spill juice on the cover, simply toss it in the washer for an easy clean. Say goodbye to a lengthy installation process, too, because this couch cover only takes 10 minutes to put on. Prices will vary based on size and color selection. Price at time of publish: $31 Size: Small to extra-large; dimensions vary based on the size selected | Material: Polyester, spandex | Care Instructions: Machine washable, do not bleach or iron Keep in Mind: Some buyers said the colors weren’t true to the online image (instead, they were a few shades darker or lighter), but your experience may vary. It’s made of machine-washable polyester spandex and measures 96 x 72 x 40 inches, so it fits tightly to seating, transforming your ordinary sofa or loveseat into a new piece of furniture that you can’t tell is slip-covered. Since it’s machine washable, it’s easy to clean up stains and unwanted pet hair. Plus, its lush velvet material makes it ultra-comfy to sit on. Some users have noted that the color on their screen wasn’t quite accurate to the product they received—colors were sometimes lighter or darker than depicted—but your experience may vary. Price at time of publish: $45 Size: 96 x 72 x 40 inches | Material: Polyester, spandex | Care Instructions: Machine washable Keep in Mind: The cover doesn’t completely encase your couch and leaves the sides exposed. To secure it in place, the quilted-textured reversible cover is equipped with foam pipes to tuck into the crevices between the armrests and seat parts. Keep in mind that this cover isn’t designed to completely encase your sectional, so this is not the best couch cover if you’re looking for a cover to prevent a cat from scratching the sides of your couch. The cover is machine washable with mild detergent and available in three sizes and 20 colorfast options, so you’re bound to find one that fits your home’s decor. Price will vary based on size and color selection. Price at time of publish: $85 Size: Small to extra-large; dimensions vary based on the size selected | Material: Microfiber | Care Instructions: Machine washable with mild detergent, do not bleach Keep in Mind: The one-size-fits-all couch cover may not work for you if your sectional is larger than the listed dimensions. Elastic bands and buckles keep it in place. It is a bit expensive at around $240, but the textured cover adds dimension and a high-end look that other covers don’t always have. Plus, there are pillow covers available to match. Price at time of publish: $250 Size: 70 to 139 inches x 40 to 70 inches | Material: 100% polyester, GFSS-certified | Care Instructions: Machine washable in cold water, do not iron or dry clean Keep in Mind: If your loveseat is larger than 60 inches wide, this may not be the right pick for you. It measures 59 x 35 x 33 inches, and the polyester material has a tiny checkered pattern that isn’t noticeable from afar but adds texture when you are close up. After a few months of use, you can toss it in the washing machine for a quick and easy clean. Price will vary depending on color selection. Price at time of publish: $30 Size: 59 x 35 x 33 inches | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine washable, do not bleach or iron Keep in Mind: If you own a leather sofa or couch, this is not the slipcover for you. The reversible two-sided design offers styling versatility, and it features convenient pockets on the armrests for holding books and electronic devices. Plus, the machine-washable polyester microfiber material is both stain and water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about potential spills from your late-night glass of wine or morning coffee. Price at time of publish: $45 Size: 86 x 132 inches | Material: Polyester microfiber | Care Instructions: Machine washable Keep in Mind: It’s a bit thicker than other couch covers and may not hold as much visual appeal, though it’s highly functional. Measuring 117 x 75 x 0.25 inches in the sofa size, the machine-washable, water-resistant material will shield your furniture from fur, paw prints, scratch marks, dirt, and water damage. Cushion anchors secure the thread-free quilted fabric on three sides for a snug fit, while a sturdy elastic back strap prevents it from shifting or sliding. The cover is available in two colors and six size options. Price at time of publish: $56 Size: 117 x 75 x 0.25 inches for the sofa size | Material: Water-resistant thread-free fabric | Care Instructions: Machine wash separately in cold and tumble dry or dry flat, do not bleach Keep in Mind: The cushion and sofa covers arrive in separate pieces, so they must be put on individually. The breathable checker-patterned knit jacquard fabric is available in 27 colors, including neutrals and bright colors. It also comes in three sizes, ranging from medium to extra-large. To clean, simply machine wash separately and tumble dry on low. Price at time of publish: $50 Size: 20 to 27 x 20 to 25 x 2 to 9 inches (cushion), 57 to 70 x 32 to 42 x 31 to 41 inches (medium couch), 72 to 92 x 32 to 42 x 31 to 41 inches (large couch), 92 to 118 x 32 to 42 x 31 to 41 inches (x-large couch) | Material: Polyester, spandex | Care Instructions: Machine wash separately, tumble dry on low Keep in Mind: A plastic cover will not add style or flare to your couch and can be an eyesore with its rough texture and uneven surfaces. The clear plastic vinyl may not look the most visually appealing, especially if your couch is the centerpiece of your living space. However, it will do its job to keep the couch clean and tidy and is a good choice for a new puppy that’s working on potty training. Measuring 96 x 40 x 42 inches, the ample size, and zipper construction allow the entire couch to be protected and sealed off, making it a highly-rated couch cover among shoppers. If you need to remove it, simply unzip it and stow it away in the closet until you need it again. Price at time of publish: $28 Size: 96 x 40 x 42 inches | Material: Plastic | Care Instructions: Wipe clean Keep in Mind: This isn’t made for larger couches. It isn’t made to fit the largest couches, but a small sofa or loveseat should fit well. Elastic straps anchor it in place. The pet-friendly and stain- and UV-resistant microfiber polyester fabric extends onto the armrest for extra coverage and protection against daily wear and tear. Plus, it’s lightweight at just under 3 pounds, so it can easily be transported and machine-washed after prolonged use. Price at time of publish: $121 Size: 66 x 22 inches, 36 inches (largest compatible arm) | Material: Microfiber polyester | Care Instructions: Machine washable Keep in Mind: Velvet can make furniture feel a bit warmer, so if you live in a warmer climate, you may want to avoid it. If it gets dirty, toss the couch cover in the washing machine, and it’ll be good as new in less than an hour. The pet-friendly, stain-resistant velvet is available in eight colors, letting you choose the right hue for your room’s style. Price at time of publish: $110 Size: 92 x 42 x 41 inches, 25 inches (largest compatible arm) | Material: Velvet | Care Instructions: Machine washable, use water-based detergents only Keep in Mind: The fabric can look a bit bunched up near the arms due to the cover’s oversized nature. The cotton material is machine washable, and prices vary based on color selection. Keep in mind that the fabric near the arms is designed to be oversized and draped, so it may be more prone to looking wrinkled. Price at time of publish: $70 Size: 78 x 60 x 36 inches | Material: Cotton | Care Instructions: Machine washable
What to Know About Couch Covers Before Shopping
Size
No two couches are the same size, so it’s important that you measure the dimensions and compare them to the figures provided by the brand to find the best couch cover for your sofa. To get the right fit, Heather Fujikawa, owner and principal designer of House Sprucing, says to “add a couple of inches overall to each measurement as sometimes you need it loose to get it over the edges then you can tuck it back in.”
Material
Many couch covers are made from a polyester spandex blend for more stretch. However, some other popular fabrics include cotton and microfiber. If you’re looking for a waterproof couch cover, then you’ll want to consider a plastic cover that you can easily wipe off the water with a cloth. Plastic couch covers are suitable for those with pets that can track in dirt and unwanted outside materials into the home. Although they might not be the most comfortable, they are nice to have on hand when you need them.
Care Instructions
A majority of couch covers are machine washable, but you’ll want to double-check the packaging and the brand before you wash them. Many couch covers, including ones on this list, recommend not using bleach and machine washing separately in temperatures less than 86°F to preserve the quality and texture. To dry, most brands suggest tumble drying on low for the best results.
Your Questions, Answered
When should you use a couch cover?
Fujikawa says couch covers are great when you’re ready to change up your living room’s style. They’re also a smart choice for anyone who wants to protect their sofa from stains and spills and ward off the pesky and unwanted dog and cat fur. “If you’d like to have a fun pop of color, a couch cover is a great idea because you can switch it out when you tire of it,” she says. “If the shape and fill of the sofa are still intact and in good shape, a couch cover is a great way to refresh it.”
How often should you clean a couch cover?
After investing in a couch cover, you’ll want to take good care of it to protect its lifespan and integrity. “On average, people usually wash their couch covers every six months, but if your couch is seeing a lot of activity, I would recommend washing them a bit sooner,” says Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance. In terms of cleaning a couch cover, you’ll want to take a look at the care instructions. Many are machine washable, but you’ll want to double-check before tossing them in the washing machine.
How do I know what size couch cover I need?
Each brand will have different guidelines for how they size their couch covers. However, there are some general tips to help ease the process. “You need to make sure you know what style of couch you have and what kind of arms/bench your couch has,” Lee says. “You also want to take full measurements of your couch—width and length, seat cushions, etc. Most sites have directions for how to measure for a slipcover.”
Who We Are
Casey Clark is a freelance writer who covers beauty, style, home, and commerce for Better Homes & Gardens and many other publications. To find the best couch covers on the market, she consulted with design experts Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance, and Heather Fujikawa, owner and principal designer of House Sprucing, on what factors to consider, such as size, material, design, care, and functionality.
