The Best Sofa Covers That Protect Your Couch Without Ruining Your Aesthetic

The size of your sofa cover will depend not only on the size of the sofa or couch you want to protect, but also on the properties of the fabric itself. Leigh says that with a stretchy fabric, you may want a cover with measurements slightly smaller than the dimensions of your sofa for a tighter, more fitted look. For sofa covers with corner ties that allow you to tighten or tie bows, the fabric may have a bit less give, so you'll want to allow for a little extra room in the cover size.

Some styles lend themselves to being covered more effectively than others. Leigh says that sofas with thinner or rolled arms tend to look nicer with a slipcover than those without. You can also choose between having a skirt on your sofa cover or showing off the legs of your furniture, depending on your aesthetic preference. "I like when they go right to the floor because a skirt cover is a much more traditional, covered look," Leigh says. "If you have a little bit more of a modern style, having a slipcover that stops at the legs can be a fresher, kind of more updated take."

Natural fabrics, such as linen, are typically a great choice when selecting a sofa cover fabric. For family rooms or homes with pets, indoor/outdoor fabrics like Crypton that have been treated to repel dirt and debris are safer bets for those wanting something stain-resistant. The stretchiness of the fabric also plays a role in selecting a sofa cover. "If you wanted something a little bit more durable, canvas or cotton would be a really great material on there," Leigh says.

It's always a good idea to pay attention to the care instructions for whatever cover you buy, as fabric care really depends on the individual material. For example, a heavier cotton material can likely withstand more washing. "I would say only wash when you really need to, just like with a really nice sweater," Leigh says. "Don't wash it every time you wear it because washing breaks down fibers. So, it could reduce the longevity of your sofa cover. Most are designed to be removed and washed. So if and when you feel like 'oh, you know what, it's looking a little bit dingy, it's time,' that's the time to do it." Additionally, it's essential to consider the size of your cover, as larger ones may necessitate the use of a commercial washing machine.

Additionally, the cover may wrinkle over time, especially with linen, which softens with each wash. "Linen does get a little bit wrinkly, but I think that's kind of the charm of a slipcovered sofa, having that kind of rumpled, you know, 'someone just took a nap here' look," Leigh says.

"An oatmeal linen slipcover is that very quintessential, relaxed coastal style that you see a lot of slipcovers used in, and I think it's a classic choice that you'll never go wrong with," Leigh says. Don't run away from patterns either, though—Leigh is seeing a rise in patterned upholstery in the design industry, and it's a chance to push the envelope and have fun with your design choices. "A cover can be a great way to, you know, try out a pattern without necessarily committing to it forever, because if in five years you say, 'okay, this pattern was fun, but I'm ready for something different,' you can just change the slipcover as opposed to having to get an all-new sofa," Leigh says. Pro tip: patterns are also a great way to hide stains.

At House Beautiful, we are experts in reviewing and buying anything for the home, from mattresses to sofas. For this story in particular, we asked our staff members to share their favorite sofa cover (if they own one) and spent hours combing the internet, reading hundreds of reviews about the best ones currently available on the market. While we haven't personally tested every product on this list, we've thoroughly outlined the pros and cons of each sofa cover to provide you with all the necessary details before you make a purchase.

For further insight into how to best place sofa covers in your home, we consulted interior designer Tiffany Leigh. Leigh runs her eponymous firm in Ontario, Canada, where her team helps clients bring their dream homes and cottages to life. Since 2019, they have designed approachable and livable interiors that feel welcoming and elevated, focusing on quality craftsmanship, emotional connection, and natural elements.