How do you measure your furniture for a slipcover?

To properly measure your piece of furniture for a slipcover, start by measuring from one widest end of the piece to the other widest end. For example, when measuring a sofa, measure from the outside edge of one arm to the outside edge of the other. If you want to purchase a slipcover with a ruffle or skirt, you'll also need to measure the space between the bottom of your couch and the floor. If you don't mind a looser-fitting slipcover, approximate measurements will do. But if you're looking for something more form-fitting, you'll need exact measurements.

How do you keep a slipcover in place?

If your slipcover has excess fabric on the bottom, there are ways to ensure it's tucked in securely. First, make sure the cover is centered upon first placing it and free of any wrinkles. You can tuck any extra fabric into the crevices of the couch, including the arms and cushions. There will also be something on the bottom of the cover that keeps it in place—you'll need to make sure those are pulled and secured as tightly as possible. You can opt for a slipcover with materials like anti-slip foam for extra security.

How do you clean a slipcover?

You can wash most slipcovers in the washing machine, but you should only wash using the gentle cycle on cold with similar colors. Some slipcovers can also be put in the dryer. Always read the care instructions on the label first to check it is safe to put in the washing machine. If it's not, you might have to have your slipcover dry-cleaned instead.

The 8 Best Slipcovers of 2023

Easy-Going 4 Pieces Stretch Soft Couch Slipcover — The Spruce / Jay Wilde

The right slipcover provides an added layer of protection from dirt and spills—and gives your couch a fresh look—in seconds. We researched dozens of slipcovers, judging them on durability, fit, value, and ease of care.

Our best overall pick is the Easy-Going 4-Piece Stretch Soft Couch Cover, a stretchy, machine-washable, and budget-friendly option.

Here are the best slipcovers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Easy-Going 4-Piece Couch Cover at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cotton:

Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Couches:

Sure Fit Stretch Metro Box Cushion Sofa Slipcover at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sectionals:

Subrtex 2-Piece L-Shape Sofa Cover at Overstock

Jump to Review

Best for Loveseats:

Northern Brothers Loveseat Slipcover at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Chairs:

House of Hampton Damask Armchair Slipcover at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best for Recliners:

Red Barrel Studio Recliner Slipcover at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best for Pet Owners:

Orvis Furniture Protector at Orvis.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.7

Easy-Going 4 Pieces Stretch Soft Couch Cover

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Stretchy and durable
Comes in various colors
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Not compatible with certain sofa shapes

The Easy-Going 4-Piece Slipcover is our favorite slipcover because it’s made of a stretchy, durable material that will withstand wear, plus its washing machine safe. This slipcover is made from a polyester-spandex blend for a soft, comfortable feel, and it's available in 24 colors, including both neutrals and vibrant shades. There’s a large size that will stretch to fit couches between 60 and 85 inches long and an extra large size that will cover sofas between 78 and 100 inches long.

Instead of simply being made out of one piece of fabric that stretches over the whole couch, this slipcover includes individual covers for the frame of the couch and three seat and back cushions. The separate covers result in your sofa having a more defined shape, and the highly elastic fabric ensures a secure fit to withstand playful kids and pets.

We also love that this slipcover is machine-washable for easy maintenance. Plus, if only one cushion gets dirty, you can remove and wash that individual cover, without the hassle of taking off an entire slipcover. This slipcover is also available for smaller loveseats and armchairs, but keep in mind that it will not fit on certain sofa shapes like sectionals or L-shaped couches. This slipcover’s user-friendly design and its affordability make it a great option for anyone looking to easily refresh or protect their sofa.

Price at time of publish: $53

_{Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: Varies | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa, loveseat, chair}

Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover

Courtesy of Overstock

View On Amazon View On Overstock

What We Like

Durable
Comes in various colors
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

May have to iron

Many slipcovers are made of synthetic materials like spandex, which gives them a stretchy feel. But if you prefer good old-fashioned cotton, the Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover is the way to go. This sofa slipcover is made from 100 percent cotton in a durable twill weave, and it comes in several colors, including cream, red, and several fun striped patterns.

This slipcover is best for sofas 74 to 96 inches wide, and you can anchor it into place using the ties on either side. Because it’s not made from a stretchy material and only comes in one piece, the cover has a relaxed fit for a more casual appearance. Just note that cotton can get wrinkled, so you might need to iron the fabric if you want a more pristine look.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 7 x 12 x 12 in. | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa}

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Amazon View On Wayfair

What We Like

Soft to the touch
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If your sofa doesn’t have individual cushions, this slipcover from Sure Fit includes just two pieces—one for the frame of the sofa and one for the seat cushion. The frame section is 89 inches long, making it appropriate for sofas between 74 and 96 inches in length, and the seat cover is best for cushions around 26 inches deep.

This slipcover is made from a polyester-spandex blend that’s soft to the touch, and it comes in three plain colors to match your decor. The edges are lined with elastic for a tight fit around your couch, providing a neat and defined appearance, and the slipcover can be machine-washed and dried for easy care.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: 11.5 x 8 x 11.5 in. | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa}

Courtesy of Overstock

View On Overstock

What We Like

Comes in various colors
Stretchy and durable
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Sofa has to be two pieces

It can be tricky to find a slipcover that fits over a sectional sofa, and one of the best choices available is the Subrtex 2-Piece Sofa Cover. It’s designed to fit on an L-shaped sectional, but keep in mind that your sofa must be two pieces for the cover to fit properly. For the best fit, the main portion of your sectional should be between 63 and 76 inches long, and the chaise should be between 55 and 70 inches long.

This slipcover is available in several different colors, and it’s made from a stretchy polyester fabric. It offers built-in elastic corners that help it stay in place, and the cover can be machine-washed in cold water if it ever gets dirty. It's high-quality enough to give your sectional a refined appearance.

_{Material: Polyester | Dimensions: One size fits most | Furniture Type: L-shaped sectionals}

The 11 Best Sectional Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sofa Loveseat Slipcover for 2 Cushion Couch

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Comes in various colors
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Isn't compatible with sleeper sofas

The Northern Brothers Loveseat Slipcover is an affordable and stylish way to revive an old loveseat. This slipcover works best on small sofas between 57 and 74 inches long, and it comes in more than a dozen pretty shades—you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.

The three-piece design includes individual covers for two-seat or back cushions, as well as a larger cover for the frame of your loveseat. The slipcover is made from a soft textured fabric with elastic strips around the edges for a snug fit, and the material can be machine-washed in cold water if it ever gets stained or dirty.

Price at time of publish: $33 in navy blue

_{Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: 13.11 x 12.64 x 5.91 in. | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa}

The 7 Best Sofas for Small Spaces of 2023

House of Hampton Damask Printed Stretch Box Cushion Armchair Slipcover

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Comes in various colors
Stretchy and durable
Comes with separate cushion cover
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

You can give your favorite armchair a whole new look with the House of Hampton Damask Armchair Slipcover. The two-piece slipcover fits T-cushion or barrel armchairs that are 32 to 47 inches wide and 32 to 42 inches deep, and its intricate damask-style design will make your chair the focal point of any room. Oh, and did we mention it comes in several elegant colors?

This armchair slipcover includes one large piece to put over the frame of the chair, as well as a single cushion cover for the seat. Both pieces are made from a polyester-spandex blend with elastic edging to hold them in place. And the fabric’s pattern stands out from the base material, giving it a high-end textured appearance.

Price at time of publish: $62

_{Material: Polyester blend | Dimensions: 42 x 47 x 41 in. | Furniture Type: Armchair}

Red Barrel Studio Spandex Box Cushion Recliner Slipcover

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Works with electric and manual recliners
Has anti-slip foam
Comes in various colors
Has an extra side pocket
Machine-washable and wrinkle-free

What We Don't Like

Not compatible with two-piece recliners

If you can’t bear to part with your beloved recliner—even if it has seen better days—you’ll be glad to know that recovering your comfy chair is as easy as purchasing this slipcover from Red Barrel Studio. The microsuede cover is incredibly soft to the touch with a subtle check pattern, and it can be installed on either a manual or electric recliner with a right-side handle.

The slipcover is best for recliners between 24 and 33 inches wide and 29 to 37 inches tall, and its unique design features two elastic loops at the back corners that you pull through to the back of the recliner, creating a form-fitting appearance even when the unit is reclined. The cover comes with anti-slip foam inserts that keep the fabric tucked into place for a neat and defined look.

The Red Barrel Studio Recliner Slipcover comes in several colors, and it even has a built-in pocket on the side where you can stash your favorite reading material. The fabric is wrinkle-free and machine-washable for easy care.

Price at time of publish: $65

_{Material: Microsuede | Dimensions: One size fits all (for one-piece recliners) | Furniture Type: Recliner}

The 9 Best Recliners of 2023

Orvis

View On Orvis.com

What We Like

Comes in various sizes
Non-skid, grip-tight backing
Water-resistant

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Limited color selection

Pets can certainly make a mess of furniture, which is why the Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector is a worthwhile purchase for any pet owner. The cover comes in loveseat (55-inch), sofa (70-inch), and extra-large sofa (86-inch) sizes. And there are a few pet-friendly fabric options to choose from, as well. Unlike most slipcovers, which cover the entire sofa, the Grip-Tight Furniture Protector mainly protects the seat, arms, and back of your couch, and this design makes it easier to remove for washing.

Concerned that the cover won’t stay in place? Don’t be! First of all, it has a non-skid, Grip-Tight backing that prevents it from slipping around on your sofa’s fabric, and the cover also has a flap that tucks underneath the seat cushions, as well as weighted arm flaps. All of these features work together to keep the cover perfectly in place, even if your pets shift around on it. Plus, as an added bonus, the material has a water-resistant membrane that keeps your furniture dry, even if your wet pooch decides to take a nap on it.

Price at time of publish: $198 for the loveseat protector

_{Material: Microsuede | Dimensions: Varies | Furniture Type: Loveseat, sofa}

The 10 Best Slipcovered Sofas of 2023

Final Verdict

For a standard sofa, the Easy-Going 4-Piece Soft Stretch Couch Cover (view on Amazon) is an unbeatable option, as it provides a neat, defined look and allows you to wash individual cushion covers if they ever get dirty. If you're hoping to cover a sectional, the Subrtex 2-Piece Sofa Cover (view on Overstock) will fit most L-shaped couches.

Material

The main appeal of a slipcover is its durability, so you'll want to look for one that's made with easy-care materials. Popular options include cotton, polyester, canvas, denim, and linen. Polyester and microfiber slipcovers are typically the least expensive options, while linen, denim, and canvas tend to be priced a bit higher. Cotton and linen have a breezy, more casual look, while canvas and denim are more heavy duty and are best for pet owners or those with kids.

Fit

Consider how you want your slipcover to fit, as the fit directly impacts the aesthetics. Traditional slipcovers come in one piece that cover the entire sofa and aren't exactly the most stylish options. Other slipcovers come in multiple pieces, with additional covers for cushions. This makes the overall appearance much more cohesive, though it is a bit harder to put on and take off because it's not just one piece.

Care

The most important part of a slipcover? Ease of care. Make sure you choose a slipcover that's machine-washable. Plus, how often you'll need to wash it will influence the material and fit you choose. Slipcovers for furniture pieces that aren't used very often can be a lighter weight and come in multiple pieces, while frequently used slipcovers should be a heavier weight and be easy to take on and off.

FAQ

How do you measure your furniture for a slipcover?

To properly measure your piece of furniture for a slipcover, start by measuring from one widest end of the piece to the other widest end. For example, when measuring a sofa, measure from the outside edge of one arm to the outside edge of the other. If you want to purchase a slipcover with a ruffle or skirt, you'll also need to measure the space between the bottom of your couch and the floor.
If you don't mind a looser-fitting slipcover, approximate measurements will do. But if you're looking for something more form-fitting, you'll need exact measurements.
How do you keep a slipcover in place?

If your slipcover has excess fabric on the bottom, there are ways to ensure it's tucked in securely. First, make sure the cover is centered upon first placing it and free of any wrinkles. You can tuck any extra fabric into the crevices of the couch, including the arms and cushions.
There will also be something on the bottom of the cover that keeps it in place—you'll need to make sure those are pulled and secured as tightly as possible. You can opt for a slipcover with materials like anti-slip foam for extra security.
How do you clean a slipcover?

You can wash most slipcovers in the washing machine, but you should only wash using the gentle cycle on cold with similar colors. Some slipcovers can also be put in the dryer. Always read the care instructions on the label first to check it is safe to put in the washing machine. If it's not, you might have to have your slipcover dry-cleaned instead.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s an expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design and furniture, and she has firsthand experience testing sofas, as well as other pieces of decor.

The 8 Best Slipcovers of 2023

Best Overall

Easy-Going 4-Piece Stretch Soft Couch Cover

Best Cotton

Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover

Best for Couches

Sure Fit Stretch Metro Box Cushion Sofa Slipcover

Best for Sectionals

Subrtex 2-Piece L-Shape Sofa Cover

Best for Loveseats

Northern Brothers Loveseat Slipcover

Best for Chairs

House of Hampton Damask Printed Stretch Box Cushion Armchair Slipcover

Best for Recliners

Red Barrel Studio Spandex Box Cushion Recliner Slipcover

Best for Pet Owners

Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector

What to Look for in a Slipcover

Material

Fit

Care

Why Trust The Spruce?

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