The 9 Best Couch Covers To Update Your Living Room

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to transform the look of your couch, couch covers are the way to do it. In addition to making your furniture look brand new, they have the added benefit of protecting your sofa from spills and other stain-causing accidents. The best couch covers are made of durable, washable materials and they’re easy to put on and keep looking smooth.

The Expert

Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and founder of New York-based interior design studio, Arsight.

What To Look For When Shopping For Couch Covers

Style Of Couch Cover

There are three main styles of couch covers, couch protectors, blanket-like covers, and single-cushion covers, and choosing between them is simply a matter of what meets your specific needs. Slipcovers totally change the look of the couch, since they cover it entirely. Kropovinsky calls these “a swift and convenient way to revamp your room's aesthetic” but also notes that they can be less breathable than other options and that finding an exact fit can be tricky.

On the other hand, couch protectors and blanket-like covers protect the most important areas (aka the arms, seat, and back) and can be quickly put on and taken off. This offers you a simple way to guard your couch from everyday messes. However, they can be less appealing visually.

There are also single cushion covers, which cover the back and/or seats of your couch individually. While they may not offer the same amount of coverage as a full slipcover (especially in regards to armrests), Kropovinsky likes that they are “less bulky and easier to store compared to full slipcovers,” allowing you to refresh your couch seasonally or just when company comes over.

Size

Regardless of which style you go with, pay attention to the size specifications because the cover needs to fit well. Slipcovers in particular should be super snug so they look good and stay in place. Fortunately, there are covers that’ll work for all types of couches, including standard ones, love seats, sectionals, and reclining sofas.

Both single- and multi-piece covers are available. Single-piece covers are more common and cheaper, but getting them to lay smoothly can be a bit difficult. Multiple-piece covers tend to be pricier, but you’ll get a more custom fit and can individually wash sections as needed.

Fabric Type

Couch covers come in a range of fabrics, including soft cotton, durable polyester, and easy-to-clean microfiber. Many covers also feature some spandex for stretchiness, which makes it easier to pull them taut. Whatever fabric you choose, it should be a cinch to clean, ideally in the washing machine.

Most covers have straps or extra pieces that you tuck into the sofa to help keep them in place. Some have slip-resistant backings, too. If you’re concerned about spills or pet accidents on your couch, look for a waterproof cover to keep it as protected as possible.

Aesthetic

These couch covers come in a range of colors and patterns, fabrics, and sizes, so you’ll definitely be able to find one that works in your home. Best yet, Amazon reviewers indicated that they’re all easy to install, too.

Shop The Best Couch Covers

In a hurry? Here are the best couch covers:

1. A Budget-Friendly Slipcover With Over 55,000 5-Star Reviews: Easy-Going Stretch Sofa Slipcover
2. A Waterproof Couch Protector With 5 Layers Of Protective Fabric: Easy-Going Waterproof Couch Cover
3. A Microfiber Slipcover That’s Designed For Reclining Sofas: Easy-Going Microfiber Stretch Sectional Slipcover
4. An Individual Couch Cushion Cover That Comes In Over 20 Colors: Hokway Couch Cushion Cover
5. A Non-Slip Couch Cover That Comes In Bold Patterns & Colors: hyha Couch Cover
6. An Easy-To-Put-On Cover Set For T-Shaped Couch Cushions: Twin Six Stretch T Cushion Sofa Slipcovers
7. A 100% Cotton Slipcover With A Natural, Neutral Vibe: SureFit Duck One Piece Sofa Slipcover
8. A Textured Blanket-Like Couch Cover That’s Super Easy To Put On: Mysky Home Geometrical Sofa Cover
9. A Water Resistant Protector That’s Made For L-Shaped Furniture: Easy-Going L-Shape Sofa Cover

1. A Budget-Friendly Slipcover With Over 55,000 5-Star Reviews

Pros:

• Most affordable full-coverage option on the list
• Easy to install and clean, according to reviewers

Cons:

• Reviewers say the foam rollers meant to hold the cover in place don’t always work well

With more than 86,000 reviews on Amazon and a solid 4.3-star rating overall, it’s clear that this slipcover from Easy-Going is great for totally transforming the look of your couch. The one-piece slipcover is easy to put on — you can install it in 10 minutes or less — and it’ll cover the entire couch. It’s made of a blend of polyester and spandex, so it’s soft, durable, and perfectly stretchy. Foam strips help to keep the cover in place.

The slipcover is machine washable and available in 36 solid-colored options, which range from neutrals like dark gray and camel to joyful shades of cyan and orange. There are seven sizes too, which range from a single chair to a 108-inch long four-seater sofa.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I am so pleased with this sofa cover. My cat was destroying my loveseat with her claws and this cover makes it [look] like new. It stretched completely over the entire thing and was so easy to put on and tuck between the cushions. The anti-slip foam pieces work great to keep the cover in place. I love it! I have a matching one for my recliner and I'm thinking about getting another for my sofa. Great price, great product.”

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Polyester & spandex | Colors available: 36

2. A Waterproof Couch Cover With 5 Layers Of Protective Fabric

Pros:

• Waterproof design protects against spills (and makes it great for pet owners)
• Has a convenient storage pocket on one side for remotes, power cords, and other small accessories

Cons:

• Doesn’t cover the entire couch

Protect the high-traffic parts of your couch from spills and other messes with this waterproof sofa cover. The couch protector — which covers the arms, back, and seat of the sofa — is made with an impressive five layers of fabric (a luxurious faux suede outer layer, foam fiber filling, non-woven fabric, a waterproof layer, and a nonslip fabric backing), so that it looks and feels good while preventing your couch from getting wet or dirty. The nonskid backing, elastic straps, and two foam pipes (that you tuck into the sofa) all work together to keep the cover in place.

Choose from eight sizes — ranging from a 23-inch chair to an 88-inch four-seat sofa — and a range of solid colors. The couch cover is machine washable.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “We have had this cover for almost a month now, and our dog has had a few accidents on it. Not once did the urine leak through to the couch! We washed it each time on the delicate cycle with cold water, and hung it up to dry. It has held up really well and is still 100% waterproof!! If you don’t want to your sofa to be ruined from spills or accidents, I highly recommend this product!"

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Faux suede | Colors available: 16

3. A Microfiber Slipcover That’s Designed For Reclining Sofas

Pros:

• Stretchy fabric fits well over recliner couches
• Reviewers say the cover is soft and comfortable

Cons:

• Some reviewers struggled to make this cover fit well

This microfiber slipcover features separate pieces, and it’s specifically designed for sofas that recline. Despite having anywhere from four to eight pieces (depending on the size), this pick is quite easy to install, according to reviewers. This cover is made of an ultra-soft microfiber material, and it’s designed to fit seat widths from 60 to 82 inches, though it is also available in three other sizes. This machine-washable cover set comes in your choice of 28 colors, which include bright shades of blue and purple to neutrals like white and tan.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: "My husband and I had doubts about ordering something like this online. But our reclining sofa really needed a clean look, so we gave it a try. I'm so glad we did. It fits beautifully and the shade is so rich. It has really improved the look of the sofa."

Number of pieces: 4, 6, or 8 | Fabric: Microfiber | Colors available: 28

4. An Individual Couch Cushion Cover That Comes In Over 20 Colors

Pros:

• Individual pieces allow you to wash as needed
• Stretchy material easily covers even awkwardly shaped cushions

Cons:

• Some reviewers say these covers show wear over time
• Doesn’t cover the entire sofa

If it’s just your cushions that need an upgrade, this couch cushion cover has an elastic band along the bottom to quickly and easily refresh both the seats and back of your sofa. It’s made of a polyester and spandex blend that reviewers say is soft and has a nice texture. Plus, the fabric resists water for about three seconds, which can help protect your cushions from accidents. These covers are available in over 20 colors, including gray, camel, teal, and chocolate.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I used these cushion slipcovers [to] update the look of my three cushion sectional and to protect the pillows from pets. I bought 5 medium size covers for the two seat cushions and the three back pillows. I also bought one large size to fit the big chaise pillow. Fortunately they all stretched enough to cover them all nicely. I have also noticed that they don't attract pet hair like other covers I have used. I am very happy with my new look!”

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Polyester & spandex | Colors available: 21

5. A Nonslip Couch Cover That Comes In Bold Patterns & Colors

Pros:

• Most highly rated option on the list
• Elastic straps keep the cover secure

Cons:

• Some reviewers say it’s thin and old patterns can show through with lighter-colored designs

This bold couch cover is an Amazon shopper favorite with a 4.6-star rating after nearly 6,000 reviews. It’s made of polyester and comes in four pieces: three cushion covers and a nonslip base that features elastic straps to keep the large piece secure. Of course, the 17 fun and funky patterns are what make this couch cover stand out; some of the most popular options include a blue and green paisley print and a beige and blue floral design. Reviewers raved about the stretchy, soft fabric, noting that it’s really comfortable. This cover comes in three sizes meant for a single chair, loveseat, and three-seater couch.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “Colors are outstanding. The material is soft. My couch is pretty large so the fabric fit nicely. I also like the separate cushion covers. My couch looks new. I needed color and definitely have it.”

Number of pieces: 4 | Fabric: Polyester | Colors available: 17

6. An Easy-To-Put-On Cover Set For T-Shaped Couch Cushions

Pros:

• Made specifically for couches with T-shaped cushions
• Fits couches well, according to reviewers
• Corduroy-like material is soft and comfy

Cons:

• Some reviewers reported these covers get holes easily

A lot of couch covers, especially cushion covers, are made for square and rectangular cushions, so if you have a sofa with T-shaped cushions on the outside, this stretchy slipcover is your best bet. Reviewers absolutely raved about the fit of this polyester-spandex blend cover, which has a chic and soft waffle-like texture. It comes in four pieces — a back piece and three differently shaped cushion covers — so you can individually machine wash them as needed. The T-shaped design also comes as a three-piece set for loveseats and for armchairs. This slipcover set is available in about a dozen neutral shades like navy, khaki, gray, and black.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I never ever write product reviews. However this chair cover is great and wish I had bought it earlier so wanted to let other customers know. It fits nicely. Great stretch. The fabric is thicker so it lays well. The color is very nice--a rich looking red. It was easy to install. You need to keep tucking it in here and there to get it fit well though.”

Number of pieces: 2, 3, or 4 | Fabric: Polyester & spandex | Colors available: 9

7. An 100% Cotton Slipcover With A Natural, Neutral Vibe

Pros:

• 100% cotton material is easy to care for and clean
• Single piece takes the guesswork out of putting on a slipcover

Cons:

• Limited colors available
• Some reviewers found that the material wrinkles easily and takes a long time to iron

If a natural look and material is important to you, this one-piece slipcover is made from 100% cotton that’s durable and easy to care for. It covers sofas that are 74 to 96 inches wide, though this piece does come in a total of 10 sizes, including those intended for ottomans, armchairs, and T-seat loveseats. It has a more relaxed fit than other options on the list, and it’s secured simply with ties on the arms, which adds a shabby chic look in addition to being functional.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “Why buy a new couch when you can buy this slip cover?! I have a white Duncan phyfe antique couch that is very hard to keep clean! I was just about to purchase a new couch when I decided to try this slip cover! For fifty bucks it's very well made, fits my oddly shaped sofa nicely, and is sure to make my couch last many more years! I'm really excited to have something that can easily be removed and washed anytime it gets dirty!”

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Cotton | Colors available: 2

8. A Textured Blanket-Like Couch Cover That’s Super Easy To Put On

Pros:

• Blanket-like design makes this cover easy to put on your couch
• The textured fabric adds a shabby chic look to your room

Cons

• Some reviewers say the material isn’t particularly soft

This blanket-like couch cover is ideal for odd-sized couches or simply for those looking for an easy-to-toss-on solution. It’s made of a machine-washable microfiber and cotton blend that reviewers say is a great quality for the price. Even better, this cover has a shabby chic rib knit design and tassels along the edges, which adds some texture to your room. It’s available in eight neutral (and neutral-adjacent) colors and four sizes to fit chairs, loveseats, and couches that are 32 to 95 inches long and differently shaped.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “These are basically just large throws but slightly heavier however they are very nice, simple to put on and do the job. I have several cats so sofas don’t last long in my house so hopefully using these will extend use and they are a good price so if I need to go back and buy more it’s not a big deal. I bought the two largest sizes available separated my sectional, covered and pushed back together and I’m very satisfied with the look. No snags from cat claws, yet.”

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Microfiber & cotton | Colors available: 8

9. A Water-Resistant Protector That’s Made For L-Shaped Furniture

Pros:

• Reversible design makes it easy to fit your exact L-shaped couch
• Reviewers say the fit is secure

Cons:

• Reviews about the water resistance are mixed
• Doesn’t cover entire sofa

This L-shaped sofa cover is ideal for those who have sectionals and have otherwise struggled to find a couch protector that fits well. This water resistant microfiber cover is available in three sizes (and two sized made specifically for chaises) and 20 colors, including popular choices like beige and gray. Better yet, the reversible, diamond-quilted design, which is the same color on each side, also means that you don’t have to worry about the side your chaise is on. Foam rollers help keep this cover in place, and reviewers noted this is easy to put on.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I bought this cover due to recently adopting a dog who gets on the furniture. The dog had an accident and the cover was liquid resistant, so I was able to just soak the urine up with paper towel and throw the cover in the wash. It comes out of the laundry nicely and any muddy paw print stains are gone. It’s reversible so you can use it for an L shaped couch in either direction. Love this cover and would recommend to anyone needing one!”

Number of pieces: 1 | Fabric: Microfiber | Colors available: 20

How We Picked

When it came to picking the best couch covers, we interviewed an expert to learn about the benefits of couch covers and what to look for when protecting furniture. The main considerations were size and fit, protectiveness, and appearance. With those things in mind, we looked at popular, highly-rated options on Amazon, keeping different couch shapes and styles primarily in mind.

About The Authors

Carolyn Menyes is an associate commerce editor and joined the Bustle team in October 2021, where she spends all day shopping on Amazon and writing about the best home goods on the market. Before that, she was a senior editor at Tribune Content Agency, where she covered a variety of topics including home decor, cleaning, and entertaining (among other things). She’s also a big fan of sitting and has a messy cat with claws, so she’s very familiar with the need for protecting furniture.

As a commerce writer for Bustle since 2019, Jenny White has spent countless hours researching home goods. Prior to Bustle, she created public education content for the American Academy of Dermatology. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a couch cover?

Kropovinsky points out that adding a cover to your couch can, of course, transform and revitalize your space — especially if your current sofa or loveseat is a bit dated or worn. But there’s more to it than that. “Couch covers shield your furniture from stains, accidental spills, and pet hair. This is crucial if your household includes kids or pets who might unintentionally create a mess,” he explains. “Couch covers can potentially elongate your furniture's lifespan. By safeguarding your furniture from everyday wear and tear, you ensure it remains in top-notch condition for a longer period.”

What is the best material for covering a sofa?

The number of fabric options for a couch cover can feel overwhelming, but Kropovinsky breaks down four choices:

1. Microfiber: “This fabric is robust and resistant to stains, making it an excellent choice for families with children or pets.”
2. Polyester: “Another durable and stain-resistant option, polyester has the added benefit of being machine-washable.”
3. Cotton: “If you're after a natural, cozy vibe, cotton offers a soft and breathable fabric choice.”
4. Linen: “For a touch of elegance, linen is a hard-wearing and wrinkle-resistant option.”

How do you measure a couch for a cover?

Kropovinsky says you should “always measure your furniture before purchasing a couch cover to ensure a snug fit.” To do this, SureFit has two different methods depending on the type of couch cover.

• For slipcovers: First, measure from outside arm to outside arm for length. Don’t let your measuring tape sink down into the sofa — keep it straight across for the most accurate measurement. Then, measure from the floor to the highest point on your couch to get the height.
• For furniture covers: Simply measure your couch from inside arm to inside arm, across the cushions.

More Ways To Improve & Protect Your Couch

After protecting and refreshing your couch with a couch cover, there are still ways to improve your sofa and living room. Start by checking out this roundup of the best couch accessories and a list of ways to make your comfy couch even more comfortable. And in case you have a furry friend who has chosen your couch as their go-to scratching post, we also have a handy guide to the best couch covers to protect from cat scratches.