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Mar 25, 2024

The 11 Best Couch Covers to Keep Your Furniture Clean, Tested by Interior Desginers

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us? Keep your cushions fur-and stain-free. Whether you inherited seating that

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Keep your cushions fur-and stain-free.

Whether you inherited seating that doesn’t quite go with the rest of your furniture or you simply want a whole new look, the best couch covers on the market can take of your needs. It’s also a must-have for those with kids or pets as the slipcover acts as a form of protection from any potential spills from your little ones or scratches, courtesy of your furry friends.

The benefits of this added layer are clear, so to help you choose what’s right for your couch, we rounded up covers that won’t disappoint. We spotlighted everything from a waterproof option to a pick that even works with a futon. There are also couch covers in a range of different fabrics including linen which is ideal for warmer weather to velvet in case you’re searching for a dramatic material, and the list goes on.

Of course, to ensure you have all the necessary details on fit and care, we tapped A-list interior designer Mikel Welch who has dreamed up spaces for Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more. (He’s also the star of this year’s new Netflix design show Hack My Home.) "It’s always best to get a slipcover from the same vendor where you initially purchased your sofa," he told Men’s Health. "There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to this."

At the same time, Welch understands that it’s more likely readers won’t know where their couch comes from or the brand may not even offer slipcovers. Therefore, read on for his foolproof couch cover recommendation along with our editor-approved suggestions guaranteed to make your seat feel totally new.

It's no surprise we kicked things off with an Amazon best-seller. With over 14,000 five-star reviews and counting, it has helped many shoppers give their couches the most convenient instant makeover. The reason why it’s so easy is because the purchase comes in pieces. Instead of placing the slipcover over the entire couch, there are separate covers for the cushions which will it from bunching up or completely coming off. The multiple cover system also makes it a breeze to clean since you’ll be able to just pop in whatever’s dirty in the washing machine.

Ease of installation and care aside, this is a budget-friendly way to change the color of your couch without having to unnecessarily get rid of it and invest in a new one. There’s nothing worse than painting your walls and reimagining your space only for your large couch not to match. Go on, avoid that headache and place your order.

What do buyers say? "I love these couch covers just for the simple fact there are three individual pieces," says one reviewer. "There’s a whole couch cover and then the cushion covers that I need to wash the cushions. I don’t have to take everything apart."

Do you have children or pets? On the hunt for an inexpensive cover you won’t have to stress out about? Then, this is the couch cover for you as it’s selling for only around $30 in a variety of colors. And just because it’s affordable, this doesn’t mean it’s low quality. Not only does it boast a highly stretchy and durable material, it has an elevated jacquard patterned design.

As if that’s not enticing enough, it includes anti-slip foam that you can stick in the gaps of the seat cushions so that the cover stays in place. Between cats, dogs, toddlers, or whatever else you have running around, this cover is ready to get the job done. As an added bonus, the company has 24/7 customer service and a two-year warranty. Our biggest note is to make sure you machine wash it separately with cold water and tumble dry on low, otherwise, it may shrink.

What do buyers say? "We have… a lot of pets. This is the ONLY cover that has actually stayed on both our couch and stuffed chair." says one reviewer. "Worked so well I immediately bought an alternate set for when the first is in the laundry."

Give your sectional a personalized touch with a cozy slipcover. Though it costs more than your average cover, it coincides with the higher price tags of sectionals. Plus, it does have to cover more than a basic three-seater couch.

As far as hues go, there are a few standout shades like Mango and Teal for those who want to bring in brighter colors into a living room or home office. A major benefit of the cover is that it’s hypoallergenic and has a stretchy fabric with an elasticized hem which basically hugs the couch. This way, you won’t have to worry about your pets or anyone else accidentally pulling it off. The material is also lightweight, breathable, and soft, so you better believe that it’ll upgrade your movie nights and naps in every way.

What do buyers say? "Very good color. Brighten up my space just like I wanted it to. Great quality and stretch.," says one reviewer.

Read more: Best Outdoor Sectionals

Finding a loveseat couch cover may be more challenging than it sounds because you want to make sure what you buy isn’t too big. “If you find yourself in a bind and unable to get a replacement slipcover, I would recommend using the company Sure Fit,” Welch says. “They offer a wide range of flexible slipcover options and have an easy return policy if things don't work out.”

When it comes to design details, Sure Fit stands out from the rest. The cover has a comfortable, relaxed fit while still being made out of heavy-duty, upholstery-weight matelassé that’s thick and feels like durable, higher-quality fabric. It's understated elegance at its finest and as a finishing touch, the cover has kick-pleat skirting and ties on the corners that can be shaped into lovely bows.

If you didn’t think there was a cover for your reclining couch, guess again. Leave it to Amazon to sell exactly what you're looking for. Similar to the customers below, the cover is a cost-effective way to hide the imperfections your couch has acquired over the years. Considering it’s a seat used for relaxation, it’s bound to feel lived in, but a cover is a simple solution that will still keep the couch in good shape and make it appear put together.

Thanks to the elastic loops built into the cover, it’ll feel like the original fabric of the couch as soon as you sit on it. The rubber around the edges is ready to keep the cover tight and fitted resulting in little to no movement which is the key to a top-notch couch cover. Similar to the other choices, the cover is machine washable, but the only downside is that it’s only available in velvet fabric. While this is by no means a negative, the velvet may not complement every room or appeal to all aesthetics.

What do buyers say? "We have a dog that has a personal vendetta against our leather couch and recliners," says one Ulticor reviewer. "She ripped apart the arm seams on the recliners and chewed a giant hole in the side of the couch. Our furniture is over ten years old at this point and shows wear, but the destruction caused by the dog made them a real eye sore...they have completely transformed our destroyed furniture and saved me thousands of dollars it would have cost to replace everything."

Combat the way your pets have destroyed your couch with the ultimate pet-friendly cover. It can handle anything that comes its way and the quilted design makes it extra cozy and inviting. You won’t have to worry about it not fitting either as there are a number of sizes to choose from including an option for oversized couches.

Up top, there are two-inch thick, slip-resistant straps that’ll make sure the cover doesn’t move at all. The back and arm flaps also allow it to remain steady and firm which is perfect for pets who tend to jump on and off the couch. Since this often leads to scratches and spills, thankfully, the cover’s durable, tear-resistant microfiber provides next-level protection for your couch. To make it more versatile, the cover has a reversible two-in-one design with a different pattern or color on each side depending on which silhouette you go with.

What do buyers say? "Not only is this cover well-made it looks beautiful!," says one Sofa Shield reviewer. "The cover was purchased to protect my very light colored couch from my poodle’s sometimes muddy paws! The pattern is so pretty and neutral, and the couch is still very comfortable."

Read more: Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

For those with kids who are prone to spills or you simply love to binge-watch on the couch with a glass of wine, here’s the waterproof couch cover your home is missing. It’s half off for a limited time and comes in all kinds of neutrals, blues, and one burnt orange color, so you’re bound to find a style that complements your space.

As you can see in the gallery of photos, the cover can handle liquids and there are dotted grips on the other side to keep it from moving. Unlike the other covers, this one is more free-flowing and mimics a giant blanket, so make sure all your couch measurements are correct to avoid it from being too short or small to drape. A quick read through the positive reviews and you’ll see that it doesn’t wrinkle and is machine washable resulting in the easiest maintenance ever.

What do buyers say? "I was very impressed with this fabric.," says one LightInTheBox reviewer. "It looks great, doesn't wrinkle, is strong and sturdy and stays in place with the grips on the back. I can easily brush any dirt off with a dustpan and brush. Any marks have easily wiped off. "

Keeping a leather couch intact has never been easier thanks to these protective slipcovers. It works by covering the cushions of your leather seating and yes, there’s a range of colors from white to black which makes it easy to match your couch.

The design is straightforward as it has an elastic band to securely fit the cushion and though it claims to be machine washable, the easiest way to clean it would be to wipe it down with a wet towel. It’s made up of fade-resistant fabric, too, so it’ll look the same as when it first arrived for years to come. All in all, there’s no reason to destroy the leather on your couch due to wear and tear, placing a comparable cover on top is the way to go. It doesn’t stop with indoor use either as the covers are durable enough for outdoor leather couches. Consider throwing it on your patio seating and allow it to last longer than expected.

What do buyers say? "I purchased this to protect the fabric on the sofa bed(also great purchase on Amazon) because of the dogs and their hair," says one Yates Home reviewer. "The material is soft but stretchy. I would recommend this."

Read more: Best Outdoor Furniture Brands

Nothing beats the soft, lightweight feel of linen, and MagicLinen amps up the coziness by combining it with a waffle design in this couch cover. It’s a one-material brand that allows the company to focus on doing one thing right and that’s delivering only the highest quality linen. Right from the start, the fabric goes through a modern stone-washing process that creates a soft, lived-in feel without weakening the fibers. In fact, the more you wash the cover, the softer it gets and that’s what premium linen is all about. And yes, it’s machine washable, but to prevent any damage, MagicLinen recommends you tumble dry it on low, take it out when it’s a bit damp, and lay it flat to finish drying. Keep that in mind if you live in a small space that can’t accommodate this highly recommended air-drying process.

At the same time, it's a must if you want to add unique pops of color like Cinnamon or Forest Green to your place. In case you’re still undecided, there are color samples available for you to order before making your decision. There’s also a complimentary 30-day trial, but you’ll have to cover the return shipping costs if you don’t end up keeping it.

Maintain the condition of your couch with Funny Fuzzy and if soft velvet is your fabric of choice, don’t miss out on this cover. (Though the brand does have all kinds of pet-friendly materials and prints you can shop here.) It’s safe to say versatility is covered as the cover comes in four colors and sizes which can accommodate the smallest loveseat to the largest sectional.

Once you place it on your couch, you can finally experience stress-free living. The cover is made with high-quality coral velvet that will leave you with the softest, plush surface. There’s also a hemming and crimping design that make it scratch-resistant, so gone are the days of panicking about your puppy or cat tearing up your couch, and that’s not all. It’s also able to quickly absorb moisture keeping your couch dry whenever inevitable spills happen and if it’s too damp, you can just clean it by throwing it in the washing machine.

Finally, did you get your couch at Pottery Barn? If so, you can always order a replacement slipcover to bring new life and freshen up your statement piece. For instance, tired of the original white couch you ordered? Pottery Barn has 95 fabrics and colors in total providing you with the flexibility to change your style without having to start from scratch with a whole new couch.

The covers are also easy to slip on and off which is perfect for when you’re ready to clean it. Before you move forward with a different pattern, we encourage you to take advantage of the free design appointment which allows customers to consult with an in-house expert. Since made-to-order slipcovers aren’t eligible for returns, taking the time to do a consultation may make you more confident in your decision and prevent you from having any couch design regrets.

Read more: Best Luxury Furniture Brands

The most important step to putting on a couch cover is getting your measurements right. You want to make sure there's enough fabric for you to tuck the cover in between the cushions. Additionally, keep an eye out for elastic bands and buckles which are features that result in a tight, tailored fit to avoid the cover from bunching or coming off.

Once you have all of that figured out, everything else should quite literally fall into place. "Start from the top, draping it over like a champ," according to Welch. "Now, smooth it down, tuck it into the crevices. You're going for that snug, tailored look. Pro tip: invite a buddy over for a cover-putting-on party—it's like a couch makeover, DIY style"

Clean and care are based on your lifestyle. Luckily, most couch covers are machine washable allowing you worry-free maintenance. "You're looking at a wash every couple of months, or when life happens—spills, snacks, you name it," Welch says. "Now, if you're in full-on chill mode most days, maybe stretch it to every three months. Remember, it's not just about looking clean, it's about feeling fresh and inviting like your favorite hangout spot."

Isis Briones is a seasoned shopping editor with more than a decade of experience testing the best home products worth your hard-earned cash. For this story, she consulted with Welch, who has over five years of experience trying and testing countless couch covers. Our intrepid three-person shopping team also tested over a dozen couch covers to find the best ones that fought stains and pet hair.

Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, and more.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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