If you're looking to keep dirt, stains, and spills off your couch, a couch cover can do the trick. A couch cover provides an added layer of protection—and gives your couch a fresh look—in seconds. Easy to slip on and remove for regular washing, couch covers can keep your sofa in good shape and protect your investment for years to come.
Couch covers are also a great option for those whose sofas see a higher level of wear and tear, such as pet owners and families with children. Even people who entertain frequently or spend a lot of time on their couch can benefit from using a couch cover to extend the upholstery's lifespan.
We researched dozens of couch covers, judging them on durability, fit, ease of care, as well as overall value. In our research, we sought out products that were easy to care for and durable, in addition to being stylish and attractive. We also paid attention to details like care (seeking out covers that were machine-washable), price, and fit across a variety of sofa styles. But, if you’re looking for something different—like a cover that's durable enough for pets or suits a sleeper sofa—we’re highlighting plenty of other great options, too.
Best Overall
Easy-Going Stretch Couch Cover
Stretchy spandex material
Comes in over 25 colors
Individual seat cushion covers
Not compatible with certain sofa shapes
Some couch covers might look like they belong in grandma’s house, but not this one! The Easy-Going 4-Piece Slipcover is a standout solution for anyone who’s hoping to keep their sofa’s sleek style while adding a layer of extra protection. This cover features a much more sleek and modern aesthetic than most. That’s all thanks to its construction—it’s made of a stretchy, durable spandex and polyester blend that provides a snug fit around the couch and its cushions.
We love that this couch cover is available in over 25 different colors, including neutrals like gray and vibrant shades like peacock blue, which makes it easy to find just the right hue. Plus, no matter what size you opt for (there are five available options), the cover features a unique construction that makes it more attractive and easier to take care of. Instead of being made out of one piece of fabric that stretches over the whole couch, it’s made of individual covers for the frame of the couch and three seat and back cushions.
But it’s not all about looks. This couch cover’s polyester-spandex material is also supremely soft and comfortable, and it can withstand a lot of wear. It’s also machine-washable, so you can wash the cover whenever you need to without worrying about affecting fit and quality. Plus, if only one cushion gets dirty, you can remove and wash that individual cover alone.
If there’s any downside, it’s that you can’t get this great slipcover for all of the couches and chairs in your home. While it is available for smaller loveseats and armchairs, there aren’t options to fit sectionals or L-shaped couches.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: 35 x 79 x 33 inches (size large) | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa, loveseat, chair | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best Budget
PureFit Super Stretch Slipcover
Non-skid elastic bottoms
Stretches to fit a wide range of sizes
Available for sofas, loveseats, recliners, and more
Single piece design
Not water-resistant
There are plenty of budget-friendly couch covers to choose from, but PureFit’s Super Stretch Slipcover is one that stands out. It’ll save you a little bit of money without the need to sacrifice much at all. Made out of polyester and spandex material, this cover may be one piece, but it’s super stretchy and soft, so it’s a breeze to install on your couch, sofa, chair, or recliner. (Just pick the appropriate product and size for your furniture.) It even has non-skid elastic bottoms to help its material stay securely in place—even if you have kids and pets who are always jumping around.
Like other great slipcovers, it’s also machine-washable for easy cleanup should it get soiled. While this cover doesn’t offer individual cushion covers, it does cover your sofa or loveseat from the back to the floor. The bigger downside? The slipcover isn’t at all water-resistant, so you’ll have to do a decent clean up if anything other than water spills on the cover.
However, we like that this budget-friendly couch cover comes in more than 20 shades ranging from white to bold red, so you’re sure to find just the right thing for your space. At this price point, you could easily stock up on more than one to change things up every once in a while.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: 35 x 77 x 33 inches (size large) | Furniture Type: Sofa, couch, chair, recliner | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Recliners
Red Barrel Studio Spandex Box Cushion Slipcover
Works with electric and manual recliners
Anti-slip foam cushioning
Includes side pocket
Wrinkle-free post-wash
Not compatible with two-piece recliners
May not fit thicker or oversized recliners
If your recliner is one of the most-loved items in your living room, you’ll be glad to know you can keep it in tip-top condition with a dedicated cover; we like Red Barrel Studio’s Spandex Box Cushion Slipcover, which is made just for these lounge-ready chairs. We love this microsuede cover because you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for cleanliness and longevity. The material is incredibly soft to the touch, with a subtle check pattern that makes the cover look more like a true piece of furniture rather than something you covered to preserve.
The cover, which can be installed on either a manual or electric recliner with a right-side handle, is most suitable for recliners between 24 and 33 inches wide and 29 to 37 inches tall. (Just note: It’s not compatible with two-piece recliners, and you may run into sizing issues if your recliner is particularly wide.) It’s easy to install, too, thanks to its unique design that features two elastic loops at the back corners. All you have to do is pull them through to the back of the recliner to create a form-fitting look—even when the seat is fully reclined. It also has anti-slip foam inserts to keep the fabric in place, no matter how many times you go from upright to vertical and back again.
In the event of any mishaps, simply toss the wrinkle-free fabric in the washing machine before replacing it and kicking your feet up. For the ultimate relaxation experience, the slipcover even has a built-in pocket on the side for your favorite reading material or other essentials.
Material: Microsuede | Dimensions: One size fits all (for one-piece recliners) | Furniture Type: Recliner | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best Cotton
Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover
Durable brushed twill construction
Adjustable fit with side ties
Designed for a looser, flowier fit
Prone to wrinkles
Sizing can be tricky to get right
The vast majority of easy-on, easy-off couch covers are made of synthetic materials like polyester and spandex—that’s what makes them simple to install and gives them a stretchy feel. But if you prefer the look and feel of good old-fashioned cotton, the Classic Slipcovers Brushed Twill Sofa Slipcover is a fantastic option for your furniture. We love how easy this couch cover is to drop over your furniture. Thanks to its adjustable ties, you can leave it loose and flowing or opt for more of a slightly structured fit. The durable brushed twill weave of the fabric is soft to the touch yet impressively durable, and it’s super simple to care for when messes happen.
Made from 100 percent cotton, this couch cover is comfortable to lounge on and machine-washable for spills and stains. It also comes in several colors—mostly neutrals like cream and khaki, which are great options for any living room, but you can also choose a more vibrant alternative like red. No matter what color you select, this particular cover has a more casual appearance thanks to its more structured material and one-piece construction.
Just remember: Cotton has a tendency to wrinkle, so you might need to put in some extra effort ironing the slipcover after a spin in the machine. Additionally, sizing can be a bit tricky to get right. While this cover is looser and more of a one-size-fits-most, it may not completely cover all sofas. Make sure to measure first; it’s designed for couches up to 96 inches wide.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: Not listed | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Chairs
House of Hampton Box Cushion Armchair Slipcover
Stain- and fade-resistant
Sewn-in stretch corners for a secure fit
Includes separate cushion cover
Fits wide range of chair styles
Colors can vary in person
Signs of wear can appear over time
House of Hampton’s Damask Armchair Slipcover features a very traditional damask pattern, and we love that it can instantly upgrade chairs in a variety of sizes and styles. This product looks more like a true furniture fabric than a synthetic cover, infusing some style and blending in flawlessly without drawing extra attention. With two pieces—one for the chair, and one for the cushion—you’ll be able to protect every inch of your chair with a durable and hardy fabric that won’t easily show dirt or debris.
The two-piece cover is relatively versatile, fitting T-cushion or barrel armchairs that are 32 to 47 inches wide and 32 to 42 inches deep. We also love that the cover is a breeze to install because this armchair cover, thanks to stretchy but snug elastic paired with sewn-in stretch corners that offer total coverage for cushions of many thicknesses. Everything stays snugly in place, too. Both pieces are made from a relatively rigid polyester-spandex blend, plus has elastic edging to help hold them in place—despite heavy use.
Material: Polyester blend | Dimensions: 42 x 47 x 41 inches | Furniture Type: Armchair | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Loose Cushions
H.Versailtex Super Stretch Cushion Covers
Durable polyester material
Wrinkle-free fabric
Comes in nearly 20 colors
Works for T-cushion and box cushions
Material is relatively thin
Fabric pattern doesn’t match all couches
Sometimes, you don’t want to cover your entire couch—just the part more prone to wear and tear. If your cushions could use some extra protection or need a fresh update, a set of H.VERSAILTEX Super Stretch Individual Seat Cushion Covers give you the flexibility to cover just the seats alone. Available in nearly 20 colors with a simple box pattern across their surface, these covers make it easy to find an option that suits your sofa. While the pattern may not suit every style preference, it's versatile enough to do the trick in many rooms.
We particularly like the polyester blend material of these covers; it’s super soft and stretchy, which makes it comfy to lounge on and easy to apply or remove. The high elasticity allows the cushions to collectively cover a total of 58.8 to 88.5 inches for sofas, both small and large. The material is highly durable, too, so there’s no worry about active kids and pets. Though the material is a bit thin, it won’t pill and is resistant to spills, stains, and tears. The thin construction also keeps the cushions underneath nice and breathable to ensure your comfort while you relax.
When they need a good clean, just toss the covers in the washing machine. The fabric will hold up on cold, gentle cycles and comes out perfectly wrinkle-free.
Material: Polyester blend | Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 2 inches | Furniture Type: Couch | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Sleeper Sofas
Chun Yi Stretch Sofa Cover for Couch
Two-piece construction provides mattress access
Dryer-friendly
Elastic bottom stays put
Wide range of size options
Colors appear a bit different in person
If you have a sleeper sofa, you don’t want a one-piece couch cover since you’ll have to take the whole thing off to bring the bed out. Instead, opt for a two-piece selection like the Chun Yi Stretch Sofa Slipcover, which keeps the whole couch covered but leaves the mattress open for easy access—all you have to do is take the top cushion off like you would if the couch didn’t have a cover. The convenience of this cover makes it a favorite for us, along with its versatility, soft-to-the-touch fabric, and easy maintenance.
Made with a polyester and spandex blend, this sleeper sofa slipcover comes in an impressive 27 colors, five different sizes that accommodate couches 57 to 118 inches, and a sleek no-pattern style that blends in easily in any room. (Just note: The colors can look a bit different on the screen than they do in person, so expect the shade to vary somewhat.) Plus, the addition of the spandex makes the whole cover super stretchy, meaning it’s easy to put on but clings to your couch in all the right places to prevent sliding or loose fabric. An elastic bottom makes sure it all stays firmly in place, too.
Like other great slipcovers, cleaning is a breeze. Just toss it in the washing machine on a cold and gentle cycle before tossing it in the dryer on low heat. The whole thing comes out wrinkle-free and ready to go right back onto the couch.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: Varies | Furniture Type: Couch, loveseat, chair | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Leather Couches
Mambe Waterproof Furniture Cover Sofa
Extra thick microfiber fleece design
Waterproof
Reversible, with two colors in one
Highly versatile
Doesn’t cinch around furniture
Can expose the leather when it moves
Leather sofas present a unique dilemma because the material is more fragile. It looks and feels fantastic, but when exposed to sunlight, water, and even regular wear, leather can wind up easily damaged—but with Mambe’s 100 Percent Waterproof Cover, you can protect your costly couch from these common woes. This couch cover features a super soft microfleece material on the underside, making it thicker and more cushioned than your average couch cover (and gentle enough to prevent scratches on your leather.) It’s also fully waterproof to keep any liquids from soaking through and staining that soft leather underneath.
The cover may not cinch around cushions the same way the over slipcovers do, which means things can shift—especially if your household is home to kids and pets—but this detail does make it highly versatile. You can use the two-sided blanket-style cover on your leather couch or an armchair recliner, loveseat, or even your bed. Flip it over for a switch in color, or adjust as needed to protect areas that are seeing more wear than others. When the cover becomes dirty, we also like that it’s easy to wash. Send it for a spin in a cold cycle and then tumble dry on medium or hang dry.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 2.17 x 6.3 x 7.28 inches | Furniture Type: Any | Care Instructions: Machine-washable
Best for Pets
Sofa Shield Patented Couch Cover
Nearly 30 color choices
2-inch thick straps
Stain-, fade-, and tear-resistant
Doesn’t cover the entire couch
Can slip and move
We all love our pets, but they sure do put a lot of wear and tear on our furniture. Between drool and shedding fur and muddy paws and sharp claws, a pet-friendly couch cover is a worthwhile purchase for any pet owner. Sofa Shield’s Patented Couch Cover can keep your sofa—or other pieces of upholstered furniture—well-protected in the face of rough and tumble pets.
We love how many different sizes it comes in, which can suit all different types of furniture your pet might jump up on, from couches to recliners to sectionals and more. And there are nearly 30 colors and patterns to choose from. Who said you have to sacrifice aesthetics if you need to cover your couch for your pet?
Unlike most couch covers, which cover the entire sofa, this one mainly protects the seat, arms, and back of your couch, but this design protects the most-trafficked areas and does make it easier to remove for washing. Just note that it can move around and expose your furniture’s upholstery, so it may require some adjusting over time. However, it does come equipped with two-inch thick slip-resistant straps to keep the whole thing in place. The material is also stain-, fade-, and tear-resistant, so your furniture will stay dry, even if your wet pooch decides to take a nap on it or stretch their sharp claws.
Material: Fabric | Dimensions: 0.5 x 68 x 74 inches (Couch Sofa size) | Furniture Type: Couch, sofa, recliner, chair, sectional
Final Verdict
For a standard sofa, the Easy-Going 4-Piece Soft Stretch Couch Cover is an unbeatable option. We love that it provides a neat, defined look, plus you can wash individual cushion covers if they get dirty. If you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, though, consider the PureFit Super Stretch Chair Sofa Slipcover. It’s just as soft and stretchy as the more expensive options, plus it’s a breeze to install, easy to wash, and comes in over 20 color choices.
What to Look for in a Couch Cover
Fabric
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.
What's the best couch cover material? In general, polyester-cotton blend slipcovers reign supreme, says Carmelo Carrasco, a realtor, property manager, and co-founder of Axel Property Management. “This material is durable, comfortable, and easy to care for.” Additionally, this type of fabric expertly resists wrinkles plus won’t shrink or fade despite many trips through the washing machine. Most of the picks on our list, like the Easy-Going 4-Piece Soft Stretch Couch Cover (our best overall pick) and the H.Versailtex Super Stretch Cushion Covers (our best for loose cushions pick) are made with a polyester-cotton blend.
However, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, consider velvet or twill slipcovers. These fabrics offer a richer feel and look more elevated overall.
Style
Slipcovers aren’t the most stylish home accessory, so if aesthetics are really important to you, you might want to seek out custom options that look more like true furniture. That said, blanket styles tend to be the least attractive. So if you’re not in the market for a custom option, consider polyester blends or cotton slipcovers that fit the entirety of the couch and skip those draped blankets.
Additionally, you'll want to consider the shape and design when you're looking at a couch cover's style. Pretty much any couch can be slipcovered, but look carefully at the specifications. Not all slipcovers fit all couches, so make sure to check that the dimensions on the couch and slipcover line up. Also, consider how many pieces the slipcover comes in. A one-piece slipcover that stretches over the entire couch isn’t the best choice for a sleeper sofa, for example, since you’ll have to take the whole thing off any time you want to pull out the bed.
Durability
Look for thick slipcovers that have touted features like stain- and tear-resistant. These options will be better equipped to protect your furniture from liquid spills, as well as long-lasting damage like tears from pet claws. If you have a leather couch, pay special attention to the construction of the slipcover. You may want to invest in one that features a microfleece underside since this will offer an additional layer of protection against scratches and stains.
Care and Maintenance
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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including home decor like couches and slipcovers. To curate this list, Earley scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. To make her top picks, she consulted a realtor with experience in home-staging, and then used that guidance as she analyzed the durability, fit, ease of care, and overall value of each product.
Our Experts:
- Carmelo Carrasco, an experienced realtor, property manager, and co-founder of Axel Property Management.
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce