How to Choose the Perfect Slipcover for Your Furniture (UK & US Size Guide)
How to Choose the Perfect Slipcover for Your Furniture (UK & US Fit Guide)
When it comes to giving your furniture a fresh look or protecting it from daily wear, slipcovers are one of the easiest upgrades you can make. But choosing the right one depends on size, fabric, fit, and the type of furniture you’re covering.
This guide walks you through exactly how to choose the perfect slipcover for sofas, armchairs, recliners, loveseats, dining chairs, corner sofas, and more — with practical tips for both UK and US homes.
Contents
1. Why Slipcovers Are Worth It
Slipcovers aren’t just decoration. A good one can:
- Protect against spills, stains, pet hair, claws, and general wear.
- Refresh old furniture instantly without buying new.
- Change your decor seasonally or whenever your style shifts.
- Extend furniture life, saving money long-term.
They’re one of the cheapest “home upgrades” that makes your space feel brand-new.
2. How to Measure Your Furniture (Do This First)
Getting the right size is the biggest factor in choosing a slipcover. Measure before you buy:
What to measure
- Total width: arm to arm (important for sofas & loveseats)
- Back height: floor/seat to top back
- Seat depth: front edge to back cushion
- Arm width: outer edge to inner seat
- Footrest length: (for recliners)
Tip: If you’re between sizes, go slightly bigger for stretch covers, or choose a fitted size chart option if available.
3. Fit Types: Stretch vs Fitted vs Relaxed
✔ Stretch Fit (Most Popular)
- Best for most modern sofas and armchairs
- Hugs the shape and works well on tighter furniture
- Great if your sofa arms are slim or curved
✔ Fitted / Tailored Fit
- More structured, cleaner look
- Requires accurate sizing
- Best for formal rooms or expensive furniture
✔ Relaxed Fit / Drape Style
- Loose, cosy look
- Great for rustic/boho homes
- Best when you want a soft “throw-style” finish
4. Fabric Guide (with Quick Comparison Table)
The fabric you choose affects comfort, durability, and how the cover looks on the furniture.
| Fabric | Best for | Feel / Look | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Everyday use | Soft, breathable | Comfortable, easy to clean |
| Linen | Light airy homes | Natural, relaxed | Looks premium, breathable |
| Polyester / Spandex | Stretch covers | Smooth, flexible | Best fit, wrinkle-resistant |
| Velvet | Luxury rooms | Plush, warm | Elegant, cosy feel |
| Microfiber | Kids & pets | Soft, durable | Highly stain-resistant |
5. Choosing Slipcovers by Furniture Type
✔ Standard Sofas (2–4 Seater)
- Measure arm-to-arm width and back height
- Stretch covers work best for most sofas
- Choose thicker fabrics if you have pets
✔ Armchairs & Wingback Chairs
- Look for covers with deep seat allowance
- Wingbacks need higher back panels
- Stretch fabrics give the cleanest shape
✔ Recliners (Manual or Electric)
- Choose recliner-specific slipcovers (not standard sofa covers)
- Multi-piece sets fit best and stop sliding
- Check footrest length to avoid pull-off
✔ Loveseats / Small Sofas
- Often need “2-seater” sizing
- Going too large causes bunching on arms
✔ Corner / L-Shape / Sectional Sofas
- Some need two covers (one per section)
- Measure each side separately
- Stretch covers are easiest for sectionals
✔ Dining Chairs
- Measure back height & seat width
- Pick fabrics that resist stains (microfiber/poly)
- Elastic bases keep them tight while sitting
6. UK vs US Sizing Tips
- US sofas & recliners are usually larger. If you’re in the US, check for XL or Oversized sizing.
- UK sofas are often slimmer. Stretch covers fit best because arms are narrower.
- Measure in inches (US) and cm (UK). Use your store chart for matching.
7. Common Slipcover Buying Mistakes
- Not measuring first. Guessing = bad fit.
- Buying standard covers for recliners. Recliners need special shapes.
- Choosing light fabric for pets/kids. Go for stain-resistant instead.
- Ignoring arm style. Chunky arms need more width allowance.
FAQ – Choosing Slipcovers
How do I know what size slipcover to buy?
Measure width, back height, and seat depth, then match your numbers to the size chart.
Do slipcovers fit leather sofas?
Yes. Stretch fabrics with anti-slip inserts work best to prevent sliding.
What slipcover fabric is best for pets?
Microfiber or thick polyester blends are best because they resist hair, claws, and stains.
Can I use a sofa slipcover on a recliner?
Not recommended. Recliners need recliner-specific covers with footrest shaping.
What if I’m between sizes?
Go up a size for stretch covers, or choose the fitted size chart option if offered.
Ready to Refresh Your Furniture?
Explore our slipcovers and upgrade your home in minutes:
Links To Product Pages
Shiny Sofas Webstore: https://shinysofas.co.uk/
Sofa Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/sofas
Chair Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/chairs
Recliner Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/recliner-sofa
Throw Pillow Covers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/pillow-covers