How to Fit a Sofa Cover (UK & US Guide): The Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

by Adam Jonas November 16, 2025

🛋️ How to Fit a Sofa Cover (UK & US Guide): The Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you’re searching for how to fit a sofa cover, how to install a couch cover, or how to find a slipcover that fits your couch, this guide gives you everything you need for a perfect, wrinkle-free fit.

This tutorial covers:

How to measure your sofa
How to put on stretch sofa covers
How to install universal slipcovers
How to fit L-shape / corner sofa covers
How to prevent slipping and loose fabric
UK and US terminology (sofa/couch, cosy/cozy)

Whether you're refreshing your living room or protecting your furniture, this tutorial ensures a perfect fit every time.

🧭 Section 1 — How to Measure Your Sofa Correctly

Before installing any slipcover, correct measurements are essential. This prevents loose, oversized, or stretched-too-tight covers.

📏 What to Measure

Sofa width (arm-to-arm)
Sofa height (floor to top of backrest)
Seat cushion depth
Sofa depth (front to back)
Armrest width
L-shape extension length (if applicable)

For a 1 piece cover - only take the width measurement of your sofa or couch

For more than a 1 piece cover - take the width measurement of the sofa as well as the cushion measurements (width & Length).

Measurement Diagram - 1 Piece sofa/couch cover

Diagram showing sofa width, height, depth, armrest width, seat depth, and L-shape extension.

Measurement Diagram - Sectional sofa/couch cover

For the sectional couch/sofa cover you may have to buy 2 pieces (1 piece per section), so measurements of both sections will have to be taken.

Measurement Diagram - Single & Sectional sofa/couch cover

Real Sofa With Measurement Arrows - Indication

Real sofa showing labelled measurement arrows for correct sizing.

🧺 Section 2 — Preparing the Sofa Cover

Before fitting your slipcover, prepare the components and identify orientation.

✔ What to Look For

A tag labelled "BACK"
Elastic hem
Seat cushion covers (if included)
Foam tucking sticks

Folded Cover With BACK Tag

Folded black sofa cover with visible BACK label.

Items Included in Packaging

Sofa cover, foam sticks, and instruction sheet neatly laid out.

📝 Section 3 — How to Fit a Sofa Cover (Step-by-Step)

This section targets multiple keywords:

how to fit sofa cover
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how to install a sofa slipcover
how to install stretch sofa covers
how to put universal sofa cover
how to install an elastic sofa cover

Step 1 — Position the Cover on the Backrest

Start by locating the BACK label and positioning it at the back of the sofa.

Position cover on the back of the sofa with 'back label' visible

Step 2 — Pull the Cover Downwards

Stretch and pull the cover down toward the seat, keeping seams aligned.

Hands pulling sofa cover downward, aligning seams.

Step 3 — Fit Over the Armrests

Slip the material over each arm. Stretch the fabric gently.

Person fitting the slipcover over armrest.

Step 4 — Fit the Seat Area

Depending on cover type:

For 1-piece stretch covers:

Smooth fabric evenly over the seating area.

For multi-piece cushion covers:

Remove cushions
Cover individually
Replace cushions

Person smoothing cover across seat cushions.

Step 5 — Tuck Excess Fabric

Use included foam sticks or similar household items (wooden spoon, ruler).

Hands tucking fabric into the crevice between cushion and armrest.

Step 6 — Smooth & Finish

Remove wrinkles with gentle smoothing or light steaming (30cm away).

Person smoothing fitted cover with hands

🛋️ Section 4 — Fitting L-Shape / Corner Sofa Covers

For anyone searching how to install L-shape sofa cover, this guide explains the two-piece method.

✔ Steps:

Measure both sides of the sofa
Identify the longer and shorter section
Fit the larger section first
Fit second section and connect straps/zips
Tuck excess fabric

L-Shape Measurement Diagram

Illustrated diagram showing A+B measurements for corner sofas.

Installing L-Shape Cover

Person fitting a 2-piece L-shape slipcover.

🧵 Section 5 — Installing Elastic Sofa Covers

Perfect for sofas with exposed legs or rounded bases.

✔ How to install:

Start at the back
Pull elastic under the base
Stretch around corners
Smooth and tighten

Elastic Hem Close-Up

Close-up showing elastic sewn into the hem.

Pulling Elastic Hem Under Sofa

Person pulling elastic hem underneath sofa.

🛒 Section 6 — How to Find a Sofa Cover That Fits

Search keywords covered here:

how to find a couch cover that fits
how to find couch covers that fit
how to find slipcover that fits your couch

✔ Tips:

choose stretch fabric (spandex mix)
choose the right shape: Lawson, T-cushion, boxy, rounded
check height & depth, not just width

Tight Fit vs Loose Fit Comparison

Side-by-side sofa: one fitted tightly, one loose.

Sofa Shape Types Diagram

Icons showing Lawson, T-Cushion, and boxy sofa shapes.

🛋️ Section 7 — Final Result

Fully Fitted Sofa (After Image)

Neatly fitted slipcover on sofa in bright living room.

❓ FAQ —

How do I measure my sofa for a fitted cover?

Measure width, height, depth, seat cushion depth, and armrest width.

How do I install a universal sofa cover?

Place the BACK label correctly, stretch over sofa, fit arms, tuck excess fabric.

How do I keep slipcovers from slipping?

Use foam tucking rods, anti-slip mats, or elastic straps.

Do couch covers fit all sofas?

Most stretch covers fit standard sofas — check measurements for recliners or oversized sofas.

Links To Relevant Pages

Shiny Sofas Webstore: https://shinysofas.co.uk/

Shiny Sofas Installation Guide: https://shinysofas.co.uk/pages/fitting-guide

Sofa Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/sofas

Standard Sofa Slipcovers: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/standard-sofa-slipcovers