How to Install a Recliner Sofa Slipcover | UK & USA Fitting Guide (with Video)
Introduction: A Simple Guide for UK & US Homes
Recliner sofas (or recliner couches, for our US readers) offer unmatched comfort — but over time, daily use, kids, pets, and spills can leave them looking tired. The quickest way to refresh and protect your recliner is by installing a high-quality recliner slipcover.
This step-by-step UK & USA guide shows you exactly how to install a recliner sofa slipcover, whether it’s a one-piece stretch cover, a multi-piece set, or a fully waterproof protector. A visual learner? Watch the installation video below for a full demonstration.
Table of Contents
How to fit a recliner slipcover – fast step-by-step video guide
1. Why Use a Recliner Slipcover? (Benefits for UK & US Homes)
Slipcovers give your recliner:
- A brand-new look without buying a new sofa/couch
- Protection against spills, stains, pet hair, and kids
- Flexibility — change colours/prints for seasons
- Cost-effectiveness — especially compared to reupholstering
- Improved longevity for leather or fabric recliners
Whether you call it a sofa, settee, armchair, or couch, the benefits are the same.
2. Before You Begin – Tools, Measurements & Fit Guide
Before fitting your recliner slipcover (UK) / recliner couch cover (US), gather the essentials:
✔ Tools You May Need
- Measuring tape
- Foam tucking sticks (optional, but highly recommended)
- Safety pins or upholstery clips (optional)
- Lint roller or cloth
✔ How to Measure Your Recliner for a Slipcover
Accurate measurement ensures a wrinkle-free fit:
- Total width (left arm to right arm)
- Back height
- Seat depth
- Armrest width
- Footrest length
Tip for USA readers: measure in inches.
Tip for UK readers: measure in cm and compare with the size chart on the product page.
3. Identifying the Slipcover Pieces
Most recliner slipcovers come in either:
One-Piece Design (uncommon due to size matching)
✔ Best for quick installation
✔ Great stretch, fits most recliners
Two- or Three-Piece Sets (most common)
✔ Better fit
✔ Ideal for leather recliners (less slipping)
Components usually include:
- Main body cover
- Backrest cover
- Armrest covers
- Seat cushion section
- Footrest cover
Make sure each label/tag faces the correct direction for alignment.
4. Step-By-Step: How to Install a Recliner Slipcover
These steps apply to both UK and US customers, regardless of brand or fabric type.
Step 1: Prepare Your Recliner
- Fully open the recliner
- Remove any cushions or throws
- Clean the sofa/couch surface (dust, pet hair, crumbs)
- Let it dry if wiped down
Clean surfaces = better grip and less slipping.
Step 2: Position the Main Slipcover Over the Recliner
- Find the back panel (usually labelled)
- Drape it from the top down
- Align the seams with the recliner’s natural lines
This ensures the cover stretches evenly.
Step 3: Pull the Slipcover Down to Fit the Base
- Smooth the fabric along the arms
- Pull the sides down toward the floor
- Ensure the bottom elastic wraps underneath the recliner
Tip: Recliners vary in size — stretch covers will adjust as needed.
Step 4: Secure the Slipcover Around the Footrest
- Extend the footrest
- Pull the slipcover over
- Tuck excess fabric into creases
- Ensure the slipcover doesn’t restrict reclining movement
If yours has a separate footrest piece, attach it now.
Step 5: Add Armrest Covers (If Included)
- Slide covers over each arm
- Align seams with the arm shape
- Tuck excess fabric tightly
Armrests tend to loosen first — tight tucking helps.
Step 6: Smooth, Tidy & Tuck the Fabric
Use your tucking sticks or rolled towels to secure fabric into gaps:
- Along the backrest
- Between seat & arms
- Around the footrest area
- Under seat cushions (if not fixed)
The tighter the tuck → the cleaner the final look.
Step 7: Test the Recliner Movement
Recline fully forward and backward:
- Check the cover doesn’t restrict motion
- Ensure seams remain aligned
- Adjust if slipping occurs
If your recliner is leather:
✔ Add anti-slip mats under the cover for best hold.
5. Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Quick Fixes
1. Slipcover keeps sliding
- Use foam tucking rods
- Add anti-slip mats (especially on leather)
- Tighten elastic straps (if included)
2. Cover looks wrinkled
- Pull fabric firmly from the back to the front
- Smooth out sides before securing the footrest
3. Footrest section keeps detaching
- Recline the chair fully
- Secure with clips under the frame
4. Cover looks too loose
- Switch to a multi-piece slipcover
- Size down if your measurement allows
6. Care & Maintenance Tips
- Machine wash on gentle (check your product care label)
- Avoid fabric softener (reduces elasticity)
- Air dry for best results
- Re-tuck the slipcover every 1–2 weeks
- Swap slipcovers for seasons or style changes
7. UK vs USA Fitting Tips
UK readers:
- Sofas tend to have narrower arms — stretch covers fit best
- Many homes have fabric recliners → covers grip better
US readers:
- Many recliners are oversized → choose XL or Oversized slipcover models
- Leather recliners are common → consider anti-slip accessories
8. Ready to Upgrade Your Recliner?
Browse our bestselling collections:
- Recliner Sofa Slipcovers UK Collection: https://shinysofas.co.uk/collections/recliner-sofa
- Recliner Couch Covers USA Collection: same products — just listed for US sizing/search intent.
Or explore:
- Armchair recliner covers
- Waterproof recliner covers
- Multi-piece recliner slipcovers
A beautifully fitted slipcover = an instant home refresh.
FAQ – Common Questions About Installing Recliner Slipcovers
Can any recliner use a slipcover?
Yes. Stretch slipcovers fit most recliner sizes. Oversized recliners may require XL slipcovers.
How long does installation take?
Average 5–10 minutes, depending on experience.
Do slipcovers fit leather recliners?
Yes, but you may need anti-slip padding underneath.
Can slipcovers protect against pets?
Absolutely — look for thicker, claw-resistant or waterproof fabric.
How do I pick the right size?
Measure height, width, depth, and compare with the size chart.
Conclusion
Installing a recliner slipcover is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to refresh your home decor — and with the right fit, the results look like professional upholstery. Whether you’re in the UK or USA, following the steps above guarantees a clean, secure, wrinkle-free finish.