Sofa Bed Protection Guide: Slipcovers vs Reupholstery, Throws & Other Options

by Adam Jonas January 16, 2024

Sofa Bed Protection Guide: Slipcovers vs Reupholstery, Throws & Other Options

When it comes to protecting and upgrading your sofa bed, you have more choices than you might think. This guide compares sofa bed slipcovers with popular alternatives like reupholstery, throws, mattress protectors, and more — helping you decide what fits your lifestyle, budget and decor style.

1. Sofa Bed Slipcovers: Stylish Protection for Every Occasion

Slipcovers are the most flexible and budget-friendly way to transform your sofa bed. They allow you to refresh the look instantly — change colours, fabrics and patterns without replacing the furniture. Most are washable, pet-friendly, and offer full 360° protection against stains, spills and everyday wear.

2. Upholstery Reupholstering: The Permanent Makeover

Reupholstering is the premium option, offering a long-term, fully customised result. However, it’s more expensive, often costing as much as a new sofa bed, and requires sending the furniture away for days or weeks. Best for sentimental or high-quality frames worth restoring.

3. Furniture Throws and Blankets: Casual & Temporary Protection

Throws create a relaxed, cosy look and are easy to remove and wash. They’re great for quick protection, but don’t stay in place well and don’t cover the sofa bed fully. Ideal for casual styling rather than a polished appearance.

4. Ready-Made Slipcovers vs Custom-Made Options

Ready-made slipcovers are affordable and easy to fit, ideal for standard sofa bed sizes. Custom-made covers offer a perfect tailored fit — especially for unusual sofa bed shapes — but cost more and take longer to produce.

5. Stretch Slipcovers: Form-Fitting Elegance

Stretch slipcovers use elastic fabrics to hug the contours of your sofa bed. They provide a sleek, modern look and work especially well on curved or bulky sofa bed shapes.

6. DIY Slipcover Kits: Creative Control

DIY kits offer a personalised result without custom-made pricing. You choose the fabric and follow templates to sew the slipcover yourself. Ideal for creative homeowners with basic sewing skills.

7. Protective Mattress Covers: Comfort & Hygiene

Sofa bed mattresses need protection too. Mattress covers defend against spills, sweat, allergens and dust mites — keeping the sleeping area fresh and hygienic for guests.

8. Furniture Protectors: Focused, Practical Protection

Protectors shield high-wear areas like armrests or seat cushions. Many are waterproof or non-slip — perfect for pets, children, or rental properties where durability matters most.

9. Slipcovers for Different Sofa Bed Types

Different sofa bed mechanisms require different cover types:

Futons: Benefit from fitted covers that fold smoothly.
Pull-out sofa beds: Need slipcovers that don’t obstruct the opening mechanism.
Click-clack designs: Work best with stretchy covers that won’t slip when adjusting positions.

10. Budget Considerations: Finding the Right Balance

Slipcovers and throws offer the best cost-to-benefit value. Reupholstery costs more but may be worth it for beloved or luxury furniture. Choose based on usage, household type and how often you want to restyle your living room.

11. Maintenance & Cleaning

Slipcovers and throws are the easiest to maintain — most are machine washable. Custom covers and reupholstered fabrics may require professional cleaning. Choose based on how much upkeep suits your lifestyle.

12. Reader’s Choice: Share Your Experience

Have you tried slipcovers, throws, custom covers or protectors? Share what worked best for your sofa bed — your tips can help others choose the right option!