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When it comes to your furniture, sofas—no matter how small—tend to fall on the expensive side of the price spectrum. So if you want to protect your investment, a sofa slipcover is a good move. If you've never purchased one, allow us to sing their praises. A sofa slipcover is a removable cover that protects the upholstery. Unlike car covers or outdoor furniture covers, sofa slipcovers are usually quite beautiful and are available in an array of performance fabrics, colors, and patterns.
“I think the main benefit is it's easier to keep clean than a traditional sofa,” says Ontario-based interior designer Tiffany Leigh. “The cover can be removed, either thrown in the washing machine or taken to the dry cleaner, more easily spot treated, that sort of thing. If your home is prone to maybe some spills or stains, it's a great option.” So if you have been a bit paranoid about potentially staining your luxury sofa, this is your moment to prevent a mishap.
Leigh also finds that sofa covers are “synonymous with a relaxed, very inviting casual feel,” that makes you just want to sink into a sofa. When using them with her clients, Leigh notices it’s a great fit for those with rental properties, since anything can happen to their furniture. This way, homeowners didn’t have to worry about having to replace a whole sofa if a guest accidentally stains it. That peace of mind works wonders from a sustainable and financial point of view.
Best Suede
Surefit Ultimate Stretch Suede Sofa Slipcover
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Most Luxurious
Crate & Barrel Slipcover for Willow II Sofa
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In addition, a slipcover is a great way to give new life to an inherited sofa when you don’t have the budget to replace it. The covers are also an effective way to test out a new colorway or style without purchasing more furniture. Plus, adding that pop of color in your living room sofa can be the perfect intersection of style and comfort. Think of it like a coat for your sofa: You put it on for a season and swap it out when the weather (or your style) changes.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best slipcovers that are not only easy to clean (read: machine washable), but also ship pretty quickly.
Best Deal
H.VERSAILTEX Velvet Sofa Slipcover
Best Deal
H.VERSAILTEX Velvet Sofa Slipcover
Pros
- Multiple colorways and sizes
- Super plush velvet
- Stretch fit
Cons
- Slipcover color may transfer to sofa
Velvet couches are having a moment, so if you want in on the trend but don't want to toss out your current sofa, enter this sumptuous sofa slipcover. Stretch the base piece to fit around a 72-inch to 96-inch sofa, then cover three cushions with the included covers. The fabric is extra soft, so you feel like you have a high-end sofa at a fraction of the price. "My family used this velvet slipcover to bring a dated, faded blue sofa back to life in a trendy ivory velvet that looked like it could be at home in any furniture showroom," says Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie. "Even better: it was so soft against my skin that I fell asleep during movie night more times than I'm proud of."
Material: Velvet | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine washable
Best Patterned
Slashop Geometric Boho Style Sofa Cover
Pros
- Many sizes available
- Unique pattern hides stains easily
- Suitable for multiple types of seating
Cons
- Not fitted to sofa, may require adjustment
For a much more casual look (and application process), this geometrical sofa cover fits like a big textured blanket, so it'll avoid pooling on one end of the sofa. Plus, it can be used for several purposes: it's a great picnic blanket whenever you decide to change up the look of your sofa. As the cat in the picture suggests, this one is suitable for families with pets.
Material: Polyester | Colors: Six | Care: Machine washable
Best Suede
Surefit Ultimate Stretch Suede Sofa Slipcover
Best Suede
Surefit Ultimate Stretch Suede Sofa Slipcover
Pros
- Matching cover available for ottoman
- Individual cushion covers have tailored fit
- Adaptable to different sofa shapes
Cons
- Reviewers say it attracts dog fur
The form-fitting, soft fabric of this sofa cover will get you the suede couch of your dreams for a fraction of the cost. There's no anxiety about keeping it clean, either—every piece is machine-washable. The cover tucks easily into the seams of your sofa, no matter the silhouette.
Material: Polyester-spandex | Colors: Three | Care: Machine washable
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Best Color Options
Easy-Going Stretch Sofa Slipcover
Best Color Options
Easy-Going Stretch Sofa Slipcover
Pros
- Elastic details offer snug fit
- Dozens of colors to choose from
- One-piece cover is easy to apply
Cons
- Not waterproof
The stretchy spandex of this sofa cover makes it a great choice for an inexpensive, colorful refresh. The textured jacquard fabric comes in seven sizes and a whopping 35 colors, so you're bound to find something that suits your sofa and style. It's also machine washable, so feel free to enjoy a few wine nights on your couch, especially if you opt for one of the darker colors.
Material: Polyester-spandex | Colors: 35 | Care: Machine washable
Best Textured
Three Posts Mellor Box Cushion Sofa Slipcover
Best Textured
Three Posts Mellor Box Cushion Sofa Slipcover
Pros
- 24 color options
- Machine washable
- Separate cushion covers decrease fabric dragging
Cons
- Reviewers say colors look more muted in person
This slipcover may not look like the coolest option on our list, but hear us out. The waffle weave fabric is bouncy and tear resistant, so it's more likely to hold up to any scratches from your furry friends, without looking like a car seat cover. Place it over a dated, patterned heirloom sofa to bring a modern look to your living room. It's stretchy enough to fit over any standard sofa.
Material: Polyester-spandex | Colors: 24 | Care: Machine washable
Most Luxurious
Crate & Barrel Slipcover for Willow II Sofa
Most Luxurious
Crate & Barrel Slipcover for Willow II Sofa
Pros
- Easy to clean and stain-resistant
- Available in multiple colors
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Only fits one sofa model
Technically, this only fits Crate & Barrel's Willow II sofa, but since it's the brand's best-selling seat, we figured the slipcover deserved a spot on our list. You can also choose between Crate & Barrel's 18 fabrics, all of which are performance-grade. Plus, the material itself kind of feels like worn-in denim, which makes sense because it's composed of washed cotton that's both easy to clean and stain-resistant.
Material: Canvas, linen | Colors: 18 | Care: Machine washable
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Most Universal
Darby Home Co. Twill Box Cushion Sofa Slipcover
Pros
- One slipcover comes in two pieces
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Shrinks on high-heat dryer setting
If the idea of investing a small fortune in a white couch sounds like a risky idea, opt for a white sofa slipcover instead. It will give your living room that coveted clean, modern feel without triggering your anxiety. The best part? This one is pet-friendly and machine washable, so any time you notice that there's a mark or stain, pop it in the wash, and it will be good as new.
Material: Cotton | Colors: One | Care: Machine washable
Most Pet-Friendly
Pottery Barn Pet Furniture Throw
Pros
- Durable
- Available in multiple fabrics
- Customizable
Cons
- At a higher price point
If you want something that'll truly protect your sofa from the wrath of your pets, Pottery Barn's pet furniture throw is a no-brainer. Available in three sizes, this lucky find can be customized in a bevy of fabrics, too, including tweed, bouclé, and chenille, among others. Of course, they're all performance-grade.
Material: Basketweave, Linen, Boucle, Velvet and more | Colors: 100+ | Care: Depends on fabric material you chose
Meet the Expert
Interior designer Tiffany Leigh runs her eponymous firm in Ontario, Canada, where her team helps clients create their dream homes and cottages. Since 2019, they design approachable and liveable interiors that feel welcoming and elevated, with a focus on quality craftsmanship, emotional connection, and natural elements. According to Leigh's website, she believes "that the beauty of a space lies within tension—of old and new, clean-lined and organic, textural and sleek. Our signature curated interiors blend contemporary lines and vintage character pieces, creating a beautifully seamless space."
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Can Any Sofa Style Be Slipcovered?
Yes, but some styles lend themselves to being covered a bit better than others. Leigh says that sofas with a thinner arm or roll arm tend to look nicer with a slipcover on it than those without. You can also choose between having a skirt on your sofa cover or showing off the legs of your furniture, depending on your aesthetic preference. "I like when they go right to the floor because for me, a skirt cover is a much more traditional, covered look," Leigh says. "If you have a little bit more of a modern style, having a slip cover that stops at the legs can be a fresher, kind of more updated take."
What Fabrics Are Best for a Sofa Cover?
Natural fabrics like linen are typically a great bet for a sofa cover. "Linen does get a little bit wrinkly, but I think that's kind of the charm of a slipcovered sofa, having that kind of rumpled you know 'someone just took a nap here' look," Leigh says. "If you wanted something a little bit more durable, canvas or a cotton would be a really great material on there."
For family rooms or homes with pets, indoor/outdoor fabrics like crypton that have been treated to repel dirt and debris are a safer bet for those wanting something stain-resistant. The stretchiness of the fabric also matters when selecting a sofa cover. Leigh says that with a stretchy fabric, you may want a cover with measurements slightly smaller than the dimensions of your sofa, for a tighter, more fitted look. For sofa covers that have corner ties that allow you to tighten or tie bows, the fabric might have a bit less give, and you'll want to give yourself a little extra room in the size of the cover.
How Do You Take Care of a Slip Cover?
It's always a good idea to pay attention to the care instructions for whatever cover you buy, as fabric care really depends on the individual material. For example, a heavier cotton material can likely hold up to more washing.
"I would say only wash when you really need to, just like a really nice sweater," Leigh says. "Don't wash it every time you wear it, because washing breaks down fibers. So it could actually reduce the longevity of your sofa cover. Most of them are designed to be taken off and put in the wash. So if and when you feel like 'oh, you know what it's looking a little bit dingy, it's time,' that's the time to do it." Also, it's important to note the size of your cover, as larger ones may require a commercial washing machine.
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How Do You Style a Slip Cover?
"An oatmeal linen slipcover is that very quintessential, relaxed coastal style that you see a lot of slipcovers used in, and I think it's a classic choice that you'll never go wrong with," Leigh says.
Don't run away from pattern either, though—Leigh is seeing a rise in patterned upholstery in the design industry, and it's a chance to push the envelope and have fun with your design choices. "A cover can be a great way to you know, try out a pattern without necessarily committing to it forever, because if in five years you say 'okay, this pattern was fun, but I'm ready for something different,' you can just change the slipcover as opposed to having to get an all-new sofa," Leigh says. Pro tip: patterns are also a great way to hide stains.
Why Trust Us?
At House Beautiful, we are experts in reviewing and buying big pieces of furniture, from mattresses to sofas. We are also knowledgeable about the accompanying accessories, like a sofa cover, to get with your big investment items. For this story in particular, we asked our staff members to share their favorite indoor vertical garden (if they own one) and combed the internet for 10+ hours, reading reviews about the best ones on the market right now. While we haven't tested every product on this list ourselves, we've thoroughly laid out the pros and cons to each sofa cover in order to provide you with all the necessary details before you make a purchase.
