The Best Couch Covers That Offer Style And Protection

Forbes

a day ago

Once you've invested in a high-quality couch, it's natural to be apprehensive of pets, kids or even less-careful family members lounging on it. Stain anxieties are all too real—but a great way to alleviate them is with a reliable couch cover that protects your furniture from spills and scratches. Our team of editors, product experts and researchers spent months evaluating the best couch covers on the market that are not only reliably protective, but are also good-looking enough to contribute to the aesthetic of your space—not ruin it. In 2025, our top pick is the Easy-Going Stretch Soft Couch Cover, which is easy to install and designed to fit a variety of different sofas.
The best couch covers from brands like Easy-Going and Nolan Interior offer protective and aesthetic ... More properties. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
'Couch covers are well worth the cost of preserving your sofa,' says interior designer and founder of Iapicco Design Studio Michele Iapicco. 'It will protect from food and beverage stains, dirt from pets jumping on it, sweat, gum, markers and pens, everyday wear and tear and anything else that could stain something you've invested a lot of money into.' After months of research and expert consultation with Iapicco and others, we've determined that the options ahead are the best covers for most living spaces.
Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, Medium, Medium X-L, Large, X-Large | Colors: 28
What you'll love: Stretchy elastic fabric is easy to install
Available in sizes suited for chairs, loveseats and sofas
Comes in 28 color options
Machine washable
Keep in mind:
This cover has a simple design and comes in a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for almost any space. It's made from a polyester-spandex blend, which makes it both stretchy (all the better for a seamless installation) and resistant to stains.
It's also available in several sizes, accommodating everything from armchairs to full-sized sofas. Installation is straightforward: Remove the cushions, stretch the main cover over the frame and arms, then slip the included pieces over the cushions and place them back. The finished look is impressively polished—more like a full furniture refresh than a quick cover-up. The material here is not waterproof; however, the pieces are machine washable, so it's easy enough to keep up with spills.
Material: Jacquard polyester and spandex | Sizes: Seat, back, chaise, pillow | Colors: 11
What you'll love: Stylish cross-hatch pattern
Anti-slip design
Machine washable
Spill-repellant
Keep in mind: Not fully waterproof
Sizes may run small
Nolan Interior is known for its furniture covers that are designed to combine form and function. The Magic Sofa Cover is a great example, with an attractive cross-hatch pattern available in nearly a dozen colors to suit any space.
Beyond looks, this cover is crafted with protection in mind. It's made of stretchy jacquard fabric designed for full coverage of each back, seat, chaise and even pillow cushion, to make sure no spot goes unprotected. They all feature an anti-slip material, and the fabric is thick, making it resistant to snags and tearing from rough or sharp objects. Additionally, these covers are repellent to minor spills, so you don't have to worry about enjoying a cocktail or cup of tea on the couch. That said, they're not totally waterproof, which means you may still have to practice some caution and keep up with spills as they happen to prevent stains. Luckily, the cover is machine washable for easy upkeep.
Material: Polyester and spandex with waterproof coating | Sizes: 2-piece, 3 piece, medium back cover, large back cover, chaise cover, XL chaise cover | Colors: 11
What you'll love: Totally waterproof
Oeko-Tex certified
Non-slip straps included
Keep in mind:
If you want to enjoy beverages on your couch without worrying about messes, a waterproof couch cover is a must. This one features a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane backing and a waterproof coating, both of which work to repel liquids before they have a chance to soak into the fabric. An elastic bottom makes the pieces easy to install over couch cushions, while an included strap helps keep everything securely in place without slipping. There are several sizes available, including options for seat, back, and chaise cushions. Just keep in mind that some reviewers have noted the sizing can run large. (Fortunately, the brand offers free 30-day returns in case the covers don't quite fit your couch.) This product is also OEKO-Tex certified, meaning it's made from high-quality, sustainable materials that meet strict standards for both human and environmental health.
Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, medium and large seat cover and back cover; Medium and large chaise cover | Colors: 12
What you'll love: Stretchy material is easy to install
Machine washable
Wrinkle-resistant
Keep in mind:
Finding the right couch material for pets that withstands sharp claws and occasional accidents can be daunting. That's why Nolan Interior offers the Miracle Sofa Cover, which is designed with fur babies in mind. It's made from a thick chenille fabric that's designed to combine plush comfort with durable protection, even from paws and spills.
Although this couch cover is water resistant, it's not totally waterproof, which means users should try to wipe spills as soon as they happen in order to avoid them getting absorbed into the fabric. Luckily, this set is machine washable, so removing stains is painless if you don't absorb them quickly enough.
This couch cover comes in a variety of stylish colors, and they feature anti-slip backing and elastic edges to keep them in place.
Material: Polyester | Sizes: 6 sizes | Colors: 5
What you'll love: Eye-catching, double-sided design
Fur-repellant and scratch-resistant
Easy to remove, wash and reuse as needed
Keep in mind: Not waterproof
Prone to shifting
If you're looking for a couch cover that's less permanent and easier to slip on and off, this boho chenille slipcover is an eye-catching choice recommended by Iapicco. 'I love an oversized slipcover that you can simply toss over the couch and throw in the wash when needed," she says. "One of my current favorites is this boho chenille style—soft, stylish and easy to care for.'
This slipcover is made from a soft chenille material that's resistant to stains and machine washable, so it's easy to refresh as needed. It's also fur-repellant and scratch-resistant, making it a great surface for fur babies to rest on.
The boho design is available in a few colorways, and each cover is double-sided, so you can switch up the design regularly to refresh your space. But keep in mind that slipcovers like this are more prone to shifting around couches without staying in place.
The home team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of product experts who have evaluated countless products to help you make the best of your home, from sofas to rug pads. Monica Petrucci is a commerce writer at Forbes Vetted and the author of this article. She has been testing and researching home products for several years, including everything from fake plants to outdoor dinnerware.
In order to gain expert insight for this piece, we interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Easter, a professor of textile science at the University of Kentucky. She offered expertise about the best fabrics to look for when shopping for durable couch covers, as well as how to care for them.
We also received insight from interior designer Michele Iapicco, who offered expertise about the style and functionality components of couch covers and how they can be beneficial in the home. She also provided product recommendations based on firsthand experience.
The Forbes Vetted team prioritizes producing content that is consistently relevant and up to date in order to best suit our readers. This piece was last updated in June 2025.
We evaluated several retailers and products in order to find the best couch covers that suit several stylistic, functional and budgetary needs. We took into account the recommendations provided by textile expert Dr. Easter in order to prioritize the best quality couch cover fabrics.
We included recommendations offered by Iapicco in order to provide expert-backed products with proven real world performance.
We prioritized several features that consumers look for, including waterproof and scratch-resistant fabrics, as well as couch covers that stay in place and are machine washable.
We scoured through consumer reviews in order to collect firsthand accounts of how these products perform in real world settings, exclusively including products with a 4-star rating or higher.
There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for high-quality couch covers. According to Dr. Easter, 'Couch covers should protect the furniture from dust, soil, dirt and stains,' she says. 'They also protect the color of the couch and reduce or prevent wear.'
Easter adds that the best couch covers are easy to put on and remove, they stay in place without shifting and they're machine washable for easy maintenance. In order to ensure they meet most or all of those standards, here are a few key features to look for. Material
Iapicco says there are a few common materials used for couch covers due to their inherent qualities. 'Various versions of cotton, polyester, polyester blend, velvet and microfiber work best for sofa cushions due to their flexible fabric, washable and often water-resistant properties,' she says.
Dr. Easter advises keeping an eye out for whether a couch cover is made from natural or synthetic fibers, as each has its own respective pros and cons.
'Natural fibers, such as cotton, will absorb liquid and particulate soils, but can be treated with a finish to protect against both,' she says.
'Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon and olefins, are more repellent to liquid stains but attract oil-based soils,' she says. 'However, they can be treated with a finish to provide resistance to oily stains.' Keep an eye on product descriptions to see whether the fabric has been appropriately treated to protect your sofa. Size
Most couch covers are available in a wide variety of different size options. Fitted couch covers are available in sizes suited to specific cushions (seat, back or pillow), while throw covers offer different size dimensions to suit varying sofa types.
The key is to make sure you accurately measure your couch and/or cushions before making your purchase, in order to find the best fit for your sofa. Usage
Iapicco recommends keeping in mind how often you'd like to use your couch covers before making a purchase decision.
'If it's occasional use, then a waterproof throw might be a good option,' she says. Those are easy to toss on and off the sofa when you need extra protection, like hosting friends or pets. 'If you planning on using the covers every day, then I'd suggest choosing waterproof fitted ones you leave on.' Care
One of the biggest benefits of couch covers it the ability to remove and wash them regularly. But not all upkeep is simple; before investing in a couch cover, be sure to look into its cleaning instructions. 'Washable covers are preferred over dry cleaning-only based on the function of the couch cover,' Dr. Easter says.
If the cover is machine washable, that doesn't necessarily mean it can be tossed in the washer and dryer on a regular cycle. Read the care instructions carefully to ensure you're taking care to support the longevity of the fabric without damaging it.
When it comes to stains or spills—especially on a cover that's not waterproof—speed is key. 'Spot clean a spill or stain as soon as possible to extend the useful life a cover and reduce the number of wash and dry cycles,' Dr. Easter says.
What Fabric Is Best For A Sofa Cover?
It's best to opt for a fabric that has—or has been treated with—stain-repellant or stain-resistant qualities. This makes it much easier to care for the cover without worrying about spills and stains. Waterproof couch covers take these benefits even further, repelling liquid and protecting the couch underneath from damage.
How Do I Know If A Couch Cover Will Fit My Couch?
Most couch covers are available in multiple sizes, with included size dimensions to help you make your decision. It's important to measure each cushion on your couch, as well as the couch itself, in order to ensure you're finding the best fit.
Can You Put A Couch Cover On Any Couch?
This is dependent on the shape of your couch and the type of couch cover you're looking for. For a single-piece throw, it's easy to find a size and shape that drapes over most couches. But for more thorough coverage over each cushion, it may be hard to find appropriate sizing for uniquely shaped couches and sofas. Be sure to check dimensions thoroughly before making a purchase.