How to Measure a Furniture Cover

Are you planning to buy a new furniture cover for your chair or sofa? Make sure it fits perfectly by taking the correct measurements first. 

Ready your tape measures because I’ll show you how to measure a furniture cover accurately. This guide will walk you through the measurements of the sofa, recliner, and chair to get the best fit.

How to Measure a Sofa Cover

Sofa covers come in various colors and designs. To protect the furniture, they should fit the sides, front, and back. And always consider how much stretch your chosen sofa cover fabric has.

1. Prepare the Materials

This project requires only a tape measure, pen, and paper. Use a cased tape measure instead of a sewing tape measure so you can hook it in place. It makes measurements more accurate, especially for longer sofas. 

2. Measure the Arm

Your sofa should be free from covers or draperies when measuring. Start by calculating the width of one arm diagonally and its depth from front to back. Record the numbers on the paper.

Most sofa covers use inches as a unit of measurement. But you can write down the numbers in both inches and centimeters just to ensure. 

3. Measure the Backrest Height

You don’t need to measure the total height of your sofa because the seat cover is separated into the back flap and the seat-to-floor flap. So, for this step, only measure the height of the backrest from top to bottom.

4. Measure the Seat’s Width and Depth

Move to the seat and place the tape measure on the inside arms. Measure the width from one side to the other. This part is the longest on your sofa cover.

Some sofa covers require you to lay the material on the couch. Others are available in stretch and tie forms. Simply adjust the measurements, if need be, based on the type of slipcover you’re getting or buying so that it stays in place.

5. Compare the Recorded Measurements to Flap Measurements

If you’re buying a ready-made sofa cover, analyze the measurements you wrote and compare them with flap measurements. For example, if your couch’s backrest measures 32 inches, the back flap should be 12 inches long to reach the back. 

Aside from the backrest measurements, you must also compare the seat width calculations. They need to be as exact as possible. 

Compare the depth of the seat to the product’s seat-to-floor flap. This part of the furniture cover is a matter of preference. Decide whether you want the sofa cover to reach the floor or not. 

Do the same for the arm measurements. If you want your sofa cover to protect the furniture piece, choose one with a long fabric overhang. Doing so will prevent dust, stains, and dirt from accumulating on all sides. 

6. Drape the Sofa Cover

Once you have your sofa cover, drape it over your couch. You can tuck the excess fabric between the cushions and arms if it’s too big. 

How to Measure a Recliner Cover

Start with an unadorned recliner. Then, record the following measurements on a piece of paper:

• Arm width (diagonally).
• Arm depth (front to back).
• Backrest height (top to bottom).
• Seat width (left to right on the inside arms).
• Seat depth (back to front).

Unlike sofas, recliner covers usually don’t have a long fabric overhang. The seat-to-floor flap does not reach halfway to the ground. That means it doesn’t reach the edge of the footrest when it’s up. 

But make sure that the measurements are still a few inches longer for the arm flap, back flap, and seat-to-floor flap. Longer flaps ensure that the cover stays in place. 

How to Measure a Chair Cover

For a chair cover, take the same measurements as the recliner. Prepare your tape measure, and record the following:

• Arm width (diagonally).
• Arm depth (front to back).
• Backrest height (top to bottom).
• Seat width (left to right on the inside arms).
• Seat depth (back to front).

Chair covers also do not have a long overhang of fabric. But their arm flaps are longer than a recliner cover’s arm flaps. 

The fabric pieces on the seats are also short since the cushions do not touch the ground. And you do not want the cover to hide the beautiful legs of your chair. 

How to Attach D-Ring Straps

Some furniture cover types stay intact through D-ring straps that are hidden. Slide the tie through the two rings and double it back to fasten them. Put it inside the second ring and tighten it for a secure fit. 

Standard Measurements for Sofas

If you want to save yourself from the trouble of measuring, follow these standard sizes. Note that this reference may not be the exact size of your sofa, recliner, or chair.

Sofa

• Seat width: 68 inches.
• Arm flap: 25 x 43 inches.
• Seat-to-floor flap: 44 inches.
• Back flap: 54 inches.
• Straps: 17 inches.

Loveseat

• Seat width: 46 inches.
• Arm flap: 25 x 43 inches. 
• Seat-to-floor flap: 44 inches. 
• Back flap: 54 inches.
• Strap: 17 inches.

Extra-Long Sofa

• Seat width: 78 inches.
• Arm flap: 25 x 43 inches.
• Seat-to-floor flap: 44 inches.
• Back flap: 54 inches.
• Strap: 17 inches. 

Recliner

• Seat width: 23 inches.
• Arm flap: 16 x 21 inches.
• Seat-to-floor flap: 30 inches.
• Back flap: 48 inches.

Wing Chair

• Seat width: 23 inches.
• Arm flap: 16 x 21 inches.
• Seat-to-floor flap: 30 inches.
• Back flap: 48 inches.

Time to Make Your Furniture Cover!

Knowing how to measure a furniture cover before buying or making one is essential. Ensure the fabrics exceed the back height, arm dimensions, and seat depth. Are you ready to get a new cover for your couch or chair? Let me know what you bought by leaving a comment below! And check out our guide to mixing and matching textiles.