Measure your furniture before you buy a cover
The right cover size depends on the exact dimensions of your furniture, not on what the manufacturer calls it. A "large" sectional from one brand may be smaller than a "medium" from another. You need to measure the longest point of your furniture in three directions: length, width, and height when the furniture is in its normal position.
Use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler. Measure from the furthest point on one end to the furthest point on the other end for length. Measure across the widest part for width. For height, measure from the ground to the highest point — usually the top of a cushion or armrest. Write these numbers down; you will need them when you shop.
If your furniture has legs that stick out, include them in your measurement. A cover that fits the cushion but not the legs will leave wood or metal exposed to weather. If you have a chaise lounge or recliner, measure it in its normal resting position, not extended.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your furniture's length, width, and height in three directions before shopping for a cover, because furniture sizes vary widely between brands.
- Most covers are labeled by shape (sectional, loveseat, dining set) rather than exact dimensions, so you must match your measurements to the manufacturer's size chart.
- A cover should be snug enough not to blow off in wind but loose enough to slip on and off without forcing it, which can tear seams.
- Covers come in standard materials like polyester and canvas, each with different water resistance and durability — check the denier rating and seam type before buying.
- Measure again before the cover arrives and compare your numbers to the product's stated dimensions, not just its name or size label.
How cover sizes are labeled and what they mean
Patio furniture covers are usually named by the type of furniture they fit: loveseat cover, sectional cover, dining chair cover, chaise lounge cover. Within each type, manufacturers offer small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. The problem is that "large" from one maker may fit a 90-inch sofa, while "large" from another fits a 110-inch sofa.
Every reputable cover seller publishes a size chart that lists the actual dimensions each size will fit. This chart is your only reliable guide. Before you buy, find the chart on the product page and look for a row that matches or slightly exceeds your measurements. If a cover is listed as fitting furniture up to 84 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 32 inches tall, and your sofa is 82 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 30 inches tall, that cover will work.
Some sellers list covers by the number of seats — a "3-seat sofa cover" or "4-piece sectional cover." This is less reliable than dimensions because a 3-seat sofa can range from 75 to 95 inches long depending on the frame and cushion depth. Always cross-check the seat count against the actual measurements.
The difference between snug and too tight
A cover that is too loose will flap in wind, collect water in sagging spots, and may blow off entirely. A cover that is too tight will be hard to put on and take off, and forcing it over corners can tear the seams or damage the fabric. The goal is a fit that is snug but not strained.
When you put a cover on, it should slide into place with gentle pressure. You should be able to tuck it under the furniture legs without pulling hard. If you are wrestling with it or if the fabric is visibly stretched tight across corners, the cover is too small. If it drapes loosely or bunches up, it is too large.
Some covers have elastic hems or drawstrings that help hold them in place. These features make a slightly looser fit acceptable because the cover will not shift as easily. If you live in a windy area, look for covers with these features, or choose a size that is closer to snug.
Standard cover materials and how they affect sizing
Most patio furniture covers are made from polyester, canvas, or a blend. Polyester is lightweight and water-resistant but less durable. Canvas is heavier and more durable but takes longer to dry. Some covers are made from vinyl or polypropylene, which are fully waterproof but can crack in cold weather.
The thickness of the material is measured in denier — a higher number means a thicker, more durable fabric. A 300-denier cover is thin and suitable for light rain and shade. A 600-denier cover is medium weight and handles moderate weather. A 1000-denier or higher cover is heavy-duty and resists tears and UV damage. Thicker materials are slightly stiffer, so you may want to size up slightly if you choose a very heavy cover, but this is rarely necessary.
Check the seam type before you buy. Covers with sealed or taped seams will not leak at the seams during heavy rain. Covers with straightforward stitched seams may allow water through over time. If you live in a wet climate, sealed seams are worth the extra cost.
Measuring oddly shaped furniture and sectionals
A sectional sofa is harder to measure because it has an L-shape or U-shape. Measure the longest point from one end of the entire sectional to the other, as if you were measuring a straight line across the whole piece. Measure the deepest point from front to back. Then measure the height at the tallest point, usually the back cushion.
For a sectional with a chaise, include the chaise in your length measurement. If the chaise is removable, you may want to cover it separately with a chaise lounge cover, or you may want one large cover that fits the whole sectional together. Check the product description to see whether the cover is designed for sectionals with or without a chaise.
For dining sets, measure the table length and width, then measure the height from the ground to the top of the table. Measure one chair separately — length, width, and height. Some sellers offer "dining set covers" that fit the table and four or six chairs together under one large cover. Others sell table covers and chair covers separately. Decide which approach works for your space before you measure.
What to do if your furniture is between two sizes
If your measurements fall between two sizes — for example, your sofa is 88 inches long and the size chart shows covers for furniture up to 84 inches and up to 95 inches — choose the larger size. A cover that is slightly too large is easier to manage than one that is too small. You can tuck the extra fabric under the furniture or use bungee cords to hold it in place.
If the larger size is significantly bigger — for example, it fits furniture up to 110 inches when yours is 88 inches — the cover may be so loose that it becomes impractical. In that case, look for a different brand or style that offers a size between the two. Some specialty cover makers offer custom sizing for an additional cost.
Before you order, check the return policy. Many cover sellers allow returns within 30 days if the cover does not fit. If you are unsure, order the larger size and return it if it does not work out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I measure my furniture with or without cushions?
Measure with cushions in place, in their normal position. The cover needs to fit over the cushions as they sit, not around a bare frame. If your cushions are removable, measure with them on the furniture where you normally use them.
Do I need a different size cover for winter storage?
No. Use the same size cover year-round. The cover should fit your furniture the same way whether you are protecting it from summer sun or winter snow. If you store furniture indoors in winter, you may not need a cover at all.
What if my patio furniture is an unusual shape, like a curved sofa?
Measure the longest straight-line distance from end to end, the widest point from front to back, and the height at the tallest point. Use these measurements to find the closest standard size. Curved furniture often fits standard rectangular covers because the cover drapes over the shape.
Can I use one large cover for multiple pieces of furniture?
You can if the pieces are close together, but it is usually better to cover each piece separately. One large cover is harder to put on and take off, and it may not fit the gaps between pieces. Individual covers also allow you to move furniture without removing the cover from everything.
How much extra room should a cover have?
A cover should have 2 to 4 inches of extra room beyond your furniture's dimensions. This allows the fabric to drape slightly without being loose or flapping. If a cover is designed for furniture up to 84 inches and yours is 80 inches, that 4-inch buffer is built in.