Buying guide for best pet furniture covers
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Your fur babies are like family, the kind that shed, drool, dig, tinkle, claw, and paw their way through your furniture. Pet sofa and chair covers will save your furniture from the stains and odors that your cute little pet may create. Whether you need a cover on a specific piece of furniture only while you’re at work or covers on all your furniture 24/7, there are models to meet your requirements.
Sometimes a traditional slipcover can do the job, but when you want a bit more protection, as well an easy-care cover that slips on and off quickly for frequent washings, a pet furniture protector is the answer. They come in all sizes, colors, and patterns to match your furniture configurations and décor.
There’s a large selection of pet furniture covers on the market, and at first glance they might all look alike. You’ll have to look closer to see which model will be right for your lifestyle and furniture-protection needs. Our buying guide can help you determine which cover is best for you and your pet’s comfort.
Key considerations
Fabric
Pet covers are made from polyester and other synthetic materials for durability and washability. Fabrics come in various textures and weights, from thick quilted microfiber and velvety, ultrasoft fabrics to thinner, unquilted microfiber fabrics, all of which are resistant to spills and pet hair but may not be waterproof. Remember that tiny claws can get caught in loose seam threads, some woven fabrics, and material with microscopic perforations for breathability. Seams that are fused rather than sewn may be a good option for pets with small claws.
Color
There are a few ways to choose a color for your pet cover. Either choose a color that blends in with the furniture or contrasts to it so you can see it better. Many models come in neutral colors to complement solid or patterned upholstery. Or you can choose a cover in a color that matches your pet’s fur so the shedding won’t be so visible. Bold patterns also do a good job of hiding pet hair.
Care
Not every pet cover is machine washable. Some can be spot cleaned only, which is great for neat, clean pets. Certain covers with foam padding that are extra comfy for your pet may not be machine washable, or they might require dry cleaning to refresh it every so often.
Pet furniture cover features
Fit
Elastic bands: To make sure the cover fits snugly, look for models with adjustable elastic bands with hook closures that fit around the seat and back cushions. If you have attached back cushions, focus on covers that have seat straps. Note that straps that are too tight might squish or slightly dent your cushions.
Cushion anchors: Just like regular slipcovers, certain pet furniture covers may come with cushion anchors or bars to hold down the fabric on the sides and the back cushion. The anchors also help give the cover a snug fit on the furniture.
Sizes
If your pet loves to lounge on all your furniture, you’re in luck. Some manufacturers offer coordinating pet furniture covers that fit sofas, loveseats, and chairs of various sizes. If your pet favors one chair, you can find all sizes and models in a chair-and-a-half size.
Bolster
If you have a smaller pet, a cover with a soft bolster may be more comfortable than one with a draped back. Some pet owners use a bolster cover on an ottoman to create a pet bed in a pinch. Note that a cover with a small bolster can be spot cleaned only.
Reversible
A reversible cover gives you the option of quickly turning over the cover if one side is permanently damaged or stained. Not having to buy a second cover saves you money in the long run. Note that reversible covers don’t have nonslip backing like single-sided protectors.
Essential accessories
Puppy training pads: Four Paws Wee-Wee Absorbent Pads for Dogs offer an excellent way to catch urine or vomit that’s absorbed through a water-resistant cover.
Dog clippers: The Wahl Deluxe U-Clip Dog and Cat Clipper Kit can help you keep your dog’s or cat’s claws from damaging both the cover and the furniture.
Cat scratching posts: Pet covers won’t prevent your furball from clawing your furniture, but placing a cat scratching post or two around the furniture will likely reduce the damage. The North American Pet Classy Kitty Scratching Post offers a carpeted surface that cats can shred to their heart’s delight.
Pet lint rollers: Instead of tossing the cover in the wash every day, a little light rolling can refresh your cover on a daily basis. The Evercare Pet Plus Ergo Grip Lint Roller gets the job done.
Pet furniture cover prices
Inexpensive: In the $9 to $19 range, you’ll find mostly chair and recliner covers of all types, including reversible styles. You will see a few full sofa covers, but they might be very thin and not as durable as pricier versions.
Mid-range: From $20 to $28, you’ll find more models and styles to fit two-cushion sofas and loveseats. Most offer adjustable straps to keep the covers on the furniture. At the higher end of this price range, you’ll also see a few protectors that cover sectional sofas.
Expensive: Between $29 and $64, you’ll find covers made from heavier, thicker microfiber, many of which promise that they’re waterproof rather than just water resistant. Pet covers with soft bolsters, larger covers that fit three-cushion sofas, and many that cover sectional sofas are also found in this price range.
Tips
- Check the back panel measurement. Make sure you have a generous back panel for your piece of furniture. For example, you’ll find covers with back measurements of various sizes from 40 to 50 inches (which is considered extra long). It’s optimal to have the back of the cover hang behind your piece of furniture at least a third to halfway down.
- Take care with a cover that has a nonslip backing. To keep a pet furniture cover’s nonslip backing in the best shape, machine wash the cover separately, preferably in cold water on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low and remove it from the dryer immediately, or better yet, air-dry the cover flat.
- Choose the best solution for a sofa and chaise. If you have a sofa with a chaise, you have three options for the best fit. You’ll find full sectional sofa pet covers. Or you can choose a separate chaise longue piece designed for that style. Lastly, you can modify the fabric of a regular sofa cover to lie on top of the chaise. To do that, cut and rebind the new edge with premade binding from a craft or fabric store. It’s easier to accomplish with a sewing machine, but it can be done by hand, too.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to protect leather from pets?
A. Your first step should be to put leather protectant on your furniture. Many pet furniture covers can slip off of leather or shift around too much, leaving your furniture vulnerable to damage. There are a few specially made nonslip pet covers for leather furniture. This type of cover has a soft backing designed to grip smooth surfaces.
Q. If a pet furniture cover isn’t waterproof, how do I protect my furniture from accidents?
A. If your pet has accidents once in a while, it might be a good idea to place incontinence pads or puppy training pads beneath the cover to absorb liquid. Also consider using a cover you can machine wash.
Q. How should I measure my furniture for the right size pet cover?
A. Typically, a manufacturer provides a size or measuring guide on its website. For the style that has arm and back flaps, there are three measurements you need. Measure the width of the seat, measure the width of one of the arms, and measure the back from top to bottom, where it hits the seat cushion. For example, if you have a sofa that measures up to 78 inches wide, you need an oversized cover. A sofa with a seat measuring up to 70 inches wide needs a standard size cover. A loveseat measuring up to 54 inches wide needs a loveseat or two-cushion cover. A chair with a seat that’s 48 inches wide needs a chair-and-a-half size. A standard chair that’s 23 inches wide needs a regular chair size.
