Stretch couch cushion covers

How to measure a seat cushion

Take the cushion off the frame if it lifts out, and measure the cushion itself rather than the couch. You need three numbers: the length across the front edge, the depth from the front edge to the back, and the height of the side. Write them down in inches. A cover fits when all three fall inside the ranges for one size, and the stretch does the rest.

If one number lands between two sizes, go with the larger size when the cushion is firm and the smaller one when it's soft and squashy. A soft cushion fills a tight cover; a firm one needs the extra room. Height matters more than people expect: most covers here take cushions 2 to 8 in (5 to 20 cm) tall, which suits nearly every couch, but a thick, boxy cushion near the top of that range will pull the elastic edge up onto the sides. The Milk Silk cover is the exception, drawn for thick cushions 7.5 to 8.5 in (19 to 22 cm) tall.

Bench cushions, separate seats and deep seats

Count the seat cushions, not the seats. A couch with one long bench cushion takes one cover sized for that length, such as 3 seats for a cushion 49 to 65 in (125 to 165 cm) long. A couch with three separate cushions takes three single covers, one per cushion. Sectionals usually mix both: a few single seats plus a chaise end, which has its own size on most of these covers.

The Deep sizes, marked Plus or E on the size chart photos, are for cushions about 24 to 37 in (60 to 95 cm) from front to back. Modern lounge sofas and modular sectionals often have seats this deep. A standard-depth cover on a deep cushion leaves the back edge bare, so measure the depth before you look at the length.

Back cushions are a separate cover. If your couch has loose back cushions, order a back cushion cover for each one; if the back is fixed, a seat cover alone still gives the couch a new color.

Choosing a fabric

Jacquard covers have a pattern woven into the knit, such as a fine twill, a basketweave or a large leaf, which hides crumbs and pet hair better than a flat color. Velvet and plush covers have a soft pile with a slight sheen and feel warm in winter; the grid plush adds a fine check texture. Milk silk and smooth stretch knits are thinner and cooler to sit on, with the most give, so they suit cushions with rounded edges. The water-repellent cover has a finish that makes spills bead up for a few minutes, long enough to blot them; it isn't a sealed, waterproof layer.

All of them are stretch polyester knits. Colors in the photos are taken in daylight, and a lit room at night will make most of them look a touch warmer.

Fitting and washing

Pull the cover over the front edge first, then work it around the back corners and let the elastic close underneath. Smooth the top from the middle out to the sides. Wash on a gentle cold cycle, skip bleach and fabric softener, and air dry. Put the cover back on while it's still slightly damp and it settles into the shape of the cushion as it dries. More tips are in our fitting and washing guide.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, free on orders from $49, and covers arrive in 7 to 16 days. You have 30 days to return a cover, so you can check the fit at home.