Dining chair covers for every seat

How to choose a dining chair cover

Start with the part of the chair you want to cover. A full dining chair cover wraps the back, seat and often the legs, which is the right pick when the whole chair needs a fresh look. A dining chair slipcover does the same job with a pull on fit. A seat cover only covers the cushion, which suits chairs with a good back and a worn seat.

Next, check the shape. Most covers here are made for standard dining chairs with a separate back and seat. Some are cut for low curved backs, and one is made for high back armchairs. If your chair has arms, measure the armrest height as well.

Finally, match the stretch to the chair. Stretch polyester and spandex blends move with rounded backs and padded seats. Jacquard knits hold a woven pattern and add texture. Velvet brings a soft hand and a slight sheen.

Sizes and measuring

Measure your chair before you order. Use a soft tape and keep it snug, not tight. Write down four numbers: seat width, seat depth, back width and back height from the seat to the top of the back. For seat only covers, also measure cushion thickness.

Fit ranges in this category vary by style. The Velvet Curve Dining Chair Cover fits chairs 18.9 to 21.7 in (48 to 55 cm) wide, with a back 15.7 to 17.7 in (40 to 45 cm) high and a seat 15.7 to 17.7 in (40 to 45 cm) long. The Diamond Knit Dining Chair Cover fits a back 17.7 to 19.7 in (45 to 50 cm) wide and 11 to 14.2 in (28 to 36 cm) tall, with a seat 17.7 to 19.7 in (45 to 50 cm) wide and 13.8 to 16.5 in (35 to 42 cm) deep.

Seat covers are simpler. The Chevron Stretch Dining Seat Cover fits seats 14 to 18 in (36 to 46 cm) wide and 14 to 18 in (36 to 46 cm) deep, 1.2 to 2 in (3 to 5 cm) thick. The Quilted Diamond Dining Chair Seat Cover fits seats up to 18 x 18 in (45 x 45 cm). The Jacquard Stretch Dining Seat Cover fits chairs 15.75 to 20.87 in (40 to 53 cm) wide and deep.

Full covers with wider ranges include the Checked Jacquard Stretch Dining Chair Cover, which fits back height 18 to 23 in (40 to 58 cm), back width 14 to 19 in (35 to 50 cm), seat width 15 to 21 in (38 to 53 cm), seat depth 14 to 19 in (35 to 48 cm) and seat thickness 1.5 to 6 in (4 to 15 cm). The Stretch Knit Dining Chair Cover fits back height 17.7 to 23.6 in (45 to 60 cm), seat length and width 15.7 to 19.7 in (40 to 50 cm) and thickness 1.5 to 4 in (4 to 10 cm).

A few styles are built for specific chairs. The Tatting Weave Dining Chair Cover fits low curved back chairs with a seat and back 16 to 18 in (40 to 45 cm) wide and deep, and a back 16 to 18 in (40 to 45 cm) high. The Smooth Stretch Dining Chair Cover fits a narrow back 8.5 to 12 in (22 to 30 cm) wide, a seat 17.5 to 20.5 in (45 to 52 cm) wide and 15.5 to 18 in (40 to 46 cm) deep, and a back height 15.5 to 19 in (40 to 48 cm). The Basketweave Stretch Dining Chair Cover fits chairs 15 to 19 in (38 to 46 cm) wide, with a back height 22 to 27 in (55 to 68 cm) and a seat height 7 to 11 in (18 to 28 cm). The Stretch Velvet Dining Chair Cover in the armchair cut fits high back armchairs 18.9 to 20.5 in (48 to 52 cm) tall, seat width 20 to 21.7 in (51 to 55 cm), seat depth 17 to 18.5 in (43 to 47 cm) and armrest height 6.7 to 8.3 in (17 to 21 cm).

When you are between sizes, size up. A cover that is slightly loose tucks in at the seat and back. A cover that is too small will pull at the seams.

Materials and textures

Most covers here are stretch polyester and spandex blends, often around 180 gsm. That weight feels substantial in the hand and holds its shape on the chair. Jacquard weaves add a raised pattern, such as the leaf, diamond, chevron, checked, basketweave and tatting designs in this category. Knit styles feel smooth and matte. Velvet styles feel brushed and soft with a slight sheen.

If you want a quiet look, pick a smooth knit or a small woven pattern. If you want the cover to read as a design feature, pick a larger jacquard pattern or a velvet finish. All of these fabrics are made to stretch over the chair and return to shape after washing.

Care and washing

Every cover on this page is machine washable at 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle. That keeps the stretch and the surface finish in good condition. Drying varies by fabric. The Velvet Curve, Leaf Jacquard, Stretch Velvet, Basketweave and Quilted Diamond covers can go in the dryer on low. The Diamond Knit, Chevron, Checked Jacquard, Stretch Knit, Stretch Velvet armchair, Jacquard Seat, Tatting Weave, Smooth Stretch and Checkered Jacquard covers should be hung or line dried.

A few extra habits help. Wash covers inside out if the fabric has a raised pattern. Skip fabric softener, which can coat stretch fibers. Do not iron the Velvet Jacquard Dining Chair Cover. Put covers back on the chair while they are just dry or slightly damp, which helps the stretch settle into the corners.

What comes in the box

Each listing includes one cover unless noted. Full chair covers come as a single piece that pulls over the back and seat. Seat covers come as a single piece that fits over the cushion. Check the listing name to see whether you are ordering a chair cover or a seat cover, and order one per chair.