Recliner covers for your chair

How to choose a recliner cover

Start with the shape of your recliner. A reclining chair has a back, a seat, two arms and often a footrest that folds out. A reclining sofa has the same parts but wider. Most covers here come in four pieces: one for the back, one for the front or seat, and one for each arm. That setup lets the fabric move with the recliner when it opens and closes.

If you want a cover that stays put, look for a stretch fabric with some weight. The Leaf Jacquard Recliner Cover in the 350 gsm version and the Ribbed Stretch Recliner Cover both use a stretch polyester jacquard at about 350 gsm. The Four Piece Stretch Recliner Cover Set is lighter at about 130 gsm and has a matte finish. The Wavy Knit Waterproof Recliner Cover is about 200 gsm and is the one to pick if spills are a concern.

Sizes and measuring your recliner

Measure before you order. Use a tape measure and write down four numbers: width across the back, height from the floor to the top of the back, depth from the front of the seat to the back, and the seat width between the arms.

Most covers here fit recliners 27 to 39 in (68.6 to 99 cm) wide at the back and 40 to 50 in (102 to 127 cm) tall. Depth ranges from 26 to 40 in (66 to 101 cm) depending on the style. The Leaf Jacquard Recliner Cover in the 250 gsm version also lists a seat width of 23 to 35 in (58 to 88 cm). The Quilted Diamond Recliner Cover comes in a plus size for larger recliners, so check that listing if your chair is wider than the standard range.

A reclining sofa cover follows the same idea but on a bigger scale. Measure the full width of the sofa and the depth of each reclining seat. A stretch cover with a four piece build is the safest choice when the sofa has separate reclining sections.

Materials and textures

All covers here are polyester. The difference is in the knit and the weight.

• Stretch polyester jacquard: used in the Leaf Jacquard Recliner Cover, the Split Jacquard Recliner Cover and the Ribbed Stretch Recliner Cover. It has a woven pattern and a soft hand. The 350 gsm versions feel denser.
• Knit polyester: used in the Four Piece Stretch Recliner Cover Set and the Ribbed Knit Recliner Cover. Soft, stretchy and light, with a fine rib or a matte finish.
• Quilted tatting weave: used in the Quilted Diamond Recliner Cover. The diamond stitch adds a padded look and a soft surface.
• Stretch knit with a raised wavy pattern: used in the Wavy Knit Waterproof Recliner Cover. The raised pattern adds texture and the fabric is made to handle spills.

If you have pets or kids in the house, a denser jacquard or a quilted cover tends to hold up better to daily use. If you want a smooth, simple look, the lighter knit sets are a good match.

Care and washing

Every cover on this page is machine washable at 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle. That is the one rule that applies across the board.

Drying is where they differ. The Four Piece Stretch Recliner Cover Set and the Quilted Diamond Recliner Cover can go in the dryer on low. The Leaf Jacquard Recliner Cover, the Split Jacquard Recliner Cover, the Ribbed Stretch Recliner Cover, the Ribbed Knit Recliner Cover and the Wavy Knit Waterproof Recliner Cover should be air dried.

A few habits help the fabric last. Wash with like colors. Skip bleach and fabric softener. Reshape the cover while it is still damp, then let it air dry flat or over a line. Put the cover back on the recliner once it is fully dry so the stretch stays even.

What comes in the box

Most covers here ship as a four piece set: back, front, left arm and right arm. That includes the Leaf Jacquard Recliner Cover in both weights, the Four Piece Stretch Recliner Cover Set, the Split Jacquard Recliner Cover, the Ribbed Stretch Recliner Cover and the Ribbed Knit Recliner Cover.

Two styles come as a single cover: the Quilted Diamond Recliner Cover and the Wavy Knit Waterproof Recliner Cover. A single-piece cover is faster to put on and take off. A four piece set gives a closer fit around the arms and the seat.

Matching your room

The Leaf Jacquard styles come in Charcoal, Mocha and Camel, so you can tie the recliner to the rest of the room. The solid knits and the quilted diamond cover keep a quieter look. If you already have a sofa cover from the same jacquard family, a matching recliner cover keeps the whole seating area consistent.

Think about where the recliner sits. A chair near a window or a door sees more sun and dust, so a denser jacquard is a practical pick. A chair in a den or a bedroom can take a lighter knit. Either way, the cover is there to protect the upholstery underneath, so choose the weight and texture you will be happy to wash and put back on.