Finding Stylish Sofa Covers Isn't Hard — You Just Have to Know What to Look For

Considering that even the best sofa covers often serve more practical purposes, they tend not to be the most stylish thing to shop for. Indeed, most sofa covers are a bit of an eyesore. But, as is the case with any unattractive piece of furniture or decor, there are always exceptions. And it's Livingetc's (and therefore, my) job to find them.

If you've just purchased the best sofa for your home but cringe at the idea of covering it in a less-than-stylish slip, you've come to the right place. As a bona fide sofa and shopping expert myself (seriously, check my credentials below), I know all the places to find the best sofa covers even the pickiest of design junkies would love. But I had to go the extra mile, of course, so I supplemented this inherent knowledge by speaking with an interior designer at Laure Nell Interiors who confirmed all of my suspicions about the best material to look for, the latest trends, and more.

The TLDR: I'm here today to give sofa covers a rebrand, all while offering you advice for shopping, finding, and styling the best design-forward options out there. Let's dive in, shall we?

Advice

Why should I consider a sofa cover?

First, let's start by outlining the case for using a sofa cover at all. "Sofa covers are incredibly practical for preserving the life of your furniture," says Laetitia Laurent, principal designer at Laure Nell Interiors. "They shield your sofa from spills, stains, and everyday wear, especially if you have children, pets, or a busy household."

But beyond that, sofa covers also offer "an opportunity to refresh the look of your space without committing to a new piece of furniture," she continues. "A well-chosen sofa cover can elevate a room’s aesthetic while giving you peace of mind." Use them for seasonal updates — try "light linen covers for summer, and cozier textures like velvet for winter" — or drape them over "vintage pieces with delicate upholstery" for an added layer of protection.

If you're on the fence, Laetitia also recommends opting for a sofa cover if your couch is not upholstered in a performance fabric, to help make it last longer.

Shop the Best Sofa Covers

To compile this list, I spent hours searching the internet for design-forward sofa covers — if a better option exists, I would have found it, trust me. While it wasn't easy, I'm quite pleased with my final six selections.

Outside of a cover made for a specific sofa at a specific retailer, these are truly the best of the best. In theory, I could've expanded the list to include more options, but the style factor would drop. And who wants that?

FAQs

Are sofa covers on trend?

Sofa covers tie perfectly into current sofa trends, which these days are all about modularity, Laetitia says. "People are looking for ways to personalize their homes while maintaining flexibility, and sofa covers align beautifully with that mindset."

I agree; if you're looking for a couch that will last you a long time, you want something that offers options; things like reversible cushions (so you can flip in the event of a stain); washable, performance fabric covers; and modular pieces, which grow and move as your home grows and moves. Now that sustainability is top of mind for many younger shoppers, we're seeing a greater focus on product longevity. Because the most sustainable couch you can buy is the one you will keep.

As for sofa color trends, well, a cover can help you achieve (and move on from) those, too. "For 2025, I see a movement toward covers in earthy, tonal shades like sage green, terracotta, and taupe," Laetitia tells me. "Colors that reflect a desire for grounded, timeless interiors."

How do I select a stylish sofa cover?

But here's the info you've really been waiting for: how do I make this practical and functional cover actually look good? For one thing, the color trends covered above are a great place to start. While I wouldn't advise investing in something you don't love just because it's popular at the minute, trends are nonetheless a helpful touchpoint if you don't know where to begin.

After that, just be sure you're picking a sofa cover that fits...and try to keep your chosen material as natural as possible. "The key to a stylish sofa cover is selecting one that fits snugly and complements the overall palette and textures in your space," Laetitia tells me. "Avoid overly stretchy fabrics that can look cheap and instead opt for natural materials like linen or cotton blends."

After that, your pristine taste will take things from good to great. "Layer it thoughtfully," Laetitia tells me. "Pair the sofa cover with beautiful cushions or a throw to create a cohesive, curated look. Choosing covers with subtle details, like piping or a tailored fit, also enhances their elegance."

As a final option, Laetitia suggests ordering a custom cover directly from an artisan. This ensures you're getting something that will actually fit your couch (and ups the WOW factor, too!)

What fabric is best for a sofa cover?

There are plenty of fabric options out there for sofa cover, but if she had her pick, Laetitia would go with one in particular.

"Linen is my go-to for its breathability, durability, and timeless appeal," she tells me. "It drapes beautifully and only gets better with age."