The 10 Best Sofa Protectors
Editor's Notes
April 25, 2019:
Sofa protectors have come a long way from the stiff and noisy shields of past generations. Some can be so gorgeous that you won't even miss the couch beneath them. The Niceec Slipcover is a great example, with its formal-looking skirt and texture that immediately dress up a room. The Link Shades Pebbles, with its suede-like surface, also instantly adds elegance to a perhaps dull couch. Of course, they are meant to protect, so we looked for features that do that, too. The Bella Kline Reversible has a water-repellent finish that should stop or slow spills from getting to the couch beneath. The Kitty Cat Protector is waterproof and highly tear-resistant, so pets who aren't yet house-trained shouldn't be an issue. The Elegant Comfort Quilted has an extra long flap in the back to prevent any damage to the often overlooked area. If you do manage to spill something on the South Bay Embroidery, it should wipe off the fabric easily.
How To Pick Out The Perfect Sofa Protector
If your other furniture all comes in solid colors, it could be fun to add a striped or patterned cover to one couch.
Sofa protectors have come a long way from the squeaky vinyl covers that were all the rage in the 1960s. Today, there are many different styles to choose from, so take a little time and make sure you pick out the one that will best fit your home and lifestyle.
Consider the fabric of the model in question. If you want your protector to fit your sofa like a glove, and for guests to barely notice there is anything over your sofa, look for stretchy fabrics, like a spandex blend or micro-suede. Be aware though, that the thinner the fabric, the less protection it will offer. So these types of protectors are best for keeping debris and dust off of your sofas, but they're not ideal for sofas that get a lot of traffic. If you plan on having a lot of guests on your sofa, get a thicker, more durable material, like canvas, denim, or a twill blend. If you only plan on bringing out your sofa cover occasionally to dress up a room for nice occasions, you can get a finer fabric like silk or linen.
You should also think about the style of your room. A sofa protector can be a nice accent piece if you'd like to add a little contrast to a room. If your other furniture all comes in solid colors, it could be fun to add a striped or patterned cover to one couch. This can draw your guest's attention to that area of the room. If your room is lacking charm, you can find a sofa cover with fun accents, like a decorative trim or frilly skirt. If this is for a reading or relaxation room, you may want a style that drapes loosely over your sofa, enhancing the laid-back vibe of the space.
What's Attacking Your Sofa?
Throwing out a sofa can be financially devastating. Even if you don't tend to buy expensive, designer furniture, basic couches will cost several hundred dollars, and more often that not, well into the thousands. So, let's look at some mistakes you may be making that are shortening the life of your couch. Unless you keep your sofa in a dark cave, it probably suffers sun damage every day. The sun's rays can make the color of your sofa fade and can cause cracks in some fabrics, like leather or vinyl. If you put your sofa up against a window, the back of it will usually get much more sunlight than the front. Eventually, you'll have a sofa that is two totally different shades, lighter in the back and darker in the front. If you keep decorative items like faux furs or throw pillows on your couch, be sure to rotate these so they don't cause one area to discolor.
Unless you keep your sofa in a dark cave, it probably suffers sun damage every day.
If you fall asleep on your couch and stay there all night, you could be doing serious damage to it. Couches are not designed for a full night's rest. Laying your entire body across your couch and staying there for nearly eight hours puts too much pressure on it, and can cause the frame and cushions to droop over time. When you sit on your couch, don't sit in the same spot every time. This can weaken the springs in the frame and, again, cause the entire thing to sag in one area.
Between movie nights and wine nights with friends, you probably spend a lot of time on your couch. Spills are bound to happen. The important thing is to clean them immediately. Once a stain sets in a couch, it's very difficult to remove. It's not like taking a stain out of a t-shirt; a couch stain sinks through several layers of fabric and cushioning. Even if you don't spill anything on your sofa, you should get it cleaned from time to time. Some people never clean their sofas, which is a shame, because doing so could prolong their lifespan. And if you know you won't be able to have it cleaned for a long time, throw a cover on there to protect it.
What Else To Look For In A Sofa Protector
The idea behind a good sofa protector is that you don't know it's there, so look for one that won't slip around when you sit on it. High-quality zippers or ties placed at strategic places, like the fronts of the arm rests and the skirt, should keep your sofa protector in place. If your sofa could use a little extra cushioning, many protectors come with a little padding. You may also want to consider a protector made from waterproof materials to better protect it from the aforementioned stains.
Those with allergies will benefit from the many hypoallergenic sofa covers out there.
If you want a little style versatility, you can find a reversible sofa protector. Some have patterns on one side, and solid colors on the other, so your couch will always be properly dressed for any occasion. If your sofa is the hub of entertainment and socializing in your home, complete with decorative ottomans and comfy chairs, there are sofa protectors with your lifestyle in mind. Some have pockets on the ends, so you can always keep important items, like the remote control or a magazine, nearby. Speaking of entertaining, if you plan on eating on your couch, look for a cover made from odor-resistant materials. You don't want to be reminded of those cheesy nachos for months to come.
While you love your sofa, it could be the source of some of your health woes. Those with allergies will benefit from the many hypoallergenic sofa covers out there. Even if you don't have allergies, but you do have pets, you can throw one of these protectors over your couch when you have a friend over who is allergic to pet dander. If you are buying a sofa protector mainly to keep your dog from destroying your couch, look for one made from durable (read: claw-resistant) materials. Some are even designed specifically to cling onto the hair your dog sheds, so it doesn't find its way onto your actual couch.