A sofa cover set is a group of matching covers, one for each sofa in your set: three pieces for a 3+1+1, two for a 3+2, three for a 3+2+2 seven seater. Each piece is sized for that sofa, so the first job is to measure every sofa separately, arm to arm.
Below, the size table and piece counts come first, then twelve sets in four groups. For a single 3 seater or for fabric advice, see the main sofa cover guide. Planning the sofas themselves? Look at 5 seater sofa set designs.
Sofa Cover Set Sizes for Each Seat
Measure each sofa from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other. Then match it here.
| Sofa | Usual length | Cover size to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Single seater | 30 to 40 in | 1 seater |
| 2 seater | 54 to 66 in | 2 seater |
| 3 seater | 72 to 90 in | 3 seater |
| 4 seater | 90 to 100 in | 4 seater |
If a single seater is above 40 inches wide, use a 2 seater cover. If a 3 seater is above 90 inches, go up to a 4 seater cover.
How Many Pieces Each Set Has
| Set | Sofa covers | Seat cushion covers (usual) |
|---|---|---|
| 3+1+1 (5 seater) | 3 | 5 |
| 3+2 (5 seater) | 2 | 5 |
| 3+2+1 (6 seater) | 3 | 6 |
| 3+2+2 (7 seater) | 3 | 7 |
| 3+3 (6 seater) | 2 | 6 |
Throw cushions are extra. A sofa pillow cover set of 5 fits a 3+1+1 with one cushion per seat; a set of 6 suits a 3+2+1. For cushion sizes see sofa cushion designs. For L shaped sofas use the L shape sofa cover guide instead.
Stretchable Sofa Cover 3+1+1 Seater Sets
Stretch sets are the most bought kind. Each cover has an elastic hem and foam sticks, and the knit grips square or rolled arms.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Stretch knit
- Fits
- 12 x 14 ft hall
A grey stretchable sofa cover 3+1+1 seater set on a three piece fabric sofa set. All three covers come from one dye lot, so the shade matches.
Maker's note: Buy all three pieces together; covers bought later rarely match the first shade.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Elastic jacquard
- Fits
- Drawing room
A beige jacquard elastic sofa cover 3+1+1 seater set with a small diamond weave. The texture hides creases on single seaters with thick arms.
Maker's note: For single seaters wider than 40 inches, buy a 2 seater cover instead.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Cotton, ties
- Fits
- Hot city flat
A cotton sofa cover 3+1+1 seater set with piped edges and loose fit. Cotton keeps seats cool in summer but needs ironing after washing.
Maker's note: Ask for pre shrunk cotton and ties under the base instead of elastic, which cotton does not hold.
Sofa Cover 3+2 Seater Sets
A 3+2 set has two pieces: one for a 3 seater (72 to 90 inches is common) and one for a 2 seater (54 to 66 inches is common). Check both lengths against the cover pack, not just the seat count.
- Seats
- 3+2
- Build
- Stretch knit
- Fits
- Family hall
A navy stretchable sofa cover 3+2 seater set with separate cushion covers. The dark colour hides marks on a sofa used every day.
Maker's note: Count seat cushions on both sofas; a 3+2 usually needs five separate cushion covers.
- Seats
- 3+2
- Build
- Velvet stretch
- Fits
- Drawing room
An elastic sofa cover 3+2 seater set in olive velvet feel. It gives a dull older set a modern sofa cover set look.
Maker's note: Brush velvet feel covers in one direction after washing so the pile lies even.
- Seats
- 3+2
- Build
- Printed polyester
- Fits
- Joint home
A mustard sofa set cover 3+2 with a small leaf print. Prints like this hide tea spills and are kind to a set used by many people.
Maker's note: Choose small repeat prints; large motifs break up badly over the arm and seat joint.
Fitted Sofa Cover Sets with Zipper
Tailored sets are cut to your sofas and close with zips, so they look like new upholstery. A stretchable sofa cover 3+1+1 seater with zipper is a middle path: stretch knit with zip corners for a tighter fit.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Linen look, zips
- Fits
- Formal hall
Each piece is cut to its sofa with zips at the back corners. Piping on every edge keeps the shape sharp.
Maker's note: Ask the tailor to label each piece inside; single seater covers look alike but rarely are.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Stretch, zips
- Fits
- Rented flat
Stretch knit with zip corners on each piece. The zip lets the cover pull tighter than a plain stretch fit.
Maker's note: Run the zip from bottom to top while the cover is on, so it does not pull the knit out of line.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Cotton canvas
- Fits
- Older sofa set
A cotton canvas sofa set cover 5 seater, with skirts that hide the legs. It suits older sets with worn wooden legs.
Maker's note: Skirts should clear the tiles by about half an inch to stay clean.
Printed and 7 Seater Sofa Cover Set Ideas
For 3+2+2 or 3+2+1+1 sets, you buy covers per sofa, so a 7 seater sofa cover set is really a 3 seater cover plus two 2 seater covers. Prints suit large sets because they break up the sea of one colour.
- Seats
- 3+1+1
- Build
- Printed cotton
- Fits
- Traditional hall
A cream base with soft rose florals for a traditional drawing room. Floral covers look best with plain walls and curtains.
Maker's note: Match the print scale to the room: small florals in small halls, larger in big halls.
- Seats
- 3+2+2
- Build
- Stretch knit
- Fits
- 16 x 18 ft hall
A 7 seater sofa set 3+2+2 cover in plain grey, one 3 seater and two 2 seater pieces. It suits a U layout in a large hall.
Maker's note: Order one extra seat cushion cover; on large sets the most used seat wears out first.
- Seats
- 3+2+1
- Build
- Printed stretch
- Fits
- Modern flat
Teal with a small white geometric print gives a modern sofa cover set look to a plain set. It also brings a 6 seater or 3+2+1 together.
Maker's note: Add a matching sofa pillow cover set of 6 in plain white so the print does not overwhelm.
Questions buyers ask
Does one sofa cover set 5 seater pack fit a 3+2 as well as a 3+1+1?
No. A 3+1+1 pack holds a 3 seater cover plus two for the singles, while the 3+2 pack pairs a 3 seater cover with a 2 seater one. Check which your sofas are before ordering.
What is a full sofa cover 3+1+1 seater?
It covers the whole sofa: back, arms, seat and front down to the base, with elastic or ties underneath. A seat only cover protects just the cushions.
Can I buy a maharaja sofa cover set?
Carved maharaja frames are tall and curved, so stretch covers often fail. A tailor cut set or seat and back covers only works better. See the maharaja sofa page for frame shapes.
Is a waterproof sofa cover 3+1+1 seater set worth it?
Yes if you have toddlers, elderly parents or frequent tea in the hall. It keeps spills out of the foam. Remove it on hot days, as the backing holds heat.
Which colour sofa cover 5 seater set hides dirt best?
Grey, taupe, olive and small prints hide dust and stains. A cream colour sofa cover 5 seater set looks bright but needs washing every two weeks.
How do I stop covers sliding on single seaters?
Press the foam sticks deep into the crease where seat meets back. On leatherette, add anti slip mats under the seat cover.