Throw-Style Couch Covers vs Fitted Slipcovers: Which Suits Your Couch?

There are two main kinds of couch cover. A throw-style cover is a large piece of heavy fabric that drapes over the whole couch and tucks in. A fitted slipcover is cut or stretched to the shape of a couch or its covers and pulled tight over it. Neither is better for everyone. The right one depends on the look you want, how often you'll wash it, and the shape of your couch.

Here's a look at both, so you can choose with confidence.

The quick answer

• Choose a throw-style cover if you want something that goes on and comes off in a minute, washes easily, works on almost any couch shape, and gives a relaxed, layered look.
• Choose a fitted slipcover if you want a crisp, tailored look that reads as new upholstery, and you don't mind more time getting it on and off.

How they look

A throw-style cover drapes. It falls in soft folds over the arms and down the front, and it changes the feel of a room the way a good throw or a linen bedspread does. It looks deliberate and lived-in rather than perfectly sharp.

A fitted slipcover hugs the frame or cushions. When it fits well, it can look close to new upholstery. When it doesn't quite match the couch's shape, it can wrinkle, gape or pull at the seams.

Some fitted covers only go over the seat and back cushions, leaving the arms and base in the couch's original fabric. They're quick to put on, but the couch ends up in two different fabrics, so they suit couches whose own upholstery you're still happy to see.

Putting it on and taking it off

This is where the two differ most.

A throw-style cover is laid over the couch, smoothed out and tucked into the gaps around the seat and arms. It comes off in seconds and goes back on just as fast, with no ties, elastic or zips.

A fitted slipcover usually means removing cushions, working the fabric over the arms and back, and tightening straps or elastic underneath. It's a job you do once and leave, rather than something you'll happily take off every week.

Washing

A cover only stays clean if washing it is easy. Our throw-style covers go straight in the washing machine on a cold wash, then dry over the line or a clothes rack. Because they come off so quickly, people actually wash them often. If your tumble dryer has a low heat setting you can throw it in there too.

Fitted slipcovers are often washable too, but the effort of getting them off and back on means they tend to be washed less often. Some also need care to avoid shrinking, since even a small change in size can stop them fitting.

Living with pets and kids

For homes with dogs, cats or small children, the ability to wash often usually matters more than a perfectly tight look. A throw-style cover can be whipped off after a muddy paw or a spilt drink and be back on the couch the next day. Many of our customers keep two covers, so one is on the couch while the other is in the wash.

The honest trade-off: a dog that digs before settling will untuck a throw-style cover now and then, and it'll need a quick re-tuck. A heavy fabric helps a lot here. Our Signature covers are a heavy 300 to 350gsm chenille, which settles and stays put far better than a light throw. For homes with pets that knead or scratch, we recommend our Rib and Plush covers. Read more in our guide to couch covers for dogs and cats.

Couch shapes and sizes

Fitted slipcovers are made for particular shapes: a standard two-seater, a three-seater, a chaise. If your couch has unusual arms, deep seats, a curved back or modular pieces, finding one that fits properly can be hard.

A throw-style cover is far more forgiving. Our covers come in two sizes, 300cm and 340cm long, to drape over most 2 and 3 seat couches, including the arms. L-shaped and modular couches usually look best with two covers: one over the main section and one over the chaise. Our size guide shows how to measure.

When a fitted slipcover is the better choice

A fitted slipcover is a good option if:

• you want a sharp, tailored look and don't like visible folds
• you rarely need to take the cover off
• your couch is a standard shape that matches a slipcover size closely
• you don't mind having different fabrics showing if the covers just fit over the cushions

When a throw-style cover is the better choice

A throw-style cover is likely to suit you better if:

• you want to wash it often, especially with pets or kids
• your couch is an unusual shape, modular or L-shaped
• you like a soft, relaxed, layered look
• you want to change the look of the room without committing to new upholstery

Quick answers

Do throw-style couch covers slide around?
Light ones can. A heavy fabric that's tucked firmly into the back and arms stays in place much better, especially on fabric couches.

Are fitted slipcovers better for leather couches?
Fitted covers grip leather better, as any cover can slide on a smooth surface. If you use a throw-style cover on leather, tuck it deeply and expect to re-tuck it more often.

Can I use a throw-style cover on an L-shaped couch?
Yes. Most L-shaped and modular couches look best with two covers, one over the main section and one over the chaise.

Which is easier to keep clean?
A throw-style cover, because it comes off in seconds and goes straight in the machine on a cold wash.

Find the right cover for your couch

Browse our couch covers, check the size guide, or use See it on your couch on any product page to preview a cover on a photo of your own couch. You can also email us a photo of your couch and we'll help you choose.