How to measure a armchair cover

An armchair that slides under an oversized cover quickly looks neglected. Conversely, a cover that is too small pulls on the armrests, rides up on the seat, and ultimately fails to protect much at all. If you're wondering how to measure an armchair cover, the simplest approach is to start with the furniture itself, using a few very concrete benchmarks and a tape measure.

The right reflex is not to measure the existing cover if it is already stretched, worn, or ill-fitting. To choose a truly suitable armchair cover, you need to take the dimensions of the bare armchair, considering its shape, armrests, and seat depth. A few minutes are all it takes, and it avoids many errors when ordering.

How to measure an armchair cover without making a mistake

Before you begin, place the armchair on a clear surface. Arm yourself with a flexible tape measure, a notepad, or your phone to record the measurements. If the armchair is against a wall, move it slightly forward to access the back and sides.

The first measurement to take is the total width. This is measured from one armrest to the other, at the widest point. This is often the data that makes the difference between a snugly fitting cover and one that is impossible to install. If the armrests are thick or very rounded, be sure to take the maximum width, not just the width of the seat.

Next, measure the total height of the armchair, from the floor to the highest point of the backrest. If your model has very visible legs, also check if the cover is designed to cover them or not. Some covers stop before the legs, while others go lower. This detail matters for the final look, but also for how well the cover stays in place.

The third essential measurement is the depth. This is taken from the front of the seat to the back of the backrest, following the structure of the armchair. It is important to distinguish here between the total depth of the furniture and the depth of the seat. On some models, especially more enveloping armchairs, the structure extends significantly beyond the seat itself.

The truly useful measurements to take

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is best to note at least five dimensions. The total width, total height, and total depth are the basics. Then add the seat width and armrest height.

The seat width is taken between the armrests, at the point where you actually sit. This measurement helps verify if the cover will properly follow the most used area of the armchair. A seat that is too tight creates tension wrinkles. A seat that is too wide gives a floating effect.

The armrest height is measured from the floor to the top of the armrest. This is particularly useful if you are choosing a stretch armchair cover. Even if this type of cover offers more flexibility, it must still remain within a consistent range. Elasticity helps with adjustment, but it cannot correct too large a discrepancy.

If your armchair has a very curved back, winged sides, or a club shape, also add the width of the backrest and its height from the seat. For classic armchairs, these data are sometimes secondary. For armchairs with a distinctive shape, they become much more important.

Measuring according to the type of armchair

Not all armchairs are measured with the exact same logic. A straight and compact armchair is simpler to cover than a recliner or a club chair. This is why you should always look at the silhouette of the furniture, not just its numbers.

For a standard armchair with two armrests and a simple backrest, basic measurements are often sufficient. Total width, total height, depth, and seat dimensions already provide a good overview. This is the most common case for a stretch armchair cover.

For a recliner or reclining armchair, you need to be more careful. If the footrest extends, a classic cover is not always suitable. You then need to measure the armchair in the closed position, then check if the cover is indeed designed for a reclining mechanism. Otherwise, the protection may hinder opening or pull on the seams.

For a wingback armchair, be sure to measure the width of the top of the backrest, the height of the wings, and the total width at that point. A too generic cover may cover the armchair, but not conform well to its shape. The result provides less protection and looks less neat.

For a club armchair or a very rounded one, the depth and thickness of the armrests become more important. The curves sometimes give the impression that a model is small, when in reality it requires a rather generous cover.

The most common mistakes

The first mistake is to measure only the seat. This is understandable, as it is the most visible part daily. However, an armchair cover must envelop the entire piece of furniture. If the armrests are wide or the backrest is high, this single measurement is not enough.

The second mistake is to take measurements flat, without following the actual volume of the armchair. An armchair is not a box. It has reliefs, curves, and sometimes reinforcements. If you measure too quickly, you often underestimate the space needed for the cover to drape properly.

Another common point is forgetting the material. A stretch cover tolerates a small margin. A more structured, less flexible cover requires greater precision. This doesn't mean you have to aim for millimetre accuracy, but you do need to stay close to the actual dimensions.

Finally, many people round off measurements randomly. It is better to note the exact dimensions in inches or centimetres, depending on the guide used by the seller. If you are hesitating between two sizes, it is better to compare the recommended product range rather than choosing by instinct.

Should you leave a margin?

Yes, but not just any way. When trying to figure out how to measure an armchair cover, one might think that you should always take a larger size. In reality, it depends on the fabric of the cover and the desired style.

With a stretch cover, a slight tension is normal. This is even what allows for a cleaner and more stable appearance. If you choose one that's too large, the cover may wrinkle and shift with each use. With a non-stretch or low-stretch cover, it's better to be more cautious and ensure that each measurement falls within the intended range.

You also need to consider daily use. In a house with children, pets, or intensive use, a well-fitted cover will stay in place better. A cover that is too loose will be displaced more quickly, especially on the armrests and the front of the seat.

The right order to measure quickly

If you want to go fast without forgetting anything, start with the total width, then the total height, then the total depth. Then return to the seat with its width and depth. Finish with the armrests and the backrest.

This simple method already eliminates many unsuitable models. It is also the best way to then compare the dimensions indicated on a product sheet. At a specialist like 1001 Housses, these benchmarks will help you guide your choice towards an armchair cover that is truly compatible with your furniture and your use.

Also take a photo of the armchair from the front and side while taking measurements. This is not an extra measurement, but it is very useful for checking the general shape afterwards. When comparing several covers, the image often helps to identify an forgotten detail, such as a very inclined armrest or a backrest that is higher than you thought.

What to check before buying

Once you have taken the measurements, don't just look at the advertised size. Also check the type of armchair targeted, whether or not it has armrests, the level of stretch, and the general shape of the cover. Two armchairs of similar dimensions may require different covers depending on their structure.

Also check if the cover is designed to primarily protect against stains, daily wear, pet hair, or simply to revamp the armchair. The need for protection influences the choice of material and the desired level of fit. An armchair cover does not only have a decorative role. It must also last, stay in place, and simplify maintenance.

If your armchair is between two sizes, ask yourself a simple question: is it rather slender and straight, or wide and enveloping? In the first case, the smaller size may sometimes be sufficient with a stretchy fabric. In the second, it is often better to opt for the size that allows the volumes to breathe.

Measuring an armchair well is not complicated. It's just the small gesture that makes the difference between a cover you put back in place every day and a cover that truly protects, effortlessly, from the very first installation.