Sofa covers vs. reupholstery: which is right for you?

Has your sofa seen better days? Maybe the fabric’s looking faded, you’ve had one too many coffee spills, or you’re simply ready for a change. Either way, you don’t necessarily need to start shopping for a brand-new one. Two of the most popular ways to revive tired furniture are fitted sofa covers and reupholstery, but which one makes the most sense for your space?

Both options have their own benefits, whether you’re looking for a quick style refresh or a complete transformation. From convenience to sustainability and sentimental value, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to help you decide which route to take. So, whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new look or restoring a family favourite, let’s explore which option is right for you.

What are fitted sofa covers?

Fitted sofa covers are custom-made fabric covers designed to slip over your existing sofa. They’re an excellent way to change the look of your furniture without committing to permanent changes. Available in a range of fabrics, colours, and styles, including popular options like grey sofa covers and velvet sofa covers, they can easily refresh a tired settee or couch.

These covers for sofas are removable and machine washable, which makes them practical for busy households or those with pets and children. Whether you want a replacement sofa cover for a three-seater, an armchair cover, or a corner sofa cover, fitted covers offer flexibility and style. They enable you to change your sofa’s appearance with little effort and cost compared to reupholstery.

What does reupholstery involve?

Reupholstery is a more extensive process where your sofa’s old fabric, padding, and sometimes springs are removed and replaced with new materials. This transforms your sofa completely, inside and out. It’s a longer, more labour-intensive task that can take several weeks, but the results last for many years.

Reupholstery is ideal if your sofa has structural issues or if you want to preserve a beloved vintage piece. It can be more costly, but you’re investing in craftsmanship and durability. Unlike fitted sofa covers, reupholstery is permanent – the new fabric cannot be removed.

Which is better for you?

If you’re looking for an affordable way to update your furniture, fitted sofa covers like loose sofa covers or multiyork sofa covers are a great option. They’re available online and can be tailored to fit your couch perfectly, including dining chair covers and cushion covers online to match. These covers are ideal for protecting your sofa or changing its look frequently.

On the other hand, if your sofa has sentimental value, damage to its frame, or needs a complete refresh, reupholstery offers a longer-lasting solution. It’s worth considering if you want to change the style or fabric permanently.

Points to consider when choosing

Think about how much time and money you want to spend. Fitted sofa covers can arrive quickly and be put on with little effort. They are a flexible choice if you like to change your décor regularly. Reupholstery requires patience and a bigger budget but results in a sofa that feels brand new.

Environmental impact is another factor. Reupholstery extends the life of your sofa and reduces waste, which makes it an eco-conscious choice. Using replacement sofa covers instead of buying new furniture also helps reduce your environmental footprint.

If you’ve decided that removable sofa covers are the right choice for you, you’re in the perfect place. Here at Cover My Furniture, we offer a wide selection of fitted sofa covers, settee covers, armchair covers and more, all available in a beautiful range of colours and fabrics to suit your home.

If you feel that reupholstery might suit your needs better, our parent company Plumbs provides a full reupholstery service, restoring your furniture inside and out with expert craftsmanship and hundreds of fabric options to choose from.

If you’re unsure where to start, or you’d like help deciding between loose sofa covers and reupholstery, just get in touch with our friendly team through our website or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect solution for your furniture.