How to Measure Your Sofa – Size Guide for a Perfect Fit

Choosing the correct size is the most important step in ensuring your sofa cover looks smooth, stays secure, and fits beautifully. At Sofa Decor, our covers are designed with premium stretch fabric to accommodate different sofa shapes – but accurate measurement is still essential.

This guide will help you measure your sofa properly, choose the right size, and avoid returns or incorrect orders.

1. General Measuring Rules

Before choosing a size:

✔ Measure your sofa outside arm to outside arm

Always measure the widest point, including armrests.

✔ Use a flexible measuring tape

A standard sewing or tailor’s tape gives the most accurate results.

✔ Make sure cushions are in place

Measure your sofa as you usually sit on it, not with cushions removed.

✔ For modular, L-shape, and U-shape sofas

Measure each section separately.

✔ Always refer to our “Stretch Fit Ranges”

Our sofa covers are elastic, so you only need to ensure your measurement falls within our product’s size range.

2. Standard Sofa Covers – Size Chart & Measuring Guide

How to measure (visual guide description):

  • Step 1: Measure from the outer edge of the left armrest to the outer edge of the right armrest.

  • Step 2: Measure from the top of the sofa’s backrest down to the base.

  • Step 3: Measure the depth of the seat cushion area.

Recommended size ranges:

Sofa Type Measurement (Left to Right) Fits These Styles
1-Seater / Armchair 90–140 cm Armchairs, recliners without footrest
2-Seater 145–185 cm Small sofas, compact lounges, apartment sofas
3-Seater 190–230 cm Standard Australian family sofas
4-Seater 235–300 cm Extra-long sofas, long-line lounges

Tip: If your measurement is between two sizes, choose the larger option for the best fit.

3. L-Shaped & Corner Sofas

These require measuring two sections separately.

How to measure (visual guide description):

  • Measure Side A: From armrest to the corner

  • Measure Side B: From the corner to the opposite armrest

  • Ensure both measurements fit within our product’s stretch range

Size Ranges (Typical):

  • Side A: 145–185 cm

  • Side B: 190–230 cm

If your L-shape is reversible, our covers will fit both left and right configurations.

4. U-Shaped Sofas

Measure three sections:

  • Left Section

  • Middle Section

  • Right Section

How to measure (visual guide description):

Measure each side separately using the arm-to-arm method.

Typical Size Ranges We Support:

  • Each section: 90–140 cm, 145–185 cm, or 190–230 cm depending on your sofa

If you're unsure, send us a photo and measurements—we’ll confirm the correct size for you.

5. Recliners / Lounge Chairs

Recliners require measurements with the footrest closed.

How to measure:

  • Width: 65–95 cm

  • Height: Measure from top of headrest to bottom of recliner

If your recliner has cup holders, choose the specialised recliner cover from our collection.

6. Sofa Beds / Futons

Measure when the sofa is in sofa position:

  • Width: 160–190 cm

  • Height: up to 90 cm

  • Depth: 75–95 cm

If your futon is unusually deep, message us so we can recommend the best option.

7. Dining Chairs & Armchairs

Dining Chairs:

  • Back height: 45–60 cm

  • Seat width: 35–48 cm

  • Seat depth: 35–45 cm

Armchairs (Tub Chairs):

  • Width: 65–95 cm

  • Height: 70–90 cm

  • Circumference: Up to 120 cm

8. Corner Sofa Measuring Example (For Aussie Homes)

Imagine a typical Sydney or Melbourne apartment corner sofa:

  • Side A: 178 cm

  • Side B: 212 cm

This would fit perfectly into our L-shape cover set where both sides fall within the adjustable stretch range.

9. Visual Guide (Describe so your designer can create icons)

Use these for your future graphics:

  1. Tape Measure Icon with “Measure from Arm to Arm”

  2. Sofa Outline showing arrows across width

  3. L-Shape Outline with Side A & Side B arrows

  4. U-Shape Sofa with A+B+C arrows

  5. Dining Chair silhouette with arrows for height/width/depth

  6. Tick icon for “Choose size range that matches your measurement”

  7. Elastic fabric icon showing stretch

10. FAQs – Sizing & Fit (Australia-Focused)

Q1. What if my sofa measurement is between sizes?

Choose the larger size. The elastic fabric will mould nicely.

Q2. Will the sofa cover slip?

Our covers include anti-slip straps, elastic bottom edging, and foam anti-slip sticks for a secure fit.

Q3. Will it fit bulky or overstuffed sofas?

Yes—our covers stretch generously. If your sofa has wide arms, select the larger size.

Q4. Do the covers fit leather sofas?

Yes, but for leather we recommend using the included foam grips for extra hold.

Q5. Are these covers suitable for Aussie recliners?

Yes—our recliner covers fit most standard Australian recliner sizes.

Q6. Will the cover fit IKEA sofas?

Most IKEA sofas fit well due to our elastic fabric. Send us your model name if unsure.

Q7. Are the measurements different for waterproof covers?

No—the waterproof layer doesn’t affect stretch. Measure normally.

Q8. Can I send you a photo for size confirmation?

Absolutely. Email or message us your pictures and measurements—we’ll advise the exact size.

11. Sizing Errors to Avoid

❌ Measuring only the seat cushions
❌ Ignoring wide or rolled armrests
❌ Forgetting to measure both sides of an L-shape
❌ Measuring without cushions
❌ Guessing instead of using a tape measure

12. Need Help? We’re Here.

If you're still unsure, send us your sofa photo and measurements.
Our Australian support team can confirm the perfect size for your home within hours.