Corner sofa covers: how many do you need?

It’s a question that comes up all the time: ‘I’ve got a corner sofa — how many covers do I need to order?’ The answer fits in one sentence — one cover per section — and getting it right saves you a return.

The rule, in three lines

• Standard corner sofa (L-shaped), two sections: 2 covers
• U-shaped sofa, three sections: 3 covers
• Straight sofa: 1 cover, chosen by its width

One condition: your sofa must have a gap, even a slight one, between its sections. Without a gap, the covers can’t be fitted.

Each cover is cut to cover one section, from end to end. You don’t pull a single cover over the whole corner: there isn’t enough fabric to turn the corner, the seat wrinkles, and some areas are left bare exactly where you want them protected.

Why two, rather than one big one

A corner sofa isn’t just a longer sofa: it’s two shapes meeting at 90 degrees. A single piece of fabric would have to stretch along the length and fold into the corner at the same time: it would do both badly. Two covers, on the other hand, each cover their own section without pulling.

It’s also more practical day to day. You wash the section that’s dirty without taking the other one off, and you replace just one cover if an accident marks it for good.

How to measure each section

Measure each section separately, following its shape, with the tape flat against the fabric: it starts at the outer edge of the arm, goes over it and stops at the gap; a middle section runs from one gap to the other. Note the two — or three — measurements, then choose the size for each one in the chart:

• 1-seater: 90 to 140 cm (36 to 55 in)
• 2-seater: 145 to 185 cm (58 to 72 in)
• 3-seater: 190 to 230 cm (75 to 90 in)
• 4-seater: 235 to 300 cm (93 to 118 in)

The two sections are rarely the same length: it’s normal to order a 3-seater and a 2-seater. Between two sizes, choose the larger one. The full method is in our guide how to measure your sofa.

What if one section is a chaise end?

On a corner sofa with chaise, the chaise end is measured from the top of the back to the end of the seat, following the fabric, and you read the figure in the same chart. If in doubt, email us a photo at contact@thesofacoverhouse.com: we’ll confirm the size before you buy.

My chaise end is on the left: do I need a specific model?

No. The covers are symmetrical: it’s how you fit them that sets the direction, not the product. So you don’t need to worry about which way round your sofa is when you order.

Same colour, same fabric

For a consistent look, order both covers in the same colour and the same fabric. The colour swatches are identical from one size to the next: a 3-seater and a 2-seater in Charcoal grey will be exactly the same shade.

Two fabrics work particularly well on corner sofas, because they give in both directions: stretch, and water-repellent jacquard if you often eat in front of the TV. Velvet works too, with a warmer look. Our guide to choosing your fabric compares them in detail.

Where the two covers meet

The join sits in the corner, where the two seats meet — the least noticeable spot on the sofa. From the front, you can’t see it. To make it even neater, tuck plenty of fabric from both covers into the corner gap as you fit them, then push the folds inwards.

The full fitting method, section by section, is in our guide how to fit your sofa cover in two minutes.

Budget, and what the £85 threshold changes

On orders of £85 or more, delivery is free and you choose two free cushion covers in your basket. It’s the right moment to match the seat and the cushions, rather than topping up later and paying for delivery twice.

In short

Count the sections, measure each one following its shape, arm included, and order one cover per section in the same colour. If you’re still unsure, our cover finder recommends a cover in three questions, and you can email a simple photo of your living room to contact@thesofacoverhouse.com: we reply 7 days a week.