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As humans, it's natural for us to want to change our surroundings every now and then. It helps to keep us focused and makes things seem fresher. It truly gives you that 'new' feeling that comes with a lick of paint or a new carpet. If you've been dreaming of a new sofa but don't quite have the funds to get you there just yet, we've found a stop-gap: sofa covers.
However, just because we'd love to redecorate the house doesn't mean we have the funds to do so, sadly. Given that we spend so much of our time in the living room - and, more specifically, on the sofa - how it looks and feels is important.
The best sofa covers, at a glance:
Best sofa skin for modern designs: Hotniu 1-Piece Fit Stretch Sofa Covers, £29.99+ on Amazon
Best sofa skin for basic colours: Subrtex 1-Piece Stretch Sofa Cover, £24.99+ on Amazon
Best sofa skin for futons: Mingfuxin Armless Sofa Cover, £14.90+ on Amazon
It seems that even celebs are jumping on this sofa covers trend. Everyone's favourite TV personality, Stacey Solomon is getting in on the action with her boucle sofa.
With so many shapes, sizes, and designs to choose from, you're sure to find the best sofa skin for you. Live your life like Stacey Solomon and grab one from Amazon below.
SHOP: The best sofa covers to buy
Best sofa skin for futons
This sofa cover will make your futon look attractive and neat with a wrinkle-free effect. Available in more patterns than we can count, your living room will never have looked so good. It is made with soft fabric and a 360-degree all-cover stretch band design, so it won't shift easily when you are sitting on it. Plus, it's convenient to wash, so don't worry about any spillages.
Amazon review: "Our sofa bed is faux leather and has ripped. It was looking awful but this has given it a new lease of life. Fits great on our Argos sofa bed and so far hasn’t come off."
Pros
- Soft material
- Wrinkle-free fabric means easy storage
Cons
- Suitable for sofa beds only
Best sofa skin for floral and nature designs
This sofa cover is perfect for protecting your sofas from spills, stains, and wear and tear - it comes in a beautiful floral pattern and three sizes to fit one to three-seater sofas.
Amazon review: "This cover was easy to fit. Pull it over the sofa and tie the strings underneath before shooting out and securing down the supplied foam holders. It’s totally transformed an old two-seater. This two-seater is on the smaller side although there was plenty of extra room in the cover."
Pros
- Great price point
- Multiple sizes available
Cons
- Only available in two prints
Best sofa skin for bold designs
If bold is more your style, these patterned covers will definitely be up your street. Available in three designs and in a three-seater option.
Amazon review: "Purchased this as my toddler has my sofa ruined and it does the job just nicely. Easy to fit and tuck in, soft to the touch, easy to remove to clean and pretty to look at. Would buy again in another pattern to change things up."
Pros
- Easy installation
- Bold patterns available
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best sofa skin for subtle sofa covers
This sofa skin comes in ten subtle block colours and sizes that will fit one to four-seater sofas. The fabric of the sofa slipcover is made of comfortable soft material and they also have custom covers for recliners and corner sofas.
Amazon review: "Our recliner is very old and the leatherette is worn and unsightly. I was looking to purchase a new chair, but these chairs are soooooo expensive! I came across this product and it's added more years to the chair. It fits okay and is non-slip. Great product."
Pros
- Available in ten shades
- Multiple sizes depending on your sofa
Cons
- Doesn't cover the entire sofa
Best sofa skin for modern designs
Our editor's choice with over 45 designs to choose from, this cover is easy to fit and comes in sizes suitable for one-seaters, two-seaters, three-seaters and four-seaters, as well as cushion covers.
Amazon review: "You will be amazed! I bought one cover design and literally feels like I had a new sofa immediately. Brought a few other designs since then I am so happy with it. Can even get a Xmas theme one which I just had to get on offer! So quick and easy to replace when needs a wash. I 100% recommend it if you like the comfort of your sofa but not the look of it being scratched or old etc. These covers really do what they show in the photos. So glad I found this product before getting rid of a perfectly good sofa but which the cats had clawed the side of so looked tatty to look at for me."
Pros
- Available in a variety of covers
- Multiple sizes available
Cons
- Requires installation
- Can be a bit bold
What are sofa skins?
Okay, well the clues in the name - sofa skins are an extra layer of fabric you place over the top of your settee to ensure that it's safe from any spills or dirt, including pet hair, wine (we've all been there) and food. The genius thing about them is that they give your beloved furniture a new lease of life, without having to fork out for a whole new sofa. And, that really is an investment.
They can come in all different styles or patterns, depending on what theme you're looking to go for in your home. We recommend going for something that you know is going to last and is also really easily washable, just in case you do manage to spill something.
Where can I buy sofa skins?
Look to classic department or home online stores like Amazon, Dunelm and John Lewis which are likely to stock these nifty homeware items. If you're looking for inspiration, check out all of the top favourites above, which are already highly rated.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Closer, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing about affordable homeware, beauty products and gym leggings, she can usually be found a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.