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Setting up a patio or deck with comfortable outdoor furniture is sure to make you want to spend more time in your outdoor space. But when your outdoor furniture is not in use, it’s crucial to find a way to increase its lifespan and long-term use. From weather conditions to insects and outdoor debris—many factors seek to ruin your outdoor furniture.
Meet the outdoor furniture cover—the perfect product to protect your outdoor furniture. “Covering it will go a long way in preserving the longevity of your furniture if you don’t use it daily,” says design expert Chrissy Serrano. “Humidity, sunlight, pollen, and daily debris add up quickly outdoors.” With so many options when it comes to sizes and materials, finding the right fit can be tricky.
To help you select the best investment to protect your patio, we put 16 different furniture cover options through a series of real-world tests. We looked at how well each cover protected furniture, how well it stayed in place, its interaction with water, any fading after sun exposure, and more. We also assessed how well each cover was performing after six months of use. Our top picks are heavy-duty, high quality, keep moisture out, and have strong fasteners to keep them in place.
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Can fit a variety of chair sizes and shapes
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UV resistant
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Waterproof
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Held up in high winds and rain
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Easy to take off and put back on
Patio chairs come in such a wide range of shapes and sizes, but this cover is helpful to fit just about any chair. The cover is constructed from heavy-duty polyester, making it incredibly durable to withstand a variety of elements.
It is both UV resistant and waterproof, with the waterproofing holding impressively at the double seams thanks to a solid-state welding process during manufacturing instead of stitching.
The patio chair cover was easy to put on and proved effective after months of testing, including periods of thunderstorms with high winds and consistent rain. There are straps and clips to secure it in place on the legs of the furniture. Those straps help to keep it from blowing off in high winds, while also making for a proper fit for better protection.
Sizes: 36 x 34 x 41 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
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Large
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Heavy-duty
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Comes with handles
While protecting your outdoor furniture with a cover is important, outdoor cushions should be stowed away and protected in a storage bag. This storage bag comes in three different sizes to find the best fit for your outdoor cushions. We were surprised by just how much space there was to store multiple cushions with plenty of room left over. The padded handles also made it easy to move once filled.
The bag is made from sturdy polyester, which is water resistant (but not waterproof). Because of its material, it’s best to store it under a covered space or in a garage, basement, or storage shed. The base is thicker, which provides additional protection if it’s being stored on the ground.
After six months of testing and storing outdoor cushions through winter, we found this cover storage bag to be in the same shape as it was originally. It was quick and easy to unzip and remove pillows to put them back in place.
Sizes: 3 sizes, ranging from 45.5 x 20 x 13.8 inches to 60 x 28 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Water resistant only
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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Heavy-duty fabric
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Adjustable straps
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Color doesn’t fade
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Sturdy
To protect a big outdoor dining table and chair set, you’ll need a large cover. This rectangular cover is designed to fit over either an oval or rectangular table. Made from polyester, it’s waterproof and made with sealing tape for secure, well-made seams. We found that the fabric felt quite thick and strong.
It was simple to put this cover on and use the straps and adjustable cords to secure it. During our testing, it kept outdoor furniture covered during rain, wind, and sunshine and didn’t show any signs of moving or fading with no condensation underneath. Given its size, we did find that it’s not very simple to fold up and store away when not in use, but that’s to be expected.
Sizes: 96 x 32 x 70 inches or 140 x 32 x 80 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
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Sturdy polyester fabric
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Secure elastic hem
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Prevents fading
Protect your dining chairs so they’re ready for your next meal on the patio. This cover is designed for chairs, with a durable polyester construction. While it is not fully waterproof, it is water resistant and will help to keep moisture from snow and rain off your furniture. The material is also UV protected so it can withstand sun exposure and prevent your chairs from fading.
This chair cover comes in just one size, but it does have an elastic hem to make it easier to put on over your furniture. With that elastic hem, we found it provided a snug fit at the bottom of chairs, even though it didn’t quite fully cover the length of the chair legs. Overall, it proved to protect chairs during storms. It doesn’t have clips for additional fastening, but we still found it performed well in high winds.
Sizes: 28 x 33 x 28 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Water resistant only
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Patio sofas are some of the most vulnerable pieces of outdoor furniture because of their large shape and soft material. This sofa cover comes in six different sizes and two colors so you can find the best fit for your furniture.
It is made from heavy-duty polyester, making it durable to last through all weather conditions. The material is waterproof, dustproof, and UV resistant and put together with strong stitching.
We found that even during rain and wind, the cover stayed in place and it kept the furniture dry. Through six months of testing in late fall and winter, we found that even with sun, rain, and wind, there has been no change in how well this cover performs.
Because it has handles on each end, this sofa cover is easy to put on and pull off, with clasps at each corner for fastening. Two extra ties on either end make it possible to tighten the bottom. However, it is not meant to cover sofa legs, so it may not be the ideal choice for patio furniture with wooden legs.
Size: 6 sizes, ranging from 60 x 35 x 35 inches to 104 x 35 x 40 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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Waterproof
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Long-lasting durability
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Two air vents included
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Three-year warranty
Protect the outdoor table where you enjoy many al fresco meals. This furniture cover is meant for rectangular or square tables and comes in 12 different sizes. It is made from waterproof polyester canvas with a double-stitched seam for long-lasting durability. When we first put the cover on, it was a bit loose, but was easily adjusted for a tight fit at each corner thanks to strong buckle straps and adjustable drawcords. There are also two air vents to help with breathability.
We tested this table cover during a lot of rain, as well as falling leaves and debris from trees above, but didn’t have any issues thanks to its waterproof exterior and clever design. It also comes with a three-year warranty.
Size: 12 sizes, ranging from 54 x 54 inches to 136 x 74 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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PHOTO: Southern Living
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Lightweight, durable material
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Snug elastic and buckles for added security
Do you have a swing on your porch or a free-standing swing in the yard? It can certainly use protection from the elements as well. And even though it may seem impossible to find an option that fits, this swing cover checks all the boxes.
The cover is made from polyester and is water and UV-resistant. While durable, the fabric is pretty lightweight, making it easier to lift and put on. Through testing, we found it has a snug fit thanks to its elastic bottom, along with a drawcord and buckles to keep it in place. It was exposed to rain and high winds, but the cover proved to stay in place and effectively protect the swing to keep it in good shape.
Sizes: 56 x 32 x 25 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Water resistant only
The Bottom Line
Our top picks for the best outdoor furniture covers are tailored to a variety of sizes and shapes. To protect patio chairs, our top pick is the Budge English Garden Large Patio Chair Covers because of their lightweight yet durable, waterproof material. We also love just how easy they are to slide on and off. For large dining sets, we love that the Duck Covers Elegant Rectangle/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover can be placed over everything at once, making the process that much simpler.
Our Testing Process
To find the best outdoor furniture covers, we tested 16 different options across a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. All pieces were tested in our own outdoor spaces over a two-week period and re-evaluated after six months of use.
Once furniture covers arrived, we took note of the material and its thickness, along with the quality of the cover’s seams, stitching, and any buckles, clips, ties, or other fasteners. We used the outdoor furniture covers on patio furniture including sofas, chairs, and tables, assessing how well the cover fit each piece of furniture and how well it protected the furniture once the testing period was up.
We evaluated just how waterproof each cover was and took note of any issues in storms, winds, or sun exposure. We also cleaned the furniture covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Southern Living
More Outdoor Furniture Covers to Consider
Article Hofte Lounger Cover: To cover and protect a very large piece of patio furniture, this lounger cover will do the trick. The waterproof fabric is thick, but throughout our testing, we didn’t find it too stiff or bulky. The cover was a bit loose at first but could be adjusted thanks to the built-in zippers and drawstrings. It is also constructed with ventilation holes to avoid condensation build-up. After six months of use during a windy and wet winter, we found this cover worked flawlessly. Once the cover was removed, the furniture was still protected and didn’t show any damage. Overall, it’s an excellent lounger cover. It fell just short of our list because of its price point—our top picks feel similar in quality but come with a much lower price tag.
Ultcover Waterproof Outdoor Sofa Cover: This sofa cover is another great option that comes in 11 different sizes and two colors to find the best fit for your outdoor space. It has two handles to make it easy to put on and is made from waterproof polyester canvas for strength and durability. Two air vents prevent moisture from building up, while a UV-resistant exterior prevents fading due to sun exposure. After six months of use, including covering furniture during a winter with heavy snow and high winds, we found it still performed well. The main issue is that sizing can be tricky, as it may be necessary to order a longer-than-needed cover in order to fit the depth of furniture.
Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Chair Cover: At 1.5 pounds, we found this patio chair cover to be surprisingly easy to put on and take off. The fit was somewhat roomy, but it could be adjusted using the buckles at the base of each leg and elastic cords to make it more secure. The chair cover is made from sturdy waterproof polyester, with a multi-layer design to help with breathability for the prevention of mold or mildew forming. Ultimately it didn’t make our list because the cover is UV stabilized (treated for long-term sun protection), but not UV resistant. Overall, it’s a decent cover at an approachable price point.
Hampton Bay Beige Patio Furniture Loveseat Cover: This loveseat cover is made out of polyester, which seemed to be of notably high quality while testing. It’s water and UV resistant with vents for moisture control and clips to secure the cover around the legs of a loveseat. Through testing, we found that this cover wasn’t quite as leakproof as it should be. After a rain, there were small puddles of water on the cushions, but it still held up in high winds. While it may not be best suited in a rainy environment, it still performs well to prevent sun exposure fading and keep debris off furniture.
Southern Living
Tips For Choosing The Right Outdoor Furniture Covers
Size
Finding the right size and shape of covers for your furniture is key for proper protection. Serrano says it’s important to take the time to get the exact measurements of your pieces to ensure that the one-size-fits-all sizing is the closest fit.
“Covers that are too large will allow water and dirt to make its way inside and create a pocket where it’s trapped. Smaller covers will of course leave pieces of your furniture exposed to the elements,” she says. “The correct size will just kiss the ground or sit right above it to allow furniture to ‘breathe’ and provide air circulation.”
Material
Outdoor furniture covers should be made from materials that are durable and meant for long-lasting use. The best options are constructed from polyester, which is strong and isn’t easily susceptible to heat or discoloration. Serrano also notes that it’s important to look for UV-resistant and waterproof materials.
Water Resistance
Choosing a cover that’s waterproof is key to protecting your furniture as well. A waterproof, breathable cover will prevent moisture from making its way underneath. This will help to keep the furniture free of mildew or mold, which can form due to trapped condensation.
Southern Living
Care Instructions
Outdoor furniture covers shouldn’t require much care. After all, it’s their job to protect your furniture. Eventually, a cover may collect dirt or dust so it’s important to be able to easily clean it, whether by hosing it off or tossing it in the washing machine.
Durability
The best furniture covers should be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and plenty of sunshine. It should be made from a durable material with sturdy fasteners to keep it in place.
Questions and Answers
Should I cover my outdoor furniture every night?
According to Serrano, it’s not necessary to cover every piece of outdoor furniture every night. This is especially true during warmer months. However, the longer your furniture is protected under a cover, the longer it will last. It is important to cover outdoor furniture every night in winter to prevent damage.
Can you leave covered patio furniture outside in winter?
Outdoor furniture covers will allow you to leave your patio furniture outside during all seasons and all types of weather. If you plan to leave your furniture outside in winter, be sure to choose a cover that is breathable and waterproof to avoid any issues with mildew or mold.
How expensive are durable outdoor furniture covers?
The price of outdoor furniture covers varies greatly and pricing is generally based on size, shape, and material. Chair covers range in price from $22 to $60 while sofa covers range in price from $45 to $100+. Larger pieces will need larger covers, which come at a higher price.
Why Trust Southern Living
This guide was written by Molly Allen, a writer for Southern Living with expertise focused on outdoor cooking and outdoor spaces. We tested 16 outdoor furniture covers in real-world home settings for six months. Covers were evaluated based on material, size, ability to remain water resistant, and how well they protected furniture throughout the testing period. In addition, we consulted North Carolina design expert Chrissy Serrano to gain insight into why outdoor furniture covers are necessary and what to look for to find the best fit.
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