How to Measure a Recliner Cover
Refreshing your recliner is one of the easiest ways to elevate your living space. A well-fitted cover protects it from pets and kids, adds comfort, and instantly gives your recliner a clean, upgraded look. But to achieve that smooth, stay-put fit - especially on a chair that moves - the most important step is choosing the right size.
A cover that’s too tight will shift when you recline; one that’s too loose will slip, bunch up, and lose its shape. That’s why precise measurements are essential.
At Coverfect, we make sizing simple. This guide walks you through how to measure your recliner in a few clear, easy steps - no guesswork, no confusing diagrams. And if you prefer extra help, just send us a photo and your measurements, and we’ll recommend the ideal fit for your recliner.
Ready to find the size that works perfectly for your chair? Let’s begin.
1. What You Need Before You Start
Before measuring your recliner, gather a few essentials:
- A soft measuring tape
- A phone or notepad to record measurements
- A helper if you’re measuring a loveseat or a three-seat recliner
- (Optional) A straight ruler for precise edges
These basics will help you get accurate measurements from the very first try - especially important for recliners with moving parts.
2. Identify Your Recliner Type First
Before you begin measuring, take a moment to identify which type of recliner you have. Each style has slightly different measurement priorities, so knowing the category ensures you compare your results correctly with our sizing guide.
Most recliners fall into one of these groups:
- Single Recliner: A one-seat reclining chair designed for personal comfort. Typically has a taller backrest, deeper seat, and footrest extension that needs proper coverage.
- Loveseat Recliner (2-Seat): A dual recliner for two people, often with shared or separate reclining mechanisms. Wider than a single seat and may include a center console depending on design.
- Three-Seat Recliner: A larger family-friendly recliner setup where all or some seats recline. Requires measuring the full width and accounting for connected or independent reclining sections.
3. How to Measure A Recliner Mat Cover
Simply measure the width of the back, the armrest, and the length of the front.
- Width Back: 24.8"
- Armrest: 27.2" x 22"
- Length Front: 91.3"
3. How to Measure A Recliner Elastic Cover
Step 1: Measure the Back Cover
Our elastic back cover fits the following range:
- Width: 27.5"
- Length: 26.5"
The back cover is made slightly larger to adapt to different recliner back shapes - from slim profiles to plush, padded designs.
Step 2: Measure the Armrest Covers
Armrest covers are designed to accommodate:
- Width: 29.2"
- Length: 25.2"
These measurements ensure a snug, stay-put fit even on recliners with rounded or oversized armrests.
Step 3: Measure the Front Cover
For the seat and footrest section, our front covers fit:
- Width: 23.6"
- Length: 40.2"
The extended length allows the front cover to wrap smoothly over the seat, front panel, and footrest—maintaining full coverage whether the recliner is closed or fully extended.
5. Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common errors that lead to selecting the wrong recliner cover size:
- Measuring only the seat cushion instead of the full recliner panel
- Measuring from the inside of the armrests instead of the outer edges
- Forgetting to measure the entire backrest length (top to bottom)
- Not accounting for the footrest length when fully extended
- Mixing up the left and right seats on loveseat or three-seat recliners
- Rounding measurements too much or estimating without a tape measureg a tape measure.
If your recliner has a unique shape, oversized armrests, or a special multi-seat layout, we’re here to help. Just send us a clear photo along with your key measurements - and we’ll quickly recommend the best size for your recliner.