How to Measure for Dog Furniture Covers | A Tape Measure Is All You Need

Measuring comes down to capturing key dimensions and comparing them to the cover’s size guide. Most covers fail because someone eyeballed the frame instead of measuring the seat and arms. A tape measure and five minutes solve the problem before you spend a penny.

The exact measurements depend on the cover style, so check the manufacturer’s chart first. Below is the process that works across standard sofas, chairs, and recliners, plus what to do when your furniture lands between sizes.

What To Measure On A Sofa, Chair, Or Recliner

Start with the furniture completely bare—no cushions removed, no blankets on top. Touch of Class recommends measuring five specific points: arm width, arm depth, backrest height, seat width, and seat depth.

• Arm width: measure diagonally across the top of the arm at its widest point.
• Arm depth: measure front-to-back along the outside of the arm.
• Backrest height: measure from the top of the backrest down to the seat crease where the cushion meets the back.
• Seat width: measure from inside one arm to the inside of the other arm.
• Seat depth: measure from the back of the seat cushion to the front edge of the seat.

Write every number down as you go. When comparing to a size chart, look at the seat width first—that single number eliminates most wrong sizes before you check anything else.

Matching Your Measurements To A Size Chart

Once you have the five numbers, open the cover’s size guide and compare each dimension. Molly Mutt breaks its couch covers into 2-seater, 3-seater, and 3-seater XL sections with these seat widths:

Molly Mutt also lists arm width and arm length for every size—22 inches and 32 inches respectively—plus a seat crease back of 42 inches and a seat crease forward of 36 inches. If your sofa’s numbers match the chart within a couple of inches, that size will work.

When measurements fall between two sizes, decide what matters more. The larger size tucks excess fabric into the cushion creases and stays put more easily. The smaller size relies on longer arm flaps to bridge gaps, which can leave the seat looking stretched. For most people, sizing up is safer.

Special Cases: Crates, Sectionals, And Pet Beds

Not every dog furniture cover fits a standard couch. Crates, sectionals, and pet beds each need their own measuring approach.

For crates, measure the length, width, and height of the crate’s interior. Molly Mutt’s crate sizing chart runs from 24 inches up to 54 inches, with dimensions like 30 x 19 x 21 for small crates and 54 x 37 x 45 for extra-large ones. Match interior measurements to the chart’s L/W/H numbers, not the exterior.

Sectionals and chaise pieces usually need separate covers per section. Measure the left armrest, right armrest, and seating area as individual units, then order a cover for each part. A one-piece cover on a sectional will sag and shift.

For bolstered or irregular pet beds, use a flexible tape measure that follows the bed’s curves. Measure width, length, and height separately, recording the widest points rather than the average.

Fit The Cover And Adjust

After placing the cover, tuck excess material between the arms and the cushion, then adjust until the fabric lies smooth. Touch of Class says this tucking step keeps a protector from sliding during normal use.

If you’re weighing different cover styles and want to see which ones hold up best, our tested roundup of the best dog furniture covers compares top options side by side. Once you have your measurements, that list is the fastest way to a purchase you won’t return.