Follow the simple steps below to save the looks and longevity of your beautiful furniture with the perfect-fitting covers! If you don’t know how to measure your patio furniture for slipcovers or custom water-resistant cushion covers, we have just what you need — with pictures, examples, and tutorials. Scroll on!
Investing in custom-made furniture covers is the perfect solution for protecting your precious indoor or outdoor furniture setup, but only if they fit properly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of accurately measuring your furniture, ensuring a perfect fit for your custom-made outdoor covers.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following essential tools:
- A flexible measuring tape (a fabric or soft tape measure is best for curves).
- A pen or pencil.
- A notepad to record your measurements.
- A camera (optional, but highly recommended for visual reference).
Having a friend help with measurements, especially for larger pieces, is highly recommended!
How to measure furniture dimensions: Recording Your Measurements
Accurate measurements and record-keeping are essential to avoid errors and get the desired results. Here’s how to do it correctly:
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Detailed Sketch
Draw a quick sketch of each piece of furniture on your notepad and label each measurement clearly (e.g., “Overall Length: 72 inches”). Indeed, it’s easier to mark each measurement with a letter if you have any doubts. Write down any details that can’t be clearly measured.
Double-Check and Triple-Check
Go over your measurements at least one more time to catch any mistakes before placing your order.
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Clear Communication
Send your measurements, following any specified format. Provide clear and concise details, ideally through email. Always indicate the type of furniture, and include a photo, or even better, photos from all sides of your pieces of furniture as a reference for your measurements.
Measuring Different Furniture Types
This section is where precision matters most. Take your time and follow these instructions carefully. Remember, accuracy is key to getting a perfectly fitting cover.
How to measure furniture like: Porch Swings/Daybeds
- Overall Length: Measure the length of the seating area from one end to the other.
- Overall Width: Measure the widest point of the seating area.
- Depth/Thickness: This is crucial! Measure the thickness of your cushions or mattress. Accurate thickness measurement ensures the cover will snugly fit over your cushions, and not be too baggy.
- Backrest Height (if applicable): If your porch swing or daybed has a backrest, measure its height from the top of the seat to the top of the backrest. Consider separate back and seat covers for a more tailored look.
- Armrest Measurements (if applicable): If you want separate armrest covers, measure the length, width, and height of each armrest. Optionally, you can use bolsters as the armrests — in this case, masure the length and diameter of your bolsters.
How to measure furniture like: Sofas/Sectionals
- Overall Length: Measure the total length of the sofa. If it’s a sectional, measure each section separately.
- Overall Width: Measure the widest point of the sofa.
- Seat Depth: Measure from the front edge of the seat cushion to the back edge.
- Seat Height: Measure from the ground to the top of the seat cushion.
- Cushions’ Measurements. Measure each cushion’s height, width, and depth separately.
- Backrest Overall Height: Measure the height of the backrest from the top of the seat cushion.
- Backrest Cushions’ Measurements. Measure each backrest cushion’s height, width, and depth separately.
- Armrest Measurements (if applicable): Measure the length and height of the armrests.
Tips:
- For sectional sofas, be sure to measure the individual sections and note any gaps or seams between sections.
- It is always better to take measurements of individual cushions of your sectional separately, for a more customized fit.
- For curved porch swings, daybeds, or sofas, use a flexible measuring tape and measure in sections, then add up those smaller sections for the total measurement.
- For increased accuracy, take each measurement several times at slightly different spots, and use the average of the measurements for the final measurement.
How to measure furniture like: Chairs/Ottomans
Armchair:
- Seat Width & Depth: Measure the width and depth of the seat.
- Backrest Height: Measure the height of the backrest from the seat.
- Armrest Length/Height: Measure the length and height of each armrest.
- Overall Height: Measure from the ground to the highest point of the chair.
Round Ottoman:
- Overall Height: Measure the height from the ground to the top.
- Overall Diameter: Measure the diameter at the widest point.
Square Ottoman:
- Overall Height: Measure the height from the ground to the top.
- Width: Measure the width at the widest point.
- Depth: Measure the depth at the deepest point.
How to measure other furniture
For everything not covered in the sections above, such as round cushions, oddly shaped pillows, and anything else that requires extra care:
- Flexible Measuring Tape is essential: This type of tape measure will conform to almost any surface, even curves or irregular edges. It’s the only practical option for accurately measuring something other than standard sized products.
- Creating Templates: For complex shapes, use paper or cardboard to create a template. Place the paper on the cushion, trace its outline, and then carefully measure the template.
Every Millimeter Counts
Custom-fitted outdoor furniture covers not only protect your furniture from the elements but also enhance its appearance, significantly increasing its longevity. So, it would be a shame to order a lovely set of covers only to find out they don’t fit due to a slip in measurements, wouldn’t it?
This is why we always help our clients to get every inch right. And, if you have any doubts, just send us a picture of your furniture piece, and we will mark up every measurement you need to make. It’s easy!
In any case, by carefully following the measuring steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a perfect fit for your custom covers, saving you time, money, and the frustration of ill-fitting covers!
If you have any questions about how to measure outdoor furniture cushions or patio furniture covers, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team at alona@porchswingcover.com We do everything from outdoor mattress cover for porch swings and daybeds to sofas, chairs, and even custom outdoor furniture covers.
Get your furniture beautiful today!