The amount of work that goes into investing in furniture to elevate your outdoor space takes major commitment. If your plans for this summer included creating a dreamy patio escape, we’re right there with you, but you can’t forget about getting outdoor furniture covers. These are must-haves necessary for protecting your oasis from damaging UV rays and precipitation.
“Storing outdoor furniture is like parking your car in a garage, ” Maggie Gienger, Director of Interior Design at Arhaus, shares with House Beautiful. “Your car will be fine parked outdoors, but it will look shiny and new longer if it’s stored properly when you’re not using it.”
From resort-worthy pool lounge chairs to clever ideas for staying cool on your patio, the secret to fully enjoying your outdoor furniture for as long as possible is protecting it. We spoke to industry experts for tips on storing your backyard set and the best waterproof outdoor furniture covers that are highly durable.
What to Consider Before Shopping:
Size
Measure your furniture before purchasing an outdoor furniture cover. A tailored fit prevents dirt, debris, and water from touching the cushions or frame. A large cover can protect your sofa or above-ground pool, while a smaller cover can cover your armchairs, side tables, and cushions. If you have a patio set, stacking the pieces will allow you to use a large cover to secure it.
Material
“Outdoor furniture covers will extend the life of your outdoor furniture by keeping the elements at bay so that you can enjoy your set year after year,” Terry Lin, Co-founder & Chief Design Officer of Outer explains. “Most outdoor furniture materials, including teak, aluminum, wicker, would benefit from covers, especially during the colder winter months.”
Protect your furniture from fading and mildew with furniture covers that can weather any storm. Covers made with polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer are ideal. All in all, outdoor performance fabrics boast UV-resistant and water-repellent qualities that maximize durability.
Function
Storing your furniture should be fuss-free! Lin suggests choosing furniture covers that incorporate:
- Straps and buckles: Ensures your cover stays in place
- Zippers: A user-friendly feature to help you cover correctly every time
- Dry vents: Prevents moisture build-up
Lin shares an additional pro tip: “Take it a step further and look for furniture covers with sloped angles to effectively shed water (instead of allowing water to pool and seep through).” For an added bonus: all of the options below are under $200! Now’s the time to plan for ways to maintain the quality of your outdoor makeover—shop and don’t delay!
Best Luxury
Outer
Cover for Armchair
| Dimensions |
Custom |
| Materials |
Polypropylene polyurethane |
| Care |
Use cleaning solution of 1 part mild detergent with 3 parts water |
Best Overall
ULTCOVER
600D Tough Canvas Outdoor Dining Table and Chairs
| Material |
Polyester |
| Care |
Hand wash only |
| Width |
88 |
Best Waterproof
ESSORT
Patio Extra Large Furniture Covers
| Dimensions |
124″ L x 63″ W x 29″ H |
| Material |
Polyester |
| Care |
Rinse with water and dry with cloth |
Best for Umbrellas
elemental
Taupe Polyester Patio Furniture Cover
| Dimensions |
100″H x 30″ W |
| Materials |
Polyester |
| Care |
Rinse with water and dry with cloth |
Best Budget-Friendly
CKCLUU
Patio Furniture Set Cover
| Dimensions |
126″L x 126″W X 32″H |
| Materials |
Polyster |
| Care |
Raise furniture on stands so water and debris falls off of cover |
Best for Sofa
Duck Covers
Ultimate Waterproof Patio Sofa Cover
| Dimensions |
79″L x 37″W x 35″H |
| Material |
Polyester and vinyl |
| Care |
Use a dome under the cover to protect the furniture |
Best for Cushions
Classic Accessories
Classic Accessories Veranda Cushion and Cover Storage Bag
| Dimensions |
62″L x 22″W x 30″H |
| Material |
Polyester and vinyl |
| Care |
Spot clean |
Best UV Protection
F&J Outdoors
F&J Outdoors Patio Cover
| Dimensions |
39″L x 62″W x 36″H |
| Material |
Yarn-dyed fabric |
| Care |
Machine washable |
How to Store Your Outdoor Furniture:
Outdoor furniture covers are the most effective way to extend the life of your furniture. “Outdoor furniture should be kept in a dry, covered area over the fall and winter months and, if possible, stored inside,” according to Kinga Wojciechowska of Moe’s Home. “Constant exposure to elements such as rain and snow can cause furniture, even outdoor pieces, to rust and soft seating to mold.”
If you don’t have a shed or garage reserved for off-season furniture storage, don’t fret! “When you’re investing in outdoor furniture, check to see if the retailer offers custom covers to fit the pieces for maximum protection,” Gienger continues. “Store smaller decorative accessories and cushions in an outdoor storage trunk, or indoors in cooler seasons when you’re not enjoying your outdoor space.”
This will protect them from the sun, rain, wind, and the occasional bird droppings, to keep them in top condition.
When should you store outdoor furniture?
Weather can be unpredictable so it’s always better to take preventive measures sooner rather than later. “We highly recommend that covers be put on as soon as the weather starts to cool, usually at the end of September; these will protect against rain and snow and keep patio furniture looking great for next season,” says Wojciechowska.
House Beautiful‘s Associate Shopping Editor Medgina Saint-Elien connected with several experts including individuals from Outer, Arhaus, and more to deliver a top-notch list of outdoor furniture covers.
Medgina Saint-Elien
Associate Market Editor
Medgina Saint-Elien is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor.
