How to Cover a Non-Removable Cushion Couch

Sofas with non-removable cushions offer the convenience of easy use—no messy cushions to rearrange, and they’re ready to use without any effort. However, covering them to protect the fabric or update their look can be a bit more challenging, as they require a custom fit.

To make this process simpler, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to cover a sofa with non-removable cushions, giving your living room a fresh, updated appearance. Read on to discover how!

How to Cover a Couch With Non-Removable Cushions - Step-by-Step Guide

Necessary Tools and Materials

You will need:

  • Fabric (durable upholstery fabric or stretchy slipcover material)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Velcro strips, upholstery tacks, or fabric glue
  • Safety pins or upholstery pins

🤔 Sofa Slipcover vs Reupholstering: Which Method Makes More Sense?

Step 1: Measure Your Couch and Cushions

A pen and paper next to a measuring tape with a sofa in the background

  • Measure the length, width, and depth of your couch and the non-removable cushions.
  • Don’t forget to measure the armrests and back.
  • Write down all the dimensions and add a few extra inches for each side to accommodate tucking and securing the fabric.

📏More info: How to Measure a Couch for a Cover

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric

A pile of fabrics on a couch

  • Look for durable upholstery fabric that can withstand daily wear and tear, especially if you have kids or pets.
  • Stretch fabrics can work particularly well for covering non-removable cushions, as you can fit them easily.
  • Buy a little more fabric than your measurements show because it is better to end up with too much than too little.

🛋️More info: Protect Your Sofa Without Compromising on Style

Step 3: Cut the Fabric

Scissors next to a pile of fabric on a couch

  • Use your measurements to cut pieces for each section of the couch.
  • Cut a large enough piece for the main body and additional pieces for each cushion.
  • Make sure to leave a few extra inches of fabric on each side to allow for tucking or attaching.
  • Lay each cut piece over the corresponding part of the couch to make sure it fits.

✂️ Tip: It's better to cut the pieces too big and adjust them than to cut them too small!

Step 4: Secure the Fabric

Velcro straps on a table with a couch in the background

  • Drape the fabric over the cushions and body of the couch.
  • Secure the fabric using Velcro strips or upholstery tacks along the edges and hidden areas, such as the back or underside.
  • Tuck the remaining fabric into creases and around corners.
  • If the fabric shifts, use safety pins or upholstery pins to keep it in place.
🧵 Pro-tip: If you feel confident enough, you can stitch the seams instead, working carefully around the cushions' curves and edges. However, remember that then you won't be able to detach the covers easily.

Step 5: Finish the Looks

  • When the fabric is securely attached, smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.
  • Tuck any excess fabric into the couch's seams, or use Velcro or tacks.
  • Consider adding extra throw pillows or a blanket to make your couch look even better and hide any problem areas.
  • To keep the couch covers in place, especially in commonly used areas, apply upholstery pins to secure loose fabric or make adjustments over time.
💡 More info: How to Decorate Your Sofa With Pillows

Make It Easier - Buy Our Magic Sofa Mats

Overall, covering a couch with non-removable cushions is not impossible, but it requires certain manual skills and effort. To save you time and energy, we offer our Magic Sofa Mats, which you can easily use to cover any sofa you like.

We designed this solution specifically for couches with non-removable cushions. The mat provides a secure and snug fit without the need to move cushions. It is flexible and can be adjusted easily, so you can protect your sofa and make it more beautiful within minutes.

Our mats help protect your sofa from pets and are highly resistant to spills and stains. What’s more, you can conveniently detach them and wash them in your washing machine.

Check out our offer and choose the best solution for your couch with non-removable pillows!

How to Cover a Couch With Non-Removable Cushions FAQ

  1. How do I deal with tricky areas like armrests and corners?

  2. To deal with these tricky areas, fold and tuck the fabric smoothly. For armrests, consider cutting slits in the fabric to help it mold better around the curves. For corners, a simple hospital fold (similar to folding bed sheets) works well to create clean lines.

  3. What if my couch has a unique shape?

  4. Couches with unique shapes may require additional effort to cover, but if you choose a flexible solution like our Sofa Magic Mats, you can adjust them to your needs perfectly with little effort.

  5. Can I change the cover seasonally or for special occasions?

  6. Absolutely! Creating new covers by yourself requires additional effort, but you can easily find seasonal designs among our Magic Sofa Mats and order as many as you like for more diversity.

  7. Will covering a leather or faux leather couch work the same way?

Covering leather or faux leather can be trickier, as the smooth surface may cause the fabric to slip more easily. In this case, using non-slip fabric or a slip-resistant backing will help. We have prepared a wide variety of products for leather couches that will protect them properly.