Measure the full width of your settee from the outside edge of one armrest to the outside edge of the other to find the right cover size.
Getting the right fit for a 2 seater settee cover starts with one critical number: the overall width from outer arm to outer arm. Too many shoppers measure only the seat area and end up with a cover that stretches thin or bags loosely. The tape measure needs to reach the true outer edges of the frame, not the cushions. Once you have width, depth and height confirm the fit against the manufacturer’s chart.
The Three Measurements That Decide The Fit
Every cover manufacturer builds its size chart around the same three dimensions. Gather all three before you order, because width alone will not guarantee a good fit.
- Width: Measure straight across from the outside edge of one armrest to the outside edge of the other. Keep the tape level and do not follow curved contours — a straight line across the widest span is what the size chart expects.
- Depth: Measure from the front edge of the seat frame to the back of the settee. Some guides measure from the front of the seat cushions to the back of the sofa back, which works too as long as you compare against the same reference points the manufacturer uses.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the solid back frame. Do not measure to the top of soft back cushions — they compress under the cover and will make the settee seem taller than it is.
Before measuring, remove all cushions and throws so the tape can reach the true outer edges of the frame. A clear path to the widest points makes the difference between a loose guess and a proper reading.
What The Numbers Mean For Size Selection
Most two-seater settees fall into a predictable size band, but you still need to check the specific chart for the cover you want. Sizing varies by manufacturer and region, so a number that fits one brand’s cover may not translate to another’s.
| Dimension | Typical 2-Seater Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall width | 57–72 in (145–185 cm) | The arm-to-arm span that most two-seater covers are built around |
| Seat width | Around 55 in for many U.S. models | The usable sitting area between the arms |
| Depth | Varies by frame style | Front of seat frame to the back of the settee |
| Height | Varies by frame style | Floor to the top of the solid back frame |
When your settee lands between two sizes on a chart, round up to the larger cover. A slightly generous fit looks better than one that strains at the seams, and the extra fabric tucks in neatly.
If you want to see which covers fit this size range best, our tested roundup of 2 seater settee covers compares the top options side by side.
Extra Checks That Prevent A Return
Beyond the three core dimensions, a few details can change the fit. Measure the seat cushion width and the armrest depth or length if your settee has notable arms. Thick, padded arms need a cover built for that shape, not a generic rectangle.
Special features demand extra attention. Fixed cushions change how the cover drapes, tufting creates peaks that need accommodating, and recliner mechanisms add bulk that a standard cover may not handle. Measure any of these features and compare them to the product details before ordering.
The most common mistakes all trace back to rushing. Measuring to the top of compressed back cushions instead of the solid frame adds inches that do not exist. Following curved arms instead of measuring straight across the widest span undersells the true width. And picking a size by width alone while ignoring depth and height leads to a cover that fits the front but not the back.
These instructions apply to standard two-seater sofas, settees, and loveseats. Sectionals, odd-shaped frames, or pieces with unusual mechanisms may need sectional-specific measurements or a different product line entirely. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s own guide — Coverstore’s sofa and loveseat measuring guide walks through the same steps with clear visuals.
FAQs
Should I measure over the cushions or the bare frame?
Measure the bare frame. Remove all cushions and throws first so the tape reaches the true outer edges of the armrests and the solid back frame. Cushions add bulk that inflates your numbers, and a cover sized to that inflated measurement will hang loose once the cushions settle.
What if my settee falls between two cover sizes?
Round up to the larger size. A cover that is slightly too big tucks in and looks intentional, while one that is slightly too small strains at the seams and may not reach the full height of the back frame. The larger cover also gives you fabric to work with for a snug tuck.
Do curved arms change how I measure the width?
Yes. Measure straight across the widest span from the outside edge of one armrest to the outside edge of the other, keeping the tape level. Do not follow the curved contour of the arms — that adds length that does not exist in a straight line and will push you into the wrong size.
References & Sources
- Coverstore. “How to Measure a Sofa or Loveseat.” Details the arm-to-arm width method and cushion removal steps.
- Wayfair. “How to Measure for Outdoor Furniture Covers.” Provides the 57–72 inch two-seater size range and rounding-up guidance.
- Frontgate. “The Right Fit: How to Measure for Replacement Cushions and Furniture Covers.” Covers the full measuring process for furniture covers.
