
How do I find the right cover for non-standard garden furniture?
Do you have garden furniture with an unusual size or irregular shape? Then it can sometimes be difficult to find a fitting garden furniture cover. If your furniture does not fit within standard sizes, there are fortunately several solutions. You can choose a slightly larger standard cover, combine multiple covers, or have one altered to size. In this article, you’ll learn what to do with non-standard dimensions, so your furniture remains optimally protected against weather and dirt.
Why standard sizes don’t always fit
Many garden furniture pieces differ from the standard sizes you’ll find in most webshops. Think of lounge sets with a round shape, barbecues with high lids or parasols with a hinge or cantilever arm. Also, self-assembled garden sets, vintage furniture or exclusive designs often fall outside fixed dimensions. This means a standard cover does not always provide the right fit. The result: gaps, skewed closures or a cover that leaves too much room and blows around in the wind. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the standard range when you want truly effective protection.
What are the most common cover sizes?
Here are the most common cover sizes per type of garden furniture:
Category |
Typical cover sizes (L × W × H) |
Corner sofa covers | 250 × 250 × 70 cm – 300 × 300 × 75 cm |
Lounge set covers | 220 × 180 × 70 cm – 300 × 200 × 75 cm |
Lounge bench covers | 200 × 90 × 70 cm – 240 × 100 × 75 cm |
Lounge chair covers | 90 × 90 × 75 cm – 100 × 100 × 85 cm |
Footstool covers | 60 × 60 × 40 cm – 80 × 80 × 45 cm |
Dining set covers (table + chairs) | 200 × 150 × 85 cm – 300 × 200 × 90 cm |
Garden chair covers (upright) | 60 × 65 × 115 cm – 70 × 75 × 125 cm |
Garden table covers | 180 × 90 × 75 cm – 240 × 100 × 80 cm |
Garden bench covers | 130 × 75 × 90 cm – 180 × 90 × 100 cm |
Sun lounger covers | 200 × 75 × 40 cm – 210 × 80 × 50 cm |
Beach chair / swing seat covers | 125 × 100 × 170 cm – 220 × 150 × 180 cm |
Parasol covers (centre pole) | Height: 150 – 250 cm / Ø top: 30 – 40 cm |
Cantilever parasol covers | Height: 250 – 300 cm / Ø top: 35 – 45 cm |
Barbecue covers (round) | Ø 57 × 90 cm – Ø 70 × 100 cm |
Barbecue covers (rectangular) | 120 × 60 × 115 cm – 150 × 70 × 120 cm |
Kamado covers (Big Green Egg etc.) | Ø 55 × 90 cm – Ø 65 × 110 cm |
Fire table covers | 120 × 80 × 50 cm – 140 × 90 × 55 cm |
The risks of a poorly fitting cover
A cover that doesn’t fit properly will not protect your furniture as it should. If the cover is too tight, stress is placed on the seams and material, causing it to tear or rip more quickly. It can also rub against protruding parts such as armrests or handles, reducing lifespan. If the cover is too loose, it can flap in the wind. This causes dirt to collect in folds, rainwater to pool, and mould to develop more quickly. In both cases, the cover may do more harm than good.
A well-fitting cover sits firmly around the furniture but still leaves enough space for ventilation. This prevents condensation and keeps the furniture dry and clean, even during heavy rain or winter storage.
Read our tips for correctly measuring your garden furniture.
What are the options if your size isn’t available?
Choose a larger standard cover
If your furniture dimensions don’t quite match a standard cover, choose a slightly larger variant. Allow a margin of up to 20 cm in length and width.
A larger cover is usually easy to attach and still offers sufficient protection, as long as there isn’t too much excess space. With elastic cords or clamps, you can adjust the cover neatly and securely.
Combine multiple smaller covers
For larger setups, such as a lounge set with chairs and footstools or a table with separate chairs, you can use multiple smaller covers instead of one large protective cover.
This prevents excess fabric, ensures each item is individually protected, and is often more practical in use.
Look in another category
Sometimes you won’t find the right size in the expected product group but in another category. For example, a footstool cover may fit perfectly over a rectangular fire table, or a garden table cover may work for stacked loungers. It pays to look more broadly.
Have a cover made to size
If no standard cover works, there are two options: have an existing cover altered or have one made completely to measure.
Alter a standard cover
For example, if you have a lounge corner of 300 × 250 cm, you can adjust a corner cover of 300 × 300 cm. This is often much cheaper than full customization. Many customers have had good experiences with Turkish tailoring shops. We are happy to advise you on which standard cover is best suited for alteration in your situation.
Full customization
Customization is the more expensive option. Here you provide the exact dimensions, and the cover is tailored entirely to your furniture. A custom-made cover not only offers a perfect fit but may also include extras such as ventilation openings, fastening cords, or zips.
We do not offer custom covers ourselves, but we are happy to advise you on the best standard solution or options for altering a cover.
The benefits of a custom-made cover
A custom-made garden furniture cover offers several important advantages over standard covers. Firstly, the cover fits perfectly to the shape and dimensions of your furniture. This prevents gaps or excess material and ensures a neat, sleek appearance. Because the cover fits precisely, you reduce the risk of water pooling, flapping corners, or chafing seams.
In addition, with customization, you often have the choice of extra features that increase ease of use. Think of ventilation openings for better air circulation, zippers for easier application or removal, elastic edges, adjustable cords, or Velcro fastenings.
Always a fitting solution, even without a standard size
Do you have garden furniture with unusual dimensions or special shapes? Don’t worry: even without a standard size, there is always a suitable garden furniture cover.
You can choose a larger cover with clamps or elastic cords, combine multiple smaller covers, or have a standard cover altered. This way, you will always find a solution, whether it’s for a lounge set cover, BBQ cover, or parasol cover.
The most important thing is that your garden furniture is protected all year round against weather, dirt, and wear. With the right cover, you can easily extend the lifespan of your furniture and keep your garden neat and tidy.
Need advice? Let us help you choose
Are you unsure about ordering a certain size? Then it’s wise to get personal advice. Contact us via phone at +31-10-4508017 or by email at info@gardenfurniturecovershop.com.