The Absolute Best Patio Furniture Covers, According to Experts

If you spend the warmer months sipping rosé on your patio, terrace, or backyard, chances are you’ve invested in some high-quality al fresco-friendly furniture that desperately needs protection from the not-so-friendly elements. Enter patio furniture covers that are game-changers when the rain, snow, and wind take over. You see, outdoor furniture is often covered in fabric more durable than what’s on your living room sofa, but it’s not so durable that a flash flood or blizzard will keep it safe. That’s why outdoor furniture covers are a must.

“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.”

She has a point. Your outdoor furniture may not be unusable if you leave it out in the proverbial cold, but it won’t look or feel as good as when you first got it. So protect your investment with some of our favorite outdoor furniture covers. But before clicking “add to cart," we've laid out a few things to consider below.

Measure Your Furniture

This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to measure your furniture before swiping a cover because a tailored fit is the best way to prevent dirt, debris, and water from coming into contact with the cushions and frame. A large cover can protect anything from a sofa to an above-ground pool, while a smaller option can save the armchairs, side tables, and cushions.

Opt for Top-Notch Materials

“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,” says Outer's Cofounder and Chief Design Officer Terry Lin. “Most outdoor furniture materials, including teak, aluminum, and 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.

Storage Should Be a Breeze

Storing your furniture should be fuss-free, and Lin suggests choosing outdoor furniture covers that incorporate the following.

• 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.

"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)," Lin adds. Scroll on to see that all of the top-notch options ahead are worthy of your specific pieces and are ready to brave the elements in style.