A futon or convertible sofa changes shape, so the cover has to work in both positions. Measure the seat while it is folded up, which is how it spends most of its time.
Size chart
| Furniture |
Seat size (inches, W x D) |
Size to select |
| Narrow futon or day bed |
22 x 59 in |
55 x 150 cm |
| Single futon |
28 x 59 in |
70 x 150 cm |
| Twin futon |
35 x 59 in |
90 x 150 cm |
| Full futon |
47 x 59 in |
120 x 150 cm |
| Queen futon |
59 x 59 in |
150 x 150 cm |
| Wide convertible sofa |
67 x 59 in |
170 x 150 cm |
How to measure
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Width, folded. Measure across the seat with the futon in the sofa position. This decides your size.
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Depth. Measure from the front edge to the backrest.
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Check it unfolded. Lay the futon flat and measure again. If the cover has to stay on in bed mode, you need the length of the mattress, not the seat.
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Note the frame. Exposed wooden or metal arms limit how far a cover can tuck in.
A note on units. Measure your furniture in inches, then use the table above to find the size to select. Our size selector shows centimetres, because that is how covers are manufactured, so the table gives you both.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring only in the flat position, then finding the cover loose as a sofa.
- Using a standard sofa cover. A futon has no fixed backrest to grip.
- Forgetting that a futon mattress compresses. Measure it under normal use, not when new.
Covers that stay on when it converts
A cover with an elasticated hem and tuck-in flaps survives the change from sofa to bed. A fitted cover cut only for the sofa position will pull off the first time the futon is opened, which is the most common complaint about futon covers.
Guest rooms and studios
A futon that doubles as a guest bed benefits from two covers in rotation: one on, one washed. It is also the cheapest way to make a studio look intentional rather than improvised.
Choosing the right fabric
| If your priority is |
Look for |
Why it matters |
| Daily conversion |
High-stretch knit |
Survives being pulled open and folded shut every day. |
| Guest use |
Machine-washable cotton blend |
Comfortable to sleep on and easy to refresh between guests. |
| A studio or small room |
Solid neutral |
Reads as a sofa rather than a bed left out. |
Frequently asked questions
Will the cover stay on when I open the futon?
With an elasticated hem and tuck-in flaps, yes. Straighten it once after converting and it holds.
Can I use a sofa cover on a futon?
Not well. Sofa covers rely on a fixed backrest to grip, and a futon has none.
Do I measure the mattress or the frame?
The mattress, in the folded sofa position. The frame is usually wider than the surface the cover has to fit.
Shop the right cover
Still not sure?
Send us your measurements at support@frenchcovers.com and we will tell you which size to order. Include the width across the arms, the depth of the seat and a photo of the piece if you can. It takes us a minute and saves you a return.
