As the crisp air moves in and the trees shed their leaves, it’s pretty clear that fall is here, and your outdoor furniture is about to face a whole new set of challenges. Wet leaves, chilly rain, and even some sneaky mildew can quickly take a toll on patio sets, sectionals, and fire pits. Just a few weeks of exposure can leave your favorite pieces looking dated or, worse, permanently damaged. Covering your outdoor furniture isn’t just about a tidy backyard; it’s about keeping your investment looking fresh for next season.
After years of getting my patio setup battered by the fall forecast, I’ve learned that a dependable furniture cover is worth it. In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the best furniture covers for various pieces. I'll draw from my hands-on experience, user feedback, and what works for different outdoor setups. Whether you’re searching for something tough to guard your oversized sectional or just need a quick fix for your bistro table, you’re in the right place.
Why Fall Protection for Patio Furniture Matters
Leaving patio furniture exposed during the fall might sound harmless, but there are several reasons why it’s a smart move to add a cover before the season kicks off. Wet leaves can leave behind stains or clog up small cracks and crevices. Autumn rains mean excess moisture, which can cause wood to swell, rust to form on metal, and mildew to settle into any unprotected cushions.
I’ve seen firsthand how just one season of neglect can lead to faded colors, loose joints, and even moldy smells that never quite go away. On top of protecting your investment, covers can save you time in the spring. Instead of scrubbing off grime, sliding off a well-fitted cover reveals clean, ready-to-use furniture. That’s always satisfying.
What to Look for in a Quality Outdoor Furniture Cover
When choosing a cover for fall, it’s important to know what features really count. Not every patio furniture cover is created equal. Here are a few things I always keep on my checklist:
- Size and Fit: Getting the correct dimensions helps prevent wind from sneaking underneath or water pooling in the middle.
- Waterproofing: A reliable cover should keep out rain and moisture but also breathe enough so condensation doesn’t build up inside.
- UV Protection: The fall sun can still fade colors, so a UV-resistant fabric is helpful.
- Easy Attachment: Elastic hems, adjustable straps, or buckles keep the cover from blowing off in a gusty storm.
- Durability: Seams should be reinforced, and the fabric should feel sturdy when you tug on it.
- Simple Care: Mud, bird droppings, and leaf residue are all fair game during fall, so washable material is a plus.
Covers with vent flaps or mesh panels score extra points because these help with airflow and prevent that damp, musty smell nobody wants. For oversized or uniquely shaped furniture, doing a bit of homework ahead of time helps you nail the fit right away.
Top 7 Outdoor Furniture Covers for Fall (2024 Edition)
Below are my favorite picks for this year, tested on my patio and cross-checked with hundreds of real user reviews. Each comes with care tips and honest pros and cons, so you can find the perfect match for your outdoor setup.
1. Mainstays Weather Resistant Rectangular Table & Chair Set Cover
If you have a classic 4–6 person dining set, this allinone cover is a solid match. Built with water and faderesistant polyester, it shields frames and cushions from both downpours and afternoon sun.
- Pros: Adjustable buckle straps anchor the cover securely; material is lightweight and dries quickly; price is very walletfriendly.
- Cons: A bit tight on larger tables; thinner fabric can snag on sharp corners if you’re not careful.
- Best For: Standard patio dining sets; quick coverups when you spot rain in the forecast.
- Care Tips: Hose off leaf debris and let it drip dry; fold and store in a dry spot when not needed for long stretches.
Why This Cover Works: One purchase gives you instant coverage for your entire dining zone. No need for separate seat or cushion covers.
2. Classic Accessories Veranda Deep Seat Sofa Cover
This is one of my go-tos for cushioned outdoor sofas. Premium ripstop fabric keeps water out, and the signature tan color blends into most decks. I like that the handles make it easy to lift on and off, and the built-in vents help reduce musty buildup.
- Pros: Super durable with strong seams; vent flaps keep things fresh; tiedown cords make it easy to secure on windy days.
- Cons: Bulkier to fold; costs more than basic covers but lasts longer too.
- Best For: Large two or threecushion sofas; setups with thick, deep seat pads.
- Care Tips: Spot clean dirty spots, then air dry; shake out leaves from the interior after windy days.
Why This Cover Works: Provides premium protection for the main lounge spot on your patio, keeping it dry and comfy for the next sunny day.
3. Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Chair Cover
Sometimes your favorite spot isn’t the big sectional; it’s a single deep lounge chair. This cover stands out for its full waterproof backing and high profile, ideal for deep seating or tall Adirondacks.
- Pros: Waterproof and sealed seams; tall enough to cover bigger chairs completely; tiedown straps work well on gusty days.
- Cons: No air vents, so be sure to air it out if the weather stays wet for a while; can pool water in low spots if the chair isn’t centered beneath the cover.
- Best For: Oversized lounge or club chairs; deepcushion singles.
- Care Tips: Shake off rainwater and puddles; unclip and lift off regularly to prevent moisture buildup.
Why This Cover Works: Protects your nap chair or reading nook from random showers and fall debris; keeps it dry for that spontaneous outdoor coffee break.
4. Vailge Heavy Duty Outdoor Ottoman & Coffee Table Cover
Ottomans and lowprofile tables can be easy targets for leaves, especially those that settle in the nooks. This cover’s adjustable drawcord creates a snug fit, and its tough polyester shell keeps out both water and dirt. I reach for this one when the weather forecast is unpredictable.
- Pros: Fully waterproof with taped seams; snug drawcord prevents shifting in the wind; UV protection keeps fading at bay.
- Cons: Size options are a bit limited; can collect puddles on top if left flat during a hard rain.
- Best For: Patio ottomans, coffee tables, or low storage benches.
- Care Tips: Gently wipe off leaves and bird droppings; tilt the ottoman to drain pooled water before removing the cover.
Why This Cover Works: Delivers compact, reliable protection where you might not think to place a cover. Great if you use your ottoman for both storage and seating.
5. Mainstays Round Fire Pit Cover
A backyard fire pit sets the mood, but if you let rain or leaves get inside, rust and grime follow fast. This simple elastichem cover hugs most round pits, keeping out water and unwanted debris. Quick to slip on or off as needed.
- Pros: Lightweight and easy to manage; fits a variety of round fire pits; budgetfriendly.
- Cons: Not an ideal fit for square or oversized pits; may slip off in strong winds if not anchored.
- Best For: Round wood or propane fire pits up to 32 inches diameter. Double check your pit’s size.
- Care Tips: Brush off dry leaves frequently; don’t store the cover near the pit when the fire is still warm.
Why This Cover Works: Prevents leaves, rain, and critters from getting in the pit, so it’s clean when you want a cozy fire night.
6. Better Homes & Gardens Grill Cover
The grill is often the heart of the outdoor kitchen and deserves just as much attention as your seating area. This heavyduty cover features UV resistant fabric, sturdy handles, and a stylish look. It’s worth a look if you want to keep your BBQ clean yearround and protected during the off season.
- Pros: Good UV and water resistance; reinforced seams hold up to rough weather; easy to adjust straps for wind protection.
- Cons: Will only fit standard grill sizes; runs pricier than basic covers but lasts through repeated use.
- Best For: Gas, propane, or charcoal grills. Just double check your size before ordering.
- Care Tips: Never put the cover on a hot grill; spot clean for sticky stains; shake out inside after windy, leaf-filled days.
Why This Cover Works: Keeps the grill looking sharp and ready so you don’t open it in spring to a mess of leaves and water spots.
7. EasyGoing Patio Sectional Cover
Sectionals can be the hardest things to keep dry and clean. This Lshaped cover is useful for multipiece sectionals, especially if you have a custom setup. It's big, flexible, and made with a solid, waterproof Oxford fabric. The clickclose straps and a drawcord allow you to create a secure, almost tailor-made fit.
- Pros: Custom fit for sectionals and modular pieces; high water resistance and reinforced corners; wide choice of sizes.
- Cons: Bulky to store; best with two people for setup and removal on larger sectionals; a little pricier due to custom fit.
- Best For: Lshaped, Ushaped, or extended patio sectionals.
- Care Tips: Clean with a damp cloth, then air dry; avoid dragging over rough concrete to prevent tears.
Why This Cover Works: Solves the tricky problem of covering complex setups without leaving corners unprotected.
Common Cover Challenges (and How to Handle Them)
No matter how good the cover is, a few challenges always turn up. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of testing different models, and a few fixes that have worked in my backyard.
- Water Pooling: If rainwater gathers in the middle, try a support pole or a small upside-down bucket under the cover to let water flow off.
- BlowOffs During Wind: Always secure the straps or drawcords, especially before a storm. For extra stability, tuck in a heavy object at one end to anchor the cover.
- Condensation and Musty Odors: Open the cover for airing out periodically, mainly if the weather’s damp for several days in a row.
- Animal Nests: Covers can tempt critters as shelter. Check under the covers often during the season—better safe than sorry!
Making a habit out of checking your covers every week helps you pick up on issues before they cause lasting damage to your favorite furniture.
How to Measure for the Perfect Fit
Getting the right size means neat, effective coverage. I recommend grabbing a tape measure and writing down these essentials for the piece you want to cover:
- Width (side to side, at the widest point)
- Depth (front to back)
- Height (from ground to highest point)
For tables or sectionals, measure while cushions and accessories are in place. When ordering, choose a cover that’s just a little bigger (one to three inches extra per side is usually enough). Too snug, and it risks tearing in the cold when material stiffens; too loose, and wind or rain can slip underneath the edges.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Covers
Good covers can last for years, especially with some basic care. After plenty of trial and error, here are a few tips that made my covers last longer:
- Remove leaves, seed pods, and twigs before storing to prevent stains and moisture buildup.
- Never store a wet cover crumpled up. Always air dry it fully before folding away for winter.
- Keep covers off sharp corners or edges while removing to avoid rips.
- Check every couple of months for worn spots or weak seams. Patch mishaps with fabric repair tape if needed.
If you have extra space, storing covers indoors when not in use adds years to their life. Most will fold or roll up neatly in a small deck box or bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lot of the same questions come up every fall about the best way to use covers. Here are a handful of the most common—and my best answers for each:
Q: Can I use a cover even if the furniture is already wet?
A: It’s best to dry your furniture before covering it. Trapped moisture can cause mildew and unwanted smells. If you can’t dry it right away, uncover it once the sun is out so everything can air out before you put the cover back on.
Q: Will these covers work during winter too?
A: Most of the covers mentioned here hold up well during mild winters. If you get heavy snow or freezing rain, go for heavier-grade covers or throw a tarp over top for backup.
Q: Are expensive covers worth it compared to budget options?
A: In my experience, premium covers last longer and stand up better to wind and heavy rain. For short-term or low-use setups, a reliable budget cover can easily do the job if you don't mind replacing it after a season or two.
Q: How do I keep squirrels and birds from damaging the covers?
A: Tucking any loose edges under the furniture or using mild citrus sprays keeps most critters away. Also, check underneath the covers regularly to catch any nests before they become a problem.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for a Cozy Fall Outdoors
Switching out summer throws for sturdy covers as the weather changes is a simple way to keep your outdoor setup looking good. No matter the size or style of your patio furniture, there’s a cover out there to help keep it looking and smelling fresh from September through spring. After years of trial and error in my own backyard, I can honestly say that a solid cover pays off in less cleaning, more protection, and extra time enjoying your space. Cover up, stay cozy, and enjoy those vibrant fall afternoons knowing your favorite furniture will be waiting, clean and ready, when the sun comes back out.