A wingback chair can be one of the most distinctive pieces of furniture in a British living room. With its high back, curved side wings and traditional armrests, it offers a comfortable place to read, relax or enjoy a quiet cup of tea.
However, these distinctive features can also make finding a suitable chair cover more challenging.
Unlike a standard armchair, a wingback chair has a more complex shape. A cover that fits a simple rectangular chair may pull across the wings, gather around the arms or leave excess fabric around the seat.
The good news is that a properly selected stretch wingback chair cover can refresh the appearance of your furniture without the expense of replacing the upholstery.
In this guide, we explain how to identify your chair type, measure it correctly, choose between one-piece and two-piece designs and fit a wingback chair cover neatly.
1. What Makes a Wingback Chair Different?
Before choosing a cover, it helps to understand the structure of your furniture.
A traditional wingback chair usually has four recognisable features:
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High backrest: The back extends upwards to support the head and upper body.
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Side wings: Two curved or projecting sections extend from the upper sides of the backrest.
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Armrests: These may be rolled, rounded, sloping or relatively straight.
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Seat cushion: Some chairs have a removable cushion, while others have a fixed upholstered seat.
These details affect how a cover should fit.
For example, a standard armchair cover may not have enough fabric to accommodate the upper wings of a large wingback chair.
Similarly, a cover designed for a chair with a fixed seat may not be the most suitable option if your furniture has a thick, removable cushion.
Identifying the shape before ordering is therefore the first step towards achieving a neat result.
2. How to Measure a Wingback Chair for a Cover
Accurate measurements help you compare your furniture with the product size guide.
Use a flexible tape measure and record all dimensions in centimetres.
Measure the Overall Height
Measure from the floor to the highest point of the backrest.
Include the top of the wings if they extend above the central backrest.
This measurement is particularly important because wingback chairs can vary considerably in height.
Measure the Overall Width
Measure across the widest part of the chair, including both wings or armrests.
Do not measure only the central backrest.
A cover that is too narrow may stretch excessively around the sides and create tension at the seams.
Measure the Overall Depth
Measure from the back of the chair to the front edge of the seat.
Follow the shape of the upholstery where necessary rather than measuring only the flat seating area.
Measure the Seat Cushion Separately
If your wingback chair has a removable cushion, take it off and measure it independently.
Record:
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Cushion width.
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Cushion depth.
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Cushion thickness.
These measurements will help you determine whether a separate seat cushion cover is suitable.
Check the Arm and Wing Shape
Look at how the wings connect to the arms.
Some chairs have rounded, traditional armrests, while others feature more sharply sloping sides.
Although stretch fabric can accommodate some differences, the shape of the furniture still needs to fall within the product's intended size range.
3. One-Piece or Two-Piece Wingback Chair Covers?
One of the most important decisions is whether to choose a one-piece or two-piece design.
Both options can be useful, but they suit slightly different furniture arrangements.
One-Piece Wingback Chair Covers
A one-piece design covers the main upholstered structure in a single section.
It can be a practical option for chairs with fixed seat cushions or relatively simple upholstery.
Advantages include:
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Fewer separate pieces to install.
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A continuous fabric appearance.
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Straightforward removal.
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Less time spent aligning individual cushion sections.
However, the cover needs to accommodate the complete shape of the chair, including the wings and armrests.
Check the product's measurements carefully before choosing this style.
Two-Piece Wingback Chair Covers
A two-piece cover usually includes one main chair cover and one separate seat cushion cover.
This arrangement is particularly useful for chairs with removable seat cushions.
The main section covers the backrest, wings and armrests, while the separate piece fits over the cushion.
The main advantages include:
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Separate fitting for the seat cushion.
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A neater appearance around removable cushions.
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Easier access to the cushion when cleaning.
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Less excess fabric around the seating area.
For example, SofaCoverUK offers a two-piece Premium Water Repellent Wingback Chair Cover made from polyester and spandex jacquard fabric.
The product listing specifies a separate chair cover and cushion cover, rather than a single continuous piece.
Always check the package contents of your chosen product before ordering.
4. How to Fit a Two-Piece Wingback Chair Cover
Once you have selected a suitable size, installing the cover is relatively straightforward.
Follow these steps for a two-piece design.
Step 1: Prepare the Chair
Remove the seat cushion if it is detachable.
Clear the surrounding area so that you can move around the chair comfortably.
Make sure the upholstery is clean and dry before fitting the new cover.
Step 2: Identify the Back of the Cover
Lay out the main chair cover and identify its orientation.
Check for any sewn-in labels or markings that indicate the back section.
For the SofaCoverUK two-piece water-repellent wingback design, the product instructions specify positioning the washing label at the centre of the lower back section.
This helps establish the correct orientation before stretching the fabric over the chair.
Step 3: Start at the Top of the Backrest
Position the cover over the upper backrest first.
Make sure the fabric is distributed evenly around both wings.
Work gradually towards the lower section instead of pulling one side down completely before the other.
This helps avoid uneven tension.
Step 4: Fit Around the Wings and Arms
Carefully stretch the material over each wing.
Adjust the fabric around the curved edges and armrests.
Smooth out any folds as you work downwards.
Pay particular attention to the junction between the wings and the arms, where excess fabric can gather.
Step 5: Secure the Lower Section
Pull the lower edge of the cover down around the chair.
Make sure the elasticated sections sit evenly underneath the upholstered frame.
Avoid pulling excessively on the seams.
Step 6: Fit the Separate Seat Cushion Cover
Take the second piece and identify its correct orientation.
Stretch it over the cushion gradually, making sure the corners are aligned.
Smooth the fabric across the upper surface and around the sides.
Step 7: Reposition the Cushion
Place the covered cushion back onto the chair.
Check that it sits evenly within the frame and that the main chair cover has not become displaced.
Finally, look at the chair from the front and both sides.
The wings should be evenly covered, the armrests should look balanced and the cushion should sit neatly in place.
5. Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Wingback Chair
The fabric you choose affects both the appearance and everyday practicality of your chair cover.
Stretch Jacquard
Jacquard fabric has a woven texture that adds visual interest without requiring a bold printed design.
Stretch jacquard covers are worth considering if you want a fitted appearance with a little extra texture.
SofaCoverUK's Premium Water Repellent Wingback Chair Cover uses a small-check jacquard pattern with a polyester and spandex composition.
Velvet Wingback Chair Covers
Velvet-style covers create a softer, more decorative finish.
They can work particularly well in traditional living rooms, reading corners and bedrooms.
Neutral colours such as beige, grey and taupe provide a restrained look, while deeper colours such as wine red or dark green can create a stronger focal point.
Water-Repellent Fabrics
If your chair is used frequently, a water-repellent finish may be worth considering.
However, it is important to understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof materials.
The SofaCoverUK Premium Water Repellent Wingback Chair Cover listing specifically states that the fabric is not completely waterproof and that spills should be removed promptly.
Do not leave liquids sitting on the surface or assume that every water-repellent fabric offers the same level of protection.
Always read the individual product description.
6. Common Wingback Chair Cover Fitting Problems
Even when you select the correct general style, a few adjustments may be needed.
Here are some common issues and practical ways to address them.
Excess Fabric Around the Seat
If the main cover gathers near the seat, check that it is centred correctly.
Smooth the fabric from the middle towards both sides.
If the material remains excessively loose, compare the chair dimensions with the selected product's size range.
The Cover Feels Too Tight Around the Wings
Stop pulling if the material appears excessively stretched.
Check the overall chair width and height again.
A chair that exceeds the recommended dimensions may require a different cover.
The Cushion Cover Looks Uneven
Remove the cushion and refit the separate cover.
Check that the corners are positioned correctly and that the fabric is distributed evenly underneath.
The Cover Moves When Someone Sits Down
Check the lower elastic edge and any supplied fastening or securing features.
If the chair has deep gaps between the cushion and frame, follow the manufacturer's guidance on tucking in excess material.
Do not use adhesive products directly on the upholstery unless the chair manufacturer confirms that they are safe.
7. How to Keep Your Wingback Chair Cover Looking Good
Regular maintenance can help keep your cover looking presentable.
The correct washing method depends on the fabric and product construction.
Before washing:
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Check the care label.
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Remove the cover carefully.
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Shake off loose dust and debris.
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Separate the main cover and cushion cover if applicable.
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Follow the recommended washing temperature.
For the specific SofaCoverUK two-piece water-repellent jacquard model discussed in this guide, the product listing recommends a cold, gentle machine wash and low-temperature tumble drying.
Other covers may have different instructions, so always follow the care information supplied with your chosen item.
Avoid bleach or unsuitable cleaning products unless explicitly permitted by the manufacturer.
8. Where to Find the Right Wingback Chair Cover
When comparing products, focus on the actual measurements, construction and package contents rather than choosing based on appearance alone.
SofaCoverUK offers several wingback chair cover styles, including stretch jacquard designs, water-repellent options and covers with separate seat cushion sections.
If your chair has a removable cushion, look specifically for a product that includes a compatible cushion cover.
If the seat is fixed, check whether a one-piece design is more appropriate.
You can explore the Wingback Side Chair Covers collection at SofaCoverUK to compare available styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Regular Armchair Cover on a Wingback Chair?
Not always. Wingback chairs have additional side wings and often taller backrests. A cover designed specifically for wingback furniture is generally a better starting point.
Are Two-Piece Wingback Chair Covers Better Than One-Piece Designs?
It depends on your chair. Two-piece covers are particularly useful when the seat cushion is removable because the cushion can be covered separately. One-piece covers may be more suitable for fixed-seat designs.
How Do I Know Which Size Wingback Chair Cover to Buy?
Measure the overall height, width and depth of your chair. If it has a removable cushion, measure that separately too. Compare every measurement with the specific product's size chart.
Are Water-Repellent Wingback Chair Covers Waterproof?
Not necessarily. Water-repellent fabrics can help with accidental splashes, but their protection is not automatically equivalent to fully waterproof construction. Check the product specifications.
Can I Machine Wash a Wingback Chair Slipcover?
Some designs are machine washable. However, washing temperatures, cycles and drying instructions vary by fabric. Always check the care label before washing.
Give Your Wingback Chair a Fresh New Look
A wingback chair deserves a cover that respects its distinctive shape.
By measuring carefully, selecting the correct construction and fitting the fabric evenly around the wings and armrests, you can achieve a much neater appearance.
Whether you prefer a textured jacquard finish, a soft velvet look or a practical water-repellent design, the most important factor is choosing a cover that matches your furniture's dimensions and construction.
Explore the Wingback Chair Covers UK collection at SofaCoverUK to compare available options and find a suitable style for your home.
