A good cover is the cheapest insurance you can buy for rattan. Garden furniture covers keep off rain, leaves and winter grime, so in spring you pull the cover off and the set looks much as it did in August. Skip one and you’re likely to face green streaks in the weave and soggy footstools.
The catch is that not every cover does the job. Some are too small, some trap damp, and some blow off in the first autumn storm. If you’re hunting for the best garden furniture covers, UK winters are the real test. Here’s how to pick one that fits properly, breathes and lasts more than a season.
Is it better to cover garden furniture in winter?
For PE rattan on an aluminium frame, yes. The weave itself is weatherproof, but a British winter is long and wet. Without protection, dirt and algae settle in the gaps, water sits on glass tops and leaves marks, and steel parts such as screws and fixings get a constant soaking. A cover keeps the weather off, gives you peace of mind through the storms and cuts down your maintenance in spring to a quick wipe rather than an afternoon with a brush and a bucket.
There are a few honest caveats. A cover doesn’t make cushions weatherproof, so they still need dry storage indoors or in a cushion box. A cheap, unvented cover can actually make things worse by holding damp against the furniture. And if your set is natural cane or wicker rather than synthetic, it shouldn’t live outside over winter at all, cover or no cover. Bring it into a garage, shed or conservatory instead.
Best garden furniture covers: UK buying checklist
Most outdoor furniture covers look similar in the product photos. The differences are in the material, the seams and the small practical details that keep them in place.
Fabric weight
Most of these products are made from polyester Oxford material, rated by thickness in denier (shown as “D”). As a rough guide:
- 210D to 420D: lighter and easier to handle, fine for a sheltered patio or a small bistro set.
- 600D and above: heavier and tougher, better for exposed gardens, large corner sofas and long winters.
A heavier cover resists tears from wind and branches, but it’s bulkier to fold and store in summer. For quality outdoor furniture left out all year, the heavier option is usually worth it.
A waterproof garden furniture cover, not just showerproof
Look for a waterproof coating (often PU or PVC backing) and, ideally, taped or heat-sealed seams. Stitching is where water creeps in first. A rain-shedding top helps too: some covers for dining sets come with a pole or have a domed shape so water runs off rather than pooling in the middle.
Air vents
This is the detail people miss. Vents near the top let moist air escape, which stops condensation building up underneath and reduces mould and mildew. They also stop the cover ballooning in the wind. If a product listing shows no vents at all, think twice.
UV protection
Outdoor furniture covers aren’t only for winter. A UV-resistant fabric shields the weave and cushions from UV rays if you cover the set during long sunny spells, and it stops the cover itself going brittle and cracking after a year or two.
Fastenings
Drawstring hems, toggles, buckle straps and Velcro tabs around the legs all help the cover stay put. In a windy outdoor space, buckle straps that clip under the frame are the most secure. Handles on the sides make it much easier to put on and take off without dragging it across wet furniture.
Getting the right size and fit
A perfect fit matters more than any other feature. A furniture cover that’s too tight strains the seams and lets water in where it stretches. One that’s too loose flaps about, collects puddles and catches the wind. The aim is snug but easy.
- Measure the set as you’ll leave it. Push footstools under the table and cubes together, then measure the overall length, width and height.
- Add a little room. Around 5 to 10cm on each side makes the cover easier to fit and stops it straining at the corners.
- Check the drop. It should reach close to the ground, but not trail in puddles where it’ll wick water back up. The side view in the listing photos shows how far down it sits.
- Match the shape. Rectangular, round, square, L-shaped and V-shaped covers all exist, so pick the one that suits your set.
| Type of set | Best cover shape | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Rattan cube set | Square or rectangular | Height with stools tucked in |
| Circular dining set | Circular with drawstring | Diameter including chairs pushed in |
| Rectangular dining set | Rectangular, ideally with a support pole | Length with chairs at the ends |
| Corner sofa set | L-shaped or V-shaped | Left or right-hand layout and back height |
| Bistro set | Small round or stacking-chair cover | Whether chairs fold or stack |
| Day bed or lounger | Fitted day bed or lounger cover | Canopy height and full length |
If you’re still choosing furniture, it’s worth thinking about covering when you buy. Compact rattan cube sets are among the easiest to protect because everything tucks into one neat block.
Corner sofa covers: getting the L-shape right
A corner sofa cover is the trickiest to buy because sizes vary so much. You’ll usually choose between two styles.
- Shaped L or V covers follow the outline of the sofa itself. They look neat and fit closely, but you need the right hand (left or right) and accurate measurements of both arms.
- Large square covers go over the whole set, sofa and table together. They’re more forgiving on size, though they use more fabric and can sag in the middle unless you put something underneath to make a peak.
A tip for big sets: stand a bucket or an upturned plant pot on the coffee table before covering. It lifts the centre so rain runs off rather than collecting in a pool. Our rattan corner sofa guide explains layouts if you’re still deciding on the outdoor sofa itself.
Rattan furniture covers and cushions: what to do with them
Even the best rattan furniture covers aren’t a home for cushions over winter. Damp air gets in, and foam that stays slightly wet for months will smell and grow mildew. Take cushions indoors, or use waterproof garden storage boxes or a cushion bag in a shed or garage. Make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them away.
If your cushions are already past their best, a fresh set of replacement garden cushions in spring can make an older frame look almost new.
Kipiea L-Shaped Rattan Corner Sofa Cover
Heavy-duty 420D fabric shaped to fit corner sofas.
Check price on Amazon
How to put on, care for and store your cover
A little care helps a cover last several winters rather than one.
- Clean the furniture first. Brush off leaves and wipe the frame. Covering dirt and damp leaves just locks them in. Our rattan cleaning guide has a quick autumn routine.
- Let it dry. Pick a dry day and give the set a few hours to dry out before covering.
- Check it after storms. Re-tighten straps and shake off snow or standing water, which can stretch the fabric.
- Air it on mild days. Lifting one side for an afternoon in winter lets trapped moisture escape. Regular checks like this keep the outdoor furniture underneath in far better shape.
- Clean and dry it before storing. Hose it down in spring, let it dry fully, then fold and store it somewhere dry so it doesn’t go mouldy over summer.
Most outdoor covers last around two to four seasons, depending on fabric weight and how exposed your garden is. When the coating starts to peel or the fabric feels papery, it’s time to replace it.
Covers, parasols and storage: the bigger picture
A cover is one part of looking after outdoor living spaces through the colder months. In summer, a garden parasol slows fading on hot days. In winter, moving the set closer to the house or against a fence keeps it out of the worst wind. If you have space, a garage or shed is better still for smaller pieces like bistro chairs and side tables.
And if you’re shopping for a new outdoor set this autumn, many retailers offer end-of-season sale prices as summer stock clears. Our guide on the best time to buy rattan in a sale explains when to look. Just budget for a cover at the same time.
Garden furniture covers FAQs
Should I cover rattan furniture in the rain?
PE rattan won’t be damaged by a summer shower, but covering it during long wet spells keeps it cleaner and helps the frame and fixings last longer. Always bring the seat pads in.
Are waterproof covers breathable?
Not on their own. The fabric is waterproof, so breathability comes from the air vents. Choose a cover with vents and lift it on dry days to let damp escape.
How do I stop my cover blowing off?
Choose a snug fit with a drawstring hem and buckle straps that clip around the legs. In exposed gardens, weighting the hem or tying it to the frame also helps.
Can I use one cover for a whole table and chairs?
Yes. Push the chairs in and use a single rectangular or circular cover sized for everything. It’s quicker than covering each chair and usually sits better.
How much do garden furniture covers cost?
Price depends on size and quality. Options for small bistro sets start from around £30, while heavy-duty versions for large corner sofas run from around £50 to £90. A fitted furniture cover from the brand that made your sofa set tends to cost more, but it offers the closest fit for the long term and is easy to replace like for like.
Ready to protect your set before the weather turns? Browse our collection of protective covers for corner sofas, dining tables and cube sets, available in grey, black and neutral shades.
