A worn or faded sofa cover can make an entire living room look tired. Replacing it is a simple fix, but only if the new cover fits correctly. 

A cover cut too small will not stretch over the cushions, and one cut too large will look loose and uneven, regardless of how nice the fabric is.

Before placing an order, take the time to measure the sofa properly. This guide walks through each step.

Why the Measuring Step Matters

It can be tempting to skip careful measuring, especially when the existing cover already fits well and only needs replacing. However, small errors can add up quickly:

• Being off by an inch or two can cause seams to pull in the wrong places.

• Cushions that do not sit flush tend to look bulky or loose.

• Returns and exchanges take up time that could otherwise be avoided.

• A properly fitted cover holds its shape for much longer.

This matters even more for IKEA owners. Sofas like the Ektorp come in several sizes and configurations, and the difference between one version and another can be just a few inches. If the measurements are incorrect, the fabric will either fail to close over the cushions or hang loose at the corners.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Here are some of the equipments required before you start measuring your sofa for the perfect replacement cover:

• A soft, fabric measuring tape, since a metal one will not bend around curves.

• Something to write on (paper works better than trying to remember numbers).

• An extra pair of hands, especially for larger sofas.

• Decent lighting so you can actually see the seams.

Measuring Your Sofa, Step by Step

Follow these steps to measure your sofa correctly. Have a careful look at them to avoid any mistakes:

1. Clean the Sofa 

Take off every cushion, pillow, and throw blanket. You need to see the bare frame to get accurate numbers, and it's much easier to reach the corners this way.

2. Measure the Width

Run the tape from one outer arm to the other, across the front of the sofa. If there is a chaise attached, measure that section on its own instead of combining it with the main body.

3. Measure the Depth

From the front edge of the seat back to the rear of the sofa, at the widest point. Some frames curve slightly near the base, so check a couple of spots if you're not sure.

4. Measure the Height from Both Backrest and Armrest

Measure from the floor to the top of the backrest, then separately from the floor to the top of the armrest. These are rarely the same, so don't assume.

5. Set the Cushions

Now the seat cushions, one at a time. For each cushion, record:

• Width (side to side)

• Depth (front to back)

• Thickness (top to bottom)

If your cushions aren't identical, and on some sofas they genuinely aren't, measure each one rather than assuming they match.

6. Measure the Cushions Correctly

 Width, height, and thickness should be measured individually. Because back cushions are often slightly curved, measure the widest and tallest points rather than the center.

7. Don’t Skip Measuring the Arms 

Measure the width, height, and length of each armrest. Rolled arms, square arms, and tapered arms all measure a little differently, so this step is worth doing carefully.

8. Verify All the Measurements Once 

Finally, go back and check everything. Measure twice, write once. A second pass usually catches the one number that got jotted down wrong. Cross-check all the details, and then you will get the final measurements for your sofa cover.

A Few Mistakes Worth Avoiding

Here are some mistakes to avoid while measuring the sofa: 

• Measuring over the cushions instead of removing them first

• Using a stiff tape that won't follow the sofa's curves

• Treating all cushions as identical when they're not

• Rounding numbers "close enough" instead of writing the exact figure

• Forgetting the arms entirely (it happens more than you'd think)

For IKEA Sofa Owners

Anyone looking to replace an Ektorp sofa cover should first check the original IKEA product manual or the tag under a cushion. This typically lists the exact model name, which makes it much easier to match against a size chart rather than guessing from measurements alone.

Why Choose LindaKale for Your Replacement Sofa Cover? 

Once the measurements are ready, the next step is finding a cover maker who can turn those numbers into an accurate fit. This is where LindaKale specializes. The company creates custom-made slipcovers for IKEA and Pottery Barn sofas, as well as armchairs, sectionals, and sleeper sofas.

The brand is particularly known for its Ektorp sofa cover collection, which covers the various sizes and configurations IKEA has released under that name over the years. 

A few things stand out about how the company operates:

• Covers can be made to your own measurements rather than fixed standard sizes.

• Over 100 fabric choices are available, at a range of price points.

• Discontinued IKEA sofa models are still supported.

• Every handmade cover comes with a two-year guarantee.

• Shipping runs worldwide, with delivery typically taking two to four weeks.

• Fabric swatches can be ordered ahead of time, so you can check color and texture before committing.

How to Order Your Sofa Cover 

The ordering process involves the following steps:

• Identify the sofa type using the manual or the size guide on the Lindakale site.

• Select the fabric with the option to order a swatch to first check color and texture in person.

• The order is placed, with production typically taking two to four weeks.

• Anyone with questions can contact the team directly at info@lindakale.com. 

Final Thoughts

Measuring a sofa correctly does not require special skill, only patience. Working through each section methodically, recording every number, and double-checking the results before ordering will lead to a much better outcome. 

Whether the goal is a fresh Ektorp sofa cover or a fully custom-made cover built around individual measurements, careful measuring is what makes the fit right the first time.