Futon Covers: Types, Sizing and Care Guide

A futon is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. It works as a couch during the day, a bed at night, and a landing pad for guests whenever they show up. But here is the thing most people overlook: the cover you put on that futon matters just as much as the mattress inside it.

A good futon bed cover protects your investment, keeps your futon looking sharp, and can even change the feel of an entire room. Whether you are shopping for your first futon cover or replacing one that has seen better days, this guide walks you through everything you need to know. We will cover the main types, proper sizing, fabric options, care tips, and how to breathe new life into a futon that is starting to show its age.

At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, Ontario, we have been helping customers with their sleep and comfort needs since 1987. Brad and Dorothy have spent decades learning what works (and what does not) when it comes to bedding, covers, and mattress accessories. So let's get into it.

Why Your Futon Needs a Proper Cover

Your futon mattress takes a beating. Between sitting, sleeping, snacking, and the occasional pet nap, that mattress absorbs a lot of wear. A futon mattress cover acts as the first line of defence against stains, dust, allergens, and general wear and tear.

Beyond protection, a futon cover also controls the look and feel of your space. A worn or stained futon can drag down the appearance of an otherwise tidy room. Swapping in a fresh cover is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to update your living area without buying new furniture.

Think of it this way: you would not skip putting sheets on your bed. Your futon deserves the same treatment.

Types of Futon Covers: Slip-On, Fitted, and Zippered

Not all futon covers are built the same way. The three main styles each have their own strengths, and the right choice depends on how you use your futon.

Slip-On Futon Covers

A slip-on cover (sometimes called a futon slipcover) drapes over the mattress like a large fitted sheet. It tucks into the creases and folds of the futon frame, and elastic or drawstrings hold it in place.

Best for: People who fold and unfold their futon regularly. Slip-on covers are the easiest to put on and take off, making them a practical choice for futons that switch between couch and bed mode throughout the week.

Keep in mind: Because they are not as snug as other styles, slip-on covers can shift or bunch up with heavy use. Tucking the excess fabric tightly into the frame helps, but you may need to re-adjust it from time to time.

Fitted Futon Covers

Fitted covers wrap around the mattress with elasticized edges, similar to a fitted bed sheet but designed specifically for futon dimensions. They hug the mattress more closely than slip-on styles and stay put better during everyday use.

Best for: Futons that stay in one position most of the time, either as a couch or a bed. The snug fit gives a cleaner, more polished appearance.

Keep in mind: Fitted covers can be a bit trickier to get on, especially on thicker mattresses. Look for covers with deep pockets if your futon mattress is on the thicker side (8 inches or more).

Zippered Futon Covers

Zippered covers fully encase the futon mattress, closing with a zipper along one or more sides. They offer the most secure fit and the cleanest look of all three types.

Best for: Homes with kids or pets, or anyone who wants maximum protection. Because the cover wraps completely around the mattress, it guards against spills, crumbs, and allergens from every angle. Zippered futon covers are also the easiest to remove for washing, since you simply unzip and slide the mattress out.

Keep in mind: Putting a zippered cover back on after washing takes a bit of patience. It helps to have a second person hold the mattress while you work the zipper around the edges. Also, make sure the zipper itself is sturdy. A flimsy zipper on a cover you wash frequently will not last.

Futon Sizes and Dimensions: Getting the Right Fit

One of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for a futon bed cover is guessing at the size. Futon mattresses do not always follow standard bed dimensions, so measuring before you buy is important.

Here is a quick reference for the most common futon sizes:

↔ Scroll to see full table

Full-size futons are by far the most popular. If you bought a standard futon from a furniture store and are not sure of the size, there is a good chance it is a full. That said, always grab a tape measure and check. A cover that is too small will strain at the seams, and one that is too large will bunch up and look sloppy.

Do not forget about thickness. A 6-inch futon mattress and an 8-inch futon mattress need different cover depths. Most product listings specify the maximum mattress thickness the cover can handle. Pay attention to that number, especially if you have added a topper to your futon.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Futon Cover

The fabric of your futon cover affects comfort, durability, appearance, and how easy it is to clean. Here are the most common options and what each one brings to the table.

Cotton

Cotton is a classic choice for futon covers. It is soft, breathable, and comfortable in all seasons. Cotton covers come in a huge range of colours and patterns, so finding one that fits your style is straightforward.

Pros: Soft hand feel, good airflow, widely available, machine washable.
Cons: Can wrinkle easily, may shrink if washed in hot water, not as stain-resistant as synthetic fabrics.

If you love the feel of natural fibres, cotton is hard to beat. For something in a similar family with a bit more texture and durability, take a look at our French Linen Duvet Cover, which gives you a sense of what natural fibre bedding can offer.

Polyester

Polyester futon covers are budget-friendly and built to last. They resist wrinkles, hold their colour well through repeated washes, and tend to be more stain-resistant than cotton.

Pros: Durable, affordable, colour-fast, wrinkle-resistant.
Cons: Less breathable than cotton, can feel warm in hot weather, may develop pilling over time.

Polyester works well for futons in family rooms, playrooms, or guest rooms where durability matters more than a premium feel.

Microfiber

Microfiber is a type of finely woven synthetic fabric (usually polyester) that feels softer and smoother than standard polyester. It has become a popular choice for futon mattress covers because of its velvety texture and easy maintenance.

Pros: Very soft, resists stains and moisture, easy to wash, affordable.
Cons: Can attract pet hair and lint, less breathable than cotton, may feel warm to some sleepers.

Microfiber is an excellent pick if you want something that feels good against the skin but can handle the rough and tumble of daily life.

Canvas and Twill

For a heavier, more structured look, canvas and twill futon covers offer serious durability. These tightly woven fabrics stand up to heavy use and give the futon a clean, tailored appearance.

Pros: Extremely durable, structured look, resistant to wear.
Cons: Stiffer feel (softens with washing), heavier fabric, fewer colour options.

Canvas covers work particularly well for futons in offices, studios, or anywhere the futon is used primarily as a couch.

Blended Fabrics

Many futon covers use a cotton-polyester blend to combine the best qualities of both materials. You get the softness of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. Blends are a solid middle-ground option for most households.

How to Refresh an Old Futon with a New Cover

If your futon is starting to look tired but the mattress still has life in it, a new futon bed cover can make a real difference. Here is a step-by-step approach to giving your futon a second wind.

Step 1: Assess the Mattress

Before you invest in a new cover, take an honest look at the mattress itself. Is it sagging in the middle? Are there lumps or flat spots? A cover can hide cosmetic issues like stains and fading, but it cannot fix a mattress that no longer supports you properly.

If the mattress is still in decent structural shape, move on to the next step. If not, it might be time for a replacement. Stop by Mattress Miracle and we can help you figure out the best path forward.

Step 2: Add a Mattress Topper or Protector

For futons that are a little flat but not ready for the recycling bin, a mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushion and support. Place the topper on the futon mattress before putting the new cover on.

You might also consider adding a Bamboo Mattress Protector between the mattress and the cover. It adds a moisture barrier, helps with temperature regulation, and extends the life of both the mattress and the cover.

Step 3: Measure and Choose Your New Cover

Measure the mattress (including the topper, if you added one) and pick a cover in the right size and fabric. Remember the sizing chart above, and pay close attention to the thickness your chosen cover can accommodate.

Step 4: Install the Cover

For slip-on and fitted styles, start at one end and work your way across, tucking fabric into the frame as you go. For zippered covers, partially unzip the cover, slide the mattress in from one end, then close the zipper slowly and evenly.

A helpful tip: if you are struggling to get a snug cover onto a thick mattress, try compressing the mattress slightly by rolling it or folding it in half while you get the cover started. Then unfold and smooth everything out.

Step 5: Style the Space

Throw on a couple of coordinating pillows, add a folded blanket across one arm, and your refreshed futon will look like an entirely different piece of furniture. It is a surprisingly satisfying weekend project.

How to Care for Your Futon Cover

A little regular maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your futon cover looking and feeling its best.

Washing

• Check the label first. Most cotton, polyester, and microfiber covers are machine washable, but some specialty fabrics require dry cleaning or spot cleaning only.
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Hot water can cause shrinkage (especially with cotton) and may fade colours faster.
• Wash separately or with similar colours. This prevents colour transfer, especially during the first few washes.
• Skip the bleach. Use a mild detergent instead. Bleach weakens fabric fibres over time and can cause discolouration on coloured covers.

Drying

• Tumble dry on low heat for most synthetic fabrics. Remove the cover promptly to minimize wrinkles.
• Air dry cotton covers when possible. Cotton is more prone to shrinking in the dryer, so hanging it up or laying it flat is the safer bet.
• Do not over-dry. Pulling a cover out of the dryer while it is still very slightly damp makes it easier to smooth out wrinkles as you put it back on the mattress.

Between Washes

• Vacuum the cover with an upholstery attachment every week or two to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
• Spot clean small spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap. Blot, do not rub.
• Rotate the futon mattress inside the cover every month or so to even out wear.
• If your futon sits near a window, consider closing the blinds during peak sun hours. Prolonged UV exposure can fade fabric faster than you might expect.

How Often Should You Wash a Futon Cover?

If you use your futon as a primary bed, wash the cover every one to two weeks, just like you would with bed sheets. If it serves mainly as a couch, once a month is usually enough. Households with pets or allergies may benefit from more frequent washing. For more tips on keeping your bedding fresh, check out our guide to good bed sheets.

Visit Our Brantford Showroom

We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.

Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001

Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.