Protective coverings designed to shield furniture from dust, dirt, spills, and other potential damage. They come in various types, sizes, and materials to suit different furniture pieces and specific needs.

 

 

Polythene / Furniture Covers

 

Product Code	Description
05F72	72x55/160 - Furniture Covers, 100 On Roll
05F94	94" - Furniture Covers On Roll
05F108	108" - Furniture Covers On Roll

 

Polythene / Furniture Covers

Polythene furniture covers are lightweight protective sleeves supplied on a roll, designed to shield upholstered and hard-surface furniture from dust, dirt, scuffs, paint overspray, and incidental moisture during storage, decorating, removals, and delivery handling. This collection focuses on roll-format covers in practical widths and lengths so you can dispense, cut, and apply protection quickly across a range of furniture profiles.

Common uses include covering sofas and armchairs during house moves, protecting mattresses and headboards in transit, shielding tables and cabinets while rooms are being refurbished, and keeping items clean in warehouses or self-storage. Roll dispensing also helps teams standardise how much material is used per item and reduces time spent searching for the right size bag.

Polythene / Furniture Covers — Helpful Guide

Furniture covers in this category are supplied on rolls and are typically used as large-format polythene sleeves. They are selected primarily by width/length, the shape of the item being covered, and how the cover will be applied (pulled over, wrapped, or draped and taped). Below is a practical guide to the options available here and how they are commonly used.

Types of covers in this collection

• Standard furniture cover rolls (general-purpose protection)
  These are versatile polythene covers intended for everyday protection against dust and light soiling during handling and short-to-medium storage. They are commonly used by removals teams, facilities staff, and decorators to keep furniture clean while work is carried out nearby.

  • 72x55/160 - Furniture Covers, 100 On Roll
    A roll format cover suited to many chair and small sofa profiles where a manageable sleeve size is preferred. The roll quantity supports repeat use across multiple items and helps maintain consistent application on site.

  • 94" - Furniture Covers On Roll
    A wider cover option for bulkier furniture such as larger armchairs, loveseats, or deeper items where extra circumference helps the cover slide on without snagging corners or feet.

  • 108" - Furniture Covers On Roll
    A large-width roll cover designed for bigger profiles such as sofas, sectionals, or oversized pieces. The additional width can reduce the need for piecing material together, helping create a cleaner, more continuous protective layer.

What the size information typically means

Furniture cover sizing is often presented as a width and length (or a width with an implied length depending on the format). In roll products, the key practical question is whether the cover will comfortably pass over the widest point of the item. When in doubt, measure the item’s maximum circumference (around the widest point) and compare it to the cover’s available layflat width (or stated width) multiplied appropriately for the sleeve format. If you are covering irregular shapes (recliners, wingback chairs, items with protruding handles), allow extra room so the cover can be pulled on without tearing.

For long items (such as mattresses, headboards, or tall cabinets), also consider the length needed to fully enclose the item with enough overlap to tape closed. If you plan to fold excess material underneath, add extra length to avoid exposing corners.

Case study: protecting furniture during a multi-room refurbishment

In a typical refurbishment, furniture is often moved from room to room while sanding, painting, and flooring work takes place. Dust and fine debris can settle into upholstery and drawer runners, while accidental splashes can mark finished surfaces. A practical approach is to cover each item immediately after it is relocated, keeping the cover on until the room is ready for final placement.

Roll-format polythene covers help teams work efficiently: one person can dispense and cut the required length while another positions the cover. Wider rolls are commonly reserved for sofas and bulky items, while smaller formats are used for chairs and occasional tables. Items that will be moved multiple times benefit from taping the cover neatly so it stays in place and does not snag during handling.

How to choose the correct furniture cover

• 1) Identify the furniture profile
  Is the item boxy (cabinets, chests), soft and compressible (sofas, chairs), or tall and narrow (wardrobes, bookcases)? Soft items can often accept a slightly tighter cover, while rigid items with sharp corners need more allowance to prevent punctures.

• 2) Measure the widest point and add clearance
  Measure width, depth, and height. For sleeves, the critical factor is whether the cover can pass over the widest point without excessive stretching. Add clearance for feet, arms, and protrusions. If you expect the item to be dragged or slid, choose a size that allows the cover to sit smoothly rather than under tension.

• 3) Decide how you will close and secure the cover
  For short moves or dust protection, a simple fold-and-tape closure may be sufficient. For longer storage, aim for a more complete enclosure with taped seams and minimal gaps to reduce dust ingress. Ensure tape is applied to the polythene rather than directly to delicate finishes where adhesive residue could be an issue.

• 4) Consider handling conditions
  If items will be carried through tight corridors or loaded into vehicles, covers may rub against walls, door frames, and other items. In these cases, extra width can reduce stress points, and careful taping can prevent the cover from catching and tearing.

• 5) Plan for corners, edges, and hardware
  Sharp corners, exposed staples, and metal hardware can puncture polythene. Where needed, add a protective layer at corners (for example, a piece of cardboard or edge protector) before applying the cover. This is especially helpful for cabinets, framed furniture, and items with decorative trim.

Best practices for applying roll-format polythene covers

• Prepare the item first
  Remove loose cushions, detachable legs, and shelves where practical. Close drawers and doors. If the item has delicate finishes, ensure the surface is clean and dry before covering to avoid trapping grit that could abrade the finish during movement.

• Dispense and cut with control
  Use a stable cutting method and keep the roll supported to avoid uneven tearing. Cutting slightly longer than you think you need makes it easier to fold and tape a neat closure.

• Apply from top to bottom
  For tall items, start at the top and work down so the cover naturally drapes and you can smooth out trapped air. For sofas and chairs, pull the cover over the back first, then work it down over arms and seat.

• Secure without over-tightening
  Tape can be used to keep the cover from slipping, but avoid compressing upholstery excessively. Over-tightening can cause the cover to split at stress points, especially around corners and feet.

• Label for easier handling
  If items are going into storage or a removal vehicle, label the outside of the cover (for example, room name or contents). This reduces unnecessary opening and re-covering.

Storage and transport considerations

Polythene covers are effective for keeping items clean, but they are not a substitute for rigid protection where impact is likely. For long-distance transport, consider how items will be stacked and whether corners may be crushed. If furniture will be stored for extended periods, ensure the environment is dry and well ventilated. Trapping moisture against wood or upholstery can contribute to odours or surface issues, so avoid covering damp items and allow freshly cleaned furniture to dry fully before wrapping.

When storing upholstered furniture, avoid sealing items so tightly that air cannot circulate at all. A neat, well-fitted cover that protects from dust while avoiding trapped moisture is typically preferable to an overly tight wrap.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a cover that is too small
  Tight covers are more likely to tear during application and can leave corners exposed. If you are between sizes, selecting the wider option usually makes application easier and reduces stress points.

• Covering items that are still damp
  Moisture trapped under polythene can affect wood finishes and upholstery. Always ensure items are dry before covering, especially after cleaning or if they have been stored in a humid area.

• Ignoring sharp edges and hardware
  Handles, staples, and sharp corners can puncture covers. Add corner protection or remove protruding parts where possible.

• Using tape directly on delicate surfaces
  Tape should secure the cover to itself. Avoid applying adhesive directly to varnished wood, leather, or painted surfaces where residue could remain.

Frequently asked questions