It will never fail to surprise me how quickly a new couch can go from clean and crisp to grubby and tired. Thankfully, I've found the solution that requires neither a new sofa nor reupholstering – and no, it's not a slipcover.
Introducing the sofa topper. Whether your couch is looking a bit worn or you just want to refresh your living room without splurging on new furniture, a sofa topper is a stylish and affordable way to breathe new life into your space.
And designers are on board with the couch trend too. Offering new color, pattern, and additional comfort, if you've invested in the best couch you could afford but are now finding it a little lackluster, a sofa topper just might be what you've been looking for.
Fabric pulls, dirty marks, and saggy cushions would all typically be signs you need a new couch. Adding a topper, however, is a simple trick that allows you to experiment with color or hide a multitude of sins without the hassle of reupholstery or a costly sofa upgrade.
'We started using toppers on our sofas and chairs as a way to add texture and print to otherwise plain sofas,' says Raili Clasen of RailiCA Design. 'I do not "over-pillow" when styling our sofas, so adding these hits of pattern is an exciting way to give character to a usually solid piece.'
'Our clients also love them because toppers add a safety layer to protect the sofa from pet stains, and teenagers,' she adds. Plus, unlike a slipcover, a topper actually can improve the comfort of your worn couch, too.
Shop stylish sofa toppers
While a sofa topper is a genius and expert-approved design addition, there aren't too many chic on the market right now. So to avoid you going bespoke, I've done some digging and found six of the most stylish and affordable options out there – I promise these really come to life when in situ.
Made from 100% cotton and embroidered with the abstract outline of a woman sleeping (alongside some pretty motifs), this unique topper from Zara Home is sure to make a statement.
Designed for kids and adult spaces alike, this super budget-friendly cushion from H&M has a minimal light beige and white cabana-style stripe and is finished with tufting to retain form and little corner tassels.
Greenrow has the most stylish options for toppers. From made-to-order designs to this pretty cotton topper, you can choose from a myriad of prints, including this denim-blue scallop and floral printed style.
Patterned on one side and solid on the other, this subtly striped 'sofa overlay' adds an inviting and stylish extra layer to your couch for maximum comfort and added design kudos.
Pottery Barn makes this chic oatmeal linen and cotton-blend topper in both a medium and large size to fit your sofa. It's quilted for extra thickness and durability, and would look equally as good on a bench seat or breakfast nook.
Pretty in pink, this faded rosette print pillow is described as 'a duvet for your sofa' and provides a soft, inviting layer to sink into. I love the envelope closure finished with ribbon ties to keep everything in place.
Sofa toppers are such a simple yet stylish way to breathe new life into your couch without the expense or hassle of buying new living room furniture. Whether you’re after a pop of color, a fresh pattern, or just some extra comfort for those cozy evenings in, this little addition really packs a punch.
