Protective covers & Packaging

Furniture Protective Covers and Packaging Supplies

Shop furniture protective covers and packaging supplies for storing, handling and transporting chairs, dining chairs, sofas and other upholstered furniture. Livedale supplies polythene furniture covers, furniture blankets, clear pallet wrap and parcel-sealing tape for professional upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, removal teams, delivery businesses and storage facilities.

Protecting a finished piece of furniture is an important final stage of the upholstery process. Fabric, vinyl, timber, feet and decorative trims can all be marked after the work has been completed if the furniture is handled or packed carelessly.

The correct packaging method depends on:

• Furniture size and shape
• Covering material
• Distance being transported
• Method of handling
• Storage conditions
• Risk of rubbing or impact
• Whether the packaging will remain fitted for a short or extended period
• Whether the item has projecting feet, castors, controls or mechanisms

Polythene covers help protect against dust, dirt and light surface contamination. Furniture blankets provide additional cushioning against rubbing and knocks. Stretch wrap can help hold protective layers in position, while parcel tape is intended principally for sealing suitable boxes and packaging materials.

These products should be combined thoughtfully rather than wrapping every finished item tightly in several layers of plastic.

Important Plastic-Bag Safety Warning

WARNING: RISK OF SUFFOCATION

Keep all polythene furniture covers, plastic bags and wrapping out of the reach of babies and children. Do not allow children to play with them or place them in or near a cot, bed, pram, buggy or playpen. Remove and dispose of unwanted packaging safely after use. Plastic furniture covers are not toys.

Store unused covers securely within the workroom or warehouse.

Do not leave loose covers:

• On the floor
• Inside delivered furniture
• Behind cushions
• In customer homes
• Near children’s furniture
• Inside vehicles accessible to children
• Around cots, beds or play equipment

After delivery, advise the customer to remove the cover promptly and keep or dispose of it safely.

The warning should appear prominently on:

• This category page
• Every polythene-cover product page
• The physical plastic cover
• The outer roll or pack packaging
• Any instructions supplied to delivery teams

A printed warning does not remove the need to store and handle the covers responsibly.

Shop Furniture Protection Products by Type

The range contains four principal product groups:

• Polythene furniture covers
• Furniture-removal blankets
• Clear stretch and pallet wrap
• Parcel-sealing tape

There are no child categories beneath this page, so the sections below explain the six direct products and how they can be combined safely.

Polythene Furniture Covers

Polythene furniture covers provide a light protective barrier around upholstered furniture during suitable storage, handling and delivery.

The current range includes:

• Polythene chair covers
• Polythene dining-chair covers
• Polythene settee covers

These covers can help protect finished furniture against:

• Dust
• Workshop dirt
• Light surface contamination
• Finger marks
• Contact with vehicle interiors
• Minor rubbing during careful handling
• Loose fibres and packaging debris

They do not provide substantial impact protection and should not be treated as a replacement for furniture blankets, careful lifting or secure loading.

Polythene Chair Covers

The polythene chair covers have a published size of approximately:

• 72 inches long
• 54 inches wide
• 160-gauge polythene

They are offered:

• Individually
• In rolls of 100

They are intended for protecting suitable upholstered chairs during transport or storage.

Before ordering, measure the complete chair, including:

• Overall height
• Overall width
• Arm width
• Overall depth
• Back projection
• Feet or castors
• Recliner handles
• Winged sides
• Loose cushions

Do not measure only the seat or upholstered body.

A high-backed wing chair, compact tub chair and manual recliner may all be described as chairs while requiring very different cover volumes.

Remove loose seat and back cushions only where this forms part of the planned packing method. Keep them labelled and protected so they remain with the correct furniture.

Polythene Dining-Chair Covers

The polythene dining-chair covers are gusseted bags with published dimensions of approximately:

• 28 inches
• 44 inches
• 60 inches
• 200-gauge polythene

They are offered:

• Individually
• In rolls of 150

The gusseted design provides additional shape and depth for suitable dining chairs.

Potential applications include:

• Upholstered dining chairs
• Restaurant seating
• Hotel chairs
• Function-room chairs
• Bedroom chairs
• Suitable occasional chairs

Measure the complete chair rather than assuming that all dining chairs are a standard size.

Pay particular attention to:

• Tall backs
• Carved top rails
• Wide arms
• Projecting front legs
• Castors
• Decorative finials
• Loose seat pads
• Sharp timber corners

Protect sharp or projecting furniture components before pulling the polythene cover over them.

The live product description does not currently say that this cover carries a printed suffocation warning. That should be checked urgently and the warning added to both the physical product and product page where it is absent.

Polythene Settee Covers

The polythene settee covers have a published size of approximately:

• 120 inches long
• 54 inches wide
• 160-gauge polythene

They are offered:

• Individually
• In rolls of 85

They are intended for protecting suitable sofas and settees during handling, transit or storage.

Before choosing a settee cover, measure:

• Overall furniture length
• Highest point of the back
• Overall depth
• Arm height and width
• Feet and castors
• Recliner or electric mechanisms
• Loose back cushions
• Bolster cushions
• Projecting controls
• Chaise or corner sections

A standard cover may not fit a large corner sofa, chaise-end unit, modular section or unusually deep recliner.

Separate modular furniture into its intended delivery sections before applying individual covers where practical.

Do not attempt to force one cover around several connected furniture units if this places the plastic or upholstery under excessive tension.

Choosing the Correct Polythene Furniture Cover

Start by measuring the complete furniture item.

Use a suitable tape measure and record:

• Maximum height
• Maximum width
• Maximum depth or length
• Projecting arms
• Feet and castors
• Loose cushions
• Controls and handles
• Unusual shapes
• Whether the item will be packed upright or on its side

Allow sufficient room for:

• The furniture itself
• Any furniture blanket
• Foam or corner protection where separately provided
• Easy fitting and removal
• Secure gathering at the base

The cover should fit without being stretched tightly across projecting furniture edges.

Overstretched polythene is easier to puncture and may place unnecessary pressure on:

• Decorative trims
• Buttons
• Piping
• Recliner handles
• Timber corners
• Castors
• Loose cushion edges

A cover that is excessively large can also create problems. Loose plastic can trail on the floor, catch during handling or become trapped beneath the furniture.

Choose the closest practical cover size and gather excess material safely.

Fitting a Polythene Furniture Cover

Before fitting the cover:

1. Check that the furniture is clean and dry.
2. Inspect it for sharp or projecting components.
3. Secure or remove loose cushions where appropriate.
4. Protect delicate timber and decorative details.
5. Make sure the cover is the correct size.
6. Keep children and pets away from the packing area.
7. Lift the cover over the furniture rather than dragging it across the upholstery.
8. Gather excess material safely.
9. Check that no plastic trails beneath the feet or castors.
10. Add further protection where transport conditions require it.

Use two people for larger furniture where this provides safer control.

Do not place a large plastic cover over a sofa while another person is working beneath or behind it.

Keep the open cover under control, particularly in draughty loading bays and outdoor delivery areas.

Protecting Delicate Upholstery

Take additional care with:

• Velvet
• Brushed fabrics
• Pale upholstery
• Loose-weave textiles
• Leather
• Vinyl
• Decorative braid
• Exposed timber
• Metal studs
• Furniture with deep buttons
• Loose feather or fibre cushions

Do not drag the plastic repeatedly across delicate pile or decorative trims.

A clean furniture blanket or suitable soft barrier may be needed between the polythene and particularly delicate surfaces.

Check that printed warnings, ink or contamination on the outside of one cover cannot transfer onto another uncovered item.

Never reuse a visibly dirty polythene cover on newly upholstered furniture.

Polythene Covers and Damp Furniture

Only cover furniture that is clean and dry.

Polythene restricts airflow and can trap moisture around the furniture.

Do not tightly seal furniture that is:

• Damp
• Recently wet-cleaned
• Stored in a humid building
• Exposed to condensation
• Awaiting full adhesive curing
• Freshly polished with a product requiring further drying
• Carrying wet timber or upholstery components

Trapped moisture can contribute to:

• Musty odours
• Water marking
• Mould
• Corrosion
• Timber movement
• Damage to fillings
• Surface deterioration

For longer storage periods, inspect the furniture and storage conditions regularly rather than assuming that a plastic cover alone provides indefinite protection.

The cover protects against dust and light contamination; it does not control temperature, humidity or condensation.

Furniture Blankets

Furniture blankets provide padded protection during suitable furniture handling, transit and storage.

They are available:

• Individually
• In packs of 20

Furniture blankets can help protect against:

• Rubbing between furniture items
• Contact with vehicle sides
• Minor knocks
• Marks from straps
• Timber-to-timber contact
• Contact with loading equipment
• Surface abrasion
• Scratches to suitable finished sections

The current product page does not publish the blanket dimensions, weight, material, colour or washing instructions. Those specifications should be added before customers are expected to decide how many blankets they need.

Using Furniture Blankets

Place the blanket over or around the clean furniture before applying pallet wrap or transport straps.

Protect the most vulnerable areas, including:

• Arms
• Corners
• Timber show-wood
• Front rails
• Chair backs
• Headboard edges
• Metal mechanisms
• Decorative feet
• Castors
• Recliner controls

Keep the blanket clean and free from:

• Metal fragments
• Staples
• Timber splinters
• Dirt
• Oil
• Moisture
• Adhesive
• Previous delivery debris

A blanket containing one forgotten staple can provide a remarkably efficient way of scratching every item subsequently wrapped in it.

Inspect blankets before each use.

Furniture Blankets and Polythene Covers

Furniture blankets and polythene covers perform different jobs.

A practical combination may be:

1. Clean and inspect the furniture.
2. Place a clean blanket around the vulnerable areas.
3. Fit the correct polythene cover over the protected furniture.
4. Use pallet wrap sparingly to hold the layers in position.
5. Load and secure the furniture properly within the vehicle.

Alternatively, where protecting the upholstery from contact with a previously used blanket is a concern, a clean polythene cover may be fitted first and the blanket placed outside it.

The correct order depends on:

• Covering material
• Blanket cleanliness
• Weather exposure
• Risk of condensation
• Distance of transport
• Required impact protection
• Delivery method

Do not wrap damp furniture or damp blankets inside plastic.

Clear Pallet and Stretch Wrap

The clear pallet wrap is:

• Approximately 400mm wide
• Approximately 300 metres long
• 12 microns thick
• Supplied with an extended core
• Available individually or in rolls of six

The extended core provides a handhold, making the roll easier to control during application.

Stretch wrap can be used to:

• Hold furniture blankets in position
• Secure a polythene cover around furniture
• Group suitable packaged items
• Stabilise protected components
• Reduce loose packaging movement

It should not be stretched tightly around unprotected upholstery.

Do Not Apply Stretch Wrap Directly to Finished Furniture

Avoid wrapping pallet film directly against:

• Delicate fabric
• Velvet
• Leather
• Vinyl
• Freshly finished timber
• Decorative braid
• Buttons
• Piping
• Foam cushions
• Painted surfaces
• Polished components

The film can compress the upholstery and may leave pressure marks or trap moisture.

Use a suitable cover or blanket between the furniture and wrap where required.

Do not allow the film edge or extended core to strike the finished furniture while wrapping.

Applying Pallet Wrap

Begin around a secure protected area and keep the roll under controlled tension.

Apply enough tension to hold the packaging layers together without crushing or distorting the furniture.

Pay attention around:

• Arms
• Soft cushion edges
• Recliner mechanisms
• Projecting feet
• Castors
• Decorative panels
• Loose backs
• Timber rails

Several controlled passes are preferable to one excessively tight layer.

Avoid wrapping around furniture in a manner that:

• Pulls the arms inward
• Compresses cushion interiors
• Forces recliner controls into the frame
• Bends decorative feet
• Holds castors at an angle
• Distorts loose covers
• Traps electrical cables
• Prevents safe lifting

The wrap is a packaging restraint, not a structural repair.

Removing Pallet Wrap

Cut and remove stretch film carefully.

Use suitable shears or snips only where the blade can be kept safely away from the furniture.

Do not slide a long exposed knife blade between tight film and upholstery.

Where possible:

• Pull the film away from the furniture
• Cut an exposed loose section
• Unwind it progressively
• Keep sharp tools away from fabric and vinyl
• Collect all loose plastic immediately
• Keep removed wrapping away from children

Never leave strips of stretch film on the floor or inside the delivered furniture.

Parcel-Sealing Tape

The 50mm parcel-sealing tape is available:

• Individually
• In packs of 12

It is principally suitable for sealing compatible cardboard boxes and packaging materials.

Potential uses include:

• Sealing boxes containing loose furniture parts
• Closing accessory cartons
• Securing delivery paperwork envelopes where appropriate
• Packaging removable feet or fixings
• Closing small sundry boxes
• Reinforcing suitable cardboard seams

Do not apply parcel tape directly to finished furniture.

Keep Parcel Tape Away from Upholstery Surfaces

Parcel tape can leave adhesive residue or damage:

• Fabric
• Vinyl
• Leather
• Painted timber
• Lacquer
• Polished wood
• Decorative finishes
• Printed labels
• Foam

Do not use it to:

• Hold a polythene cover directly against upholstery
• Tape a cushion to the furniture
• Secure loose feet to a visible furniture surface
• Close a cover around a polished timber rail
• Attach paperwork directly to fabric or leather

Use pallet wrap or another suitable packaging method to secure covers without placing adhesive tape against the finished item.

Where parcel tape is used around the outside of a plastic cover, make sure it cannot shift and make contact with the furniture.

Packing Loose Cushions, Feet and Components

Furniture deliveries often include removable:

• Seat cushions
• Back cushions
• Bolsters
• Furniture feet
• Castors
• Headboard bolts
• Recliner controls
• Arm caps
• Care instructions

Keep loose components with the correct furniture.

Use labelled boxes or secure packaging rather than placing small parts loosely beneath a cushion.

Record:

• Customer or order number
• Furniture description
• Component quantity
• Leg positions where they differ
• Left- or right-hand parts
• Assembly instructions
• Required tools

Do not seal small parts inside an unlabelled plastic bag and leave it loose within the furniture.

Where a plastic bag is used for components, it must carry an appropriate suffocation warning and remain securely out of children’s reach.

Preparing Furniture for Delivery

Before packaging:

• Complete the upholstery inspection
• Remove loose staples, threads and debris
• Check that feet and castors are secure
• Test moving mechanisms
• Photograph the completed furniture
• Record any pre-existing marks
• Allow cleaners, adhesives and finishes to dry
• Remove tools from inside the furniture
• Check cushions and components
• Select the correct covers
• Prepare clean blankets
• Label all separate parts

Inspect the finished piece before it disappears beneath the packaging.

A packaging system should preserve the quality of the furniture, not conceal a problem that nobody remembered to check.

Loading Protected Furniture

Protective packaging does not remove the need for safe loading and restraint.

Within the delivery vehicle:

• Keep furniture stable
• Prevent uncontrolled movement
• Separate hard and soft items
• Protect exposed timber
• Avoid stacking excessive weight
• Keep sharp objects away
• Secure loose components
• Check that straps do not crush upholstery
• Protect furniture from dirty vehicle surfaces
• Maintain access for safe unloading

Do not rely on pallet wrap alone to hold furniture securely inside a moving vehicle.

The furniture must be loaded and restrained using methods appropriate to its size, weight and transport conditions.

Storage Guidance

Store covered furniture in a:

• Clean
• Dry
• Ventilated
• Secure
• Temperature-appropriate environment

Keep it away from:

• Damp walls
• Roof leaks
• Direct heat
• Strong sunlight
• Dust-producing work
• Aerosol overspray
• Solvents
• Sharp tools
• Heavy items that could fall
• Access by children

Avoid placing tightly wrapped furniture directly onto a damp floor.

Raise it appropriately where storage conditions require this, without damaging the furniture base or creating instability.

Inspect furniture stored for extended periods.

Check for:

• Condensation
• Cover damage
• Pests
• Mould
• Pressure marks
• Loose wrapping
• Water ingress
• Movement within stacks

Polythene furniture covers are intended as protective packaging, not climate-controlled storage systems.

Reusing Protective Packaging

Furniture blankets can potentially be reused where they remain clean, dry and undamaged.

Polythene covers may sometimes be reused within a controlled trade environment, but they should be discarded where they are:

• Torn
• Dirty
• Contaminated
• Wet
• Missing their warning
• Stretched out of shape
• Carrying adhesive residue
• Likely to mark the next item

Do not provide reused packaging to a customer where it no longer presents a clean, professional or safe finish.

Store reusable covers folded or rolled securely and completely out of children’s reach.

Tools and Products Genuinely Associated with Furniture Packaging

The most relevant associated products are the products already within this category.

For upholstered chairs

A practical combination may include:

• Polythene chair cover
• Furniture blanket
• Clear pallet wrap

For dining chairs

Use:

• Polythene dining-chair cover
• Furniture blanket where additional impact protection is required
• Clear pallet wrap where needed to retain the protective layers

For sofas and settees

Use:

• Polythene settee cover
• Furniture blankets around vulnerable areas
• Clear pallet wrap applied with controlled tension

For boxes containing loose fittings

Use:

• 50mm parcel-sealing tape
• A suitable box selected for the component size and weight

For measuring covers

Use rulers and tape measures to measure the complete furniture before selecting a cover.

For removing film safely

Use appropriate shears or snips only where the cutting edge can be kept clear of the upholstery.

Those are the products and tools directly connected to the packing process. Unrelated upholstery materials have deliberately not been inserted merely to increase the number of links.

Common Furniture-Packaging Mistakes

Avoid:

• Using a cover that is too small
• Stretching polythene across sharp furniture corners
• Leaving loose plastic within reach of children
• Failing to display a suffocation warning
• Wrapping damp furniture in plastic
• Applying stretch wrap directly to upholstery
• Pulling pallet wrap tightly around soft arms or cushions
• Applying parcel tape to fabric, leather or timber
• Using dirty furniture blankets
• Leaving staples or debris inside blankets
• Allowing plastic to trail beneath furniture
• Hiding loose parts under cushions
• Failing to label removable legs
• Assuming a polythene cover provides impact protection
• Assuming a furniture blanket provides weather protection
• Treating packaging as a substitute for proper vehicle restraint
• Leaving packaging in the customer’s home without a safety warning
• Allowing children to play with discarded covers or wrap

The packaging is only successful when the furniture arrives clean and undamaged and the unwanted plastic is removed and stored or disposed of safely.

Related Workroom Supplies

Return to the Workroom Supplies hub for the materials used during furniture manufacture and upholstery.

Protective Covers & Packaging has a specific post-production role. It should remain focused on:

• Finished furniture protection
• Handling
• Storage
• Transit
• Delivery preparation
• Safe removal and disposal of plastic packaging

It should not attempt to target the broader upholstery materials, tools and sundries covered by the Workroom Supplies hub.

Trade Furniture Covers and Packaging

Livedale supplies polythene furniture covers, removal blankets, pallet wrap and parcel tape to professional upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, retailers, warehouses, removal teams and delivery businesses throughout the UK.

Most products are available individually and in larger roll, pack or trade quantities.

Approved trade customers can access preferential trade pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Measure the furniture carefully, select the correct level of protection and keep all plastic covers and wrapping securely out of the reach of babies and children.