Protective covers for winter: our tips

In cold weather, the garden and other furnished outdoor spaces are abandoned in favor of a cozy indoor environment. It's then important to protect your furniture and summer accessories. A cover is the ideal solution.

In addition to garden furniture, parasols, and potentially the swimming pool, appliances like lawnmowers also deserve to be protected from winter hazards, especially if they remain outdoors for an extended period. Choose the right protective cover for your tool, whatever its type. Don't skimp on the characteristics of the cover's design material. Opt for resistance, waterproofing, and your cover's ability to resist and not retain moisture.

Inside your home, choose furniture covers for a decoration that matches the season. Cover your sofas and armchairs, cushions, and chairs. There are numerous and varied patterns, as well as colors and materials to suit your personality and the style of your interior, whether classic, modern, or sophisticated. Discover our tips for choosing the right cover.

I- What type of cover should you choose for your outdoor space in winter?

     1. Cantilever parasol cover:

Protect your cantilever parasol from bad weather and extreme weather conditions such as snow, frost, and wind in winter. This will extend the life of your garden accessory and maintain its original appearance. A cantilever parasol cover can also help protect against damage caused by leaves, branches, and debris that can cause more or less significant tears.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a parasol cover for your garden:

- Size: Measure the height and diameter of your parasol to ensure you choose a cover that fits well.

- Material: Cantilever parasol covers can be made from various materials such as polyester, nylon, or reinforced PVC. Choose one that is weather-resistant and UV-resistant to prevent fading and tearing.

- Closure system: A zipper makes it easy to install and remove the cover. But an adjustable drawstring is also a good option.

- Elastic bands can help keep the cover in place, even in strong winds.

- Water resistance: Make sure the cover is waterproof to protect your parasol from rain.

- Color: It is best to choose a color that harmonizes with your garden and outdoor decor for a more aesthetic look.

     2. Garden furniture cover:

The cover allows you to leave your garden furniture outside, even in winter. It is not always possible to store your outdoor furniture in a dry indoor space. Protect your furniture with a waterproof garden furniture cover, but also:

- An opaque cover: A transparent cover is not always a good choice, as winter sun with a very high reverberation rate can pass through the cover and dull your cover. It can also cause condensation. Plastic also tends to retain moisture inside. This material heats up easily, even in winter. A high-quality fabric cover, especially polyester with ventilation flaps, allows your garden furniture to breathe. This way, you avoid mold by leaving your furniture outside throughout the winter.

- A cover adapted to your garden furniture: Each piece of furniture has its protective cover. Find a cover adapted to the shape of your garden furniture, coffee table, sofa, or chairs. There are also corner garden furniture covers or covers for rectangular furniture, to be adapted to the size of the furniture, of course.

     3. Lawnmower cover:

The arrival of winter announces the end of the chore of mowing the lawn. You must protect your equipment, riding mower or lawnmower. Cold is the number 1 enemy of these gardening tools. Your lawnmower must also retain its capabilities once the warm weather returns. There's no point in investing in an expensive protective accessory; equip yourself with a lawnmower cover. This cover is practical and easy to use for those who like to take care of their tools. Covers are available in several shapes and sizes; the essential thing is to choose one that perfectly fits your equipment.

Before buying, measure your lawnmower. Take its length, height, and width. Then, choose a cover whose size exceeds that of your lawnmower by a few centimeters, usually 30 centimeters. It must indeed be possible to put it on correctly, quickly, and easily. A cover that is too tight risks being difficult to install and pulling too much.

Furthermore, whenever possible, opt for a PVC-coated polyester cover. This material is frequently chosen for its very resistant nature. PVC guarantees optimal protection against bad weather. Moisture does not develop because water runs off instead of stagnating. A cover with an aeration system is also the most suitable for a lawnmower. Air must be able to circulate to prevent the development of microorganisms. Your machine must be able to start without hindrance when you use it again. The most effective cover is also anti-UV, especially if you store your lawnmower outdoors in winter. Despite the drop in temperature, solar rays risk seriously damaging your equipment.

     4. Car cover:

Depending on where you park, it may be useful to protect your car with an outdoor cover. This accessory helps to counter both minor damage and more significant damage that winter can cause. A cover protects your car from dirt, condensation, and UV rays. Some models even fight corrosion to prevent mold and moisture. A waterproof car cover also protects your vehicle's bodywork when weather conditions are extreme in winter. Taffeta polyester is a particularly recommended material, with a reflection rate of over 80% to also allow it to resist UV rays. Different cover sizes are available depending on your car's configuration.

II- What cover to choose for your cozy interior in winter?

     1. Living room cover:

In all seasons, you must ensure the protection and hygiene of your living room furniture. This is especially true for the sofa and armchairs, the centerpieces of this living space. Chairs, cushions, and covers nevertheless deserve to be covered. Do not choose just any cover, as it also serves as an element of interior decoration. Do so in accordance with the season. In winter, warm and cozy colors are in vogue, for example.

• How to choose a sofa and armchair cover?

Always opt for quality material. In winter, wool, plush, and velvet are at the heart of trends. Patterns, sizes, and colors also adapt to your sofa and your home's decoration. Stretch models are also recommended to facilitate your choice, as they adapt to different types of sofas. In terms of style, you also have a wide choice.

For a casual, sober, chic, or, on the contrary, extraordinary style, you will find something to satisfy your needs. With sofa covers and armchair covers, you can change your decoration style without any work and in just a few movements. Personalize your interior, improve the appearance of your slightly worn sofa or armchair, and beautify them with beautiful patterns.

• Cushion cover, for a beautiful winter decoration:

Complete the look of your interior with cushion covers. This small accessory, which may seem insignificant, can change everything with style! Cushions have an unsuspected decorative facet. Covered with a case, they embellish your bed, your sofa, and your entire living room. There are many themes, patterns, and colors.

Christmas cushion covers, for example, are popular at the end of the year to welcome guests in a festive atmosphere and to give the house style with Santa's colors. But not all cushion covers are created equal. To choose the right one, you need to pay attention to the material, for example. Cotton, linen, silk, and polyester cushion covers are popular choices for the living room because they are comfortable, durable, and easy to care for.

Choose colors and patterns that match your existing interior decor. If you want to add a splash of color to your living room, you can opt for bright colors and bold patterns, even in winter. If you prefer something more discreet, opt for more neutral colors. If you want purely decorative cushions for your living room, you can opt for more elegant covers. If you simply want to sit comfortably, opt for padded covers, for example.

• Which chair cover to choose for winter?

Wool, fleece, velvet or flannel chair covers are good choices for winter, as they are warm and comfortable. Materials like cotton can be a little less warm and lighter. Choose thick and soft chair covers that offer you a better feeling of protection against the cold.

Neutral colors such as grey, beige and white are popular for winter, but you can also opt for brighter colors to add a touch of originality to your interior decoration. Make sure you choose chair covers that fit the size and shape of your chairs. They should be easy to clean and maintain to easily get rid of stains, for example. If you want to protect your chairs from stains, scratches and damage caused by daily use, you can opt for chair covers made of resistant and easy-to-wash materials.

     2. Cover for the office area:

Regardless of winter, a computer, especially a laptop, must be protected. The risks of drops and scratches are never ruled out, as are other eventualities. Humidity is also an element that can tarnish your IT equipment. For optimal computer protection, the choice of material is essential.

Many manufacturers exploit the combined technology of several materials to design even more effective covers, particularly against shocks. Polyurethane leather is used with soft felt for the outer and inner parts of computer covers. These materials are shock-resistant and very resistant to bad weather. The ideal cover for protecting a computer is also waterproof to avoid splashes, for example, and to keep the IT equipment in good condition.

Some covers have additional features, including extra pockets for storing other items and computer accessories such as USB keys, a laptop charger, or a tablet. Also, choose a practical closure system to make your daily life easier. Zippers and magnets are the two most common mechanisms used in the design of a computer cover. Some models feature a very robust zipper to optimize device security.

     3. Storage cover for well-preserved clothes:

Winter is approaching and you need to put away your summer clothes to store them in a safe place until the next season. Storage covers help you protect your clothes from dust, friction in the wardrobe, wear and tear, stains, and traces of moisture.

Children's clothing covers, foldable dress covers, transparent hanging covers, and anti-dust clothing covers are all models to keep your clothes safe from everything. Your light summer shirts and sweaters can also be protected in non-woven fabric covers, with a zipper and easily hand washable.