Size: 

You'll need to make sure your recliner chair cover is the perfect size for your recliner, otherwise you may end up with an awkward final look. As lazy boy recliners differ in size, Alyssa Kapito recommends measuring your chair yourself for best results. Measure from top to bottom for height -- it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to covers, as any excess fabric can be tucked underneath -- and arm to arm for width. The recliner cover you need will also vary depending on whether you want your recliner to cover only the main section or your whole chair. If you want the legs or base to remain uncovered, subtract a few inches from your measurements and tuck in excess fabric at the sides.

Material and Maintenance:

Like most chair covers, lazy boy recliner covers are usually made of a polyester blend. This blend often includes spandex for stretch so you can smooth out any awkward lumps and bumps. Stretch will accommodate any measuring inconsistencies, too. As said by James Huniford, covers made from the above blend are a good choice, as they are often easy to maintain and can be washed on a regular cycle.  Alternatively, some covers are made from 100% polyester due to the fact they don't need to stretch as much. These covers are designed to fit a certain section of your chair rather than stretch over the whole thing and may contain more textures and patterns than covers with a spandex blend.

Pattern/Style: 

If you are purchasing a chair cover because you have a dog or small children, you may feel worried that a cover will detract from the rest of your décor. Protecting your chair from stains is one thing, but a mismatched cover will look even worse. Virginia Tupker recommends going for a cover that has a subtle pattern. Patterns like diamonds, chevrons, or even stripes will help to disguise any marks that do occur better than a plain recliner cover would. However, if you do prefer a plain cover, colors like gray, burgundy, and navy are all excellent options that will add depth to a room. For a neutral living room, opt for a darker neutral like taupe, as beige and cream will show marks a lot more than the above colors.

Additional Features:

Though not all, some lazy boy recliner chair covers include extras that will make relaxing all the smoother. One of the most common features found in recliner chair covers is a side pocket, usually located near the cut-out for the manual recliner lever. This pocket is slim and designed to fit newspapers, although you could probably fit a book in too depending on the book's size. Features like this may not be necessary, but they will ensure a lounging session goes according to plan without you having to lift a finger. Some chair covers will also include a slot for any television or recliner remotes, so you won't have to waste time looking for them instead of catching up on your latest show.