Sofa cushions

I have a sofa I love that is generally in excellent shape. My problem is that the seat cushion have lost their support. Any ideas?
  10 answers
  • Lori J Lori J on Nov 30, 2013
    You should be able to get new cushions with the same covers. It can be tricky to find anyone who does upholstery these days, but if you love the sofa, I would sure give it a try.
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Nov 30, 2013
    I have a couch that I plan to replace eventually, but, right now, will be keeping. I found some inexpensive particle board shelves for a cubby unit, that were marked down to $1 each on clearance. They are solid and seemed sturdy, so placed one under each cushion. Firmed up the seating, and still in use a year later without any problems. In fact, we also put one under the matching chair cushion and liked the new firmer feel. I think you could do this inexpensively with any sturdy rectangular wood shelving that's not real thick.
  • Patricia W Patricia W on Dec 01, 2013
    I would get a bit of foam, I bought a bunch at goodwill. Mine were inside of outdoor furniture pads, 4" thick and since they were inside waterproof covering, they were in new condition. I cut mine to size for all kinds of projects. I stuffed some of them into cushions, on to make new chair seats, very cozy!
  • Judy Judy on Dec 02, 2013
    Sounds like the springs under the seat cushions may have broken or come loose from the frame. Any upholstery place can replace or repair them. If it's just the cushions that have lost their shape there are places that will cut foam to order.
  • Carole Carole on Dec 02, 2013
    Quick tip re foam: If you need or want to replace the foam (check first whether it seems to be the foam that is the problem or whether the springs or support of the sofa is shot) then you can cut your own foam if you mark it up first (measure twice, cut once!) using an electric kitchen knife. Please don't use scissors or shears as these will twist the foam as you cut and you will end up with crooked or jagged edges. Foam is not cheap to buy, so if you are going to cut it yourself, make sure you can cut it straight!! Good luck!
    • Sally Barney Mangan Sally Barney Mangan on Dec 14, 2013
      @Carole Thanks Carole. I had always heard to use an electric knife before, but never knew why until now.
  • Carole Carole on Dec 02, 2013
    Forgot to mention: if you are buying new foam from a store, then ensure they know what you are using it for. They may be able to advise the best type to use for your sofa cushions. Foam comes in different density depending on usage. I would go for a firmer density foam for your sofa as it will last longer and give more support when sitting.
  • Jill Jill on Dec 04, 2013
    Most fabric stores carry foam cushions that you can buy as replacements if this is the problem. To figure out the thickness you need measure the height of the cushion from the upholstery sides and remember to add a little to that. Simply cut them to size of your old cushions and wrap them in a batting material (also available at fabric stores). But just because your cushions have "lost" support doesn't mean it's the cushions alone. Are any spring sections poking thru the lining below the cushion. If they are you need to turn the sofa upside down to check the underneath of the sofa. If the springs have come undone, or the wood frame is broken, replace the broken boards and reconnect the springs so that they have support.
  • Nancy Gramm Nancy Gramm on Dec 04, 2013
    I had an upholsterer replace a chair cushion a couple of years ago. It never was right; it smooshed after the chair was used. The furniture maker replaced it a couple of times--it was an expensive chair, but the replacements were no better than the original. i think the upholsterer charged me $45 for the replacement but it's still excellent. Might be more than you want to pay but foam has different densities so IMO it would be difficult to go to a fabric store and pick the right one. Perhaps, if you found an upholsterer who'd advise you, you could buy the correct density there and make your own. It's worth a try.
  • Sally Barney Mangan Sally Barney Mangan on Dec 14, 2013
    Thanks all! I have had this sofa for a log time, but it is still in good shape. I will check out the springs and wood also.
  • Anna fabian Anna fabian on Feb 21, 2016
    You can order pre cut foam online.