HAVE A SEAT PLEASE !

First, I measured and purchased new fabric making sure that I had 3+ inches to staple on underside of wood frame.

• You will need to Just make sure to allow for top, front and sides and to go over back edges.
• All fireplaces are different - For this cushion measurements were 20” deep x 67” long and used 4” foam and then the frame was approx 4” high (so 8” tall)

I chose this lovely home essentials upholstery fabric from Joann’s called ‘Sprinkling Mist’. I convinced my daughter to go from the previous grey neutral design to a perfect pop of color to go with their room deco.

Next the dismantling of existing cushion. They had used a lightweight vinyl felt backed material that just did not hold up and had ripped in several places. As you can see in the pic, they used several methods to add padding along the sides. Quite innovative at the time- This was due to them not having enough foam when they began putting together so they grabbed things laying around like foam board, swimming pool noodles, random foam, and lots of duct tape, etc. The old top was a 2” thick foam rectangle purchased. My son-in-law had made the wood frame from scraps.

Next I measured and drew out foam shape for top and included adding two inches to front and sides. I then used electric carving knife to cut foam - this made the foam cutting step about 45 seconds long- AMAZING!!!! I ordered 4” high density foam from foambymail in a 36” wide by 82” long sheet. Ordering 36” wide will allow me to make 2 fireplace cushions (one for my house too).

I used the old 2” foam removed earlier for the front and sides. The front length matched top length so made the sides two inches longer to go to front edge and fully cushion corners to the bottom edge of frame. I used spray adhesive to adhere the 2 inch pieces to top rectangle and the wood frame. My cutting was a little off in one corner but batting and material will hide.

Next I stretched out a 1” batting over the entire foam surface to soften the foam corners and just add more plushness and then stapled to frame. I started in the middle front and worked out to sides. I then stapled sides and along back edge last.

I ironed and laid out fabric and placed cushioned part against back side of fabric lining up the horizontal pattern. The corners were where the most thought was needed. I didn’t want to cut the fabric and sew; so I made a tuck by draping material corner straight over corner, pulled in tight towards center of frame and stapled. I then made folds to create a tuck pleat look and stapled those. Remember to Just make sure that your material is taut before stapling. I then moved to center and staples to the corners adjusting the fold and finishing each corner.

Next, I went down each side leaving the last 2 inches free. I starts stretching the fabric to the back edge and started in center again working my way to corner. I created a tuck wrap at each corner and staples securely and was essentially finished with construction.

The top of my cushion ended up being 20” wide and with 4 “ cushion and the foam front and sides was another 4” and then around frame. I used a 45” wide material fabric and just stapled the extra underneath. It was only a couple inches as you can see.

Final step before placing at fireplace was to add a fabric sealant.

I sprayed the finished piece with scotchguard and let dry completely using a fan to speed up process.

Last enjoy a new plushy cushion that adds extra seating and a soft landing for those teetering toddlers! Remember!!!! if you use your fireplace; you Must remove cushion and pillows and anything else flammable! SAFETY FIRST!!!!

2 items that made this project simple with the electric stapler and carving knife!