Types of Cushions: A Guide to Shapes, Edges and Fills

Short answer: most cushions are one of a few basic types. Box cushions have flat sides and are used on seats and sofas. Knife-edge cushions taper to a seam and are used as throw pillows and thin chair pads. Shaped cushions (T, trapezoid, round, L) follow the outline of a specific piece of furniture. Bolsters are long cylinders for arms and backs. The right type depends on the seat it sits on and how it will be used.

Cushions by edge style

Box cushions

A box cushion has a top, a bottom and a strip of fabric around the sides (the boxing), so the edges are square and the cushion keeps a crisp shape. This is the standard style for sofa seats, outdoor chair cushions, bench and window seat cushions. Box cushions are usually 2″ to 6″ thick, with foam cut to match.

Knife-edge cushions

A knife-edge cushion is two pieces of fabric sewn together around the outside, so it is thick in the middle and thin at the edge. Throw pillows are knife-edge, and so are many thin chair pads. They look softer and more casual than a box cushion, but don't hold a firm seat shape.

Box vs knife edge: which one?

Use box cushions anywhere you sit for long periods, or where the cushion fills a frame edge to edge. Use knife-edge for decorative pillows and light pads. When you measure an old cushion for replacement, check which style it is: a 22″ knife-edge pillow and a 22″ box cushion are not the same size in use.

Other edge details

• Piping (welting): a corded trim sewn into the seams that sharpens the edges. Optional on most custom cushions.
• Dacron wrap: a layer of polyester batting around the foam that rounds the edges and softens the feel.
• Bullnose and waterfall edges: the fabric wraps over the front edge in one piece. These are made by quote; email operation@fabricakraft.com.

Cushions by shape

Rectangular and square cushions

The most common shape, used on benches, window seats, dining chairs, daybeds and outdoor seating. Measure length, depth and thickness. See bench cushions, window seat cushions and popular square outdoor cushion sizes.

T-shaped cushions

A T-cushion is wider at the front than at the back, so it wraps around the front of a sofa or armchair arm. Common on traditional sofas and wingback chairs. Build one with the T-shaped cushion builder.

Trapezoid cushions

Wider at the front than the back (or the other way round), for dining chairs with tapered seats and angled bay window sections. Use the trapezoid cushion builder.

Round cushions

For bar stools, round chairs, papasan and egg chairs. See the round cushion builder and egg chair and papasan cushions.

L-shaped cushions

For corner window seats, banquettes and corner benches, made in one piece or split at the corner. Use the L-shaped cushion builder.

Bolsters

Long round or square cylinders that sit against arms or along the back of a daybed or window seat. See bolster cushions.

Curved, half-round, triangle and clipped shapes

Curved benches, half-round window seats, triangle corner seats and chairs with clipped back corners need a cushion cut to their own outline, usually from a paper template. See custom shaped cushions.

Cushions by furniture

• Seat and back cushions: separate seat and back pads for chairs and sofas. Backs are often softer than seats.
• Deep seat cushions: extra-deep seat and back sets for outdoor sofas and lounge chairs. See deep seat cushions.
• Chaise cushions: long cushions for chaise lounges, single, double, or hinged at the back so the back can be raised. See chaise lounge cushions.
• Daybed and swing bed cushions: mattress-style cushions with back cushions and bolsters. See daybed cushions.
• Floor cushions: thick square, round or rectangular cushions that sit directly on the floor. See floor cushions.

Cushions by fill

• High Density foam: medium feel, holds its shape. The everyday choice for seats.
• Lux foam: firm. Good for thin dining seats that get heavy daily use.
• Super Soft foam: soft, for back cushions only, never seats.
• Dry Fast foam: open-cell foam that drains and dries quickly, for outdoor and boat cushions.
• Fiber fill: soft and loose, for throw pillows and loose back cushions.

Compare them in our cushion thickness and foam guide.

How to choose

1. Match the shape to the seat: trace it if it isn't a simple rectangle.
2. Choose box edges for seating and knife-edge for decorative pillows.
3. Pick the fill for how the cushion is used (seat, back, outdoor or decorative).
4. Choose fabric for where it lives: Sunbrella outdoors and in sunny rooms; Warwick, velvet or leather indoors.

Every shape above can be made to your exact size, within ±0.5″, with no minimum order. Start with custom cushions.

FAQ

What is the most common type of cushion?

The box cushion. It is used on most sofa seats, outdoor furniture and benches.

What is a knife-edge cushion?

A cushion made from two pieces of fabric sewn around the edge, with no side panel. Throw pillows are the most common example.

What cushion shape fits a dining chair?

Usually a trapezoid, because most dining seats are wider at the front than the back.

What is a T-cushion?

A sofa or chair seat cushion that is wider at the front, so it extends in front of the arms.