Couch Cushions: Replace, Re-foam or Re-cover Your Lounge?

Quick answer: If your couch cushions are flat but the covers look fine, replace the foam. If the foam is firm but the fabric is worn, stained or dated, replace the covers. If both are tired, order complete replacement couch cushions made to the size of your lounge. All three are usually far cheaper than a new lounge, and the frame of a good couch often outlasts its cushions by many years.

The cushions are the hardest-working part of any lounge. They are sat on, slept on and jumped on every day, and they are usually the first thing to go. Foam softens, seams stretch and fabric fades in the afternoon sun. The good news is that the frame underneath is often still sound. This guide explains how to tell what has worn out, and what to order.

Step 1: Work out what has actually worn out

• The foam has gone flat. You sink straight through to the base, the cushion doesn't spring back after you stand up, or there is a dip where everyone sits. Covers can look perfect while the foam inside is finished.
• The covers have worn. Pilling, thin patches, faded fabric, stretched seams, broken zips or stains that won't come out.
• Both. Common in lounges more than eight to ten years old, or in family rooms that get heavy use.

A quick test: unzip a seat cushion and press the foam with your palm. If it feels crumbly, leaves a dent or you can feel the base through it, the foam is done.

Option 1: Replace the foam only

If you love your fabric, keep the covers and replace what is inside. We cut custom foam for couch cushions to the exact size of your old inserts, with an optional Dacron wrap that fills the cover and rounds the edges. All foam for Australian orders is made in Australia by Premier Group in Sydney.

• Seat cushions: choose a firmer, higher-density foam. It holds its shape and stops you sinking.
• Back cushions: a softer foam, or soft foam with a thick wrap, feels more relaxed. Super-soft foam is for backs only, not seats.
• Thickness: most lounge seat cushions are 100–150 mm. Our foam thickness guide goes into more detail.

Measure the old foam, not the cover, and measure it flat. If it has squashed, measure the cover seam to seam instead and we will match the foam to it.

Option 2: Replace the covers only

If the foam still feels firm, new covers give the lounge a new look for a fraction of the cost of new furniture. We make sofa and couch cushion covers zipped to fit your existing foam, in Warwick, velvet, leather and performance fabrics.

• Families and pets: Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are solution-dyed and easy to clean, and the covers are machine washable.
• A softer, warmer look: Warwick indoor fabrics and velvet.
• Leather lounges: see our guide to leather vs faux leather cushions.

Covers are measured seam to seam. If you are changing every cushion, order swatches first and look at them in your own lounge room light.

Option 3: Complete replacement couch cushions

When both the foam and the covers are worn, order complete replacement couch cushions: new foam, new covers, made to your sizes. This is also the answer when a lounge came with cushions that never felt right, or when you want to change the firmness completely.

• Seat cushions, including T-shaped and L-shaped cushions for the ends of a lounge.
• Back cushions: see couch back cushions.
• Modular and corner lounges: see sectional couch cushions.

How to measure couch cushions

1. Take one cushion off the lounge and lay it on a flat surface.
2. Measure width, depth and thickness at the seams, in millimetres.
3. Note any shape: a T-cushion, a curved front, or a back that is thicker at the top than the bottom.
4. Check where the zip is. On seat cushions it usually runs along the back.
5. Measure every cushion. Lounges that look symmetrical often aren't.

Our guide to measuring cushions in mm has more detail. Every cushion is made within 13 mm of the size you order, and if we miss that we remake it free.

Making couch cushions last longer

• Flip and rotate seat cushions every couple of weeks so they wear evenly.
• Plump back cushions daily, especially those with a fibre wrap.
• Keep lounges out of direct afternoon sun, or choose a fade-resistant fabric.
• Wash covers following the fabric maker's care guidance, and put them back on slightly damp so they don't shrink tight.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth replacing couch cushions or should I buy a new lounge?

If the frame is solid and the springs or webbing are still firm, replacing the cushions is almost always worth it. A good frame lasts much longer than its foam.

How long does couch cushion foam last?

It depends on the foam grade and how much the lounge is used. Higher-density foams last longer. Our foam warranties range from 1 to 7 years depending on the grade.

Can you match my lounge's original fabric?

We can't always match an exact discontinued fabric, but you can send your own fabric after confirming the yardage with us, or choose from thousands of Warwick, Sunbrella and velvet colours.

How long does it take?

Standard shapes are made in 2–3 weeks, and custom shapes from a template in 5–6 weeks. Shipping is free anywhere in Australia.