Giving Vintage Furniture a Second Life with New Cushions

Quick answer: If a vintage piece has a solid frame and sound joints, new cushions are often the easiest way to bring it back. Check the frame first, measure the seat rather than the old cushion, replace flat foam, and choose a durable, easy-care upholstery fabric such as Warwick Delray.

Old furniture was often built to be repaired: solid timber frames, strong joinery and generous proportions. Warwick showed this recently by restoring a worn 1970s armchair and lounge found online in its mid-century Delray fabric (see Reviving Vintage Furniture: Discarded to Restored). You don't need a full reupholstery job to get a similar result. For benches, daybeds, cane lounges and window seats, new made-to-measure cushions do most of the work.

Is it worth saving? A quick check

• Frame: solid timber or metal, no cracks, no wobble when you push on it.
• Joints: tight and sound. Loose joints can usually be re-glued by a furniture repairer.
• Base: slats, webbing or a solid base that still supports weight.
• Weight: a heavy piece is often a well-made one.

If the frame passes, the cushions are usually the part that has worn out, and they are the easiest part to replace.

Step 1: measure the frame, not the old cushion

Old cushions sag and shrink. Measure the seat inside the frame: length, depth and the thickness you want. For curved or angled vintage shapes, trace a paper template. Our measuring guide in mm walks through it.

Step 2: replace the foam

Flat, crumbly or musty foam can't be revived. New foam brings back the shape the piece was designed with. Foam for Australian orders is made in Australia, and you can order covers only, foam only or both.

Step 3: choose a fabric that suits the era

• Mid-century timber benches and lounges: warm textured weaves such as Warwick Delray, including Honey, the colour Warwick used in its restoration.
• Retro dining chairs and banquettes: wipe-clean Lustrell Charisma faux leather.
• Cane and rattan pieces on a verandah: Sunbrella, which is made for sun.

Step 4: finish the details

• Piping outlines vintage shapes and adds about 6 mm to the edge.
• A Dacron wrap softens the cushion and adds about 6 mm.
• Bolsters and back cushions help a daybed or bench work as a sofa.

Why it's worth it

Restoring keeps good furniture in use and out of landfill, and it keeps character you won't find in a flat-pack piece. New cushions are usually far cheaper than replacing a well-made frame. Start with custom cushions, or browse Warwick upholstery in more than 900 colours.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth putting new cushions on old furniture?

If the frame is solid and the joints are sound, yes. New cushions are usually much cheaper than replacing a well-made piece.

How do I measure cushions for a vintage bench or daybed?

Measure inside the frame rather than the old cushion, and trace a paper template for curved or angled shapes.

What fabric suits mid-century furniture?

Warm, textured woven upholstery fabrics such as Warwick Delray suit mid-century timber pieces; Lustrell Charisma faux leather suits retro dining chairs.

Can I keep my old foam?

Only if it still springs back. Flat, crumbly or musty foam should be replaced.