Measuring guide
How to Measure for Made-to-Measure Cushions (in cm)
A simple step-by-step guide to measuring window seat, bench, garden and sofa cushions in centimetres, including odd shapes and templates.
On this page
Quick answer: Measure the seat itself, not the old cushion. Take the width, the depth front to back and the thickness you want, in centimetres. For anything that is not a rectangle, measure every side or make a paper template. We cut within ±1.3 cm of the size you order.
Getting the size right is the most important part of ordering a made-to-measure cushion. This guide works for window seats, benches, garden furniture, sofas and boats.
What you need
- A metal tape measure marked in centimetres
- Paper and tape for templates (for curved or angled seats)
- Your phone, to photograph the seat and any template
Step 1: Measure the width
Measure from side to side where the cushion will sit. For a window seat or bench between two walls, measure at the front and the back, as walls are rarely perfectly square, and use the smaller number.
Step 2: Measure the depth
Measure from the front edge to the back wall or frame. If the cushion should overhang the front edge, add that amount.
Step 3: Choose the thickness
- 2.5–7.5 cm: chair pads, piano stools and stool tops
- 7.5–13 cm: most window seats, benches and garden chairs (our standard range)
- Up to 20 cm: deep seats and day beds
Step 4: Odd shapes
For trapezoid, L-shaped or curved seats, measure every side, or tape paper over the seat, trace the shape, mark the front edge and send a photo with a ruler in it. Bay windows and corner seats often need this.
Foam size vs cover size
Foam is measured edge to edge. Covers are measured seam to seam. If you are ordering covers for foam you already have, measure the foam, not the old cover.
Before we cut
We send a spec sheet with a drawing for you to approve before we cut anything. Start with window seat cushions, bench cushions or garden furniture cushions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure the old cushion or the seat?
The seat. Old cushions shrink, sag and lose their shape, so they give a false size.
Can I order in centimetres?
Yes. Enter your sizes in centimetres, whichever you measured in.
How accurate are made-to-measure cushions?
We cut and sew within ±1.3 cm of the size you order, and if we get it wrong beyond that we remake it free.
