How to Order Made-to-Measure Chair Cushions That Fit

Quick answer: Measure the seat's front width, back width and depth, note any notches around the back posts, choose a thickness (usually 2.5–7.5 cm for dining chairs) and add ties in matching fabric. For garden chairs, choose Sunbrella with quick-drain foam. There is no minimum order.

Shop-bought seat pads rarely match the shape of a chair. Made-to-measure chair cushions follow the seat exactly, so they look neat and stay put.

How to measure a chair seat

1. Measure the width across the front of the seat.
2. Measure the width across the back. If it is narrower, the seat is a trapezoid.
3. Measure the depth from front to back.
4. Note where the back posts meet the seat; cushions can be notched around them.
5. For round or curved seats, trace the seat on paper and send a photo.

Thickness

• 2.5–5 cm: dining and kitchen chairs, so the table height still works.
• 5–7.5 cm: armchairs and garden dining chairs.
• Seat-and-back cushions for high-back garden chairs and Adirondack chairs.

Ties and fixings

Ties in matching fabric are standard, placed at the back corners. Velcro is available on request. We don't use non-slip backing, because it stops covers being washable and voids the warranty.

Fabric

• Garden chairs: Sunbrella resists fading, stains and mould.
• Dining chairs: Warwick upholstery, velvet or wipe-clean faux leather.

Ordering

Start with dining chair seat pads, garden chair cushions or made-to-measure seat cushions. Order one or a full set; standard shapes are made in 2–3 weeks, with free UK delivery.

Seat shapes we see most often

• Square or rectangle: the front and back widths match.
• Trapezoid: the back is narrower than the front, common on dining chairs. See our trapezoid cushion.
• Rounded front: the front corners curve; trace a template.
• Round: bistro chairs and stools; measure the diameter. See round cushions.
• Notched back: cut-outs around the back posts.

How to make a paper template

1. Tape a sheet of paper over the seat, larger than the seat itself.
2. Run a pencil around the edge of the seat, following any curves and notches.
3. Mark the front edge and where you want the ties.
4. Cut the template out and check it on the chair.
5. Photograph it flat with a ruler or tape in shot, and send it to us.

Orders made from a template take 5–6 weeks.

Garden chair cushions for British weather

Garden dining chairs spend months in the damp. Choose Sunbrella, which resists mould and fading, with quick-drain foam that lets rain run straight through. Stand cushions on edge after a shower and store them dry over winter. Our guide to waterproof garden cushions explains the options.

Choosing foam for chair pads

• Lux: firm, so a thin pad still feels supportive.
• High Density: a medium feel for everyday dining.
• Quick-drain: for garden chairs left outside.

Foam for UK orders is made and cut in the UK by our foam partner.

Ordering a full set

If all your chairs look the same, measure two or three of them anyway, as older and hand-made chairs can vary. Order one cushion first if you want to check the fit and feel, then the rest.

Mistakes to avoid

• Ordering by the chair's catalogue size rather than measuring the seat.
• Choosing a thick pad for a dining chair, which raises you too high for the table.
• Forgetting the notches around back posts.
• Leaving ties off chairs that are moved often.

Accuracy and delivery

We cut every cushion within ±13 mm of the size you order, and remake it free if we miss that. Delivery is free across the UK, with import duty and VAT paid, so nothing is due when it arrives.

Seat and back cushions for garden chairs

High-back garden chairs and Adirondack chairs often take a cushion that runs from the seat up the back. Measure the seat depth and the back height separately, and note where the seat meets the back so the cushion can bend there. Measure the width at the top of the back too, as it is often wider or narrower than the seat. See Adirondack chair cushions.

Indoor dining fabrics

For indoor dining chairs, velvet gives a soft, rich finish and faux leather wipes clean after meals. Both suit a thin, firm pad with ties.

After your cushions arrive

If the foam arrives vacuum-packed, open it and let it expand for 12–18 hours before you judge the fit. Tie the cushions to the back posts, and give them a week of use to settle in.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make cushions for tapered dining chairs?

Yes. Give the front width, back width and depth and we cut to that trapezoid shape.

How thick should dining chair cushions be?

Usually 2.5–5 cm, so you can still sit comfortably at the table.

Can I order just one chair cushion?

Yes. There is no minimum order.