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Original poster

Has anyone ever replaced their (crap) sofa cushions with made to measure new foam ones?

54 replies

CroissantNeuf · 08/01/2012 19:55

We have 2 sofas that aren't particularly old and weren't particularly cheap but the seat cushions are lumpy and uncomfortable to sit on. I think the filling is currently loose 'stuffing' rather than a solid foam IYSWIM.

We can't really justify/afford buying 2 new sofas at the moment but have worked out that we could replace all the seat cushions with a high density foam recommended for the job , cut to the exact size and shape for around £120. (sofas have loose covers so easy to pop new cushion pads in)

Has anyone else ever done this and was it worth it? Or are we better off putting that money towards new sofas?

OP posts:
DoItTooJulia · 19/05/2016 08:04

I did it for my mums sofa-it's given it a new lease of life!

pruey2410 · 19/05/2016 09:41

I work for one of the largest cushion manufacturers in the UK (trade only before anyone asks me for stuff, lol) I can tell you from experience that fibre looks nice when new but doesn't last long term. it goes lumpy and flat. it is basically crimped silicone fibres with air gaps which after repetitive sitting on air will be squished out and seats will sag or go lumpy. Foam whilst costs more will give you a better shape and last much longer so will give you better value for money over long term, if you only want a short term (18months) fix by all means get some fibre and top up your cushions.

jeaniebeanie7 · 19/05/2016 12:10

If I get 18 months out of it I'll be quite chuffed, at least that gives me some time to save to replace with the foam.

AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/05/2016 12:13

DP just did this without asking me much about it and ordered the firmest foam possible. For back cushions. It's like sitting in a box of bricks Angry I'm sure if you choose the right foam it would be fine, though.

pruey2410 · 19/05/2016 12:37

This reply has been deleted

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jeaniebeanie7 · 19/05/2016 13:50

I have added a photo to let you see one cushion I filled to see the difference.( both now filled) that was 3 weeks ago and they are holding up well. Instead of beating the life out of them to fluff up i now just have to tap the top and they're fine. I understand the comments about using foam but if your on a budget and your sofa wasn't that expensive I still recommend you give it a go.

Has anyone ever replaced their (crap) sofa cushions with made to measure new foam ones?
pruey2410 · 19/05/2016 14:37

look fab Jeanie, didn't mean to sound like I was criticising what you had done. Topping up the fibre is definitely a cheap quick fix. £76 per seat for foam sounds expensive by the look of the size of cushions to be honest.

AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/05/2016 14:39

The ones DP got are, other than being far too firm, very nicely done, and were £60 for two large cushions.

jeaniebeanie7 · 19/05/2016 15:29

Hi, my quote was for cushion size 32x28x5 medium reflex foam with wadding and stocking. This is what the company recommended. It also had vat added which I think put the price up.

unlucky83 · 19/05/2016 17:19

Might be worth asking on something like freecycle if anyone is throwing a sofa away...or even at the council tip...
I offered some of the foam pads from my old suite - it was fire safe and structurally in good condition but really needed reupholstering (it came with the house and someone had eg cut the sides open to get stuff that had fallen inside) it was too big for our living room really so not worth us doing it and no-one else wanted it ...
I have an old (1950s maybe 60s) sofa bed thing that needed new foam (it wasn't fire safe and was no longer supportive) I used two of the foam pads from that sofa to replace the two back cushions (needed a new single big piece for the base/mattress). And they are shaped so it was trickier than just squares - I used the old ones as templates - but foam is really easy to cut with an electric kitchen knife or even an old bread knife ...

jennymor123 · 30/05/2016 13:13

Regarding the UK's furniture flammability regulations: they apply only to suppliers in the UK. Which means you as a consumer can stuff your cushions with any kind of foam you like. You could therefore avoid having to use flame retardant foam which is full of flame retardant chemicals that can and do have adverse effects on health (check the recent Daily Mail/Express/Mirror articles on how flame retardants in sofas produce thyroid problems particularly in women). The only caveat is that you wouldn't be able to see on your sofa/cushions, but then you probably won't want to anyway.

jennymor123 · 30/05/2016 13:14

Sorry, that should have read 'sell on', not 'see on'.

Hel999 · 13/10/2016 19:52

I used a local company to replace the Quallofil sofa cushions on my Laura Ashley sofa. They were very reasonable considering all the quotes I got online. I can't say who they are but if you are ever in Leigh on Sea, Give them a go. I wasn't disappointed.

princessconsuelabannahammock · 13/10/2016 20:01

Oh I am thinking of doing this. We got a massive 7ft sofa from a charity shop for £100 but this well saggy and baggy. I was quoted £180 for the backs and bottoms. Trying to persuade dh it's worth it.

user1474907171 · 13/10/2016 21:57

We replaced the feather fillings on our seat cushions with foam from www.cushionzone.co.uk/. Very helpful and if you are nearby you can go and sit on different types to see what you prefer.

SpeckledyBanana · 13/10/2016 22:05

I haven't, but I have always been fascinated by the "foam cut to size" signs around Tenby - one of the funiture refurbishing type companies must be there.

IHaveAToiletBrush · 14/10/2016 17:56

I did a large 5 seat corner sofa in foam for under £100, they even cut the L shaped bit for the end cushion. I got the form online and was delivered for £5. The company was called Ace Foam and it was on halesfield industrial estate in Telford so a google search should find it. The foam cushions came with a mesh type covering so they were easy to put in the cushion cases.

IHaveAToiletBrush · 14/10/2016 17:58

Foam online that should say not form.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 14/10/2016 17:59

Yes I did but bought foam wrapped in feathers. I think both cushions which are HUGE £400. We ordered line with a company called All Shapes iirc.

princessconsuelabannahammock · 14/10/2016 18:40

Will check out ace foam - £100 is an easier sell to my dh than £180.

princessconsuelabannahammock · 14/10/2016 18:41

Oops should say thanks for the tip

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 14/10/2016 18:42

www.feather-fibre-foam-cushions.co.uk/

This is who we used!

cameraman123 · 15/11/2017 16:37

I got new sofa cushions from GB Foam www.gbfoamdirect.co.uk/foam-cut-to-size/replacement-sofa-cushions/

Really pleased with them. It makes the world of difference.

AmeliaFlashtart · 15/11/2017 23:57

Yes recently had 2 seat cushions restuffed by a local independant shop. Still cost about £140 but it's given the sofa a new lease of life.

markmywords1 · 04/01/2018 18:27

Please try these people if you cushion are usless

www.thefoamshop.co.uk