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Howies Furniture

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Choosing a Seat Cushion For Sofa

The seat cushion is a critical component of any sofa, sectional or chair. It not only enhances the look of a piece, it also provides comfort. So, when you’re shopping for new furniture, it’s important to consider a few different aspects, such as cushion type and seat depth, so you can select the best one for your needs.

Seat cushions are available in a wide range of styles, materials and options to suit every budget and lifestyle. Depending on the brand, there may be several variations of the same style, so it’s important to know what to look for and how to choose the right seat cushion.

There are three basic types of seat cushions that you’ll find on most sofas: down, foam and blendown (or down plush). Down is the softest cushion option, and it comes in many varieties.

Duck and goose down are commonly used, but there are other types of down-filled cushions on the market. These are a little more expensive, but they’re typically more comfortable and last longer than their duck counterparts.

A blendown or down plush is a medium-firm cushion made of a thin foam core that’s encased in a thicker layer of a down and polyester fiber mix. These cushions are very soft and provide a great deal of support.

Some people prefer a blendown because it is softer than other seat cushions and can give you that “pillow feel”. It requires occasional fluffing to keep it looking neat.

When choosing a blendown, look for the manufacturer’s specifications that show well-sewn rows of 3 or 4 chambers that minimize down migration. This will help you avoid sagging.

You can also ask your sales associate to show you the manufacturer’s specifications so you can see the details for yourself and make an informed decision. Some manufacturers have a zipper access on the back of their cushion and this can be a great way to inspect it for any flaws.

The fabric on the seat cushion will affect the comfort level of the cushion and the overall quality of your sofa. Some fabrics are more stain and liquid resistant than others, so you should choose an upholstery fabric that is suitable for your family’s lifestyle.

Most brands will also offer a variety of cushion filling options to choose from, such as feathers, foam, polyester, hollow-fill fiber and batting. Most of these options are available in both soft and firm varieties, but a few higher-end brands will have even more selections.

If you’re buying a sofa for a high-use area or workplace, it’s important to find out the density of the foam. A foam with a density of 2.0 lbs or higher will provide good support and be appropriate for most uses.

When you’re comparing foam prices, it’s also important to consider how thick the foam is and whether it’s solid or glued together. The thicker the foam, the more durable it will be.

Foam Superstore has an extensive selection of foam shapes and grades, including solids. Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you might have and to help you select the best foam for your sofa. Our goal is to make replacing your sofa’s seat cushion a quick and satisfying process.