How to Restuff Couch Cushions — 5 Easy Steps to Fluff Up Flattened Cushioning
It's time to restore your sofa and its sagging pillows with these expert tips


If there's one thing I love doing, it's cozying up on my sofa and couch cushions in my little apartment. But after years of use, sofa cushions can often look tired, worn out, and flat. Flat cushions can quickly become uncomfortable, and the support you once had from your plush, round sofa will have disappeared. Not to worry, though, as there is always a solution.
Important as it is to know how to clean couch cushions, it's also important to tend to what's inside them once they've become flat — and that might mean restuffing your cushions. "Over time, use of sofa cushions can lead to compression of stuffing or foam, leading to a less comfortable experience," explains Clint Collins Furniture expert at, Houston Furniture Rental & Sales. "By restuffing the cushions, you can effectively bring your couch back to life, increasing the comfort and also the look. Flattened cushions will always make your sofa look dated, and this is also a more cost-effective way to improve the look than replacing the entire sofa or ordering new cushions from the manufacturer."
It's time to bring back your plump and plush sofa to life. Here's how to restuff couch cushions the right way and bring comfort back into your home.
What You'll Need
It's time to fluff up and bring some life back into your lifeless couch cushion. I, for one, love snoozing on plump cushions. So let's get to work, shall we? To avoid any sofa mistakes, you will need the right tools to restuff your cushions.
Furniture expert Clint Collins from Houston Furniture Rental & Sales says you should have these tools at hand.
TOOLS:
• Fabric scissors or seam ripper. These Mr. Pen- Metal fabric Scissors from Amazon priced at $8.99 should do the trick.
• Needle and thread. I like this BCOOSS Sewing Kit from Walmart, which is priced at $9.99.
• High-Density Upholstery Foam or polyester filling — this is dependent on the filling of your current sofa.
• Farberware Soft Grip Serrated Utility Knife from Amazon for cutting down the foam.
How to Restuff Couch Cushions
When cleaning a velvet sofa or a leather sofa, It's best to analyze every inch of it. From the seams to the cushions and accessories, keeping your space looking its best is the key to a comfortable home. So when your couch cushions are looking a little flat, it's important to restuff them as soon as you can.
Couch cushions often come with zippers, so be sure to check this before you begin the restuffing process. However, if your couch cushions do not have zippers — our expert has a solution. Clint says you should do the following to help restuff your cushion:
Step 1 - Remove cushions from the sofa: The expert tells us: "So for seat cushions, you'll want to remove the cushion, then use the fabric scissors or seam ripper to open the cushions and expose the interior."
Step 2 - Check your sofa stuffing material: From there, Clint says you need to determine what kind of stuffing has been used in your cushions. Most Sofas use polyester fiberfill or foam.
Step 3 - Cut the material: Clint explains, "Once you determine the type of stuffing, you'll need to prepare the foam or fiberfill and cut it to fit the cushion.
Step 4 - Time to restuff: "Insert the foam or new filling into the cushion cover," the expert adds. "If you are using fiberfill, work in small batches, fluffing it as you go. Push the filling into the corners first, then work your way to the center for an even distribution." For foam, Clint says you'll need to bend or roll it out to fit into the cover and allow it to expand once it's inside.
Step 5 - Seal your cushions: Lastly, "you need to seal them. For cushions without zippers, sew the seam back up using a needle and heavy-duty thread, using a ladder or slip stitch for a seamless look. Then, simply fluff the cushions and replace them."
FAQs
How Can I Make My Couch Cushions Firm Again?
Bring your living room sofa ideas to life by taking care of your couch properly. That includes ensuring your sofa and cushions look great in your home. It's not just about the overall look of your home; trust me, even the finer details matter.
If you're dealing with cushions that have lost their firmness, it's time to fix them. Clint says to do this, all you need is to add additional filling and be precise when restuffing. He adds, "To increase firmness, you'll want to cut your foam to fit closer to the edge of the cushion, around 0.5-1 inch on each side. Be sure to use high-density foam to ensure a firmer cushion."
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Faiza is the Renovation Editor at Livingetc. Faiza is currently renovating her small kitchen in her dainty apartment in London. Faiza previously worked for The Independent as a News Feature Writer, where she crafted lifestyle, entertainment, and news stories. She also worked as an Audience Editor for the newspaper for almost two years. Thriving in the busy newsroom, Faiza also spent her time crafting stories for Sky News as an SEO reporter, where she produced stories based on trending topics. Lifestyle and interior design is a space she has been interested in for quite some time, and as she blossoms in this field, she will continue to further her skills in design and gardening. Faiza has a background in SEO, social media, and reporting. Her passion for writing goes beyond her workm as she loves all things poetry and creative writing.
-
This Storage Coffee Table Has Drew Barrymore's Stamp of Approval — And It Brings Secret Storage to Your Living Room
This is certainly not your average coffee table. With a removable lid that reveals a storage pit, this coffee table can store living room clutter in the most stylish way
By Devin Toolen Published
-
Believe It or Not, 'Fridge Feng Shui' Is a Thing — And These Are the 6 Things You Should Be Doing for It
Even concealed appliances like fridges count in the world of Feng Shui. So if you're keen on optimizing the energy in this space, here's how to do it
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Believe It or Not, 'Fridge Feng Shui' Is a Thing — And These Are the 6 Things You Should Be Doing for It
Even concealed appliances like fridges count in the world of Feng Shui. So if you're keen on optimizing the energy in this space, here's how to do it
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
The 52 Weeks Decluttering Challenge Is a Year-Long Process to Tidying Your Home — Here's How to Complete It
If you appreciate an in-depth, detailed approach to home organization, this 52 week challenge will help you maintain a consistently tidy living space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Burning Palo Santo Is the Scenting Ritual Feng Shui Practitioners Recommend for Home Healing — These Are the Benefits
Burning palo santo isn't just about infusing your home with that classic woody aroma, it's also about cleansing in Feng Shui. And here's why you should try it.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Should You Buy an IKEA Kitchen? Here's What a Professional Designer Thinks of This Budget Kitchen Brand
Are IKEA kitchens worth it? We weigh up the pros and cons of the Swedish furniture brand's kitchen offering, so you know what to expect
By Faiza Saqib Published
-
Balcony Storage Ideas — 6 Concepts to Transform Your Deck into an Organized Outdoor Space
If you have a balcony holding outdoor gear and miscellaneous items, these expert tips will make sure your belongings are organized with nifty storage solutions.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
5 Things That Are Disrupting Your Garden's Feng Shui That You Might Not Know About
If you're interested in getting your garden Feng Shui ready for spring, adopt these expert dos now. Also, remember to avoid the don'ts for a harmonious space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
8 Actually-Stylish Utility Room Countertop Ideas — Because, Yes It Needs to Be Practical, But You Want It to Look Good, Too
Layouts and materials that will make your daily chores more enjoyable
By Seraphina Kyprios Published
-
6 Easy Things You Can Do Today to Feng Shui Your Front Door — And Supercharge Your Home's Good Energy
Set the bar for good first impressions by enhancing your front door with the power of Feng Shui. It's simple with these tips from practitioners
By Amiya Baratan Published