Fresh Cushions Make a Couch New Again

If you have an older couch that is still solid, but starting to look a little worn and saggy, one of the easiest ways to make it seem new again is to add some new cushions. This is not only saves money, you also don't need to trash a favorite piece of furniture just because the cushions are getting a little old and have lost their fluff.

Using Replacement Foam

If the fabric on your couch cushions is still in good shape, you might just need to replace the worn and compressed foam filling with new foam cushions. Foam that is suitable for furniture cushions can often be found at craft stores or sewing supply stores. If you have problems finding the right type of foam locally, you can also search online. Although good quality foam in a size and thickness appropriate for a couch cushion can be a bit expensive, it is still a lot less expensive than buying a whole new couch.

Selecting Replacement Foam Cushions

When shopping for replacement foam for couch cushions, you want to pay particular attention to the thickness of the foam. Although the size and shape can be cut to fit the shape of the cushion, you will need to have the thickness of the foam match the original, otherwise the cushion covers won't fit properly. If you simply can't find foam that is thick enough, you could try using a double layer of thinner foam, putting one shape on top of the other inside the cover. However, it's important to get a good furniture cushion grade of foam, so that it has enough thickness and loft that it doesn't compress too much when you sit on the sofa cushions.

Replacing the Foam Cushions

Most couch cushions will have a zipper, which makes it easy to pull out the old foam cushion. Using the old one as a pattern, cut the new cushion to match, and then replace it inside the cover, and zip it up. If there isn't a zipper, use a seam ripper to open a seam on the back edge so that you can remove the old foam. Once you've cut the new foam shape, replace it into the cushion cover, and then carefully and inconspicuously sew the cushion shut again.

Covering Worn Fabric

If the fabric on the couch cushions is also worn, then you are going to have to decide how best to recover them. If by chance you can find a matching fabric, you can take the existing cushion cover apart, use it as a pattern, and cut and sew new couch cushion covers. It is often easier to add Velcro closures at the back of the cushion cover instead of sewing in a zipper. If you can't find matching fabric, the best way to bring your old couch back to life is to replace the foam to eliminate the saggy look, then purchase a couch slipcover that is designed to fit the size and shape of the couch. With comfortable new foam cushions and a new slipcover, your couch will look as fresh as your contemporary metal wall art hangings and modern metal wall artwork.