Sofa Cushion: Materials, Comfort, and Durability
Finding the perfect sofa, loveseat, or chair is more than just aesthetics, the most important decision should be how comfortable the seat it. You work hard and at the end of the day you shouldn’t have to sit on a hard, uncomfortable cushion. Knowing what makes a comfy seat that will stay comfortable can prove to be challenging, but here at Howell Furniture our mission is to find you that perfect cushion that fits your desires.
Seat Cushion: How Contents Effects Sit
Down Seat Cushions
Down blend or full down cushions are stuffed with down or feathers to create a plush, soft seat. The difference between a down blend and full down is a mixture of down and fiber utilized to create a slightly firmer cushion in down blend cushions versus full down. They also generally have a foam core similar to the picture shown above.
How durable is a feather seat cushion?
The durability of a feather seat cushion comes from the fact you can easily fluff and refill the down as needed to regain support and comfort. This allows the cushion to have a longer life span. For down blend cushions, their durability is also dependent on the quality of the foam insert.
Innerspring Seat Cushions
Innerspring seat cushions are similar to innerspring mattress in that both typically have multiple individually pocketed coils. The coils are generally encased in a layer of foam and depending on the type of coals and foam used it will determine a medium to firm seat cushion.
How durable is an innerspring seat cushion?
Another trait that innerspring seat cushions share with innerspring mattress is that their durability largely depends on the resiliency of the coils. The heavier the gauge of metal used in the coils the more durable the cushion will be. Another contributor to the durability of innerspring seat cushions is the level of resilience of foam wrapped around the coils.
Foam Seat Cushions
High-density foam at the minimum is 1.8 lb density and will usually give a firmer seat. Medium and low density foam of around 1.5 lb density or lower will have more of a plush seat. Just a reminder that fiber, full down, or down blend around foam cushion can also increase comfort and durability.
How durable is a foam seat cushion?
The resiliency of the foam is reflected in the density of the foam. The higher density foam like the 1.8 lb high-density will last loner than a 1.5 lb density cushion with no wrap. For the best quality foam cushions search for high density and high resiliency foam wrapped in fiber or down.
Memory Foam Seat Cushions
If you’re looking for a firmer, form fitting cushion then memory foam may be the way to go for you. Memory foam cushions ten to have a memory foam core with a wrap to combine the best of memory foam and other materials, such as fiber, gel layer, or traditional foam.
How durable is a memory foam seat cushion?
Resiliency is key for memory foam just like in standard foam. Memory foam will almost always be a high density foam to ensure the cushion will last.
How durable is a feather seat cushion?
The durability of a feather seat cushion comes from the fact you can easily fluff and refill the down as needed to regain support and comfort. This allows the cushion to have a longer life span. For down blend cushions, their durability is also dependent on the quality of the foam insert.
How durable is an innerspring seat cushion?
Another trait that innerspring seat cushions share with innerspring mattress is that their durability largely depends on the resiliency of the coils. The heavier the gauge of metal used in the coils the more durable the cushion will be. Another contributor to the durability of innerspring seat cushions is the level of resilience of foam wrapped around the coils.
How durable is a foam seat cushion?
The resiliency of the foam is reflected in the density of the foam. The higher density foam like the 1.8 lb high-density will last loner than a 1.5 lb density cushion with no wrap. For the best quality foam cushions search for high density and high resiliency foam wrapped in fiber or down.
How durable is a memory foam seat cushion?
Resiliency is key for memory foam just like in standard foam. Memory foam will almost always be a high density foam to ensure the cushion will last.
Cushions: Attached, Semi-Attached, and Loose Cushions
Attached Seat Cushions
Attached Seat Cushions are completely attached to the frame of the chair, love seat, or sofa.
Pros
- Typically less expensive
- Tidy and neat look
- More support from the firmer back
Cons
- Rotating cushions to help with wear is not possible
Semi-Attached Seat Cushions
Semi-Attached Seat Cushions are attached to the frameonly by one seam. This allows the cushion to be lifted up for cleaning and finding lost remotes.
Pros
- Tidy and neat look
- More support than loose cushion
Cons
- Stress on the attached seam can cause it to tear
- Rotating cushions to help with wear is not possible
Loose Seat Cushions
Loose Seat Cushions are not attached to the frame at all. This allows the cushions to be easily removed.
Pros
- Rotating cushions to help with wear is possible
- Ability to flip seat cushions to hide wear or stains
- Removing the seat cushions can help the piece fit through a doorway easier and also lightens the load a bit
Cons
- Cushions are moveable and tend to slide, negatively effecting comfort and look
- Cushions need to be fluffed routinely