If you’re looking to update your seating with custom cushion orders, getting the measurements right is essential to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you’re adding a new indoor throw cushion to your sofa, window seat cushions, or cushions for outdoor furniture, knowing how to measure for cushion covers, inserts, or seat cushions can make all the difference.
At Cushion House Australia, we guide you through the process to ensure your custom cushions fit perfectly in your space. Here’s your comprehensive guide to measuring for custom cushions when ordering online.
Design your new custom cushions online
Understanding your cushion needs
Before diving into the measuring process, it’s essential to understand your cushion needs. Think about the type of furniture you want to enhance with new cushions. Are you looking to add comfort to a chair, create a cosy window seat, or update your outdoor seating? Consider the intended use of the cushions — will they be for everyday use, decorative purposes, or occasional seating?
Next, envision the desired look and feel of your cushions. Do you prefer a firm and supportive cushion or something soft and plush? Think about the size, shape, and thickness that will best suit your furniture and personal preferences.
Additionally, consider the material and colour of the cushion covers to ensure they complement your existing décor. By understanding your cushion needs, you’ll be better equipped to determine the right size and type of cushion to create.
Understanding cushion types and measurements
Cushions come in various shapes, sizes, and types, each designed to fit specific furniture pieces. Understanding the different types of cushions and their measurements is crucial for creating a comfortable and inviting space.
Whether you’re looking to update your chair cushions, add a cosy touch to your window seat, or enhance your outdoor bench, knowing the right measurements will ensure a perfect fit.
How to measure for seat cushions: A step-by-step guide
Custom cushions are a fantastic way to add comfort and style to your furniture. But before placing your order, it's important to know how to measure correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the right measurements for your custom cushion order.
1. Measure the length and width of the seat
Start by measuring the length and width of the space where the cushion will sit. When measuring for one cushion, ensure you have the correct fabric yardage to cover the entire surface.
For most cushions, this will be the top surface of a chair, sofa, or bench. Use a measuring tape and measure from the left edge to the right edge (length), and from the front edge to the back edge (width).
- Tip: Measure the exact space you want the cushion to fit, and be sure to measure in multiple places to ensure consistency. Sometimes, the dimensions can vary slightly across the seat.
2. Measure the cushion thickness
Next, measure the thickness (depth) of the cushion. This is particularly important if you're designing a cushion that will be used for comfort, like a seat cushion or back cushion. The thickness refers to how high the cushion will sit from the furniture’s surface.
- Tip: If you want a cushion with extra softness, choose a thicker foam insert. For firmer cushions, opt for a thinner foam insert.
3. Measuring cushion inserts
When ordering custom cushions, you’ll need to know how to measure the cushion inserts (foam) as well. Ensure that the cushion inserts and covers are the same size to achieve a snug and plump appearance. The insert size should match the cushion cover’s dimensions to ensure a snug fit.
- Tip: If you’re unsure, select a slightly smaller foam insert than the cover dimensions to allow for a comfortable, wrapped cushion effect.
4. Account for seam allowance
When measuring for cushion covers, always account for seam allowance. This extra space ensures that the cushion cover fits correctly around the foam insert once sewn.
- Tip: A common seam allowance for cushions is 1-2 cm, depending on the fabric and how the edges are sewn. If you're unsure, our team at Cushion House can guide you on the best seam allowance for your cushion cover.
5. Measure for round or tapered cushions
If yours is a cushion with rounded edges or a tapered shape, it’s essential to measure the diameter or radius at the widest points. For example, if you're ordering a bolster cushion, the width will vary across its length.
- Tip: For rounded cushions, measure both the length and width at the edges to account for the curvature.
6. Measuring for back cushions
Back cushions can be a little trickier to measure since they have varying depths depending on the chair or sofa's backrest.
Measure the height, width, and depth of the backrest where the cushion will sit. If the cushion will be loose or filled with a soft foam insert, ensure the measurements are precise so that the cushion sits comfortably in place.
- Tip: For back cushions, you can slightly overestimate the height or width to allow for a snug fit, but be mindful not to go too large, as this could make the cushion uncomfortable to sit against.
How to measure for a cushion cover
Cushion covers are available in many textures, patterns, and fabrics. Whether you’re ordering a cushion cover for a bench, daybed, or chair, accurate measurements are key.
- Measure the full dimensions: Be sure to cover the total length, width, and thickness of the cushion insert, plus a seam allowance. If you're using a pattern, make sure it aligns with the measurements.
- Measure in multiple points: For large cushions or irregularly shaped furniture, measure in more than one spot to ensure accuracy. Furniture pieces can sometimes have slight variations in dimensions, especially older furniture.
- Account for corners and edges: You’ll need to include measurements of rounded cushions with rounded corners or custom shapes, measuring carefully around the edges. Use a flexible measuring tape for rounded edges to ensure an accurate measurement.
- Consider cushion inserts and foam types: Choose your foam type based on the comfort level you want. High-density foam is firm and supportive, while soft foam offers a plush feel.
- Choose the right fabric: Your fabric choice will affect the cushion's overall look and feel. When measuring, ensure that the fabric will fit comfortably over the foam without stretching too tightly.
- Account for cushions with foam and fabric wrapping: When you order custom cushions, we wrap the foam in fabric for extra protection and comfort. For this, you just have to measure the foam insert's dimensions, then add the amount of fabric that will wrap around the foam. For a tightly wrapped cushion, ensure you have enough fabric for a seamless finish.
- Add for fabric shrinkage: Fabrics can shrink over time. To account for this, add extra length and width when measuring for fabric covers.
Achieving the perfect fit for your custom cushions
Measuring for custom cushions might seem intimidating at first, but with these simple steps, you'll be able to order cushions that perfectly fit your furniture.
At Cushion House Australia, we offer a range of cushion styles, foam types, and fabrics to help you create cushions that suit your space, comfort, and design needs. With our easy-to-follow guide, measuring for seat cushions, chair cushions, and cushion covers is a breeze.
Start designing your perfect cushion today, and enjoy the comfort and style of custom-made cushions that are made to last.
Ready to order? Visit our website to start designing your custom cushions, or contact us for assistance. We're here to help you get the perfect cushions for your home or business.
