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Sofa and Chair Cushion Materials, Comfort, and Durability

family sittining on sofa

When it comes to finding the perfect sofa, loveseat, or chair the most important factor is likely to be how comfortable the seat is. No one wants to spend their precious free time sitting on an uncomfortable cushion, but knowing what goes into making a comfortable seat that will stay comfortable can be quite a challenge. Here at Sherman's, we want to help you find the perfect seat cushion for your desires.

What Goes Into a Seat Cushion and How Do They Sit?

Factors That Affect Seat Cushions

Foam density refers to the weight, in pounds, of a square foot of foam. Foam density isn't always representative of how firm the seat will be or its durability.

Foam and coil resiliency refers to a cushions ability to return to it's original shape and comfort as time progresses.

feather seat cushion

Down Seat Cushions

Down blend or full down cushions are made entirely of down or feathers and create a plush or soft seat. Down blend utilizes a mixture of down and fiber to create a slightly firmer cushion similar to that of full down. Down blend cushions typically have a foam core as pictured above.

How durable is a feather seat cushion?

Full down cushions are unique in that you can easily fluff, and for many refill, the cushion to regain the desired support and comfort. Many full down cushions allow you to refill them making them last longer. Partial down cushions durability will be dependent upon the quality of the foam used. Look for high-resiliency foam for a longer lasting cushion.

Innerspring Seat Cushion

Innerspring Seat Cushions

Innerspring seat cushions will typically feature a series of individually pocketed coils similar to those found in an innerspring mattress. These coils are commonly wrapped in a foam layer. Innerspring seat cushions can vary from a medium to a firm seat depending on the coils and foam layer.

How durable is an innerspring seat cushion?

Like an innerspring mattress, durability will depend largely on the resiliency of the coils. Heavy gauge steel springs will offer a more durable seat than springs with a lower gauge. The quality of the foam used to encase the innersprings is also a key contributor to durability in an innerspring cushion. High-resiliency foam will help ensure the cushion stands the tests of time.

Foam Seat Cushion

Foam Seat Cushions

A high-density foam is at least 1.8 lb density and typically will provide a firmer seat while medium and low density foam cushions will be at 1.5 lb density or below and normally will provide a more plush seat. Fiber, full down, or down blend wraps on foam cushions can add comfort and help maintain the quality of a seat cushion.

How durable is a foam seat cushion?

The durability of a foam cushion will depend on the resiliency of the foam. A high-resiliency 1.8 lb high-density foam cushion with a fiber wrap will last longer than a 1.5 lb density cushion without a wrap. Look for higher density and high resiliency foam wrapped in fiber or down for the best quality foam cushions.

Memory Foam Seat Cushion

Memory Foam Seat Cushions

Memory foam cushions typically offer a firmer, form fitting, sit and won't be just memory foam, instead they tend to utilize a memory foam core with a wrap to combine the best of memory foam and other materials. Wraps are commonly made of traditional foam, fiber, or a gel layer.

How durable is a memory foam seat cushion?

Much like standard foam, memory foam is often reliant upon resiliency for durability. Memory foam is consistently going to be a high density foam which will help the cushion last.

Attached Cushions, Semi-Attached Cushions, and Loose Cushions

attached back sofa

Attached Cushions

Seatback is completely attached to the frame of the piece.

Pros

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Can be less expensive

Neat and clean look

Can have firmer back which gives more support

Cons

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Can't spread wear by rotating cushions

semi attached back sofa

Semi-Attached Cushions

Seatback is attached along a seam and can often be lifted up to dig up a lost remote.

Pros

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Neat and clean look

Can be more supportive than loose cushions

Cons

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Can’t spread wear by rotating cushions

Stress along seam can cause upholstery to tear

detached back sofa

Loose Cushions

Seatback is not attached to the frame and can be easily removed.

Pros

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Can rotate cushions to spread wear

May be able to flip cushions to hide stains

Make moving day easier by removing seat cushions. This not only lightens the load but can also make it easier to fit through a doorway

Cons

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May need to be fluffed regularly

Cushions can slide, potentially negatively impacting comfort and look

Tips for Shopping for a Sofa, Loveseat, or Chair

Tip 1: Measure your room and doorways to ensure you know what size sofa, loveseat, or chair combination will fit your room best.

Tip 2: Test out how the sofa sits for about ten minutes in the store. When you use the sofa in your home you won't be sitting in it for small increments of time. Get a good feel for how it supports you over a more extended period of time.

Start Shopping

Now that you've learned about the factors that go into constructing a quality sofa, loveseat, or chair cushion check out some of what we have to offer or ask us a question to learn more!


Peoria, IL

1215 W. Glen Ave.
Peoria, IL 61614

+1 (309) 691-4100

Serving: Dunlap, Morton, Washington, Pekin, IL and surrounding areas.

Normal, IL

300 Landmark Dr.
Normal, IL 61761

+1 (309) 454-7700

Serving: Bloomington, & Champaign, IL and surrounding areas.

Peru, IL

3333 Frontage Rd.
Peru, IL 61354

+1 (815) 223-6425

Serving: LaSalle, Ottawa, Oglesby, & Streator, IL and surrounding areas.

Peoria Heights, IL

1203 E. Marietta Avenue
Peoria Heights, IL 61616

+1 (309) 643-6011

Serving: Dunlap, Morton, Washington, & Pekin, IL and surrounding areas.

Sherman's features a great selection of appliances, mattress and furniture in the Peoria, Normal, and Peru, IL area. At Sherman's you will find a large selection of sofas, sectionals, recliners, chairs, leather furniture, beds, mattresses, dressers, nightstands, dining sets, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, ovens, washers, and dryers. Sherman's is proud to serve communities throughout the Central Illinois region. Stop by one of our area showrooms today or shop online.
Information Accuracy - We have taken great care to provide you with information that is accurate and useful. Please notify us if you find an error and we will do our best to correct it. We ask that you contact us directly to confirm information about pricing, color, features, dimensions, availability and lead times.