What Are Things To Put Under Couch Cushions? How To Put?

Interestingly, according to a few history books, couch cushions were initially made from feathers, followed by horsehair in the 18th century and foam in the 19th century. However, these days, we can now see them produced with foam, memory foam, gel, air, and the list goes on.

However, whatever types of couch cushions you buy, one thing is common, they become a little flat and uncomfortable after a while. Moreover, you may feel them becoming saggy, and if you don’t know the practical techniques for fixing fixed couch cushions, it can be a bit uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there is a way to fix many issues with couch cushions; there are several things to put under couch cushions to improve comfort, support their structure, minimize sagging, and/or protect the cushions as well. Be with me as I’ll tell you how you can enhance your sitting. 

Key Takeaways

[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]

• Putting things under couch cushions can serve multiple purposes, including improving comfort, preventing sagging, protecting the cushions, and preventing sliding.
• To add comfort, options such as foam or towels can be used. Foam can be added as another layer or replace the existing foam, while towels can be folded and placed between the cushions.
• To prevent sagging, plywood, cardboard, or anti-sag supports can be placed under the couch cushions for added firmness and support.
• Cushion covers or plastic sheeting can be used to protect the cushions from wear and tear, dirt, debris, stains, and pet accidents.
• Non-slip cushion pads, Velcro, or rubber bands can be employed to prevent sliding by creating friction between the cushions and the couch.[/su_note]

Why Putting Things Under Couch Cushions

In this section of the guide, I’ll discuss the reasons for putting things under the couch cushions so you can know yours, and check the relevant section below, where I’ll tell you the options/things to achieve the desired outcome. 

The reasons you should opt for putting things under the couch cushions are 

To Improve Comfort:

In my interaction with the furniture and according to the observation of many of my readers, putting things under their couch cushions makes them more comfortable. This could be because the extra padding provides more support or because it simply feels more luxurious.

To Prevent Sagging:

Couch cushions can sag over time, making them discomforting to sit on. I usually put something (a few particular materials) under the cushions to add support and make them more comfortable. If your cushions are sagging, check the quick fixes I have discussed below for the issue. 

To Protect the Cushions: 

Many sofa owners have pets or children who are subject to making messes. From peeing on the cushions to tearing them off to get the cushions inserts out, they can do a lot of unusual things. Putting something under or all around your couch cushions, like a cover, can help to protect them from wear and tear.

To Prevent Sliding;

Another reason to put things under couch cushions is to prevent them from sliding. Such a problem arises, especially if your couch cushions are made of slippery material, such as leather or microfiber. 

Other than the materials, you may face the same problem for other reasons. For example, if the cushions are not properly secured, they can slide around on the couch, making it difficult to sit or lie down on them. If so, start by putting something under the couch before going for other fixes. 

Things To Put Under Couch Cushions

Several things can be placed under the couch cushions for various purposes. The following is the table for things to put under couch cushions for a quick overview. 

Options	Purpose
Foam (add a few sheets or replace the entire one) or Towle(s)	To add comfort
Plywood, Cardboard, or Anti-Sag Supports	To prevent couch cushions from sagging.
Cushion Covers or Plastic Sheeting	To protect from wear and tear, dirt, debris, stains, and pet accidents.
Non-Slip Cushion Pads, Velcro, or Rubber Bands	To prevent sliding.

[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: In the next sections of this guide, I’ll talk about all these things in more detail. I’ll cover all the things, including when to use them, why to use them, and how to use them. [/su_note]

To Add Comfort (Put Foam or Towel)

Foam

Foam is a great way to add support and comfort to couch cushions. You can either use a solid piece of foam as another layer or replace the existing foam entirely with a new one. Below, I have discussed the other ways of doing so.

Add another Layer

Adding foam to the cushions is one of the easiest ways to add comfort and make them firmer. Interestingly, foam comes in different densities and thicknesses to pick the one that best matches your needs. 

There are a few ways to add it: If your cushions have zippers, unzip them and add foam inside. On the other hand, if your cushions don’t have zippers, cut a hole in the cover and add the foam.

[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: You can either add a single piece of foam or layer multiple pieces around the existing cushion until you achieve the desired outcome.[/su_note]

Suppose you don’t want to add foam to your cushions. Alternatively, you can stuff the cushion with cotton batting to get extra comfort, but it typically doesn’t yield as effective results as using foam.

Replace the Foam

Suppose the foam inside the cushions is damaged and needs to be replaced rather than getting another layer of companion foam. In such a case, you can replace the foam inside if your sofa cushion is very old or damaged. 

You can buy foam from a store or order it online. If you choose to order online, make sure to measure the cushion carefully and get foam that is the same size or a little bit bigger. If you are unsure, go for a bigger size to always trim it down.

Suppose you have the foam in your hands now and want to know what to do next. Well, the first step is always cutting the foam in the appropriate sizes; you can do this by following these steps.

1. Get the old foam inside the cushions out from the cover.
2. Find a plain, clean place like a table or the floor surface and place the old foam on top of the new foam and trace its outline.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut along the traced line carefully. If you have an electric knife, it will make the cutting easier.

[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Always cut at a 90-degree angle for a clean cut.[/su_note]

Once you have cut the foam to the appropriate size, you must put it into the cushions. After that, secure it by zipping them back or sewing them if there is no zip, and instead, you make a hole or unsew the fabric to get the foam out. 

Towels

If you don’t want to go for foam, towels are a simple and inexpensive way to add a bit of extra comfort to couch cushions. You can fold towels and place them between the cushions to add extra padding. This can make the cushions feel softer and more comfortable to sit on.

Interestingly, towels can do more than just provide support; they can also be used to absorb spills and stains on couch cushions. This can help to safeguard the cushions and keep them looking new. The following are my personal tips for using towels to make couch cushions more comfortable:

• Use thick, fluffy towels for the best results.
• Fold the towels to the desired thickness.
• Place the towels between the cushions, evenly spaced.
• Replace the towels as needed or when they become dirty.

To Prevent Sagging (Put Plywood, Cardboard, or Anti-Sag Supports)

Plywood/ Cardboard

Plywood is a strong and rigid material that can be used to add firmness to couch cushions. When placed underneath the cushions, it prevents them from sinking down into the frame when people sit on them. Also, make the cushions feel firmer and more supportive.

To ensure an even effect, I recommend using a piece of plywood that spans the entire sofa length, even if only one or two cushions require firming. Doing so will aid in preventing the plywood from creating an uneven feel.

The following are the steps involved in cutting and placing the plywood (or cardboard) under the couch cushions. 

1. Purchase a piece of plywood/cardboard with an appropriate thickness that suits your couch. I recommend a quarter-inch sheet of plywood/cardboard.
2. Measure the dimensions of your couch cushions to know each cushion’s length, width, and depth to help cut the plywood to the correct size.
3. Cut the plywood/cardboard to the dimensions you measured in Step 2. You can use a saw or a jigsaw to cut the plywood.
4. Sand the plywood edges to smooth them out to help prevent splinters. If possible, you can also do this if you’re using cardboard.
5. Attach the prepared piece of plywood/cardboard to the couch frame under the cushions. You can use screws, nails, or glue to attach the plywood.
6. Enjoy your firmer couch cushions!

[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: While plywood provides a firmer seat experience, it is not a permanent solution. Over time, the plywood may start to sag, reducing the firmness it provides. It can also be noisy when people sit on it, so it may not be the best option for everyone.[/su_note]

Anti-Sag Supports

If you see that the jute webbing supporting your cushions is starting to stretch or sag, specific supports are available to address this issue. Products like Laminet Supports or Sofa Savers are specially designed for this purpose.

You can find these supports at local craft stores or purchase them online from platforms like Amazon or other online retailers.

These supports are specifically engineered to provide extra reinforcement, preventing your couch cushions from sagging. They also enhance the weight-bearing capacity, ensuring the durability and longevity of your sofa cushions.

To Protect the Cushions (Put Cushion Covers or Plastic Sheeting)

Cushion Covers

When I think about protecting my couch’s cushions, the first that pops up is cushion covers. They are also a good way to protect your cushions from wear and tear, dirt, debris, stains, and pet accidents. 

For your information, they are available in various materials, including waterproof, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. You can choose the one to change the look of your couch cushions and provide the desired protection.

Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is a thin, flexible material made of plastic, typically in the form of a large sheet or roll. I use it as a protective covering or barrier for various purposes whenever needed. In the context of couch cushions, plastic sheeting can serve as an effective method to waterproof them.

Placing plastic sheeting over the cushions creates a barrier that helps prevent liquids or spills from seeping through and reaching the cushion material. This can be particularly beneficial if you have pets or children who may have accidents or be more prone to spills or messes.

[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: No doubt, plastic sheeting can help waterproof the cushions. But it may also affect the breathability and overall comfort of the seating, especially in hot summer. You should only choose this option when you don’t want to invest in dedicated water-proof cushion covers. [/su_note]

To Prevent Sliding (Put Non-Slip Pads, Velcro, or Rubber Bands)

Non-Slip Cushion Pads

Non-slip cushion pads/mats are a good option for giving a bit of style with various colors and preventing couch cushions from sliding. This is because they have a rough surface that creates friction between the two surfaces, like fabrics and cushions. 

For your information, these anti-slip pads are designed with a strong grip to prevent the cushion from shifting, and it doesn’t require glue or Velcro to stay in place. These incorporate a layer of felt in the middle, providing additional support and preventing the pad from bunching up.

To use a non-slip mat to avoid couch cushions from sliding, simply place the mat under the cushions. The rough surface of the mat will create friction between the mat and the cushions, preventing them from sliding around.

Velcro

Velcro is another option to prevent couch cushions from sliding. Velcro is a fastener with two parts: a soft, fuzzy, rough, hook-like part. When the two parts are pressed together, they create a secure bond.

To use Velcro to prevent couch cushions from sliding, you will need to cut two strips of Velcro. One strip will be attached to the bottom of each cushion, and the other strip will be attached to the couch frame (you might need to sew as I did for my cushions to complete the process). 

Once both the strips are placed (or sewn) correctly, place the cushions back on the couch. When the two strips are pressed together, they create a secure bond that prevents the cushions from sliding around.

Rubber Bands

Last but not least, rubber bands can also be used as a simple but effective way to prevent couch cushions from sliding. As you would know, rubber bands are made of a stretchy material that can create a tight grip on the cushions.

To use rubber bands to prevent couch cushions from sliding, simply wrap a rubber band around each cushion, just below the edge (you can even go for more than one if you think you need it). The rubber band will tight grip the cushions, preventing them from sliding around.

FAQs

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