4 Ways To Fix Sagging Sofa Cushions - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Best Ways to Fix Sagging Couch Cushions PDF download Download Article Make your sofa cushions plush & comfy again Co-authored by Katherine Tlapa and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: March 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Using Cushion Supports
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  • Refilling Cushions
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  • Prevention
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  • FAQ
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This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 484,924 times.

If you’ve had your couch for a while, the cushions will start to sag after sitting on them. If you want to make your cushions more comfortable and get rid of the indents, there are lots easy fixes you can do at home. Whether you’re adding supports or replacing the stuffing, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading, and you’ll be relaxing on comfy cushions again in no time.

How to Add More Couch Cushion Support: Quick Tips

Interior designer Katherine Tlapa says to remove the old foam supports and cut new pieces of foam core to the size of the cushions as replacements. If you have down or loose fill in your cushions, add more stuffing to even out the sagging areas.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Adding Couch Cushion Supports

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  1. Step 1 Add a couch... 1 Add a couch cushion support below the cushion. Cushion supports are solid pieces that fit between your couch and the cushions to raise sagged areas. Simply take the cushions off of your couch, fit the cushion supports on your sofa’s frame, and then put the cushions back on so they’re firm when you sit down.
    • Gorilla Grip Support Boards have multiple plywood boards that fold out to cover the entire area under your cushions so they’re firmer.
      • Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 stars
    • Joewuzun cushion supports are made from high-foam and are sized for individual cushions if only one of yours is sagging.
      • Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 stars
    • Stratiform cushion supports are individually sized and have a curved top for extra support in the middle of your couch cushion.
      • Amazon Rating: 4.0/5 stars
  2. Step 2 Cut plywood to fit under your cushions. 2 Cut plywood to fit under your cushions. Take the cushions off of your couch and measure the space underneath them. Cut plywood out to the same size and lay it flat on your couch. Then, just place the cushions back on top. The additional plywood prevents your cushions from sagging when you sit down.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Place blankets or pillows under the cushion for a quick DIY fix. 3 Place blankets or pillows under the cushion for a quick DIY fix. If you have some extra pillows and blankets, tuck them under the cushions at the lowest points where they’re sagging. Not only will they give your cushion extra support, but they’ll be easy to access if you need them.
  4. Step 4 Use a sofa... 4 Use a sofa topper above the cushion for a temporary fix. A sofa topper is a layer of foam or extra padding that sits on top of your cushions. Simply roll the sofa topper out over any sagging cushions before you sit down.[2]
    • Try to find a sofa topper that matches the color of your couch so it blends in better. Alternatively, put a sofa cover over the couch and topper so no one can see it.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Filling Sagging Couch Cushions

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  1. Step 1 Unzip your cushion covers to inspect the filling. 1 Unzip your cushion covers to inspect the filling. Most cushions have zippers along one of the edges so you can access the foam padding or stuffing inside. Take your cushions off of your sofa and look for the zipper to undo it.
    • Even if your cushions are attached to your sofa, they’ll usually have a zipper or opening hidden along one of the edges or on the backside of the cushion.
    • If your cushion doesn’t have a zipper at all, then you may use a thread ripper to open one of the seams. However, if you aren’t sure how to sew your cushion back together, you may want to hire an upholsterer to fix your cushions instead.
  2. Step 2 Add in foam... 2 Add in foam inserts if your cushions are worn down. Tlapa says, “If the couch cushions are foam, then you can buy new pieces of foam core and cut them to size to replace the insides.”[3] Take out the old foam inserts from your cushions and measure their dimensions. Use a serrated knife to cut a layer of upholstery foam down to the correct size. Place the foam on top of your old cushion and slide it back into the cushion cover. Then, sit down and test its firmness.[4]
    • If the cushions still sag and the new insert doesn’t offer enough support, unzip them and add another layer of foam inside.
    • If your original cushions are completely worn down, then replace them entirely.
  3. Step 3 Use polyfill in... 3 Use polyfill in cushions that have loose stuffing. Polyfill is loose polyester stuffing that feels softer but still adds extra support to your cushions. Take handfuls of the polyfill and push them inside of your cushions to fill in any low or sagging spots. Keep packing in more polyfill until the cushions feel firm again, and then zip them up.[5]
    • Polyfill is usually the standard filling for the back cushions on your sofa, but the seat cushions may also use it.
    • If you open your cushion and see feathers instead of fiber stuffing, then use down feathers to refill it.
  4. Step 4 Add batting inside... 4 Add batting inside your cushions for extra firmness. Batting is usually used inside quilts, but it also adds extra cushioning when your sofa starts to sag. Take out the foam inserts and wrap them in a layer or two of batting. Put the inserts back in and test their firmness. If they still feel like they’re sagging or soft, then add another layer of batting.[6]
    • Use craft glue or spray adhesive to attach the batting to the foam.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Preventing Couch Cushions from Sagging

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  1. Step 1 Flip your couch cushions when they start to sag. 1 Flip your couch cushions when they start to sag. If you notice that your cushions are starting to sag, flip them over so the bottom sides are now face-up. That way, you won’t be sitting on the worn down area and making it sag even more.[7]
    • If your cushion covers have a different fabric on the bottom, like if you have a leather sofa with a fabric vent panel on the bottom, then take the cover off, flip the actual cushion over, and slide the cover back on so the same side is face-up.
  2. Step 2 Beat cushions that have loose stuffing or feathers. 2 Beat cushions that have loose stuffing or feathers. Loose filling and feathers can get compacted over time, which makes your cushions sag or look lumpy. Stand your cushions up on one of the edges, and repeatedly hit the top and bottom of it to fluff the stuffing. Once it’s evenly distributed inside your cushion, put it back on your couch.[8]
  3. Step 3 Rotate between different cushions when you sit down. 3 Rotate between different cushions when you sit down. Rather than sitting in the same spot on your couch, switch up your position so you don’t wear down the same cushion. Alternatively, switch the cushions around on your couch so you can sit in the same spot but use different cushions.[9]
  4. Step 4 Repair any structural issues on your couch’s frame. 4 Repair any structural issues on your couch’s frame. If you notice that your sofa has a low spot or is sagging even after fixing the cushions, then there may be an issue with the actual frame or couch springs. Inspect your couch for any damage underneath the cushions to see where you need to make repairs.
    • To check for broken springs or slats, turn your couch upside-down and remove the staples on the bottom cover. When you remove the cover, look for any wood pieces that are cracked or damaged. Then, check the springs to see if they’re stretched out or sagging.
      • For damaged wood, cut a new piece of wood to the same size. Remove the old piece and attach the new wood to your couch.[10]
      • For stretched springs, use a pair of pliers to pinch the coils closer together to make them tighter again. Alternatively, place a piece of plywood under the springs so they don’t stretch or sag when you sit down.[11]
    • If you don’t feel comfortable taking apart or repairing your couch, then contact a professional upholsterer to do it for you.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Couch Cushion FAQ

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  1. 1 Can couch cushions be repaired if they have visible indents? Yes, cushions with indents just need some extra stuffing added or they need their foam inserts replaced. Once you fill or replace the cushions, the indents will disappear.[12]
  2. 2 How often should you flip and rotate couch cushions? Flip your cushions about once a month. If you’re using your couch and sitting in the same spot every day, then flip your cushions every 2 weeks instead. If you’re not sitting on the cushions regularly, then it’s okay to flip and rotate them every 3 months.[13]
  3. 3 How do you fix sagging couch cushions that are attached? Most attached sofa cushions still have a zipper so you can access the foam or stuffing inside. Search for a hidden zipper on the underside or back of the cushion. If you’re not able to find one, then it may be best to hire a pro to fix your cushions instead.
  4. 4 When should you hire a pro to fix sagging couch cushions? Reach out to a professional upholsterer if you’re not able to find zippers on your cushions and don’t feel comfortable taking apart your sofa. An upholsterer will be able to remove or access the cushions more easily, and will make seamless repairs when they’re finished.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do you fix bad couch cushions? Katherine Tlapa Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. Katherine Tlapa Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer Expert Answer If your couch cushions are foam, you can buy new foam core and cut it to replace the old foam. You’ll have to be able to open the cushion to do this. If your cushions are filled with down, cotton, or plastic stuffing, you can simply add more stuffing to even out where the cushion is sagging. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
  • Question How do I boost the springs of a sofa? Community Answer Community Answer Working with sofa springs can be dangerous because they use so much tension, so you should get your sofa repaired by a professional. You could try putting a piece of plywood underneath the sofa springs, though, to give them an extra boost. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 18
  • Question How do I fix saggy tops of back sofa cushions? Community Answer Community Answer Get a box of polyfill, and stuff the backs till plump. You might have to create an opening, so make sure it can be sewn back together with ease and can be covered or well hidden. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12
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Tips

  • If you’re in the market for a new couch, look for one with high-density foam cushions because they’ll stay the firmest.[14] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://theplywood.com/fix-sagging-couch/
  2. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/how-to-fix-sagging-couch-cushions
  3. ↑ Katherine Tlapa. Interior Designer. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/how-to-fix-sagging-couch-cushions
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/aMOSmuo_OjU?t=133
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/S0V86K2GAos?t=37
  7. ↑ https://www.rogerandchris.com/blog/267/how-often-should-you-turn-over-seat-cushions
  8. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/how-to-fix-sagging-couch-cushions
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YIOmJk5SQY0?t=41
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pt4NTjp5rvU?t=135
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/boTr7eaIjKI?t=28
  3. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/how-to-fix-sagging-couch-cushions
  4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/flip-and-fluff-the-two-part-routine-that-will-protect-your-investment-and-make-furniture-last-forever-248115
  5. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/furniture/smarter-biggest-mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-a-couch-a3697932149/

About This Article

Katherine Tlapa Co-authored by: Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. This article has been viewed 484,924 times. 5 votes - 44% Co-authors: 15 Updated: March 3, 2025 Views: 484,924 Categories: Upholstery Article SummaryX

If your couch cushions are sagging, adding new stuffing can be a quick and easy fix. Unzip the cushions and add some extra quilt batting or polyester fiberfill, then spread the filling out so that the stuffing is nice and even. If your cushions have foam or pillows inside, you can still pad them out by wrapping some extra filling around the inner cushion. When you’re done, zip the cushions up again and gently fluff them before putting them back on the couch. Sometimes couch cushions sag because the support structure underneath them starts to wear out. If you think this is the problem, try putting a “sofa saver” or a piece of plywood under the cushions to help hold them up. You can also replace the springs or the jute webbing under the cushions if those are starting to sag or break down. To learn how to fix structural issues that can make your sofa sag, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Katherine Tlapa Co-authored by: Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer 5 votes - 44% Click a star to vote 44% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 15 Updated: March 3, 2025 Views: 484,924

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