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Custom Cushions Made Easy: Measuring, Customizing, and Ordering

by Arizona Custom Cushions | September 22, 2024 | No Comments

Custom cushion measuring guide

Section 1: Why Accurate Measurements Matter in Custom Cushion Measuring

Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You Covered!

We understand that measuring for custom cushions can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to make it easy with our custom cushion measuring guide! Whether you follow our simple instructions or reach out to us for guidance, we’ll help you get the measurements right without the stress. Cushion measuring doesn’t need to be intimidating, and we’re happy to assist at any point in the process.

Why Are Custom Cushion Measurements So Important?

One of the unique aspects of outdoor furniture is that there are no standard sizes or shapes for cushions. This creates a world of beautiful individuality but also means that replacing or adding cushions often requires custom sizing. You won’t find a universal “bar stool cushion” because two stools with the same name can have completely different cushion measurements. That’s why accurate measuring is key to ensuring your new cushions fit perfectly.

Avoid Common Cushion Pitfalls

Additionally, many lower-priced cushions are filled with simple materials that compress over time, making the cushions appear smaller than they were originally. By measuring the slipcovers from seam to seam, you’re capturing the true intended size of the cushion. When you receive your new cushions, they may look fuller and more luxurious than your old ones, but they’ll match the measurements you’ve provided.

No Need to Overthink It

While accurate measuring is important, there’s no need to overthink it. Cushions are soft, flexible textiles that naturally compress and adjust to fit their space. Measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch is more than sufficient to ensure a comfortable, great-looking fit, and we’ll make sure your new cushions meet your expectations.

For any questions during the process, feel free to check out the custom cushion measuring guide, as well as answers on a wide variety of related topics, on our FAQ page.


Section 2: Tools You’ll Need for Custom Cushion Measuring

In this custom cushion measuring guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tools you’ll need to measure cushions accurately. It’s simpler than you think—there are only 3 main tools, and we’ll cover a fourth if you need a template!

Tools:

  • Flexible Measuring Tape: This is essential for getting accurate measurements, especially around curves or non-rectangular shapes.
  • Measuring Template (Optional): If you’re unsure about your measurements or have a complex shape to measure, we offer a simple measuring template kit. The kit includes fabric (e.g., muslin) and a marker. However, you can also use your own fabric to create the template. There’s nothing special about the fabric we provide—just ensure it’s large enough to outline the cushion. Lay out the fabric, outline the cushion, and send it back to us. We’ll use this template to create your cushion.
  • Pen and Paper: Note your measurements as you go and label them clearly, especially if you’re measuring multiple cushions for the same piece of furniture.

Section 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Custom Cushions

Accurate measurements are key to ensuring that your custom cushions fit perfectly. Soft textile products, like cushions, are naturally compressible, so measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch provides all the precision needed for a great fit. Always measure across the widest part of the cushion, from seam to seam, and do not include any welting in your measurements.

Seat Cushions:

  1. Width: Measure from left to right across the cushion or furniture.
    • Measuring cushion width for custom cushion measuring guide
  2. Depth: Measure from the front to the back.
  3. Thickness: Measure from the top to the bottom at the thickest point. For cushions meant for seating at a table, make sure the thickness won’t be too high to prevent legs from fitting comfortably under the table.
    • Measuring cushion thickness for custom cushion measuring guide

Back Cushions:

  1. Width: Measure from one side to the other, across the cushion or furniture.
  2. Height: Measure from the top to the bottom. If the back cushion sits on top of the seat cushion, subtract the thickness of the seat cushion when measuring back height.
  3. Thickness: Measure from the front to the back, from seam to seam. For polyfiber back cushions, the cushion will appear thicker due to the fiber fill, but the measurement we work from will always be the seam-to-seam number.

Trapezoid Cushions:

  1. Front Width: Measure from one side to the other, across the front of the cushion.
  2. Back Width: Measure from one side to the other, across the back of the cushion.
  3. Depth and Thickness: Follow the same guidelines as seat cushions.

Circular Cushions:

  • Measure the diameter at the widest point.

Cushion Sets (e.g., sofa, chaise):

  • Measure the entire width across the set, and we’ll handle the calculations to divide it into individual cushions.

Typical Cushion Dimensions for Custom Cushions

When ordering custom cushions, it’s helpful to know the typical sizes used for different types of furniture. While all cushions are custom-made to fit your specific needs, here are the general dimensions we see most often, based on cushion type and furniture style.

1. Typical Dimensions for Seat Cushions

Cushion TypeTypical Width (inches)Typical Depth (inches)Typical Thickness (inches)
Bench Cushion18″ to 100″+18″ to 36″3″ to 8″
Window Seat Cushion18″ to 100″+18″ to 36″3″ to 8″
Daybed Cushion48″ to 100″+60″ to 100″+4″ to 8″
Ottoman Cushion18″ to 60″+18″ to 60″+3″ to 8″
Glider / Swing Cushion48″ to 72″+18″ to 36″3″ to 8″

2. Typical Dimensions for Seat and Back Cushion Sets

Furniture TypeSeat Width (inches)Seat Depth (inches)Back Height (inches)Seat Thickness (inches)Back Thickness (inches)
Lounge Chair / Club Chair18″ to 48″18″ to 36″18″ to 30″3″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Glider / Swing (Seat & Back)48″ to 72″+18″ to 36″18″ to 24″2″ to 6″2″ to 5″
Chaise Lounge20″ to 48″+24″ to 48″+24″ to 36″3″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Bar Stool with Seat & Back12″ to 24″12″ to 20″10″ to 15″2″ to 4″2″ to 4″

3. Typical Dimensions for Sofa and Loveseat Cushions

Furniture TypeSeat Width (inches)Seat Depth (inches)Back Height (inches)Seat Thickness (inches)Back Thickness (inches)
Sofa (3 Cushions)72″ to 96″24″ to 36″18″ to 30″4″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Loveseat (2 Cushions)48″ to 72″24″ to 36″18″ to 30″4″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Sofa (Single Cushion)72″ to 100″+24″ to 36″18″ to 30″4″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Sectional (Per Seat)24″ to 36″24″ to 36″18″ to 30″4″ to 8″3″ to 8″
Loveseat (Single Cushion)48″ to 72″24″ to 36″18″ to 30″4″ to 8″3″ to 8″

Section 4: Special Considerations

  • 1/4 Inch Precision: Soft textile products like cushions are flexible and compressible. Measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch gives the perfect level of precision to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
  • Seat Thickness at Tables: Be mindful of how a seat cushion’s thickness can affect legroom under a table. A cushion that’s too thick may leave little room for comfortable seating.
  • Account for Overlaps or Flaps: If your cushion design includes these features (as in chaise lounges), make sure to account for them in your measurements.
  • Custom Shapes: For T-shaped cushions or other non-rectangular shapes, consider creating a paper or fabric template for accurate sizing. You can also send slipcovers for measurement, but note they won’t be returned.
  • Double-Check Unusual Measurements: If you’re getting numbers outside the typical ranges (like a 30″ back height), feel free to check with us to confirm.

Section 5: Custom Cushion Measuring Guide: What to Do with Your Measurements

Once you have your cushion measurements, it’s time to place your custom order! We’ve made this process as simple as possible with our easy-to-use custom cushion pages, guided by our custom cushion measuring guide. Each product page features an illustration that highlights exactly where each dimension (width, depth, height, or thickness) should be measured on your cushion. As you enter each value, the corresponding dimension on the illustration will highlight, ensuring that you’re inputting the correct measurement for the right part of the cushion.

Custom cushion measuring guide for chaise lounge cushions

Additionally, for every dimension field, there’s a **help icon** (a small italic ‘i’ inside a circle) that provides detailed instructions specific to that measurement. These are called **tooltips**, and they give you quick pop-up tips when you click them. For example, if you’re entering the seat depth for a chaise lounge, you’ll see a pop-up with instructions guiding you to measure from the front to the back of the seat cushion, along with common depth ranges for that type of cushion. This keeps the process straightforward and ensures accuracy.

We also have built-in dimension limits that help ensure your measurements are within typical ranges. However, if you need cushions outside of these limits, feel free to reach out to us—we can absolutely make custom cushions that go beyond these boundaries!

For reference, here are the links to the specific cushion types where you can start entering your measurements:

No matter which type of cushion you need, our website guides you through the process step by step. And remember, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!


Section 6: Customization Tips

1. Shape

When it comes to custom cushion shapes, the sky’s the limit. Most of our cushions are rectangular, but we offer rounded corners, trapezoid shapes, and even completely custom designs based on templates you provide. If you have a unique furniture configuration or specific style in mind, we can easily accommodate it. For sofas or chaises, you can choose how many seat and back cushions you want. Whether you prefer a traditional 2-seat, 2-back design, or something more unique like a 3-seat, 3-back sofa configuration, we’ve got you covered. For a little extra comfort, consider adding bolster pillows, which are perfect for chaise lounges or daybeds as armrests. Check out our bolster options here.

2. Configuration

You don’t always need a brand-new cushion to refresh your space. Sometimes a simple update can go a long way. You can choose to order a full cushion (with both the filling and slipcover), a slipcover-only option, or just replacement foam for an existing cover. One insider tip is to order duplicate slipcovers when you’re buying new cushions. This allows you to switch between looks as often as you want, changing from one season to the next without having to purchase new cushions. This also helps to extend the life of your cushions by keeping them protected year-round.

3. Filling

Comfort is key, and we provide a wide range of filling options to suit your personal needs. Most of our customers love the foam seat and polyfiber back combination for its plush feel and durability, but if you’re customizing a chaise lounge, consider using foam for both the seat and the back. Foam provides a more structured look, especially when the chaise is reclined, ensuring the cushions maintain an even thickness.

You can also get creative with your cushion density. For example, many customers find a half-firm, half-soft cushion mimics the feel of memory foam, offering luxurious comfort while still being suitable for outdoor use. Just ask us about adjusting the firmness for specific cushion layers when you call or email your order!

All our cushions are wrapped in Dacron by default, which not only enhances the cushion’s durability and shape but also makes it easier to remove and replace the slipcovers. This extra step isn’t standard across all manufacturers, but it makes a huge difference when cleaning or changing covers.

4. Fabric Selection

Fabrics are where you can truly get creative with your custom cushions. Choose from a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures from top brands like Sunbrella® and Tempotest®. You can explore our full collection of fabrics on our fabric catalog page, where you can filter, sort, and scroll through our extensive selection to find the perfect fabric for your project.

One stylish tip is to mix and match your seat and back cushion fabrics—try a solid color for the seat and a patterned fabric for the back. If you order two sets of slipcovers (one solid and one patterned), you can create multiple looks by swapping between them, giving you up to four different design combinations from just two sets of covers.

Here are a few examples of the types of fabrics we offer:

Fabric Examples


Sunbrella Tropics Jungle
Sunbrella Tropics Jungle

Sunbrella Shore Navy
Sunbrella Shore Navy

Sunbrella Canvas Melon
Sunbrella Canvas Melon

Tempotest Donatello Dark Navy
Tempotest Donatello Dark Navy

Don’t forget throw pillows! They’re an easy and affordable way to refresh your outdoor space and make your furniture look like new. You can update the pillows periodically to match changing seasons or moods. Throw pillows are a small investment that delivers a big style impact.

5. Style

Your choice of cushion style can completely transform the look of your furniture. If you prefer a cleaner, more modern look, a Box style cushion might be the perfect fit. However, if you’re going for a more traditional aesthetic, Double Welt cushions add a sculpted, classic look with welting along the seams.

One small design detail to consider is whether or not you want your cushions to be reversible. Choosing a symmetrical design without any ties or welting can make your cushions flippable, which helps them stay looking fresh and clean for longer.

For those with sensitive skin, especially on the backs of your legs, keep in mind that while welting adds a polished finish, it may be less comfortable to sit on. If comfort is your top priority, you might prefer cushions without welting.

Style Examples

Box style cushion example from custom cushion measuring guide
Box Style without Welt
Double welt cushion style for custom cushion measuring guide
Double Welt Style
Bullnose cushion style example in custom cushion measuring guide
Bullnose Style
Box style with contrast welt in custom cushion measuring guide
Box Style with Double Contrast Welt

Insider Tips

  • Foam and Polyfiber Combo: For most cushion sets, combining a foam seat with a polyfiber back gives an ideal balance of support and plush comfort. However, in chaise lounges, foam backs are often preferred for a more uniform thickness when the chair is reclined.
  • Seasonal Slipcover Switch: If you love to change your style often, order an extra set of slipcovers when we’re making your cushions. This way, you can swap them out seasonally without having to purchase entirely new cushions, extending the life of your current cushions.
  • Custom Densities: Did you know you can customize the density of your cushion to fit your comfort needs? Try a half-firm, half-soft configuration for a memory-foam-like feel that’s still designed for outdoor use. This small tweak can make a huge difference in comfort.
  • Zipper Placement: Want an easier time changing your slipcovers? Ask for zippers that go around the corners of your foam cushions. This small upgrade makes removing and putting back covers a breeze, especially on thicker foam cushions.
  • Cleaning Tips: To keep your cushions looking great with minimal effort, regularly wipe them down with a damp cloth or vacuum them. For specific fabric care instructions, especially for Sunbrella® fabrics, you can refer to their cleaning guide. This simple maintenance can help your cushions last longer without the need for frequent deep cleaning.
  • Order in the Off-Season: Need your cushions quickly? Consider placing your order in the off-season. You’ll not only receive your cushions faster, but you’ll also have more access to our specialists to discuss customization options.
  • Different Fabrics: Pairing a solid seat with a patterned back not only looks sophisticated but also gives you the opportunity to mix and match slipcovers for even more design possibilities.
  • Bolster Pillows: Looking for extra comfort? Consider adding bolster pillows to your setup. They work perfectly as armrests for daybeds or chaise lounges and can be a stylish and functional addition to your outdoor space.
  • Pets and Fabric: If you have shedding pets that love lounging on your cushions, consider how the fabric will hold up. For an added stylish touch, we also offer pet beds in matching fabrics, so your pets can lounge in style without affecting your main cushions.
  • Fabric Samples: Keep in mind that all fabrics will look different in your home compared to how they appear online. Ordering a fabric sample and seeing how it fits in your space can be a real deciding factor. You can view our fabric catalog for more options and request samples.
  • Furniture Covers: Protecting your cushions during the off-season with furniture covers can extend their life significantly. However, they won’t stop squirrels! For some reason, squirrels seem to love the taste of cushions, so keep that in mind when storing them.
  • Back Cushion Height: When measuring for back cushions, it’s usually more comfortable if the back cushion is taller than the furniture, so you don’t end up hitting your head. Plus, it can look nicer depending on the furniture style and room layout.
  • Save Your Measurements: We save your measurements when you order, but it’s always a good idea to save them in a place you won’t forget for easy reordering in the future.
  • Follow the Guide: For stress-free cushion customization, use this custom cushion measuring guide to ensure you get accurate measurements and the perfect fit for your cushions. Whether you’re replacing old cushions or ordering new ones, our guide will make the process easy and reliable.

Conclusion

Creating custom cushions is all about making sure they fit perfectly with your unique style and space. Following this custom cushion measuring guide will help ensure your cushions are measured accurately for a perfect fit. From selecting the right shape, fabric, and filling to choosing the best style and configuration, every detail is customizable to meet your needs. While the process of measuring and selecting options might seem overwhelming at first, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Whether you’re replacing worn-out cushions or designing something completely new, our team is ready to guide you through the process and ensure you get a beautiful, long-lasting product that enhances your space. With high-quality materials, best-in-class fillings, and fabrics from top brands, your custom cushions will not only look great but will stand the test of time.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s what makes custom cushions so special. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always available to answer your questions and make the customization process as easy as possible.

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of completed custom cushions, and see what our customers have to say on our testimonials page.

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