How to restore cushions and fix a sagging couch

Having a perfect sofa is challenging, especially after many years of wear, tear and some may even consider abuse! Cushions end up losing its filling and fluff, bent springs, damaged frames…

Well, these problems definitely seem difficult to fix but at Comfort Works we have solutions for (almost) everything! And today, we want to give you the best tips and advice to Restore Sofa Cushions and Fix a Sagging Couch.

Ready to make your sofa look brand new again?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How to restore cushions
2. How to fix a sagging couch
3. Tips and advice to avoid sagging couch / cushions

How to restore cushions

Many a time our customers have told us that they need new cushions along with their new covers, and while we can’t provide the cushion inserts – it is possible to fix some of them. Let’s see how:

Flip the cushions

This advice is mainly for the Seat Cushions, but it also can be helpful for the Back Cushions.

As you already know, a cushion’s foam can break down. We normally and constantly sit on the same areas of the cushions, with more pressure on the front part usually. As a result, the back part is normally still new.

If this is your case you just need to:

1. Take off your cushion covers
2. Flip the insert so the front and back are swapped
3. Put the cover back on

Fill the cushions with poly-fill

To restore cushions and get that newly bought style, you can also fill the cushions with foam.

We have found two products to fill your cushions which have a reasonable price. And no, this is not sponsored 😉

1. Poly-Fil Polyester Fill: This brand is pretty famous in the USA. Their product is perfect to fill cushions and is inexpensive.
2. Lincraft Polyester Fill: The Lincraft Company has over 70 stores in Australia and New Zealand. Among their products they have Polyester Fill, which can be used to restore your sofa cushions.

Restore cushions which are attached to the sofa

If your cushions are attached to your sofa, there are two possibilities to restore the cushions:

1. Option 1: search for a zipper. I know, this it’s obvious but sometimes there is a hidden zipper and it’s possible to separate the cushions.
2. Option 2: take your scissors! You can also order a custom slipcover from Comfort Works, and then cut the cushions. The inside of the back frame will be completely exposed, but don’t worry about it  because the custom slipcover will go right over it. You can also cover it up with an extra piece of fabric for extra support. Remember to keep the filling of the cushions for your new slipcover. More information about this process here in Slipcover for Sofas with Attached Cushions – Can it be done?
3. Option 3: upholstery. This is the last and most expensive option typically. You need to take your cushions to your local upholsterer, pay for fabrics and labour, and wait a few weeks before it’s completed.

How to fix a sagging couch

If your cushions are okay (or if you have already fix them with our previous tips), you can also fix your sagging couch (frame) with the following advice.

Add a plywood piece of wood

The most common and useful solution. Just remove the cushions from the sofa, cut a piece of strong plywood to fit the area, then put your cushions back on the sofa. Your sofa won’t be saggy any more. Easy peasy!

Fixing the frame

Sometimes the problem is in the structure of the sofa. For these cases, just inspect your sofa and find if there is any wooden/metal piece broken. Depending on how damaged the pieces are you’ll be able to fix them yourself.

Normally, damages on the main structure should be fixed by a professional, but most of the time the problem is just a few broken slats.

For this specific case, just check how many slats of the sofa are broken or damaged, measure them and take some pictures. You can buy new ones in a Hardware Store or at a Local Carpenter’s Shop. Remember to bring the measurements and pictures to buy the exact pieces you need.

Then you just need to replace them. Remember to use wood glue to seal the ends.

Fix the springs of your sofa

Another important action to fix a sagging couch is check its springs. If they are bent you may be able to fix them yourself, but if there are too many to fix or are broken you may need to bring your couch to an upholsterer.

Once again, you just have to check the number of springs damaged, and buy new spring units.

If you have an IKEA Sofa, you can read more info about them and check their manuals on the IKEA Sofa Resources page of this blog. Alternatively calling IKEA and asking them about their 10-year warranty would be a good start too.

Tips and advice to avoid sagging couch / cushions

Prevention is always better than finding cure. So, if you want to avoid a sagging couch and cushions, here are other ways to avoid this situation altogether.

1. Flip the cushions regularly: this will help to moderate the wear of the cushion. It’s easier to flip cushions with reversible slipcovers. You can check our varied selection of sofa covers visiting our slipcover store.
2. Buy a sofa with detached cushions: this will help you to fix the cushions if they get damaged (remember they are the most used part of a sofa).
3. Try to sit on different sides of the sofa: if you continuously sit in the same area of ​​the sofa, you will be putting pressure on the same area and over time it’ll be saggy. You can relocate your furniture to help your family and visitors sit on different zones of the sofa.

And there you have it – your sofa should be as good as new 🙂

Now that you’ve fixed the sagging couch, it’s time to make it look new again with slipcovers!

Make my couch look brand new again