How Do I Measure My Sofa Cushions?Updated 9 months ago
Before You Begin
Tools Needed
You'll need a measuring tape. We recommend using a soft tape measure (like those used for tailoring) as it easily traces the contours of your cushion's shape.
Measuring with Cushion Covers On or Off?
For the most accurate results, measure the cushion covers after removing them from the cushion inserts.
If you prefer an easier method, you can measure the cushions while they are still covered. This might not be as precise, but it’s the best option if your cushions are pre-upholstered and don't have removable covers.
Avoid measuring the bare cushion inserts, as many manufacturers make cushion covers slightly smaller than the inserts for a snug fit.
Measuring Your Cushions
If you've already placed an order with us, you'll find a link to an online measuring form on your My Account page. This form includes a diagram of your cushion shape on the right side (for desktop web browsers), with relevant form fields on the left.
The diagrams are generic representations based on the photos you submitted. The measurements you provide, guided by the diagrams, are crucial for ensuring the perfect fit. Please take accurate measurements to avoid any discrepancies in the final product.
If Your Cushions Have Removable Covers:
- Remove the covers from the cushion inserts or stuffing.
- Turn the covers inside out and lay them flat. Smooth out any creases to clearly view the seams.
- Measure your cushions from seam to seam using the guide arrows in the measuring diagrams. Note where zippers are located if indicated.
- After measuring, turn the covers right side out and restuff the cushion covers or install them over your cushion inserts.
If Your Cushion Covers Cannot Be Removed (Pre-Upholstered or Pre-Stuffed):
- Measure your cushions from seam to seam directly on the cushion using the guide arrows in the measuring diagrams. Note zipper locations if indicated.
- Gently press the measuring tape against the fabric and follow the contours of the cushion inserts to get accurate seam-to-seam measurements.
- For cushions with rounded corners (common in boxed edge cushions), avoid measuring directly at the rounded corners as they tend to be shorter than the actual width or depth.
Measuring form diagrams shows you which side the zippers are located
Avoid measuring directly at the rounded corners
⚠️ PRE-TUFTED CUSHIONS:
Measure these cushions as you would pre-upholstered cushions. Extend the measuring tape over any indented surfaces caused by the tufting. Our covers will go over these parts, but note that we do not make pre-tufted sofa covers.
💡 Pro-Tip:
When measuring boxed-edge cushions, check the thickness at different sides to ensure consistency. If not, let us know via email so we can assign the correct measuring form for you.
Other Common Questions and Pitfalls
Measuring Cushions with Piping (Welting or Cording):
- Removable Covers: Use the same measuring steps as described above. Turn the covers inside out and measure from seam to seam.
- Non-Removable Covers: Measure from the seam right under the piping to the other side. This is equivalent to measuring from the middle of the piping on one side to the middle of the piping on the other side, but measuring seam to seam is more accurate.
Measuring Cushion Inserts Instead of Covers:
We generally don't recommend measuring on cushion inserts. However, if you need to because your inserts are permanently compressed or you have custom inserts, follow these steps:
- Fluff the Inserts: Try to restore their volume as much as possible.
- Measure the Inserts: Measure edge to edge using the guide arrows in the measuring form. Ensure consistency by marking the start and end points with pins.
- Adjust Measurements: Reduce all measurements by 1-2.5 cm (0.5-1”) to ensure a snug fit for the new covers.
Why Enter Cushion Thickness for Knife-Edge Cushions?
The thickness measurement for knife-edge cushions (labelled as “D”) applies to those with decorative pleats or Turkish corners. Measure the width of the pleats and enter that number as the thickness. Our tailors will replicate these design elements to match your original cushions.
Decorative box pleats seen on the corner of a knife-edge cushion
If your cushions don’t have these decorative elements, enter a nominal value like “0.00001” in the cushion thickness form field.
The diagrams in the measuring form do not match the shape of my actual cushions! What do I do?
- Don’t Panic!
- Lay your cushion on a flat surface and take some photos of it from the following angles:
- Top-down view
- Side view taken from a high angle, with one of the bottom or zipper-side corners pointed at the camera.
- Any close-ups for the parts that don’t match the measuring diagrams.
- Send an email to us, attach the photos, and request an update to the measuring form.
- Our customer support team will work with you to get the incorrect diagrams sorted.