How to Measure for Custom Cushions | Accurate Sizing Guide
Perfect fit starts with perfect measurements. Follow this guide to measure your furniture frames accurately.
Critical Measuring Rules
1
Measure the Furniture, Not the Foam
Old foam compresses and warps over time. For the best fit, measure the inside dimensions of the furniture frame where the cushion will sit.
2
Use a Firm Tape Measure
Cloth measuring tapes can stretch. Use a retractable metal tape measure for straight lines and rigid accuracy.
3
Width vs. Depth
Width is always left-to-right (looking at the seat). Depth is front-to-back. Getting these swapped is the most common mistake!
4
Round to the Nearest 0.5 Inch
Don't guess. If you are between inches, round down for a snug fit inside a frame, or round up if the cushion sits on top.
Standard Rectangle & Square
- Measure Width (Side to Side): Measure the back of the seat frame from left to right. Then measure the front.
- Measure Depth (Front to Back): Measure from the front edge of the frame to the very back rest.
- Determine Thickness: Standard bench pads are 2–3″. Deep seating often starts at 4–6″.
Trapezoid
- Measure Back Width: Measure the width at the very back of the seat, where it meets the backrest.
- Measure Front Width: Measure the width at the very front edge of the seat.
- Measure Depth (Center): Measure from the center of the front edge straight back to the center of the rear edge.
T-Shape Cushions
- Total Front Width: Measure the total width across the very front, including the "ears".
- Back Width (Between Arms): Measure the width at the back, fitting strictly between the arms.
- Total Depth vs. Ear Depth: We need the Total Depth and the Ear Depth.
L-Shape
- Back Lengths (Long Sides): Measure the total length of the back edge for Leg 1 and Leg 2.
- Seat Depth: Measure how deep the seat is from front to back for both legs.
- Inner Lengths: Measure the interior edges to confirm the angle is 90 degrees.
Round Cushions
- Measure the Diameter: Measure straight across the widest part in 2-3 different directions.
- Papasan Chairs (Bowl Shape): Lay the tape along the bowl's curve, from edge to edge.
Triangle Cushions
- Measure All Three Sides: Measure Side A, Side B, and Side C separately.
- Check the Corner Angle: Confirm if the back corner is a perfect 90-degree angle.
Throw Pillow
- Measure Length: Measure from one end of the pillow to the other (longest side).
- Measure Width: Measure the side perpendicular to the length.
- Measure Thickness (Depth): Measure the fullness/height of the pillow when placed flat.
- Check Shape: Ensure the pillow is fluffed naturally before measuring for accuracy.
Pillow
- Measure Length: Measure the longest side of the pillow from edge to edge.
- Measure Width: Measure the shorter side perpendicular to the length.
- Measure Thickness (Depth): Measure the side height when the pillow is laid flat.
- Ensure Proper Shape: Make sure the pillow is not compressed while measuring.
Still not sure?
Complex shapes like papasan chairs or antique furniture can be tricky. You can always send us a template or photos.