When you’re starting a new project, whether that’s replacing worn-out cushions or restoring vintage pieces, choosing the right upholstery foam is key. You can only do this if you’ve got a good grasp on the terminology.
If you’re left utterly confused by terms like density, open-cell or upholstery batting (and are wondering what difference they make) you’re not alone.
This is upholstery foam 101, so you can be sure you’re making an informed decision when selecting materials for your next project.
The basics: What is upholstery foam?
Upholstery foam is specially designed to add comfort, support and durability to your furniture. It’s typically used for soft furnishings and seating.
Available in a range of thickness and firmness levels, whichever type of upholstery foam you choose to use can be tailored to suit your preferences and requirements.
Density
Density refers to how much material is packed into the foam, and is usually measured in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³).
Higher-density foam lasts longer and offers better support. It’s good at holding its shape over time, so is ideal for frequently used furniture.
Lower-density foam is lighter and is usually less expensive. However, it can compress more quickly and so is best for decorative or rarely used items.
When deciding on density, it’s worth remembering that density is about durability, not softness.
Firmness
Firmness describes how hard or soft the foam feels when you lean on it. Generally, they range from soft – extra firm.
How firm you want the foam, depends on the intended use. Dining chairs require a firmer foam for support, while less firm foam makes more comfortable sofa cushions.
Compression
Compression or support factor refers to how the foam reacts to weight or pressure.
Higher compression foam feels firmer, offers more support and is better suited to seat cushions.
Whereas lower compression foam feels softer and is normally used in backrests and decorative cushions.
Recovery
Upholstery foam that has good recovery means it is able to fully return to its original shape after being compressed.
This helps to prevent permanent indentations, keeping your furniture looking fresh. It also means your furniture stays comfortable to use and lasts for longer. Typically, the higher the quality of the foam, the better recovery it has.
Foam thickness
Foam thickness is measured from the top to the bottom. Which thickness you need depends on your intended use. Typically:
- 25mm for light padding
- 50mm for dining chairs
- 75mm – 100mm for sofa cushions
- 100mm+ for deep seating and window seats
The thicker the foam, the more comfortable the seat will be.
Upholstery batting
Batting is a soft layer of polyester fibre that can be placed over upholstery foam before the fabric is attached.
This helps to smooth sharp edges, improve appearance, add softness and protect the foam.
Adding batting to upholstered cushions helps to give a fuller, more refined finish that has a professional feel to it.
Fire-retardant foam
Manufactured to comply with UK furniture fire safety regulations, fire-retardant upholstery foam resists flames.
Using compliant foam is highly important when manufacturing or refurbishing furniture for domestic, commercial and public spaces.
Every foam’s fire resistance grade differs so it’s important to check the foam meets the relevant UK fire safety standards before use.
Open-cell foam
A majority of upholstery foam is open-cell foam. This allows air to move freely through the material.
As a result the foam has improved breathability, better comfort, faster recovery, and reduced heat build-up.
Closed-cell foam
Some specialised upholstery foam is closed-cell foam.
This makes it more moisture-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor seating, boat interior seating, gym equipment, and protective padding.
Foam sheet or cut to size?
When purchasing upholstery foam, you can order it in a sheet or cut to size. A foam sheet is a flat square or rectangle of foam. Cut to size foam, is trimmed down to the exact size and shape you need it to be.
This reduces waste, saves on cutting time, improves fitting accuracy, and overall makes a professional finish easier to achieve on a DIY project.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to the furniture refurb world, knowing which equipment to buy can be confusing. But knowing some key terminology means you have the necessary background knowledge to pick the right tools for the job.
Investing in the right foam guarantees your finished piece remains looking good and comfortable to use for longer.
