How to Restuff Couch Cushions That Have Gone Flat

The wrinkles, baggy corners, or dipped seats in a saggy sofa can make your entire space look tired, but it can also be uncomfortable and unsuitable for lounging. While you might be ready to say goodbye to your sad sofa, it’s often not necessary to ditch a couch once these signs of aging start to appear. Instead, with just a quick run to the craft store and some muscle, you can have a perfectly plump sofa once more.

Certain roadblocks can stand in your way though, so it’s important to determine whether or not your sofa can be restuffed at home or if it’s a better job for a professional upholsterer. Once you deem it a go, all that stands between you and the cushion loft of your dreams is a giant bag of polyester fill and a few rolls of batting.

Before You Get Started

Make sure there are zippers or other access points to help you get inside your couch cushions. If not, you won’t be able to stuff them without opening the seams and sewing them back up. We don’t recommend this method unless you have extensive knowledge of upholstery and sewing. Once you’ve confirmed you have the proper access points, start by removing your cushions from your couch and placing them on a clean, dry workspace like a dining room table or large counter. Now is a great time to wash the covers if the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions specify they’re machine washable.  

Step 1: Restuff Seat Cushions Using Batting

For seat cushions, use batting to restuff and create a flatter surface. This method is best for cushions that have foam inserts—something you’ll find in most seat cushions. If your sofa cushions are filled with down or other loose fill alternatives, you’ll have to enlist a professional to help restuff your sofa properly.

Once you have removed the foam inserts, unroll the batting so you have enough of the quilting to work with. Place the insert on top of the batting and neatly wrap the cushion, pulling the edges up and around. Secure the batting with spray adhesive as you layer. Repeat this process two to three times, or until your cushions are decently plump but not too large to prohibit them from fitting back into their covers.

To place the cushions back into the covers requires a team effort. Have one person hold open the cover, while the other stuffs the cushion back in. This will take some maneuvering and patience, so take your time and take turns holding the cushions and stuffing.

Step 2: Restuff Cushion Backs Using Polyester Fiber Fill

Polyester fill is a great material for restuffing cushion backs because it can puff them up while maintaining their soft, pillow-like nature. To keep the integrity of your seat backs, be sure to stuff the fill behind the cushion rather than in front of it. This allows a smoother surface free from bumps and lumps.

The process for filling back cushions isn’t quite so methodical. Working by the handful, stuff the polyester fill into the cushions, ensuring you’re adding the filling behind the existing cushion. Make sure the filling is stuffed into every corner, nook, and cranny. When it feels like you’ve hit the perfect level of stuffing, add more, as the poly-fil will settle over time. Work your way up and out of the cushion, ensuring there’s plenty of fill up to the zipper opening. Zip your cushion back up and fluff it by clapping either side of the cushion between your hands to settle the fill.

Step 3: Return the Cushions to Your Sofa

Once all of your cushions have been adequately restuffed and zipped back up, use your vacuum to remove any straggling pieces of polyester fill or batting fluff. When they’re nice and clean, put them back on your sofa. You should find your sofa to be pleasantly plump—perhaps even a little too plump. That’s exactly what you’re going for at this stage. After a few weeks, the new fill and batting will settle in, creating a less bursting-at-the-seams look. Instead, you’ll have a sofa with a new lease on life, ready to be your favorite resting spot once more.