You have cleaned, lit the candles and poured the ice, yet the couch still looks tired. The good news is that most sagging cushions can be revived with quick tweaks, smarter stuffing or a simple support hack. Here is how to diagnose the droop and fix it fast without wrecking the frame or your budget.
Do a 60-second triage
Unzip a cover and check the insert. If the foam is crumbling, paper-thin at the front edge or folded like a taco, it needs replacing rather than fluffing. Lift the cushions off the couch and look at the platform beneath. If springs or webbing dip in the middle, you are dealing with suspension sag as well as cushion fatigue. Press the centre of the seat and watch the rebound. A slow spring back points to tired foam or down that needs redistributing.
Flip, rotate and re-fluff in minutes
If covers are reversible, rotate weekly and flip monthly so wear evens out instead of creating a permanent favourite spot. Vacuuming the seats each week stops fibres from matting. To refresh quickly, unzip the cover, shake and knead the insert into the corners, then pat into shape as you zip closed.
Add instant, invisible support
If the base feels bouncy or there is a visible dip with the cushions removed, slide a rigid support board under the seat cushions to level things out. A purpose-made board or a neatly prepared sheet of 6 to 9 mm plywood with rounded, taped or sanded edges and a fabric wrap will lift the sit while you plan a proper repair. It will not mend broken springs, but it will improve comfort in a pinch.
Restuff where it matters
Most modern seats use a foam core wrapped in batting or fibre. If the core is intact but the top looks deflated, refresh the wrap to restore loft. Polyester batting or cluster fibre adds inexpensive lift with a soft hand. A thin foam topper of about 10 to 20 mm sharpens corners and brings back edge support. Down blend wraps feel plush but need regular plumping. If the core has failed, replace it with high-resilience foam. For a supportive, long-lasting seat, look for density around 42 to 46 kg/m³ with a medium ILD in the 30s for most adults. For zippered covers, measure seam to seam and order foam one to two centimetres larger in length and width so the cover fits taut once the wrap goes on.
Redistribute down and feather
Down and feather inserts will slouch without maintenance. Work around the insert, pushing from the centre towards the edges to refill the corners, then slap the face of the cushion to even the fill. Plan on frequent fluffing if you prefer that sink-in feel.
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Fix the frame if the platform is the culprit
If the cushions look good but the seat still dips, the suspension needs attention. Sinuous zig-zag springs may need loose clips retied, broken springs replaced, or cross ties added. Webbing platforms, whether jute or rubber, stretch over time and need re-webbing at proper tension across the seat box. These are upholstery tasks that involve removing the dust cover and stapling it to the frame. They are worth doing on quality or sentimental pieces. Otherwise, a support board is a sensible interim fix.
Clean so fibres do not slump
Oils, crumbs and pet dander weigh textiles down. Keep things tidy with a weekly vacuum using an upholstery tool, and launder removable covers monthly if care labels allow. Spot clean promptly and go easy on moisture and detergents to avoid residue that stiffens fabrics. If you have pets or heavy use, schedule a periodic professional cleaning.
Know when to replace
Replace the insert if the foam crumbles, holds a dent or the front edge has collapsed. Repair the platform if the bare frame sags with the cushions removed. Retire the couch if the frame joints are loose, rails are cracked or a repair will cost more than the piece is worth.
Shop smarter next time
Ask about the cushion specification. High resilience foam in the 42 to 46 kg/m³ range with a proper fibre or down wrap keeps shape and comfort far longer than basic foam. Unzip and check that covers are removable and gusseted so they last longer and are easier to refresh. Always sit near the front edge when testing a couch. If it collapses, that foam is too soft for daily use.
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