Article first published: 3/12/2020
Article updated: 12/9/24 with a “no-zipper” fix
I’ll never buy couch cushions that are attached to the couch again. Between my dog, Minnie Pearl, using a cushion as a perch to watch out for the mail person and the way my husband sits in his “spot” day after day, the cushions didn’t stand a chance. Cushions that are attached are very difficult to fluff and have a bad habit of sagging no matter what you do. Not only does the stuffing break-down, but it shifts all around.
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However, my couch is still comfortable, fits our decor, and is still in good shape, so I’m not quite ready to buy a new one. Instead, I decided to re-fill the cushions with some Poly-fil.
DIY Sagging Couch Cushion Hack #ItsaBradenfulLife
Most couches like mine have a “hidden” zipper at the bottom of each cushion. I simply ordered a 5 lb. box of Poly-fil from Amazon for about $20 and set to work. (Update 6/23/21: I can’t seem to find the exact box I used on Amazon anymore, so get a similar box of filling on Amazon by clicking this link.)
Other types of fiber products that will work to fill your couch:
Fairfield The Original Poly-Fil (This is the 5 lb. box I used and it’s on Amazon)
Fairfield The Original Poly-Fil (This is a 10 lb. box in case you have more cushion space to fill and it’s on Amazon)
Fiber Fill (You need several bags to get to 5 lb.s or 80 ounces and it’s on Amazon)
Have goose down feather stuffed pillows? Try this Goose Down Feather Stuffing (Amazon)
Shop Walmart? They have Poly-Fil too. Here’s a link to their 20 lb box.
It took me approximately 20 minutes to stuff and squish each cushion back into shape. I was amazed at how much better each one looked!
Based on some questions I’ve received on my Pinterest account and here in this post’s comment section, here’s a little more about my process:
To make the cushion look perfect again, I placed the polyfil in it, then used my hands to make sure it filled in the cushion entirely. I kind of separated some of the polyfil with my hands while inside the cushion. Then I closed it and rubbed it and reshaped it on the outside of the cushion too. It takes a bit of work, but once it’s in place and filled up a lot, it will keep the new shape for quite a while.
You basically have to actually physically reshape your stuffing to make it fully look right. If you do an online search for "How to Fix a Lumpy Pillow", you'll find all kinds of tutorials for this. I do it to some of my throw pillows too after they start to flatten out over time.
DIY Sagging Couch Cushion Hack #ItsaBradenfulLife
For anyone in need of a quick couch makeover, this may be the trick for you. I put a little in the cushion seat as well (on the bottom side) to help fluff up those up. I was really careful not to over-stuff so they would still lie flat on the couch.
Doing this helped make the material not appear to be loose anymore. I ended up using the whole box on our 3 cushion chaise sofa. You may need more or less depending on the size of your couch.
If you do not have a zipper (thanks for my online community for asking about what to do if there is not a zipper!):
I only can think to cut into the very bottom (the underside) of the cushion, stuff it with the poly-fil, then use a curved needle made for upholstery (I have this $5 set from Amazon) and some heavy duty thread to sew it back together. It’s definitely more work but it would do the trick.
If you liked this easy hack, try my incredibly popular post clicking here: HOW TO HANG CURTAINS WITH NO DRILLING AND NO MAGNETS!
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C.J. Braden is a regular contributor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her by clicking here.