Which foam is best for Indoor Bench Cushions?

Bench cushions can be tricky because some are used for longer-use seating (like a dining area) while others may be used for less frequent use or reclining (like a window seat bench cushion). For seating cushions, we recommend 2–3 inches of cushion height, and that the seat height should be 18–20 inches above the ground, which will allow most users to comfortably rest their feet on the ground. 2–3 inch seat cushions usually work best with Everflex V44 (medium) or V54 (firm) foam. For window seats or areas not used for seating, softer foam (Everflex V34) can be used. Keep in mind that the softer the foam is, the thicker it will need to be to make sure it can support your weight without "bottoming out" and not providing enough cushioning between your body and the surface below the cushion. As always, if you have questions our friendly agents in Customer Service can help you make the right choice.

Should I order dacron (polyester) batting for my bench cushions?

Bench (or Window Seat) cushions are one type of cushion where batting is optional. While we generally do recommend batting to give your cushion a fuller, more luxurious look (not to mention a more padded and comfortable feel), it's not always necessary for a bench cushion. Just be aware that without dacron batting, your cushion will be more "squared off" and look a little less padded and full than it would with batting. Also, the thinner the bench cushion (2 inches or less) the more that batting will help it provide a little extra cushion that might make your bench cushion more comfortable.

How tall or thick should a bench cushion be?

If you are planning to sit on your bench cushion with your feet touching the floor, the top of the cushion should generally be between 18" and 20" when measuring from the floor. Any taller than this and some people won't be able to rest their feet comfortably when seated. When designing bench seating, build the top of your platform or bench 14" to 16" from the ground. This will allow for a 2" to 4" cushion, which is a comfortable thickness. The final product will be between the ideal total height of 18–20". If, however, your bench cushion won't be used as a standard seat, it can be at any height. Just be sure that there is enough padding in the cushion (usually a minimum of 2–3 inches thick) to make sure it won't bottom out (and let your body hit the surface below the cushion).

How can I make my bench seats more comfortable?

Adding a cushion to an indoor bench seating area can make a huge difference to how comfortable the seating is. If your bench cushion is a window seat, adding 2–3 inches of foam with a dacron wrap and a nice, durable fabric cover can make it a relaxing and comfortable reading nook or sitting area. We also recommend adding a few throw pillows that can be used behind your back or under your head for additional comfort. Contrasting the seat fabric pattern with solid pillows in matching colors (or vice-versa, with a solid seating cushion and patterned pillows) can provide a great look. If your bench seating is in a dining area, the suggestion of 2–3 inches of foam still applies, but we'd recommend a durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean fabric cover (like Sunbrella®). If you still need help with design or materials, don't hesitate to contact our friendly experts in customer service!

What foam is best for indoor bench cushions?

For a bench you sit on every day, like a dining bench or breakfast nook, choose a 2 to 3 inch cushion in high-density, high-resilience polyurethane, about 2.8 to 2.9 lb/ft³ with an ILD of 44 to 54. That firmer range keeps a thinner cushion from bottoming out, which is when you sink through the foam and feel the bench underneath. For window seats and reading nooks where you lounge, a softer foam with an ILD of about 30 to 40 works well, as long as the cushion is 3 to 4 inches thick so it can support your weight. Density tells you how long the foam will last: 2.6 to 2.9 lb/ft³ high-resilience polyurethane: Typically lasts 15 to 20 years. The best choice for benches in daily use, available from ILD 24 to 54. 2.2 lb/ft³ polyurethane: A mid-grade option that balances price and durability for regular seating, available from ILD 30 to 50. 1.8 lb/ft³ polyurethane: The most budget-friendly option, typically lasting 3 to 5 years. It's comparable to the foam in most manufactured furniture and best for guest or occasional-use benches. Organic latex, about 5.9 lb/ft³: GOLS-certified natural latex that typically lasts 15 to 30 years, with a buoyant, breathable feel from ILD 25 to 45. Every foam we offer is listed with its density and ILD in the foam table on this page. If you're unsure, our customer service team can help you choose at (415) 503-9314.

What do foam density and ILD mean for a bench cushion?

Density and ILD measure two different things, and you need both to choose the right bench cushion. Density (lb/ft³): How much one cubic foot of the foam weighs. It predicts durability, so higher-density foam holds its shape longer under daily use. ILD (Indentation Load Deflection): How many pounds of force it takes to press a standard 4 inch thick foam sample down by 25 percent. It measures firmness, so the higher the ILD, the firmer the seat. The two aren't linked, so a high-density foam can still feel soft. Choose density for how long you want the cushion to last, then choose ILD for how firm you want it to feel. The thinner the cushion, the higher the ILD it needs so it won't bottom out.

How thick should a bench cushion be?

Most indoor bench cushions should be 2 to 4 inches thick. If people sit on the bench with their feet on the floor, aim for a finished seat height of 18 to 20 inches, measured from the floor to the top of the cushion. That height lets most adults sit comfortably with their feet flat. Dining benches and breakfast nooks: 2 to 3 inches, in a firmer foam with an ILD of 44 to 54. Window seats and reading nooks: 3 to 4 inches, so a softer foam with an ILD of about 30 to 40 has room to compress. Entryway, mudroom, and storage benches: 2 to 3 inches is usually plenty for short sits. Building the bench yourself? Subtract the cushion thickness from 18 to 20 inches to get your bench height. A 3 inch cushion, for example, pairs with a bench top 15 to 17 inches off the floor. Benches that aren't used as standard seats can be any height, but keep the cushion at least 2 to 3 inches thick so it doesn't bottom out.

Is there a standard bench cushion size?

No. Benches vary too much for one standard size, so the best bench cushion is cut to your exact measurements. Many dining and entryway benches are 14 to 18 inches deep, while built-in banquettes and window seats are often 18 to 24 inches deep, but always measure your own bench. Measure the bench, not the old cushion: Worn foam spreads and loses its shape, so measure the seat surface for width and depth. Measure built-ins twice: In a nook or alcove, measure wall to wall at both the front and the back of the seat. Walls are often out of square, and a trapezoid or custom pattern shape will fit better than a rectangle. Plan long benches in sections: On a long banquette, two or more cushions are easier to lift, clean, and unzip than one long piece. Our measuring guide walks through every shape, and customer service can check your numbers before you order.

Should I add Dacron batting to my bench cushion?

It's optional on bench cushions, but we usually recommend it. Dacron is a polyester batting wrapped around the foam. It fills out the cover, softens the corners, and adds a little extra padding. Without it, the cushion looks more squared off and the cover can sit loosely. Single Dacron book wrap: The most common choice. It keeps the sides sleek, which suits dining benches and built-in nooks. Wrap all sides: Crowns every edge for a plumper look, best when all edges of the cushion are exposed. Double Dacron: Better suited to thicker cushions. We don't recommend it on thin bench cushions. On thin cushions of 2 inches or less, a single wrap adds noticeable comfort for very little cost.

What is the best fabric for an indoor bench cushion?

For dining benches, breakfast nooks, and mudroom benches, choose a durable, stain-resistant performance fabric like Sunbrella®. These benches see spills, shoes, and daily use, so easy cleaning matters most. For window seats and bedroom benches, softer upholstery fabrics like linen blends and textured weaves work well. Patterns and mid-tone colors hide wear better than light solids. For a pulled-together look, pair a patterned bench cushion with solid throw pillows in a matching color, or the reverse. With 5,000+ fabrics to choose from, ordering swatches ($1.99 to $5.99 each) is the easiest way to check color and texture in your space. You can also send us your own fabric, and we'll sew the cover from it. Matching a set of chairs? Order dining chair cushions in the same fabric so your bench and chairs coordinate.

How do I keep a bench cushion from sliding?

Add ties or Velcro straps. Bench cushions slide more than most cushions, especially on wood, painted, or smooth benches. Ties: Sewn from your cover fabric in sets of two strands that knot around a bench leg, spindle, or rail. Order up to eight sets and choose placement and length. 10 inches is standard. Velcro straps: The better option for built-in nooks, storage benches, and other benches with nothing to tie to. We add adhesive Velcro straps on request, so mention them in your order comments or ask customer service. A cushion cut to the exact size of a built-in bench also has less room to shift.

How can I make my bench seat more comfortable?

Start with the right foam and thickness for how you use the bench, then add a Dacron wrap for a softer, more finished feel. For window seats and reading nooks, a 3 to 4 inch cushion in a softer foam (ILD of about 30 to 40) or with a down envelope turns the bench into a place to lounge, and a few throw pillows against the wall add back support. For a built-in banquette or breakfast nook, add custom back cushions along the wall so guests can lean back during long meals. Keep down envelopes for lounging benches, since their large crown is less suited to upright dining seats.

Can I replace just the foam in my bench cushion?

Yes. If your cover still fits and has a zipper, order a replacement foam insert and skip the fabric. Measure the cover seam to seam for width and depth, and match the original thickness. A Dacron wrap helps the new foam fill the cover so it looks full again. Replacement foam can also be an upgrade. Most manufactured furniture uses foam of around 1.8 lb/ft³, so a 2.6 lb/ft³ or denser foam, or organic latex, will very likely outlast the foam you're replacing.

How long does it take to get a custom bench cushion?

Foam-only orders usually ship in about 3 to 14 days. Bench cushions with sewn covers take about 4 to 6 weeks, since each cover is cut and sewn to order. If we make a mistake on your order, we remake it and ship it at our expense.

Custom Indoor Bench Cushions

Over 1,000 5-star Reviews

Custom Indoor Bench Cushions 

FoamOrder makes custom indoor bench cushions cut to your exact measurements, so the cushion fits your bench edge to edge instead of overhanging the front or leaving a gap at the wall. We make bench seat cushions for dining benches, breakfast nooks, kitchen banquettes, entryway and mudroom benches, and built-in window seats, in rectangles, L-shapes, angled corners, or a pattern traced from your own seat.
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Choose the foam and firmness that fit how your bench gets used, from CertiPUR-US® certified high-density polyurethane to organic latex, then add a removable zippered cover in any of 5,000+ fabrics, including Sunbrella® performance fabrics, with optional ties and welt cording. If your cover still fits, you can order a replacement foam insert on its own.

Start Here:Select Your Custom Bench Cushion Shape

Don’t see the shape you need? No problem. Just choose “Pattern Shape” to make your own pattern and send it to us to cut to your exact pattern specifications.

How to Order Custom and Replacement Cushions

Measure Your Cushions

Precisely measure the shape and dimensions of your cushion for the best possible fit. (see how)

Select Your Foam

Select from over 30 foam types based on your cushion’s location, use, and feel.

Select a Fabric

Choose the texture and style of the fabric for your cushion covers, or skip this step for foam only.

We’ll Do the Rest

FoamOrder will size and cut your custom cushions and ship them right to your door!

﻿Need help with design or measuring? Get Help from our Customer Service experts!﻿

FoamOrder Custom Bench Cushion Reviews﻿﻿
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Bench type	Thickness	Foam to start with	Build tips
Dining bench	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V44 or V54	Single Dacron book wrap keeps the sides sleek. Pick a stain-resistant performance fabric, and add ties if the bench has legs or rails.
Breakfast nook or kitchen banquette	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V44 or V54	Measure wall to wall at both the front and the back of the seat. Welt cording gives a tailored look, and back cushions make long meals more comfortable.
Window seat or reading nook	3 to 4 in.	EverFlex V34, DuraFlex D40, or organic latex N31 to N36	Softer foam needs the extra thickness, and a down envelope adds a plush, lounge-worthy feel. For bay and bow windows, see our window seat cushions.
Entryway or mudroom bench	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V54, or outdoor foam near wet boots and gear	Choose a performance or outdoor fabric that wipes clean. If there is nothing to tie to, ask for Velcro straps.
Storage bench or toy chest	2 in.	DuraFlex D50, or EconoFlex for light use	Ask for Velcro straps so the cushion stays on the lid when it opens.
Piano bench	1.5 to 2 in.	EverFlex V54	A thin, firm pad keeps the player at the right height. Ties are optional.

Bench type	Thickness	Foam to start with	Build tips
Dining bench	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V44 or V54	Single Dacron book wrap keeps the sides sleek. Pick a stain-resistant performance fabric, and add ties if the bench has legs or rails.
Breakfast nook or kitchen banquette	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V44 or V54	Measure wall to wall at both the front and the back of the seat. Welt cording gives a tailored look, and back cushions make long meals more comfortable.
Window seat or reading nook	3 to 4 in.	EverFlex V34, DuraFlex D40, or organic latex N31 to N36	Softer foam needs the extra thickness, and a down envelope adds a plush, lounge-worthy feel. For bay and bow windows, see our window seat cushions.
Entryway or mudroom bench	2 to 3 in.	EverFlex V54, or outdoor foam near wet boots and gear	Choose a performance or outdoor fabric that wipes clean. If there is nothing to tie to, ask for Velcro straps.
Storage bench or toy chest	2 in.	DuraFlex D50, or EconoFlex for light use	Ask for Velcro straps so the cushion stays on the lid when it opens.
Piano bench	1.5 to 2 in.	EverFlex V54	A thin, firm pad keeps the player at the right height. Ties are optional.

Custom Indoor Bench Cushions

Start Here:

Select Your Custom Bench Cushion Shape

Looking for Something Else?

Bench Cushion Guide by Bench Type

Indoor Bench Cushion FAQs

What foam is best for indoor bench cushions?

What do foam density and ILD mean for a bench cushion?

How thick should a bench cushion be?

Is there a standard bench cushion size?

Should I add Dacron batting to my bench cushion?

What is the best fabric for an indoor bench cushion?

How do I keep a bench cushion from sliding?

How can I make my bench seat more comfortable?

Can I replace just the foam in my bench cushion?

How long does it take to get a custom bench cushion?

Bench Cushion Guide by Bench Type

Indoor Bench Cushion FAQs

What foam is best for indoor bench cushions?

What do foam density and ILD mean for a bench cushion?

How thick should a bench cushion be?

Is there a standard bench cushion size?

Should I add Dacron batting to my bench cushion?

What is the best fabric for an indoor bench cushion?

How do I keep a bench cushion from sliding?

How can I make my bench seat more comfortable?

Can I replace just the foam in my bench cushion?

How long does it take to get a custom bench cushion?