How to Choose Foam
& Dacron for Your Cushion
The foam grade sets how firm your cushion feels, and a layer of Dacron wadding gives it that plush, full finish. Here's how to pick the right support — and the thickest seat for a daybed.
Foam Grades, Explained
Two numbers — density and firmness — tell you how a cushion will feel.
31 / 190
Our everyday home grade — the safe default. Firm, supportive and built to last.
130
Noticeably softer than the grade above — a more relaxed, yielding sit.
125 / 150+
The sink-in feel — you settle into the cushion instead of sitting on it.
100
The softest and most plush — deeper sink and a cosy, wrap-around sit.
Golden rule: match the grade to the seat
Firm grades suit daily sitting; softer grades are for lounging and lying. Pick the feel you want — we check whether the foam suits your cushion and will upgrade you to a better grade for free where we can.
Choosing by How You'll Use It
How firm should it be? Start with the job it has to do.
For a seat you sit on
Dining chairs, lounge sofas, window seats — you want a firm grade that holds its shape and doesn't sag.
- Go with 31/190 as the everyday default.
- Soft grades here feel like you're sinking through.
For a seat you lie on
Deep daybeds, sun lounges, floor cushions — you want a softer grade and extra thickness to sink into.
- Go softer — 130, 125/150, or 100 for maximum plush.
- Pair the soft grade with a thicker foam.
Depth, and How Thick to Go
A deep seat is usually a lie-down seat — thickness matters more there.
Under 800mm deep
Mostly you sit on it, so a normal thickness keeps you at a comfortable height.
- Keep a standard thickness so your feet still reach the floor.
- Firm or mid grades look after you here.
800mm and deeper
That's a daybed. Most people lie on it, so you want more thickness for comfort and support.
- Go 100mm or thicker.
- Softer grade + more depth = the plush, lie-in comfort.
Golden rule: deep means thick
When someone stretches out on it, thickness is what makes it comfortable. If your seat is 800mm or deeper, treat it as a daybed and go 100mm or more.
Dacron & Wadding
The plush layer that gives a cushion a full, finished look.
Extra plushness
Wadding sits over the foam to add a layer of softness — a fuller silhouette and a more comfortable first sit.
Size the foam only
You don't add the Dacron's size. It compresses into the cover, so dimension your cushion for the foam alone — don't overthink it.
Golden rule: Dacron is almost standard
It's sold as an upgrade, but nearly every cushion has a layer of wadding. It makes the cover look fuller and feel softer — and we size the cushion for the foam, not the wadding.
Common Foam Mistakes
A few things to avoid when picking your grade.
Choosing too firm for a lie-down seat
A hard grade on a daybed feels like a plank. Go softer and thicker when you'll lie on it.
Choosing too soft for a dining chair
Soft foam doesn't support upright sitting — you sink through and it sags over time.
Measuring the cushion and adding the Dacron
Size for the foam only. Wadding compresses into the cover, so adding its size makes it too big.
Forgetting a deep seat needs thickness
An 800mm+ seat is a daybed — go 100mm or thicker, not a slim standard cushion.
Not confirming the feel first
If you're unsure, send us a sample and we'll confirm the grade suits you before we make it.
Foam Questions
Straight answers.
What do the foam grade numbers mean?
The two figures are density and firmness. 31/190 is our everyday home grade; 130 is softer still; 125 and 150 give a sink-in feel; and 100 is the softest, most plush option.
How thick should a deep daybed cushion be?
If the seat is 800mm or deeper, most people lie on it — go 100mm or thicker so it's comfortable to stretch out on.
Do I size the cushion and the Dacron separately?
No. Dimension the cushion for the foam only. The Dacron wadding compresses into the cover, so you ignore its size.
Is Dacron / wadding necessary?
It's an upgrade option, but virtually every cushion has it. It adds plushness, a fuller look and a softer seat.
Can I get a sample to confirm the foam?
Yes — if you're not sure which grade feels right, send us a sample and we'll confirm before we make.
Will you upgrade my foam for free?
We check whether the grade suits your cushion, and where a higher-quality foam fits better we upgrade you at no extra cost.
Found your ideal foam?
Pick your grade and thickness in the designer — we'll cut & sew a cover that feels right and fits perfectly.
Start Customising