---
title: "Matching Bolster for an Existing Cushion: Yes, Even a Year On"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/add-matching-bolsters-to-existing-cushion/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Harlan Pruitt, The Elder of High Point"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/harlan/"
published: "2026-02-27"
updated: "2026-09-24"
keywords: "matching bolster for existing cushion, order bolster pillow later, custom bolster same fabric, window seat cushion with bolsters, round armrest bolster"
---

# Can I order matching bolsters later for a cushion I already bought?

*A cushion often looks lonely until it gets company. The good news is that the company can arrive a season, or a year, after the cushion did.*

Also asked as: Can you also do accompanying bolster cushions?; We only need one bolster

> **The quick answer:** Yes, a matching bolster for an existing cushion can be made later, because the workshop keeps fabric stock and can cut the same fabric and color as your original order, even a year on. Send the diameter and length, the quantity and the fabric code from your first order. The bolster is added to your quote or sold through a separate custom link.

![Yellow and white striped lumbar pillow with rose striped squares on a cream bed with a cane rattan headboard](https://cushionguide.com/media/lumbar-pillows/yellow-stripe-lumbar-rose-stripe-squares-cane-bed-1600.webp "Two cheerful stripes in yellow and rose, cut to the same width, on a cane headboard bed.")

## Key facts

- Fabric stock is kept, so matching pieces can be made later.
- Matching pieces have been made in the same fabric as an order from the year before.
- Send diameter, length, quantity and the original fabric code.
- Later bolsters are added to a quote or sold through a separate custom link.
- A single bolster can be ordered on a repeat set.
- Back pillows and bolsters for back support are soft-filled.
- Bolsters ordered later ship on their own, so they cost more than adding them to the first order.

## What to send for each matching piece

| Piece | Send these | A real order from past orders |
|---|---|---|
| Round bolster | Diameter x length, quantity, fabric code | 6 in (15 cm) diameter x 67 1/2 in (171 cm) in matching linen |
| Round armrest | Diameter x length, color | Custom-length cylinders, such as 31 1/2 in (80 cm) |
| Neck or back pillow | Width x height x thickness, fabric | Neck pillows in the same corduroy as a sofa bought the year before |
| Swing back support | Size of each back pillow and bolster | One back pillow plus two bolsters, soft-filled |
| Bolsters with a slim seat | Seat size plus each bolster's diameter | A 2 x 70 in seat with 8 in and 6 in bolsters, both 70 in long |

## Added now or ordered later

|   | Added to the first order | Ordered later |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Added to your quote | A separate custom link |
| How it ships | In the same package | On its own, so it costs more |
| Fabric | Cut with the set | Same fabric and color, from stock |

## Why the bolster can come later

The workshop keeps its fabric on the shelf, so the linen, velvet or corduroy you chose last spring is still there to cut. A seam is a promise, and so is a bolt of cloth kept for you. Write the [fabric code](https://cushionguide.com/glossary/#fabric-code) from your first order and the new piece is cut from the same fabric.

Months apart, two batches can differ a shade; the [dye lots pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/dye-lots-matching-cushions-later/) explains why. For sizing, the [bolster pillow pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/bolster-pillow-size-diameter/) covers diameter and length, and [bolster pillows](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bolster-pillows/) has more to look at. What's missing on your seat right now, my friend: an arm or a back?

> **Tailor's margin:** To match a bolster to a cushion bought last year, send the diameter, length, quantity and the fabric code from the first order.

> Bolsters ordered separately later ship on their own, so they cost more than bolsters added to the original cushion order.
>
> — Harlan Pruitt

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Can I order a matching round bolster for my bench or window seat cushion, even later?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Send the diameter, length, quantity and fabric code, and the workshop adds it to your quote or sets up a separate link later. A 6 in diameter x 67 1/2 in round bolster was made in matching linen this way.

**A common question:** There's no option for a back pillow. Can you still make one to match my swing cushion?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Matching back-support pieces are made as a custom order in the same fabric. One swing-cushion buyer was offered one back pillow plus two bolsters, soft-filled for back support.

**A common question:** Can I order just the round armrests in my color?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Round armrests can be ordered on their own, in custom lengths such as 31 1/2 in (80 cm) cylinders, and matching backrests or armrests can be made later from the same fabric stock.

**A common question:** Can you make extra neck pillows to match the corduroy sofa I bought from you last year?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Send the width, height and thickness you want; they can be made in the same corduroy as the original order.

## Questions buyers ask next

### Is it all right to order a single bolster instead of a pair?

Yes. One bolster can be ordered on its own, including on a repeat of an earlier set. Give its diameter, length and the fabric code, and it's made to match.

### How long does a bolster-only order take?

Backrests and bolsters ordered on their own are still cut and sewn by hand, my friend, so ask the workshop for its current making and delivery times in writing before you order. Daybed neck rolls and bolsters come filled, in any length and diameter.

### Can the new bolster have contrast piping?

Yes. Bolsters can have same-fabric piping, contrast piping in a second fabric, or be made fully in a contrast or stripe fabric, ordered through a private custom link.

## Related at the atelier

- [Can I get round bolsters as armrests at each end of my window seat?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/round-bolster-armrests-window-seat-bench/): Yes, bolster armrests for a window seat are made to match the seat's fabric and piping, one for each end, usually as long as the seat is deep.
- [Bolster Pillow Fabrics: Six Cloths and How to Order Them Right](https://cushionguide.com/readings/six-bolster-pillows-velvet-corduroy-stripe-studio-stack/): To order a bolster pillow right the first time, give the workroom the length, the diameter and the exact fabric code, not a color name.
- [How do I order bolsters if there's no listing for them?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/how-to-order-custom-bolster-pillows/): Custom bolster pillows have no listing of their own: order your seat or window seat cushion first, then message the bolster sizes and the shop sends a custom payment link.
- [Can you make bolster pillows to match my bench cushion?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/matching-bolster-pillows-for-bench-cushion/): Yes, bolster pillows are made to match a bench or window seat cushion in the same fabric and piping, at any diameter and length.
- [Wine Red Bolster Pillow on a Rattan Daybed: How It Will Age](https://cushionguide.com/readings/wine-red-bolster-herringbone-rattan-daybed-pothos/): A linen-look bolster on a sunny rattan daybed ages well when you plan for its daily life: turn it end over end so one side does not take all the window light, wash the zip-off cover at no more than…
- [Navy Corduroy Bolster Pillow: How Wide Wale Feels and Washes](https://cushionguide.com/readings/navy-wide-wale-corduroy-bolster-closeup/): A wide-wale corduroy bolster pillow feels plush and ribbed, belongs indoors, and cleans through a zippered cover washed at 86°F (30°C) on a gentle cycle, no bleach, air dried.
- [Reading nook bolsters, back pillows and a seat depth that invites a nap](https://cushionguide.com/guides/reading-nook-cushion-bolsters/)
- [Bolster pillow sizes: choosing diameter and length for a seat or daybed](https://cushionguide.com/guides/bolster-pillow-size-diameter/)

*Sit well. — Harlan*

---

Written by Harlan Pruitt (https://cushionguide.com/masters/harlan/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/add-matching-bolsters-to-existing-cushion/