---
title: "Storage bench cushion with lift-up lids: split at the lid lines"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/storage-bench-lift-up-lid-cushion-sections/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Nate Kowalski, The Pattern Engineer of Detroit"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/"
published: "2026-02-07"
updated: "2026-02-07"
keywords: "storage bench cushion lift up lid, split window seat cushion, window seat cushion over radiator, hinged lid bench cushion, sectioned bench cushion"
---

# My window seat has lift-up lids. Should the cushion be split?

*One long cushion looks tidy until you want the blankets underneath. Here is the thread on splitting, with a radiator case at the end.*

Also asked as: Cushions divided at the dotted lines.; The bench below opens up.

> **The quick answer:** Yes: split a storage bench cushion at the lid lines, so each section lifts with its own lid; three lids get three cushions. Over a radiator, split it too: a 106 x 15 in (269 x 38 cm) window seat got two 53 x 15 in cushions so the radiator area isn't sealed off. Send photos and a drawing of every section.

![Charcoal velvet window seat cushion in a paneled library with leaded windows, a brass floor lamp and an old book](https://cushionguide.com/media/window-seat-cushions/charcoal-velvet-library-window-seat-dark-academia-928.webp "Charcoal velvet makes a library window seat that fades into the dark paneling, lit by a brass lamp.")

## Key facts

- Cushions can be sectioned to match lift-up bench lids.
- One separate cushion per lid section is recommended.
- Over a radiator, two cushions are recommended so the radiator area isn't sealed off.
- A 106 x 15 in (269 x 38 cm) radiator window seat was split into two 53 x 15 in (135 x 38 cm) cushions.
- Sections that aren't identical each need their own drawing.
- Each drawing shows front, back, both sides and the depth at each end.

## “The bench below opens up. One cushion or several?”

Several, partner. Split the cushion at the lid lines so each section lifts with its own lid. One long cushion across three lids means lifting the whole seat to reach one blanket.

On a [bay window seat](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bay-window-cushions/) with three flip-up lids, the recommendation was three separate cushions, one per lid. The [hinged-lid storage bench pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/storage-bench-cushion-hinged-lid/) covers the details, and the glossary explains the [storage bench](https://cushionguide.com/glossary/#storage-bench).

## “It's slightly asymmetrical. What do I draw?”

If the sections aren't identical, each one gets its own drawing. On one bench the sections differed by about 1.5 in (4 cm) in depth, which is plenty to matter.

1. **Front edge**: Along the front of that section only.
2. **Back edge**: Along the wall or back rail, same section.
3. **Both sides**: Left and right, measured separately.
4. **Depth at each end**: Front to back at the left end, then the right. This is where a 1.5 in difference shows up.

## A 106 in window seat over a radiator

A buyer in the US had a 106 x 15 in (269 x 38 cm) window seat with a radiator underneath and asked: one piece or two? The recommendation was two cushions of 53 x 15 in (135 x 38 cm), so the radiator area isn't sealed off under one long slab. Same total length, two pieces.

> **Tailor's margin:** Split a storage bench cushion at the lid lines: three lift-up lids get three cushions, and each one rises with its own lid.

> A 106 in window seat over a radiator was made as two 53 x 15 in cushions, so one long cushion doesn't seal the radiator area off.
>
> — Nate

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Can my storage bench cushion be split into sections that match the lids?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. The cushions are divided at the lid lines so each section lifts with its own lid. Send a clear drawing with every edge measured; if the sections differ, each needs its own drawing with front, back, both sides and the depth at each end.

**A common question:** My bay seat has three flip-up lids. How should the cushions be made?

**The workshop's answer:** Send clear photos and measurements. The recommendation was three separate cushions, one for each flip-up section.

**A common question:** How do I order a cushion that isn't a rectangle?

**The workshop's answer:** Use the custom-shape listing: choose the size range by the longest length and deepest depth, which only sets the price bracket, then upload a drawing with every edge measured, plus thickness and fabric code. The cushion is cut to your drawing.

## Questions buyers ask next

### Can split bench cushions be different lengths?

Yes. Each section is cut to its own lid, so a long middle lid and two shorter end lids get three cushions of different lengths. Draw each one with its own numbers.

### Why not one long cushion over a radiator?

One piece covers the whole radiator area and seals it off. Two cushions, as on the 106 in (269 cm) seat, were recommended instead, and either half lifts on its own.

### Do I measure the lids or the whole bench top?

Both. Measure every edge of the bench top, then mark where each lid line falls on the drawing, so the cushion splits land on the lid joints.

## Related at the atelier

- [Big bays, long seats: where to split a large bay window cushion](https://cushionguide.com/concepts/large-bay-window-cushions/): A large bay window cushion longer than about 7.5 ft (2.3 m) is usually best made in two or more pieces, joined at a bay corner or at the midpoint.
- [Can you make a cushion for a bay window with 5 windows, all at different angles?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/multi-angle-bay-window-cushion-5-windows/): Yes: a bay window seat cushion can have any number of angles, including 5-window, pentagon and hexagon bays.
- [Can you make a custom-shaped floor cushion for my corner or reading nook?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-shaped-floor-cushion-corner-reading-nook/): A floor cushion can be made to the shape of your corner, bay or reading nook when you send the shape and measurements before ordering.
- [How do I label the sides on my trapezoid cushion drawing?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/trapezoid-cushion-drawing-label-sides/): Give every edge of the trapezoid a letter and a length: A, B, C and D for the four sides, plus E and F for clipped corners or end pieces, then add the depth and thickness.
- [Bay Window Cushion in Terracotta Diamond on a Stone Ledge](https://cushionguide.com/readings/terracotta-diamond-bay-window-cushion-tuscan-stone-alcove/): A bay window cushion on a solid stone or wood ledge works best slim and firm: about a third of the ledge height keeps the architecture in charge, and firm foam stops you feeling the hard base.
- [Bay Window Cushion in Olive Gold Velvet: The Daily-Life Test](https://cushionguide.com/readings/olive-gold-velvet-trapezoid-dining-bay-seat/): A velvet bay window cushion beside a dining table ages well when it is specified for daily loads.
- [Making a paper template a cushion workshop can actually use](https://cushionguide.com/guides/paper-template-for-custom-cushion/)
- [How to measure a trapezoid cushion so the numbers close](https://cushionguide.com/guides/trapezoid-cushion-measurements/)

*± 1/4 in — Nate*

---

Written by Nate Kowalski (https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/) 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/storage-bench-lift-up-lid-cushion-sections/