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The Cutting Table · a question, worked through

How should I size cushions for a van bench that converts to a bed?

A convertible bench has two jobs and one set of cushions. Get three numbers right and it does both.

Answered by

The Pattern Engineer of Detroit ·

Pinned by Nate

The quick answer

Size van bench cushions around the storage: splitting the base into two cushions over the compartments won't look or feel odd when the bench becomes a bed, and 14 x 70 in plus 24 x 70 in (36 x 178 and 61 x 178 cm) pieces have been made for a slide-out bed. The back cushion can be narrower than the seat; subtract its thickness from the back height.

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Key facts

  • The base can be split into two cushions to reach storage underneath.
  • Two side-by-side cushions don't look or feel odd to lie on.
  • A slide-out bed has used 14 x 70 in (36 x 178 cm) and 24 x 70 in (61 x 178 cm) pieces.
  • The backrest can be narrower than the seat, for example 46.5 in (118 cm) on a 48 in (122 cm) seat.
  • Subtract the backrest thickness from the back height so the cushions fit together.
  • Send the measurements and the set is quoted together.

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Every edge and both diagonals, to the nearest 1/4 in. If the numbers do not close, the workshop will say so on the call. — Nate

Leave your details and the workshop will call you to confirm measurements, fabric, foam and piping. No prices, dates or payment on this page: it is a request, not an order.

Fabric · Foam · Pipingwhat the workshop will confirm with you

Fabric
The cover cloth: weave, color and care code.
Foam
The core: its density and thickness set the feel.
Piping
The corded seam edge: matching, contrast or none.
Only for this request: no marketing calls or texts. Outside the US, add the country code.
In inches: length × depth × thickness, plus any angles or cut corners.

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The build, one follow-up at a time

  1. “Will two cushions feel odd as a bed?”

    No. Splitting the base over storage compartments won't look or feel weird. It comes down to preference.

  2. “What sizes for a slide-out bed?”

    One build used 14 x 70 in and 24 x 70 in (36 x 178 and 61 x 178 cm): a narrow piece and a wide one.

  3. “Can the back be narrower than the seat?”

    Yes. A converted bus seat got a 46.5 in (118 cm) back on a 48 x 16.5 in (122 x 42 cm) seat.

  4. “How tall should the back cushion be?”

    Take the back height and subtract the backrest thickness, so the two cushions fit together.

Two jobs, one set of numbers

Partner, a convertible bench works a double shift. By day it's a seat with a back; by night the base is the mattress. The workshop's view on splitting that base is plain: two cushions side by side over storage compartments won't look or feel odd to lie on, so the split can follow the storage lids.

The back is its own bit of arithmetic. It can run narrower than the seat, and the backrest thickness comes off the back height so seat and back fit together. Send each piece's length, width and thickness, and the set is quoted as one. Measure twice; the fabric remembers.

The boat and RV cushions atlas, the van and skoolie concept sketch and the back cushion height pattern fill in the rest. Which way does your bed slide out?

Two real van builds: slide-out bed and bus seat sizes

PieceSizeNote
Slide-out bed, narrow piece14 x 70 in (36 x 178 cm)Split over storage
Slide-out bed, wide piece24 x 70 in (61 x 178 cm)Split over storage
Bus seat, seat cushion48 x 16.5 in (122 x 42 cm)Full width
Bus seat, back cushion46.5 in (118 cm) wideHeight = back height minus backrest thickness

A van bench back cushion can run narrower than the seat, like 46.5 in on a 48 in seat; subtract the backrest thickness from the back height.

Nate Kowalski
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Buyer questions

  1. A common question

    Will two cushions side by side feel strange to sleep on when the van bench turns into a bed?

    The workshop's answer

    Splitting the base into two cushions over storage compartments won't look or feel weird, so it's your preference. Pieces of 14 x 70 in and 24 x 70 in can be made for a slide-out bed.

  2. A common question

    Can the back cushion be a little narrower than the seat cushion?

    The workshop's answer

    Yes. For a converted bus seat the back was made 46.5 in wide and the seat 48 in wide by 16.5 in deep, with the backrest thickness subtracted from the back height.

  3. A common question

    My size falls between two listed options. Which do I pick?

    The workshop's answer

    Pick the next larger option and write your exact measurements in the personalization box. The cushion is sewn to the note; the option only sets the price.

Questions buyers ask next

Do the two base cushions have to be the same width?

No. The slide-out bed example used unequal pieces, 14 x 70 in and 24 x 70 in (36 x 178 and 61 x 178 cm), so each piece can follow the storage section beneath it.

What should I send to get the set quoted?

Each piece's length, width and thickness, which pieces sit over storage, and whether the back runs narrower than the seat. The workshop quotes the whole set from those measurements.

Can a very long bench cushion be split into equal pieces instead?

Yes. Very long seats are split into equal pieces; one 122 in (310 cm) tufted seat was made as two 61 in (155 cm) cushions.