---
title: "Van Bench Cushions That Convert to a Bed: Sizing the Split"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/van-bench-bed-cushion-sizing/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Nate Kowalski, The Pattern Engineer of Detroit"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/"
published: "2026-07-16"
updated: "2026-07-16"
keywords: "van bench cushions, van conversion bench bed cushions, rv bench cushion sizing, split bench cushion storage, back cushion narrower than seat"
---

# 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.*

Also asked as: Cushions for a van build; Bench seat that extends into a sleeping area

> **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.

![White L-shaped bow seat and backrest cushions with navy piping on a center-console boat over turquoise water](https://cushionguide.com/media/boat-and-rv-cushions/white-l-shaped-boat-bow-cushions-navy-welting-1600.webp "White bow cushions with navy welting trace the stepped seat and curved hull of a center-console boat.")

## 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.

## 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](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/boat-and-rv-cushions/) atlas, the [van and skoolie concept sketch](https://cushionguide.com/concepts/van-conversion-and-skoolie-cushions/) and the [back cushion height pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/back-cushion-height-sizing/) fill in the rest. Which way does your bed slide out?

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

| Piece | Size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slide-out bed, narrow piece | 14 x 70 in (36 x 178 cm) | Split over storage |
| Slide-out bed, wide piece | 24 x 70 in (61 x 178 cm) | Split over storage |
| Bus seat, seat cushion | 48 x 16.5 in (122 x 42 cm) | Full width |
| Bus seat, back cushion | 46.5 in (118 cm) wide | Height = back height minus backrest thickness |

> **Tailor's margin:** Split a van bench-bed base over the storage lids: 14 x 70 in and 24 x 70 in pieces lie side by side without feeling odd.

> 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

## Buyer questions

**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.

**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.

**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.

## Related at the atelier

- [Can you make custom cushions for my camper van, RV or bus conversion?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-camper-van-rv-cushions/): Yes: custom RV, camper van and bus-conversion cushions are made to your measurements, and the shop replies with a purchase link.
- [RV and camper dinette cushions: measuring seats that become a bed](https://cushionguide.com/guides/rv-camper-dinette-cushions/): Measure RV dinette cushions one piece at a time: every seat, back and side run gets its own length, depth and thickness.
- [Van conversion cushions: build the frame, then measure seat, back and bed](https://cushionguide.com/concepts/van-conversion-and-skoolie-cushions/): Order van conversion cushions only after the frame is built, and measure the seat and back separately, because they are rarely the same width.
- [Can you make U-shaped dinette or campervan seat cushions?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/u-shaped-dinette-campervan-cushions/): Yes, U-shaped dinette and campervan seat cushions are made regularly, each piece cut to its own measured size.
- [Boat Cushion for a V-Berth in Cobalt With Ivory Piping](https://cushionguide.com/readings/cobalt-v-berth-boat-cushion-ivory-piping-cabin/): A V-berth boat cushion should follow the hull's taper, and splitting it into a main piece plus a separate bow infill lets you lift the small piece to reach the lockers below.
- [Making templates for boat cushions, V-berths and cockpit benches](https://cushionguide.com/guides/boat-cushion-templates-v-berth/): To get boat cushions that fit a V-berth or curved cockpit bench, trace each plywood base in paper or thin plastic, mark 'top side up' and 'bow' on every piece, and photograph it flat with a tape…

*± 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/van-bench-bed-cushion-sizing/