---
title: "Custom Cushions Made to Measure, Read by Seven Masters"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/"
---

*Made-to-measure bench, window seat and banquette cushions, explained by seven master upholsterers: measuring, fabric, foam and care. Measure once, sit well.*

The Atelier of Seven Masters

# Cushions cut to your numbers, *read* by seven masters.

Seven American upholsterers read photographs of finished cushions and answer the questions buyers ask before they order: how to measure, which fabric, how thick, what lasts. We sell nothing. We explain.

Pinned by Rosa **Chocolate seat cushion** Deep brown ties straight into the autumn leaves outside the glass. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/autumn-chocolate-window-seat-pumpkins-knit-throw/)

Pinned by Maggie **Striped seat cushion** Stripes across the depth make a short banquette look wider and relaxed. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/taupe-striped-banquette-cushion-new-england-kitchen/)

Pinned by Nate **Faceted bay cushion** The cushion follows each facet of the bay, so the dog can stretch out edge to edge. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/denim-blue-bay-window-cushion-golden-retriever/)

Pinned by Hana **Mauve box cushion** Follows the daybed rectangle and stops at the carved rail. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/mauve-cushion-carved-french-daybed-arched-window/)

Pinned by Élodie **Taupe velvet cushion** A slim cushion keeps the hall bench light and clear of the door swing. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/taupe-velvet-entryway-bench-cushion-coat-pegs/)

Pinned by Callum **Striped swing mattress** The mattress is made to the platform size inside the ropes, so they run clear of the fabric. [Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/taupe-stripe-rope-swing-daybed-mattress-loggia/)

## The quick answer

A made-to-measure cushion starts with three numbers: the length along the front, the depth from the front edge to the wall, and the thickness. Measure the seat itself, not the old cushion, and send the exact size of the space without deducting anything. Standard thickness is 4 in (10 cm), and covers unzip and machine wash at 86°F (30°C).

The atelier

## The atelier at a glance

Seven master upholsterers share one cutting table. Every page explains a choice, from the size and the shape to the fabric, the foam and the fit, so the partner workshop can make the cushion right the first time.
- ** 7 ** master upholsterers, one signature each
- ** 2,500+ ** pages on measuring, fabric, foam and fit
- ** 38 ** cushion types in the Cushion Atlas
- ** 112 ** places across the map
- ** 8 ** free studio tools and calculators
- ** 1,600+ ** photographs of finished cushions

Read a photograph

Every photograph here is read like a pattern: pinned where a choice was made. Tap a pin, or read the notes beside the picture.

Pinned by [Hana](https://cushionguide.com/masters/hana/) Cream Bouclé Bench Seat with a Long Geometric Lumbar Back
- **Long lumbar back** A shallow back cushion keeps the full seat depth usable.
- **Cream bouclé seat** Tonal with the piping, so the pattern above gets all the attention.
- **Open book** Paper white on cream bouclé keeps the palette to two tones.
- **Eucalyptus vase** Tall stems balance the long horizontal of the bench.
- **Jute runner** Coarse fiber contrasts the soft loops of the seat.

[Read the whole reading](https://cushionguide.com/readings/cream-boucle-bench-seat-long-geometric-lumbar/)

Readings

## New on the reading table

One photograph of a finished cushion, one master, every choice explained: the proportion, the piping line, the color against the light of the room.
- [A Reading by NateCustom Bench Cushion in Navy Corduroy for an Oak Entry BenchNate · September 20, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/navy-corduroy-entryway-bench-cushion-oak-bench/)
- [A Reading by MaggieChair Cushion with Ties: A Patio Trick for a Mesh Desk ChairMaggie · September 20, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/coral-red-box-cushion-black-mesh-office-chair/)
- [A Reading by HarlanViolet Velvet Bolster Pillow: How It Stays Put on a DaybedHarlan · September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/violet-velvet-bolster-closeup-white-daybed/)
- [A Reading by NateTrapezoid Bench Cushion in Mustard: A Bay Seat Built for HoursNate · September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/mustard-self-piped-bay-seat-cushion-print-pillows/)
- [A Reading by HarlanCorner Floor Cushion in Charcoal Stripe for a Paneled RoomHarlan · September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/charcoal-white-stripe-corner-floor-cushion-panelled-wall/)
- [A Reading by RosaWindow Seat Cushion in Forest Green: Where to Spend and SaveRosa · September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/forest-green-window-seat-cushion-mustard-piping/)
- [A Reading by CallumSunbed Cushion in Turquoise: Styling a Bare Pool DeckCallum · September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/turquoise-sun-lounger-cushion-fenced-backyard-pool/)
- [A Reading by HarlanStriped Floor Cushions: Why a Box Edge Stacks SquareHarlan · September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/blue-blush-taupe-stripe-floor-cushions-oak-floor/)
- [A Reading by HanaHemnes Daybed Cover in Cream Velvet: Seating Guests WellHana · September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/readings/cream-velvet-hemnes-daybed-burnt-orange-trim-vintage-runner/)

Before & after

## Same daybed, fabrics swapped

Drag the seam. The frame, the room and the light stay put; only the fabric plan changes, and with it the whole mood.

Crimson seat Left of the seam: a striped seat with crimson backs. Right: a crimson seat with striped backs. Same daybed, same room, same light.

Let one color speak and the others listen.

Cushion types

## The Cushion Atlas

Thirty-eight cushion types and eight rooms, from window seats and bay windows to porch swings and floor sofas, with sizes in inches first.
- [Bench Cushions603 pages439 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bench-cushions/)
- [Window Seat Cushions340 pages264 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/window-seat-cushions/)
- [Modular Floor Sofas & Teddy Couches198 pages32 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/modular-floor-sofas/)
- [Outdoor & Water-Repellent Cushions132 pages92 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/outdoor-cushions/)
- [Dining Chair Cushions & Pads123 pages92 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/dining-chair-cushions/)
- [Banquette & Kitchen Nook Cushions99 pages52 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/banquette-cushions/)
- [Floor Cushions & Floor Seating97 pages5 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/floor-cushions/)
- [Corner Floor Cushions & Poufs80 pages64 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/corner-floor-cushions/)
- [Daybed Cushions & Covers76 pages45 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/daybed-cushions/)
- [Bay Window Cushions67 pages43 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bay-window-cushions/)
- [L-Shaped Corner Bench Cushions64 pages48 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/l-shaped-cushions/)
- [IKEA Hemnes Daybed Covers & Cushions57 pages40 photos](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/ikea-hemnes-daybed-covers/)

By room
- [Reading Nook](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/reading-nook-cushions/)
- [Mudroom & Entryway Bench](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/mudroom-and-entryway-bench-cushions/)
- [Kitchen Nook & Dining Bench](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/kitchen-nook-cushions/)
- [Kids' Room & Nursery](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/kids-room-cushions/)
- [Patio, Porch & Backyard](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/patio-and-porch-cushions/)
- [Bedroom Bench & Daybed](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bedroom-cushions/)
- [Living Room](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/living-room-cushions/)
- [Sunroom & Three-Season Room](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/sunroom-cushions/)

Answers

## From the Cutting Table

Common questions about measuring, fabric, foam and care, answered short and exact, with the numbers left in.
- [My cushion is bigger than the largest size option. Can I still order it?Yes, a cushion bigger than the largest size option can still be ordered, through a custom purchase link.Hana September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/cushion-larger-than-listed-sizes/)
- [How much is a custom tufted floor cushion?A custom tufted floor cushion is priced by its size and fabric color, so send exact measurements for a quote and the workshop adds that size to the…Rosa September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-tufted-floor-cushion-price/)
- [Can you make a large U-shaped floor sofa?Yes, a large U-shaped floor sofa can be made to order from three modules, with module A, 35.5 x 35.5 in (90 x 90 cm), at every corner.Hana September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/u-shaped-floor-sofa-custom-layout/)
- [Can I leave my cushion in its vacuum packaging until I need it?Foam should stay vacuum packed no longer than 2-3 weeks, so open cushions and floor sofas when they arrive.Callum September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/store-cushion-in-vacuum-packaging-how-long/)
- [Can I change the size or thickness after I've ordered?Yes, you can change a cushion's size or thickness after ordering, as long as production hasn't started and the fabric hasn't been cut.Maggie September 19, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/change-cushion-size-after-ordering/)
- [What's the longest cushion you can make in one piece?Single cushions up to 40 x 138 in (102 x 350 cm) have been made in one piece on request, so a seamless run is usually possible.Callum September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/longest-single-piece-cushion/)
- [Do you carry name-brand outdoor fabric, or something similar?No, the workshop doesn't carry the Sunbrella brand; outdoor cushions are made in its own outdoor performance fabric instead.Callum September 18, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/outdoor-performance-fabric-alternative/)
- [How long do fabric samples take to arrive?Fabric samples run on two clocks, preparation at the workshop and transit with the courier, and both change with the season, so ask the workshop for…Maggie September 17, 2026](https://cushionguide.com/answers/how-long-fabric-samples-take-to-arrive/)

Notes

## Atelier Notes

The newest notes from the workshop desk.

The Masters

## The seven masters

From a High Point workshop floor to a Seattle studio: seven upholsterers, seven specialties, seven sign-offs. Turn a card to read what each one stands for.

Interactive tools

## The Studio

Build a bench cushion in 3D, try a fabric on it, or let a calculator work out a bay window's angles and a trapezoid's four sides before you order.

[Open the bench builder](https://cushionguide.com/studio/bench-cushion-builder/)[All tools](https://cushionguide.com/studio/)
- [3D bench cushion builder](https://cushionguide.com/studio/bench-cushion-builder/)
- [3D chair cushion builder](https://cushionguide.com/studio/chair-cushion-builder/)
- [Pillow cover studio](https://cushionguide.com/studio/pillow-cover-studio/)
- [Bay window calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/bay-window-calculator/)
- [Trapezoid calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/trapezoid-cushion-calculator/)
- [Fabric yardage](https://cushionguide.com/studio/fabric-yardage-calculator/)
- [Foam firmness finder](https://cushionguide.com/studio/foam-firmness-finder/)
- [Seat height calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/seat-height-calculator/)

Fabrics

## The Swatch Library

Twelve fabric families read for hand, wear and care, and for how their color shifts between a screen and a north-facing window.
- [Linen-Look Weaves Élodie · 250 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/linen-look-fabrics/)
- [Linen & Cotton-Linen Élodie · 24 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/linen-and-cotton-linen/)
- [Velvet Harlan · 219 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/velvet/)
- [Corduroy Harlan · 205 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/corduroy/)
- [Bouclé & Teddy Hana · 133 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/boucle-and-teddy/)
- [Striped Cotton & Ticking Maggie · 212 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/striped-cotton-and-ticking/)
- [Checked Linen & Gingham Maggie · 17 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/checked-linen-and-gingham/)
- [Jacquard & Damask Élodie · 135 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/jacquard-and-damask/)
- [Outdoor Acrylic & Solution-Dyed Callum · 205 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/outdoor-acrylic/)
- [Water-Repellent Membrane Fabrics Callum · 98 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/water-repellent-membrane/)
- [Faux Leather Nate · 12 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/faux-leather/)
- [Performance & Pet-Friendly Weaves Rosa · 62 photos](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/performance-and-pet-friendly/)

States & countries

## Across the Map

Salt air in New England, hard sun in the Southwest, damp summers on a Southern porch: where a cushion lives decides what it should be made of.

### United States

Start with a region
- [Midwest](https://cushionguide.com/places/midwest-cushions/)
- [Mid-Atlantic](https://cushionguide.com/places/mid-atlantic-cushions/)
- [New England](https://cushionguide.com/places/new-england-cushions/)
- [Mountain West](https://cushionguide.com/places/mountain-west-cabin-cushions/)
- [Tennessee & Kentucky](https://cushionguide.com/places/tennessee-kentucky-cushions/)
- [Arizona & Southwest](https://cushionguide.com/places/arizona-southwest-cushions/)

64 guides in the United States. Tap the map or search.

### Canada

Popular here
- [Canada](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-canada/)
- [Ontario](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-ontario/)
- [British Columbia](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-british-columbia/)
- [Quebec](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-quebec/)
- [Alberta](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-alberta/)
- [Nova Scotia](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-nova-scotia/)

11 guides in Canada. Search, or see [the list](https://cushionguide.com/places/#canada). Tap the map or search.

### UK & Ireland
- [United Kingdom](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-united-kingdom/)
- [England](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-england/)
- [Scotland](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-scotland/)
- [Ireland](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-ireland/)
- [Wales](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-wales/)
- [Northern Ireland](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-northern-ireland/)

6 guides in the UK and Ireland. Search, or see [the list](https://cushionguide.com/places/#uk-ireland). Tap the map or search.

### Europe
- [France](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-france/)
- [Germany](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-germany/)
- [Italy](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-italy/)
- [Greece](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-greece/)
- [Sweden](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-sweden/)
- [Austria](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-austria/)

29 guides in Europe. Search, or see [the list](https://cushionguide.com/places/#europe). Tap the map or search.

### Australia & NZ
- [Australia](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-australia/)
- [New Zealand](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-new-zealand/)

2 guides in Australia and New Zealand. Search, or see [the list](https://cushionguide.com/places/#australia-new-zealand). Tap the map or search.

Buyers

## What buyers value

A fit that lands, color that looks right in the room, comfort that lasts and clear answers before anything is cut.

FAQ

## Questions buyers ask first

### What should I measure before ordering a custom cushion?

Measure the seat, not the old cushion: length left to right along the front, depth from the front edge to the wall or backrest, and the thickness you want. Label each number and give the exact size of the space; the maker handles any fitting allowance. The [bench measuring pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/how-to-measure-bench-for-cushion/) shows each step.

### How thick can a made-to-measure cushion be?

The usual standard is 4 in (10 cm), but cushions have been made from under 1 in up to about 8 to 10 in, and floor cushions up to 12 in (30 cm). Thinner suits dining benches; thicker suits deep window seats and floor seating. The [seat height calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/seat-height-calculator/) checks the arithmetic.

### Can custom cushion covers go in the washing machine?

Yes. The covers unzip from the underside and come off completely, and every fabric, velvet and linen included, machine washes at 86°F (30°C) on a gentle cycle. Air dry instead of tumble drying. Button-tufted cushions are the exception: their covers don't come off, so spot clean those.

### Can a cushion be made for a trapezoid, curved or L-shaped seat?

Yes, any size and shape. Draw the seat with every side measured, or trace a paper template, and photograph both the drawing and the space. The shape is redrawn and confirmed before quoting. The [trapezoid cushion calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/trapezoid-cushion-calculator/) checks your four sides first.

### How do I choose a cushion color I can't see in person?

Order fabric swatches and look at them in daylight, next to the wood, wall and rug they will live with. Ask for close-up photos of the codes you're weighing as well; lighting shifts tones on a screen, so a sample in your hand is the honest test when color matters.

### Why does a new cushion look flat or short out of the box?

Cushions travel vacuum-packed, and foam measures short straight out of the bag. Unwrap it right away: it keeps expanding for 3 to 5 days, sometimes up to a week. Measure again after that, and if it is still short, send tape-measure photos to the maker.

With color and care — Élodie

## Buyer questions