Inserts that hold their shape.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Cushion inserts, answered.

• Foam, fiber or down — which should I pick?

  It depends on what the insert is for. HD foam for anywhere weight-bearing — seat cushions, dining benches, sofa decks — because it holds its shape for years. Fiberfill for back cushions, throws and bolsters where softness matters more than support. Down and down-blend for the highest-end throw pillows that need to feel sumptuous and reshape easily. We don't sell pure-down at the moment; for that, message the atelier directly.

• What does "HD" mean — is denser better?

  HD stands for high-density, expressed in pounds per cubic foot. Our standard cushion foam is 2.0 lb HD — supportive, durable, the workshop default. 1.8 lb HD is lighter, slightly less firm, used for RV applications where weight matters. 2.5 lb is denser still, used for heavy commercial seating. "Higher density" doesn't always mean "better" — it means firmer and longer-lasting. For most domestic seating, 2.0 lb HD is the sweet spot of comfort and longevity.

• Why size the insert one inch larger than the cover?

  Because a cover that exactly fits its insert sags into dog-eared corners within weeks. A 17-inch cover with an 18-inch insert is slightly compressed, which forces the corners to stay plump and the surface to read taut. The inch of overstuff is also why hotel pillows look perfect and home pillows look limp. Our standard insert sizing follows this rule automatically; we make 17-inch inserts for 18-inch covers, 19-inch for 20-inch, and so on.

• What's a fiber-wrap upgrade?

  It's an HD foam core wrapped in a layer of polyester batting — typically half an inch on every face — so the inside is firm and supportive while the outside reads soft and plump. Without the wrap, foam edges can look angular through a thin cover; with it, the cushion looks pillow-soft. We charge a small upgrade fee per insert and add a couple of days to production, but it transforms the look of any seat cushion. Highly recommended for visible furniture.

• Can dry-fast foam be used inside?

  It can, but it's not optimal. Dry-fast (reticulated open-cell) foam is engineered for water to pass through, which makes it slightly less dense than closed-cell HD foam — so an indoor seat cushion with dry-fast foam will feel softer and compress sooner. Use dry-fast for anywhere water reaches: outdoor cushions, boat cushions, poolside seats. Use HD foam for everywhere else. If you genuinely don't know where the cushion will live, HD is the safer all-rounder.

• Standard sizes or custom only?

  Both. We carry the most-requested standard sizes (18, 20, 22, 24-inch squares; 14×22 lumbar; 12×30 bolster) sewn ahead and ready to ship. Anything outside those, we cut to your measurements — there's no minimum order, no upcharge for odd sizes, just a slight production wait. The configurator handles both paths: pick a standard from the dropdown for fast despatch, or enter custom dimensions for cut-to-order.

• How long do inserts last?

  HD 2.0 lb foam keeps 90%+ of its original loft for 8 to 10 years of daily seating use. Fiberfill compresses faster — expect a meaningful loft loss within 2 to 3 years on a heavily-used pillow, though fluffing extends the life. Dry-fast outdoor foam outlasts the fabric over it; replace the cover every 5 to 7 years and the foam keeps going. Down and down-blend last longest of all — 15+ years if cared for. Rotating cushions monthly evens wear and adds years.