Few things beat the soft sensation that cushions bring to your bed, sofa, and chairs. Better still, the patterns, colours, and textures add visual interest and personality to any room. That said, cushion covers and their fills don’t last forever. Over time, even the best cushions UK stores sell will start to lose their shape, support, and appeal.
Read on to learn what affects a cushion’s longevity and how to tell when you need new cushions.
Factors Affecting How Long Cushions Last
When shopping for cushions, UK vendors will offer a variety of options, ranging from the purely functional to the decorative and from expensive to more budget-friendly alternatives. As such, all cushions are not made equal. Some may remain in good condition for a long time, while others might start losing firmness and discolouring after a short period.
Here are factors that determine how long cushions will last.
Type of Cushion Filling
There are a variety of cushion fillings. Most common are foam, down, fibrefill, and polyester. Each of these materials has a unique tolerance to wear and tear. Take the high-density form, for example. It’s more resistant to compression and lasts longer than other fillings.
Down fillings, on the other hand, provide luxurious softness but require regular stuffing to maintain their integrity. Lastly, although fibrefill and polyester fillings are budget-friendly, they flatten faster compared to other fillings.
Cushion Cover Fabric
Cushion covers, often viewed as decorative additions, do so much more than that. Typically, they support the cushion’s inner material, maintaining a fresh appearance and protecting it from spills, pet fur, dirt, and wear and tear from normal use. However, how long a cushion remains in shape depends on the type of cover. The reason being, they come in different fabrics that may offer varying levels of protection. For instance, cotton covers become light faster than faux leather covers.
Level of Care and Maintenance
Like other household items, cushions require regular care and maintenance. Otherwise, they’ll become dirty and wear out unevenly, and soon enough, you’ll have to replace them. To prevent this issue, your cushions will require:
- Vacuuming from time to time
- Removing the covers and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer
- Rotating them to distribute the weight evenly
Purpose of the Cushion
Frequently used cushions are likely to get damaged faster. Similarly, cushions exposed to direct sunlight and moisture will have a shorter lifespan. The covers will eventually fade, and the filling will deteriorate faster.
Knowing When You’re Ready for New Cushion
Even if you do your best to keep your cushions in the best shape, you’ll need to replace them at some point. Here are the telltale signs to look out for.
The Cushion Won’t Bounce Back
Typically, when you apply pressure on a cushion, it should bounce up and down. If your cushions compress due to repeated use so that they remain flat, it’s time to let them go. In this condition, the cushions won’t offer comfort and might even lose their shape.
Fillings Develop Lumps
If your cushions are lumpy, they’ll develop areas with uneven distribution of fillings. Besides discomfort, they can cause pain in the body, especially if you use them for a long duration. However, this might happen even if the cushions are relatively new. Therefore, open the cushion cover and spread the filling out. Look for batting also and distribute it evenly for extra padding. If the lumps form after a short while, you should buy replacements.
Visible Signs of Fraying on the Cushion Cover Fabric
When your cushion cover fabric becomes frayed, you’ll notice unravelling threads, thinning, and tiny holes. Fading due to regular cleaning is also another sign to look out for. Such a cushion is likely to get torn sooner and might not look appealing.
Smells Beyond Ability to Clean
Due to their porous nature, cushions absorb smells from the surroundings. However, it’s possible to get rid of the odours by washing the cushions and using detergents and fabric fresheners.
If a foul scent persists despite trying your best, it means it has become embedded in the cushion’s inner material.
Take Care of Your Cushions
With the right knowledge, you can make better decisions on how best to maintain your cushions and keep them in good shape. However, it’s important to replace your cushions whenever they stop offering comfort, visual appeal, or are no longer fit for any other intended purpose. And when buying new cushions, don’t compromise on quality, as it won’t pay off in the long run.
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