Foam for Upholstering: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Foam for Furniture

Foam for upholstering is the unsung hero behind comfortable furniture, stylish interiors, and long-lasting support. Whether you’re restoring a beloved sofa, creating bespoke campervan seating, or crafting commercial bench cushions, selecting the right upholstery foam makes all the difference.

In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know about foam for upholstering — from density and firmness to popular grades and custom cutting options.


🧵 What Is Foam for Upholstering?

Foam for upholstering is a specially formulated polyurethane foam used in the construction and restoration of furniture. It’s engineered to offer the ideal balance of comfort, support, and durability across a wide range of seating applications.

Upholstery foam differs from packaging or general-use foam — it’s made to withstand frequent use, bear body weight comfortably, and maintain shape over time. It’s used for everything from sofa seats and chair backs to campervan beds and restaurant booths.


📐 Key Qualities of High-Performance Upholstery Foam

When choosing foam for upholstering, consider these essential factors:

1. Density

Foam density impacts longevity and support. It’s measured in kg/m³.

  • Low Density (<25kg/m³): Light-use cushions or backs

  • Medium Density (25–35kg/m³): Standard home furniture

  • High Density (35kg/m³+): Premium and heavy-use seating

2. Firmness

Firmness is measured in Newtons (N) and determines how soft or hard your foam feels.

  • Soft (100–120N): Back cushions, scatter cushions

  • Medium (120–160N): General seating

  • Firm (160N+): Sofa bases, dining chairs

3. Resilience

High-resilience foam for upholstering bounces back quickly after compression — perfect for busy households or commercial furniture.


🛋️ Recommended Foam for Upholstering Projects

At Foam Superstore, we’ve curated top-performing foams ideal for upholstering various furniture types:

FS Premium 39H Blue Firm Foam

  • Best for: Sofa cushions, window seats, van seating

  • Features: Firm support, long-lasting structure

  • Use Case: Ideal for customers who prefer a firm base that won’t sag over time.

Luxury Reflex Grey Foam

  • Best for: Comfortable seating with structure

  • Features: Balanced firmness, high durability

  • Use Case: Great for everyday sofas and bench seating in homes and cafes.

FS400 Luxury Reflex Pink Foam

  • Best for: Plush backs, deep cushions, relaxed seating

  • Features: Medium-soft feel with premium bounce-back

  • Use Case: Perfect for customers seeking softness without losing support.


✂️ Cut-to-Size Foam for Upholstering

We specialize in foam cut to size for upholstering, with made-to-measure options across various shapes:

  • Rectangular and square cushions

  • Rounded corners and circular seats

  • L-shapes and custom templates

  • Trapezoid and wedge foam blocks

🎯 Use our Foam Cut-to-Size Tool to enter your measurements, choose your foam grade, and get instant pricing — all with fast turnaround times.


🧶 Add-Ons for a Professional Upholstery Finish

To complete your foam for upholstering order, we recommend:

  • Dacron Wrap – Creates a soft, rounded edge and fills cushion covers smoothly

  • Stockinette – A stretchy protective layer that makes covers easier to fit

  • Adhesive & Offcut Fillers – Useful for DIY repair and smaller cushion shapes


🚐 Common Uses for Foam in Upholstering

Our foam for upholstering is used across thousands of custom projects, including:

  • Living room sofas and armchairs

  • Dining chairs and banquette seating

  • Campervan and caravan conversions

  • Bay window and bench cushions

  • Outdoor furniture with waterproof foams (GraviDry™ available)

  • Commercial seating in cafes, pubs, and salons


🎥 How to Order Foam for Upholstering

New to upholstery projects or unsure where to start? Watch our video guide to learn how to:

  • Measure accurately

  • Choose the right foam grade

  • Add optional extras

  • Place your order online

📽️ Watch the “How to Order Foam for Upholstering” Video


🧼 Care Tips for Upholstery Foam

  • Rotate and flip cushions regularly to extend life

  • Avoid storing in damp areas

  • Use breathable, washable cushion covers

  • Let the foam expand fully before use if vacuum-packed


💬 Need Help with Upholstery Foam?

Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned upholsterer, we’re here to help you find the perfect foam for upholstering your project. Contact our friendly team or browse our full range online.


✅ Foam for Upholstering — Made Easy

With premium grades, expert cutting, and optional finishing layers, Foam Superstore makes it easy to get top-quality foam for upholstering delivered straight to your door. Whether it’s one cushion or a whole seating system, we’ve got the foam solution for you.