5 Ways to Fix Saggy Couch Cushions Before Guests Arrive, According to Furniture Pros

A saggy couch isn’t a nice thought, and it certainly isn’t an appealing visual, either. But over time, it’s only natural that a sofa’s cushions start to sink in; after all, a cozy couch is one of the most coveted seats in a home.

So, how can you ensure your sofa stays fluffy and comfortable all the time? We tapped two experts for their tips on how to fix a saggy couch—from DIY solutions to two-minute tricks, and more.

Tighten Loose Screws

One simple way to give a cushion more sturdiness is to assess for any unkempt screws. Start with taking the fabric down and apart from the couch.

“With your finger, you can actually start to feel any loose screws—it’ll be very obvious,” says Vanessa Garcia, home furniture specialist. “Sometimes, it just means the screw needs to be readjusted since it was most likely put in at an angle instead of straight.”

If your screws are particularly old or worn, you can go to your local department or hardware store to replace your existing screws with the same type.

“You can also always call the store where you purchased your couch and ask if they have the necessary pieces to replace and fix the sagginess of the couch,” Garcia adds.

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Flip the Cushions

A saggy couch doesn’t necessarily require a complete overhaul. In fact, with regular maintenance, it’s something that can be fixed in just a few minutes—no tools necessary.

“A good tip, if the design allows it, is to just flip the cushions and re-fluff with your hand,” Garcia says. “Switch off between this method every couple of weeks, or sooner if the couch has been used by multiple people.”

Replace the Platform

If your sofa is really sinking in, it might be time to refurbish the platform, which is the flat base seat cushions are placed on.

“Platforms can sag because webbing is stretching out and in need of replacement,” antique restoration expert Peter Triestman.

He notes that this isn’t an easy solution, so it’s more of a last resort for couches that have special meaning or are heirloom.

“Sofas are upholstered from the bottom up, and require removal of the upholstery to repair these fundamental issues,” he says.

Use the Right Stuffing

Making sure your couch has the right fill can help ensure its longevity. The choice depends on how firm you want your sofa.

Dunlap process natural latex foam rubber and talalay process latex foam rubber both last decades and have a great feel, according to Triestman. Still, it’s important to be practical and fill your sofa with a material that is best suited for its structure.

“Each piece of upholstered furniture was optimized for a particular type of upholstery, and should be continued as originally designed,” Triestman says.

Re-Fluff Cushions Regularly—Only If Needed

Contrary to popular belief, only down and feather padded cushions need to be frequently re-fluffed, as modern sofas come equipped with springs and platforms that keep them intact. Triestman says down and feather cushions will need the most zhuzhing.

Still, other types of cushions may also need re-fluffing depending on how many people use the couch, and the quality and longevity of the couches. Try not to micromanage your couches, instead just filling in the gaps where they appear.

“The biggest sign to [re-fluff the] stuffing is when you start to notice the sinking effect, as in the cushions don’t come back to their natural state when no one is sitting on them,” Garcia says.