One of the things i really dislike about modern furniture cushions is that they seem to be just a squared off block of foam.. You don;t get much of the comfortable, rounded over look like you used to get with older pieces..

I just finished this chair, and got really nice results on the cushions (very comfortable)

For anyone needing cushions, here is a good technique

have the cushion made from the upholstery shop.. make sure it is corded, double stitched, and have them put an industrial zipper on the back side.

For the fill, I used block foam (green) the green foam will not break down like the white foam does.. then wrap the foam in several layers of batting. Insert into the cushion opening, then pack the cushion interior with down feathers. The foam gives the form, while the down will fill in the cavity around and in front of the foam..

It gives the cushions a nice rounded look, and is very cozy..

Just an FYI

Any sneezing problems with the feathers?

Where do you get this green foam?

And, we have an old morris chair that has a curved back. The original top cushion was missing. When they re-made the top cushion,it was straight. How do I get an upolstery shop to make the cushion curve to the shape of the back? Is this something that a shop can do these days?

I had them put on an inexpensive black fabric on it. I planned to redo the whole thing in leather later. Their cushions were made of a white foam and also have those awful squared off edges. Thanks for the advice.

Bev.

I did run into 1 problem with the feathers last year.. It was about 150 degrees.. and I was working hard, had a nice sweat going.. a cool breeze from the fan.. and I was stuffing a large cushion with down. What did not stick to me.. looked like a few chickens had exploded in the shop. Feathers everywhere.


the green foam can be purchased at any fabrics store, I got mine at JoAnn fabrics. the leather i got from Ebay Sabine2626 is her ID.. On leather you want a hide with a 2-3 oz rating.. Some of the leather can be thin.. what would be used more for gloves and such. She has great quality leathers. The feathers, I got from an upholstery supply in kentucy.. At $110 a bag, it may be cheaper to get some down pillows and cut them open.

the upholstery place should be able to cut the curve in the foam to match the back.. But how about just stuffing the back with down as well.. the feathers will follow the contour of the back naturally. i do cut the foam reasonably tight to the cushion size, just so it does not have much room to shift around. And then all you need to do is fluff the cushion, just like you would a down pillow. Works great..


Thanks!

Do you, or does anyone else have any experience or information on the laced seams on cushions? Like some of gustav's morris chairs and such.

Hello<houseofyesteryear>,
I have had some experience of buying thiner foam and then cut the corners off with a meat carving electric knife, then added a couple of layers of soft batten from the dry goods department of Wal Mart and slipped the whole thing into the already sewed leather cushions and the client was well pleased.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Rob and Ralph,

I just came across a 48" Stickley V-Back settle, refinished and the seat re-done in leather. It is like sitting on concrete. What can be done to this leather seat to make it more comfortable? The leather is perfectly flush with the wood. I don't know if that is a period look or the reason why if feels so stiff. Were the old settles stuffed to be comfortable or where they all like that one?

The old Stickley chairs with the original leather and springs are so comfortable, you just want to grab a blanket and nap in front of the fire.

But this settle . . . We buy furniture to use it not just look at it. We prefer not to torture our guests. Telling them that it is an original Stickely piece will not make their backsides more comfortable.

Bev.

hey Bev,


i hate to tell you to have it re`upholstered.. That just destroys the value. And I know you would not want to destroy the value of a piece.. I guess the only real options would be to have a leather cushion made.. And either have it as a free standing cushion or as a hanging cushion (from loops)

i have seen other cushions attach with hidden snaps, but again, that would result in defacing the piece.

Personally, if it were me, I would have cushions made with tie backs..


Thanks.