Upholstery Foam

3 Things to Consider When Buying Upholstery Foam

Upholstery foam serves as the core of your cushions, providing support, comfort, and shape retention. So choosing the right cushion foam for your seating project is key to achieving both comfort and durability. Here are important factors to consider when purchasing foam:

1. Foam Density

Foam density refers to how much material is packed into the foam. It’s a key factor in determining the foam’s durability, support, and overall comfort. A high density cushion foam is heavier, more durable, and provides greater support, while medium and lower density foam tend to be lighter and more plush but may wear down faster with regular use.

When selecting foam, understanding its density is essential as it impacts how well the foam will hold up over time. Here’s a breakdown of foam densities and their best uses:

Low-Density Foam

Best For: Light-use furniture, such as decorative cushions and less frequently used seating.
Benefits: Low-density foam is lightweight and less expensive. It’s ideal for projects where comfort is important, but the foam doesn’t need to endure heavy use.
Key Feature: Softer feel and more affordable, but may compress and lose shape with regular use.

Medium-Density Foam

Best For: Everyday seating applications, including sofas, chairs, and other furniture used frequently but not excessively.
Benefits: Provides a balance of comfort and durability. It’s versatile enough to be used in various types of furniture without compromising performance.
Key Feature: A balance of cushioning and resilience, making it ideal for general-purpose seating.

High-Density Foam

Best For: High-traffic areas, commercial seating, or furniture where durability and longevity are key.
Benefits: High-density cushion foam provides excellent support, maintains its form, and lasts longer, making it ideal for spaces with constant use, like office chairs or as seat cushions in public spaces.Key Feature: Heavier and more resilient, maintaining shape and support under constant pressure.

2. Foam Firmness

Foam firmness is a measure of how soft or hard the foam feels when pressure is applied, and how easily it compresses. While foam density refers to the weight or mass of the foam (higher density means heavier and more durable foam), firmness measures the feel of the foam under pressure—how likely you are to "sink" into it.

Firmness is typically measured on a scale from 10 to 60 (or higher). A foam with low firmness is plush and compresses easily, while a foam with high firmness will be stiffer and offer more support without giving way as much. Here's a breakdown of the different firmness levels:

1. Soft Foam

   Best For: Decorative cushions, occasional seating, or furniture with low-traffic use.
   Benefits: Soft foam provides a plush, sinking feeling, making it ideal for throw pillows and light use. It’s perfect for areas where comfort is a priority and long hours of sitting aren’t required.
   Key Feature: Provides a cozy, soft feel but may not hold up well in high-use areas.

2. Medium Foam

   Best For: Everyday seating, such as sofas, chairs, or office furniture.
   Benefits: Medium firmness strikes the ideal balance between comfort and support, offering a comfortable seating experience for extended periods without sacrificing durability.
   Key Feature: Versatile and comfortable, providing a good level of support while still offering cushion for relaxation.

3. Firm Foam

   Best For: High-traffic areas or furniture that requires long-term durability, like office chairs or frequently used seating.
   Benefits: Firm foam offers excellent support for prolonged sitting, maintaining its shape and providing optimal comfort. It's perfect for furniture that gets regular, heavy use, such as mattress toppers, where it enhances sleep comfort by providing extra support and reducing pressure points.
   Key Feature: Provides strong support, keeping its shape and preventing excessive sinking, making it ideal for frequent use.

4. Extra-Firm Foam

   Best For: Specialized applications requiring maximum support, such as medical seating, mattresses, or commercial seating.
   Benefits: Extra-firm foam offers exceptional durability and support. It’s ideal for areas where structure is prioritized over comfort, ensuring long-lasting support even with heavy use. This foam is commonly used in medical braces, where strong, resilient support is necessary for stability and protection.
   Key Feature: Highly resilient and supportive, providing an unyielding level of support for specific needs.

3. Foam for Different Seating Needs

Foam types vary in terms of durability, comfort, and application, so understanding how different types of foam perform in various settings will help you make the best choice for your furniture

1. Sofas & Couches

   Best For: Living rooms, family rooms, and lounges.
   Benefits: Sofas and couches need foam that balances comfort and support. Medium to high-density foam is ideal, as it offers a comfortable feel while maintaining durability for regular use. Polyurethane foam—particularly open-cell foam—is great for home furniture because it offers a softer, more breathable feel. The open structure allows air to flow through, making it comfortable for long periods of sitting and providing a plush feel.
   Key Feature: Long-lasting comfort and support for everyday sitting, perfect for creating cozy living spaces.

2. Office Chairs

   Best For: Office seating, ergonomic chairs, or chairs used for extended periods.
   Benefits: Office chairs require foam that provides support for long hours of sitting. High-density foam works well here because it holds its shape over time and offers consistent comfort, reducing the risk of discomfort during prolonged use. Closed-cell foam is ideal for office chairs focused on durability and moisture resistance, as it withstands heavy pressure and resists moisture, making it a solid choice for high-use environments. On the other hand, memory foam offers personalized comfort by conforming to the body’s shape, providing pressure relief and a soft, comfortable sitting experience.
   Key Feature: High-density foam that ensures durability and support for working hours.

3. Outdoor Seating

   Best For: Patio furniture, garden seating, outdoor lounges.
   Benefits: Outdoor foam must be weather-resistant and durable to withstand elements like rain, sun, and fluctuating temperatures. Closed-cell foam is water-resistant and can withstand rain, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor environments. Expanded polystyrene foam is also a great lightweight and rigid alternative, offering durability and moisture resistance for various applications of outdoor seating.
   Key Feature: Water-resistance, quick-drying foam that retains comfort and shape in outdoor conditions.

4. Commercial Seating

   Best For: Hotels, lounges, theaters, recording studios and other commercial spaces where comfort, durability, and noise reduction are essential for long-term use.
   Benefits: Commercial seating areas require durable foam that can withstand frequent use by different people over time. Generally, high-density foam is a top choice for these settings, as it ensures lasting comfort and support while maintaining its shape after continuous sitting. A dense foam structure makes sure that the seats maintain their form, even with constant pressure.
   Key Feature: Foam that offers long-term durability and comfort for heavy-duty use in commercial spaces.

5. Automotive Interiors

   Best For: Car seats, armrests, and other interior components.
   Benefits: Automotive-grade foam, often a blend of different types like high-density or closed-cell foam, is designed to withstand frequent use, provide lasting comfort, and maintain structural integrity under pressure. The padding in automotive interiors also benefits from thickness and breathability, allowing air to circulate, which helps reduce heat buildup during long drives.
   Key Feature: Durable foam with optimal breathability and thickness to provide support, comfort, and lasting performance in automotive applications.

Choose Midwest Fabrics for Your Upholstery Foam Needs

At Midwest Fabrics, we believe in offering more than just high-quality foam – we provide the convenience and custom solutions you need to make your seating projects a success. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for all your upholstery foam needs:

Customize Your Cushions for a Perfect Fit

Every seating project is unique, and we understand the importance of getting the details just right. That’s why we offer custom-cut foam solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need foam for seat cushions, back cushions, or any other upholstery project, our foam will be expertly cut to size, ensuring the perfect fit every time.

Quality Assurance You Can Trust

We prioritize quality in everything we do. Our foam meets rigorous manufacturing standards, so you can count on it to provide lasting comfort and support. Whether you're outfitting residential furniture or commercial seating, our foam guarantees durability and comfort for years to come.

Save Time and Money with Foam by the Linear Yard

We understand that every project is different, which is why we offer the option to purchase foam by the linear yard. This flexible choice ensures you get exactly the amount you need for your project, reducing waste and allowing you to maximize your budget without sacrificing quality.

Get the Best Upholstery Foam Today

Whether you're working on a DIY project, outfitting a commercial space, or designing a custom furniture piece, we offer competitive wholesale prices across our upholstery foam products—without compromising on quality, even when buying in bulk.

Visit us at 1226 Concord St S, South St Paul, MN 55075, USA, or order online today. We ship to all 50 states, bringing premium foam directly to you!