How to Make Your Sofa More Comfortable

A cosy, inviting sofa can transform your living spaces, and for the most part, you won’t need to discard your current pieces to achieve this.

05:21 19 February 2025

Whether you’ve deliberately invested in a firm sofa as you’ve heard that they are better for back support or made the mistake of buying before trying, there are plenty of ways to make your sofa more comfortable.

A cosy, inviting sofa can transform your living spaces, and for the most part, you won’t need to discard your current pieces to achieve this.

With a few strategic changes, like using upholstery foam to upgrade the look and feel of your old sofa, you can enhance the comfort and functionality of your furniture. 

Throw Cushions

Throw cushions are one simple way of improving the overall comfort of your sofa. The soft, fluffy cushions can help balance out the less comfortable seating. And adding throw cushions will also add a level of support to your head, back and neck.

For back support, consider smaller cushions which can help to promote good posture, whilst reducing strain on your spine. For neck and head support use the throw pillows as headrests. You can also opt for larger pillows which provide a larger surface area to relax on.

Use a Sofa Topper

A sofa topper is not only great for protecting your sofa’s fabric from stains, but it also offers a practical solution to enhancing comfort. Made from flexible, durable materials, these toppers are designed to be easily laid over your sofa’s seat cushions. Sofa toppers not only transform the feel of your sofa but are useful for preserving the longevity of your furniture.

Plus, they are highly functional, doubling as bed toppers, and provide far better protection against stains and wear and tear than towels or blankets. They ensure a cosy, supportive spot to relax on, while protecting your fabric from damage and helping maintain your sofa’s appearance.

An Ottoman

An ottoman is a great way of easily making your sofa experience more comfortable. Ottomans not only can offer extra seating (such as for when you are hosting) but also provide the space for you to put your feet up.

Look for an ottoman that matches well with your sofa or if you are looking to add contrast, go for a different colour or material.

Reupholster Your Sofa

Reupholstering your sofa can significantly improve its comfort. Start by measuring your sofa’s dimensions to determine the amount of fabric needed. Choose soft, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or velvet for a comfortable seating experience. Next, remove the dust cover from the underside using a staple remover, then carefully take off the fabric layers, starting with the top. Take photos to track the order and placement of each piece for easy reassembly. Be sure to attach the new fabric in reverse order, ensuring it fits properly.

Add Foam Sheets

Foam sheets are commonly used in sofa cushions to provide an extra layer of comfort and support to the seating experience. They help distribute weight evenly, making them ideal for sofas that will be used by multiple people, as the foam also reduces motion transfer.

The foam helps extend your sofa's lifespan, as it is often made from durable materials. High-density foam, in particular, is ideal for sofas that require extra support, ensuring longevity and comfort for the years ahead.

Plus, adding foam sheets to your sofa is a simple way of breathing life into old furniture, a sustainable way of enhancing comfort and support to your living spaces.

Final Thoughts

Making your sofa more comfortable can be as simple as adding some cushions or as complex as adding a foam sheet as padding inside sofa cushions to provide softness and support.

If you're looking for an easy way to enhance comfort, adding throw cushions is a great option, as they can balance out a firm sofa and offer extra support. You could also consider getting a sofa topper, which is a practical way of adding both comfort and protection to your seating.

Why not combine all of these? And while you are at it, put your feet up on a brand new ottoman (or second hand.) 

These small changes can make a big difference in improving the overall comfort level of your sofa, ensuring that you have an enjoyable place to unwind.