An Indepth Article About Our Cushions
What are our cushions made of
When it comes to luxury sofas, one of the key factors that determine comfort, durability, and overall aesthetic appeal is the cushion fill. With a variety of fill options available, it's essential to understand the characteristics of each to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, lifestyle and personal preferences. Here, we explore the different cushion fill options for our sofas in the UK and the US, along with their pros and cons. We advise that customers carefully consider their lifestyle in making decisions about what cushion fill to go for.
Cocobella
We designed this collection with easy maintenance in mind. We only offer one cushion fill which is made with foam and feathers. We use a sustainably sourced foam which is made with plant-based products. The foam is diced into small pieces and the combination of this with the feathers makes the cushions lighter and means they require less plumping than a normal feather based cushions. All our cushion covers are removable and machine washable at home on 30 degrees with a delicate fabric detergent. With Cocobella there is only 1 cushion style and that is knife edge.
Salthrop and Coco
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Feather-filled cushions
Duck Feathers are the most commonly used feathers for furniture as they are small and have a natural curl that, in combination with the air around them inside the cushion they act like thousands of tiny springs, giving them a soft and luxurious ‘sit’.
In the UK our standard cushion offer uses 100% duck feathers. In the US we offer feather and fibre. When you sit on a properly plumped cushion it moulds to your shape and feels wonderful. Please bear in mind that you will however need to regularly plump these cushions to ensure the feathers have air around them so they can maintain their shape, feel and evenness.
When the cushions are made, the feathers are blown into individual channels within the cushion case. This helps prevent the feathers moving around the entire cushion (a bit like you have on a duvet). Once the cushion has been filled they are weighed to make sure the cushion is the correct weight and density. All our feather cushions comply with fire retardant requirements of 1988.The feathers are a by-product of the food trade and are not plucked from live birds. We are able to offer a Duck and Down Feather Seat cushion fill for an additional surcharge. The higher the down content, the softer and more luxurious the seat is, the more maintenance there is. If you would like further information about our down and duck feather cushions, please enquire.
Pros:
- Supreme Comfort: Feather-filled cushions are known for their exceptional softness, providing a luxurious and plush seating experience.
- Natural Material: Being a natural product, feather fills have a traditional and organic appeal.
- Breathability: Feathers allow air to circulate, keeping the cushion fresh and reducing moisture buildup.
Cons:
- Requires regular fluffing: Feather cushions tend to flatten with use and require regular fluffing to maintain their shape.
- Potential Allergens: Feathers can be problematic for those with allergies.
- Cost: As a natural and luxurious material, feather fills tend to be more expensive than man-made foam based alternatives.
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Feather-Wrapped Foam Cushions
A foam and feather cushion filling gives the feel of a feather cushion with the support of a foam cushion. This cushion is suitable for both back and seat cushions but it is most often only used on the seat cushions as they get the most ‘exposure’. It will only require plumping occasionally to maintain its shape and comfort. This option is available with variations of feather, down or a combination of both wrapped around the foam. It has a slightly firmer sit when compared to a fully natural feather filled cushion.
Pros:
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines the support of foam with the softness and luxury of feather and down. This will feel more firm than feather only cushions.
- Shape Retention: Foam core ensures the cushion retains its shape better than feather-only options.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Does requires occasional fluffing to maintain the softness of the feather wrapping.
- Comfort: Is generally considered less luxurious than a feather and down cushion, although some customers prefer the slightly firmer ‘sit’.
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Foam only-Filled Cushions
Found in most sofas and cushions either on their own or in combination with other fillings, a foam filling gives the most structured look with crisp edges and a firm supportive feel. This is especially suitable for customers who are opting for our box edge cushion. It provides the firmest support of any filling and will keep its shape over time even with constant use. This means there is little to no maintenance required to keep the cushions looking and feeling plump but turning your cushions every so often will help to slow any compacting.
High-density foam will give you a firmer seat and more bounce back making it easier for people with limited mobility to get up from the sofa.
Soft foam will have more give to it but still maintain the structured look.
Reflex Foam is a dense, supportive foam made from polyurethane. Reflex foam is often used on memory foam mattresses as a base to support a memory foam top layer.
Pros:
- Supportive: Foam provides a firmer feel, offering better support than softer fills.
- Durable: High-density foam cushions hold their shape well and have a longer lifespan.
- Variety of Densities: Available in various densities, allowing customisation of firmness.
- Maintenance free
Cons:
- Man-made material, not natural
- Less Luxurious Feel: Will not provide the same plush feel as down or feather fills.
- Less Breathability: Foam can retain heat, making it less breathable than natural fills.
- Can Feel Stiff: Some people may find foam cushions too firm, especially when new.
- Heat Retention: Can retain body heat, potentially causing discomfort.
- Initial Off-Gassing: Some foams emit a chemical smell when new which disappears in time.
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Latex-Wrapped Foam Cushions
For use in seat cushions – this lower-maintenance offers the support of a latex core, with the softer appearance of down and feather. The loft and crown of the down and feather-wrapped baffles make this type of seat cosier and welcoming, without being as soft as a full down and feather fill. The feather and down blend is sewn into a baffled envelope, which is then stuffed out with a latex core.
Pros:
- Entirely natural
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines the support of latex with the softness and luxury of down. This will feel more firm than feather only cushions
- Shape Retention: Latex core ensures the cushion retains its shape better than feather-only options.
- Comfortable: Down wrap adds a plush, soft layer to the latex
Cons:
- Cost: This is the most expensive cushion due to the combination of natural and sustainably sourced materials.
- Maintenance: Still requires occasional fluffing to maintain the feather and down softness.
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Other bespoke cushion fillings
We are able to offer bespoke cushion fillings should any of the above not suit your requirements. If you would like to discuss this please speak to our sales team who will be happy to assist.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cushion fill for your luxury sofa depends on your personal preferences for comfort, maintenance, and aesthetic.
- 100% Feather, Feather and Fibre, and Feather and Down offer unparalleled softness and luxury but do require more upkeep than other options.
- Foam and fibre fills offer practicality and durability but might lack the plushness of natural fills.
- Down-wrapped foam and memory foam or latex provide a balance between comfort and support.
By understanding these options, you can select a cushion fill that complements the luxury and style of your sofa, ensuring your desired seating experience.
Please note that cushions can be changed at a later date, but once you have made a decision as to your preferred cushion option, any subsequent changes that you may decide to make, will be chargeable. This will include both the costs of any additional cushions as well as delivery costs.