A Complete Guide to Upholstery Foam: Types, Uses & Tips
Everything You Need to Know About Upholstery Foam
When it comes to giving furniture a fresh new life, one of the most important—and often overlooked—components is upholstery foam. Whether you’re restoring a cherished family heirloom, building a custom piece from scratch, or simply replacing tired cushions, choosing the right foam is essential for comfort, durability, and overall quality.
At Advanced Upholstery, we specialise in pre-cut upholstery foam delivered right to your door, helping DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professional upholsterers get the perfect fit, every time.
What Is Upholstery Foam?
Upholstery foam is the material used beneath the fabric of upholstered furniture, such as sofas, chairs, headboards, and cushions. It provides support, shape, and comfort, and comes in various grades depending on its intended use.
Different Types of Foam
There’s no one-size-fits-all foam—different applications require different types:
- High-Density Foam
Ideal for seat cushions and mattresses. This type holds its shape well and offers firm support, making it perfect for everyday furniture. - Medium-Density Foam
Softer and more flexible than high-density foam. Great for back cushions, armrests, and occasional-use furniture. - Memory Foam
Popular in bedding and some modern seating. It conforms to your body and offers premium comfort—but isn’t ideal for traditional upholstery due to its slow recovery time. - Reflex Foam
A great option for high-end furniture. It offers excellent resilience and comfort with a more luxurious feel. - Reticulated (Outdoor) Foam
Designed for outdoor furniture. It’s water-resistant, fast-drying, and mould-resistant—ideal for patio seating and marine upholstery.
How to Choose the Right Foam
When selecting upholstery foam, consider the following:
- Use: Is the piece going to be used daily or occasionally?
- Feel: Do you want a soft sink-in feel, or firmer support?
- Durability: Higher-density foams last longer, making them better for frequently used furniture.
- Thickness & Size: Measure carefully—our custom foam cutting service ensures a perfect fit for any project.
Benefits of Replacing Foam
Replacing the foam in your furniture is a cost-effective way to refresh and revitalise worn-out pieces. Here’s why it’s worth doing:
- Improves comfort immediately
- Extends the life of your furniture
- More affordable than buying new furniture
- Eco-friendly—reduces waste
Why Buy from Us?
Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, we provide quality upholstery foam cut to size with fast delivery throughout the UK. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a professional upholsterer, we’re here to help with friendly advice, competitive prices, and a wide range of foams to choose from.
From sofa cushions and bench seats to campervan beds and headboards, we’ve got the foam you need—cut to your exact measurements.
Need Help Choosing the Right Foam?
Give us a call or message us—we’re always happy to help. Or visit our website to order custom foam online in just a few clicks!