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Should You Buy a New Sofa or Just Replace the Foam? Here's How to Decide

13 May 2025 by
Admin

We get asked this all the time—and honestly, it's a fair question. When your sofa starts feeling saggy, flat, or uncomfortable, it’s tempting to start eyeing up new ones online. But is a brand new sofa really the only (or best) option?

Let’s break it down together.

When It Might Be Time for a New Sofa

There are definitely situations where investing in a new lounge is the right move:

  • The frame is broken, warped, or cracked. If the structure underneath is damaged, replacing foam cushions alone won’t solve the problem.
  • Major damage or stains to the fabric. Especially if it’s beyond your comfort level to tackle reupholstery.
  • It’s simply not your style anymore. Sometimes you just fall out of love with a piece, and that’s okay too.

When Replacing the Foam Makes Sense

Often, the sofa itself is still in great shape—it’s the cushions that are letting you down. Foam naturally wears down over time, losing its support and bounce.

Your sofa frame is still sturdy.

You still love the look and style of your sofa.

The fabric is in good condition or can be easily cleaned.

In these cases, replacing your foam cushions can make your sofa feel brand new again—for a fraction of the cost.

The Hidden Benefits of Replacing Your Cushion Foam

  • Cost-effective. Replacing foam can cost hundreds less than buying a new lounge suite.
  • Better quality. With custom-cut foam, you can often get higher quality, longer-lasting comfort than the original sofa.
  • Eco-friendly. Extending the life of your furniture keeps it out of landfill.
  • Custom comfort. Want your cushions firmer or softer? You can choose the feel that suits you.

Small DIY Fixes Can Go a Long Way

It’s not just about foam. Simple DIY fixes like replacing elastic webbing, adding Dacron fibre wrap, or even updating your sofa legs can bring tired sofas back to life without the need for a complete overhaul.

And if you’d like a totally refreshed look, we also stock upholstery fabrics—perfect for new cushion covers or giving your whole sofa a style upgrade.

At Home Upholsterer, we make these projects beginner-friendly with: 

✔️ Expert advice (online or in our Sydney store)

✔️ Custom cut foam made to your exact measurements

✔️ Upholstery supplies, fabrics & legs for easy DIY updates

✔️ Australia-wide delivery

The Honest Takeaway

If your sofa is structurally sound and you still love it, cushion replacement (plus a few simple DIY updates) is often all you need to give it a second life. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and get that “like new” comfort back.

If you do decide it’s time to upgrade completely, that’s okay too! But if you’re curious whether a DIY refresh could do the trick first—we’re always here to help you explore your options.

Need help choosing foam, fabric, or DIY upholstery products?

Our team is always happy to chat or walk you through our online cut foam calculator—it takes the guesswork out of your next project.

# Foam