We’ve all been there—you buy a beautiful set of lounge cushions, plump and perfect, and a few months later… they’re sad, saggy pancakes. It’s frustrating, right? Especially when you’ve invested in making your lounge area look and feel cosy.

But here’s the good news: you can keep those cushions looking fresh and full for longer with just a few simple habits. Whether your cushions came with your sofa or you’ve styled your space with a mix of decorative pillows, this guide will help you keep them in great shape—literally.

1. Fluff Them Like You Mean It

Let’s start with the obvious, because it really works: fluff your cushions regularly. It might sound basic, but it’s one of the best ways to keep them from going flat.

Grab the cushion, hold it on either side, and give it a few solid thumps. Then punch it in the centre (gently—unless you’ve had a long day), and toss it into place. This redistributes the filling, especially if you’ve got feather or fibre-filled inserts.

Make it part of your morning or evening routine. A 10-second fluff can go a long way toward extending their life and shape.

2. Rotate, Don’t Repeat

If your cushions always sit in the same spot—and especially if someone has a favourite corner of the couch—chances are they’ll wear unevenly.

Rotate your cushions every week or two. Swap sides, flip them over, turn them around. This helps distribute the wear and tear more evenly, keeping all sides in shape instead of just one.

Real-life tip: One of our customers, Kate from Brunswick, told us she sets a reminder on her phone every Sunday night: “Flip Cushions.” She swears by it!

3. Invest in Good Inserts

Here’s the truth: even the most gorgeous cushion covers won’t hold shape if the insert is poor quality. If your cushions came with basic foam fillers, consider upgrading to something more resilient.

Feather inserts offer a luxe look and can be easily reshaped with a quick fluff. High-resilience foam or polyester fibre inserts are also great for structure and longevity. Look for inserts that are slightly larger than the cushion cover (e.g., a 45x45cm insert for a 40x40cm cover) to help them stay full and firm.

4. Avoid Sitting or Leaning on Them

Yes, we all love a casual lean into a soft cushion, but over time, this habit can squash them into submission. Decorative cushions especially aren’t built for body weight.

If you’ve got kids, pets, or a partner who treats your lounge like a jungle gym (you know who they are), consider having a few “daily duty” cushions and a few “just for looks” ones that you stash during heavy use.

5. Give Them a Good Sunbath

If your cushions start to feel a bit musty or limp, take them outside on a sunny day for a refresh. A bit of sunlight helps kill dust mites, freshen up fabrics, and can help fluff up the inserts too.

But—don’t leave them out for too long, especially if they’re made from delicate or brightly coloured fabrics. A couple of hours in gentle sun will do the trick without fading the fabric.

6. Wash With Care

Every now and then, your cushion covers (and sometimes the inserts) will need a clean. But always check the care label first.

For machine-washable covers, zip them up and turn them inside out before washing. For inserts, spot clean where possible. If you’re washing a feather insert, make sure it’s thoroughly dried—no one wants a damp, smelly cushion.

Bonus tip: After washing, give the insert a good shake and hand fluff to help it return to shape. You can even toss it in the dryer with some clean tennis balls on low heat for a gentle reshaping boost.

7. Store Smart When Not in Use

If you change your cushions seasonally or store extras for guests or styling swaps, make sure you’re storing them properly. Use breathable storage bags or cotton pillowcases, and keep them in a dry, cool spot.

Avoid plastic bags or tight compression storage—this can flatten the inserts over time and trap moisture, which nobody wants.

What You Can Take Away

Cushions may seem like a small detail in your lounge area, but they do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to comfort and style. With just a little regular care—like fluffing, rotating, and being mindful of how they’re used—you can keep your cushions looking plump and stylish for years.

It’s not about babying your furniture—it’s about making smart, simple changes that protect your investment and keep your home looking its best. And when your lounge looks good, it just feels better to be in it, doesn’t it?

If you’re ready to upgrade your cushion game or just want inserts that hold up better, swing by our showroom or browse our latest arrivals online. We’ve got options to suit every lounge—and every budget.