Window seats are one of those features that can make or break a room. Get the cushion right and it becomes the spot everyone gravitates to — layered with throws, used daily, genuinely loved. Get it wrong and it sits unused, uncomfortable, or looking out of place within a season.
This guide walks through the three decisions that matter most: what fill to use, which fabric to choose, and whether to go with a fixed or removable cover. If you're after the full measuring and sizing process, our complete guide to custom window seat cushions covers that in detail.
Choosing the right fill for your window seat
The fill you choose determines how your cushion feels underfoot — and how well it holds up over time. For most window seats, we recommend one of two options.
High-density foam is the go-to for built-in window seats used regularly. It holds its shape, supports sitting properly, and doesn't compress unevenly with use. We typically recommend 75–100mm thickness for everyday seating — 75mm for a standard sit, 100mm if the space will be used for longer periods or needs to feel more like a proper sofa seat.
Ergofill offers a softer, more cushioned feel. It suits window seats used occasionally, or spaces where a relaxed, sink-in aesthetic matters more than firm support. It's also a good match for decorative bay window ledges where comfort is secondary to appearance.
If your window seat doubles as storage, or has a low base that makes the seat height awkward, it's worth talking to us about thickness before ordering — a few extra millimetres can make a meaningful difference.
Choosing fabric for a window seat cushion
Your fabric choice affects both the look of the cushion and how it wears. A few things worth considering:
Traffic and use. A window seat used daily by kids or pets needs a fabric that cleans easily and handles friction. Our Core Collection includes durable, tightly woven options that are well suited to high-use spaces. For a decorative seat used occasionally, you have more freedom to choose texture and pattern.
Natural light. Window seats are exposed to direct sunlight for much of the day. Fabrics fade at different rates — if your seat gets full sun, ask us about fade-resistant options from our fabric range, or order a sample to check it in your own light before committing.
Scale and pattern. Large patterns can look stunning on a generous bay window seat, but awkward on a narrow ledge where the repeat doesn't have room to breathe. For tighter spaces, plains, subtle textures, and small-scale patterns tend to give the cleanest result.
We offer free fabric samples — it's worth ordering a few before you finalise your choice.
Fixed cushion or removable cover?
This is the decision most people don't think about until after they've ordered — and it matters.
A fixed window seat cushion is upholstered directly in your chosen fabric with no zip or removable cover. It gives a cleaner, more tailored finish and is the right choice if the cushion will stay in place permanently and won't need regular washing. This is the more common option for built-in joinery and bay windows.
A removable window seat cushion cover uses a zip or hidden closure so the fabric shell can be taken off for cleaning. It's more practical for high-use seats, particularly in family homes or kitchens where spills are likely. The trade-off is a small amount of visible closure detail, though on the underside or back edge this is rarely noticeable.
Both options are available across our full fabric range. If you're adding piping, this is applied to the edge of the cushion and works equally well on fixed or removable styles — it adds definition and a tailored finish, and can be done in a matching or contrasting fabric.
Getting the fit right
Custom window seat cushions are made to your exact measurements, which means the fit depends entirely on how you measure. A few things that catch people out:
- Measure in millimetres, not centimetres — the difference between 940mm and 945mm is small but noticeable once the cushion is sitting in a recessed bay.
- For angled or L-shaped window seats, measure each section separately and note where the sections meet.
- If your window seat has a lip or raised edge, decide whether you want the cushion to sit inside it or overlap — this affects the dimensions you provide.
Our in-home measuring service is available in Auckland if you'd prefer someone to take measurements for you.
Ready to design yours?
Every window seat cushion we make is handcrafted in our Auckland workshop to your exact specifications. Choose your fill, pick your fabric, and order a free sample if you're not sure — we'll take it from there.
Design your window seat cushion →
6–8 week lead time. Ships nationwide across New Zealand.