Expert: Mark H. Miller - 1/17/2009

Question
Hi Mark, We are looking at buying some leather furniture and came accross something.  Some sofas have removable, zippered cushions, that velcro onto the base...others have the cushions, back and seat, sewn to the base no way to remove....is it a personal preference or is one way better then the other?


Answer
Hi Terri,

Loose and removable cushions are preferable over attached cushions.  The furniture with the loose cushions may cost a little more since the cost to manufacture with loose cushions is higher.  You may notice that leather cushions are not reversible,  the reason for that is so that the air can escape as you sit on the cushions.   Having them attached with Velcro - even better - so that they will stay in place.

If at any time you need to have filling material added, or buttons come off there is no way to make any repairs with attached cushions,  so my advice is to definitely go with the loose cushions and never buy furniture with cushions that are not removable.

I hope this helps.

Mark Miller.