The ultimate guide to refreshing your cushions
We love our cushions… but sometimes they get stained, dusty, or we’re simply tired of the pattern.
Good news: there are many simple ways to make them feel brand new — a gentle refresh that brings back elegance!
And no, we’re not going to tell you to sew a new cover yourself. Promise.
💡 Plan ahead: removable covers are your best friends!
The first long-term smart move is removable covers.
One you can wash, iron, change seasonally or with your mood, and even play with colors or patterns.
It’s like getting a new look without a new cushion.
Budget-friendly, stylish, and hygienic.
When shopping, always check the label: machine-washable or dry-cleaning ? Zipper closure?
Avoid poor-quality zippers (hello broken zip!) or covers that shrink (like low-quality linen).
🧽 Easy & effective cleaning
Before you even think of refreshing your style, start with the basics: a proper cleaning.
If the cover is removable: just follow the care label, use a gentle cycle, avoid over-drying, and let it air out — fresh and like new again.
For non-removable covers, it’s another story.
Use fabric cleaner, a sponge, and a bit of patience.
Tackle the stains (grease, wine, chocolate, etc.) with the right product, dab gently (don’t rub!), let it dry flat.
Yes, it works, and yes, it’s worth the effort!
🌿 Want your cushions to smell like fresh laundry?
A clean cushion is great.
A clean and nicely scented cushion? Even better.
There’s nothing like sitting back on a fluffy cushion with a soft fresh scent.
With a drop of essential oil in the wash…
Here’s how to add fragrance naturally and safely
💧 A few drops in the wash
Add 3-4 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus…) to your laundry softener or directly into the drum.
Subtle, clean scent. Don’t overdo it — your cushion shouldn’t smell like perfume.
🧺 Diffusion tip:
Place a few drops on a cotton pad or fabric scrap in your linen drawer.
Your cushion will absorb the scent naturally and gently — no overpowering fragrances.
🌬️ The “fresh linen” homemade spray
Mix for a homemade pillow mist:
- 100 ml demineralized water
- 1 tbsp alcohol (unscented rubbing alcohol or vodka)
- 10–15 drops of essential oils (lavender, tea tree, grapefruit… or your own blend)
Spray lightly on the inside of the cover or insert — not directly on the outer fabric.
Perfect for relaxing or freshening up.
🌸 The best feel-good essential oils
- True lavender: relaxing, ideal for bedrooms.
- Sweet orange or citrus : uplifting, bright, a mood booster, great for living spaces.
- Eucalyptus radiata: fresh and clean, great for wellness vibes.
- Cedarwood or ylang-ylang: for a cocooning, slightly sensual twist.
📢 Safety tip:
Some oils are too strong for sensitive skin.
Never apply them pure on fabric.
Avoid with babies or if unsure.
Always patch test. Use quality essential oils only!
🛠 Fixing saggy cushions: quick & easy tricks
Some cushions get lumpy, squashed, or lose volume.
Instead of tossing them, revive them!
✨ Easy fix:
Insert a new cushion into a slightly smaller cover.
Result: firmer, rounder, better shape — and it looks way more expensive!
📏 Is your insert too small?
Add a second one, or slide it over a slightly bigger insert.
More structure, better visual, no more cushion flopping on the sofa.
🧶 If the cushion is still misshapen — don’t toss it.
Let’s recycle it.
Give it a new life.
♻️ Loose stuffing: friend or foe?
You’ve probably seen these loose bags of stuffing, often stashed between balls of wool and zippers or in the pillow aisle. At first glance, they look like wadding, foam flakes or polyester beads. But in reality, they’re a treasure trove for adding body to your favorite pillows.
Got an insert that’s a little tired, or a cover that seems to be “ringing hollow”?
👉 Simply add a handful or two of loose filling to the inside of the insert (if it’s resealable), or simply open up an old cushion to refill it. The result: a firmer, better-structured cushion that stays in place even after a nap.
Beware: stuffing an old cushion without an insert is a risky business… when machine-cleaned, many of these fillings form “balls” that make the cushion ugly and uncomfortable.
♻️ Smart recycling (without ruining your space)
At Que Des Coussins, we believe in DIY magic.
Recycling can be easy, stylish, and fully compatible with chic decor.
Non-removable? Slip a new cover over it.
Still too misshapen? Remove the filling and reuse it in another cushion!
Old cushions taking up space?
Give them a second life: dog bed, knee pad, or simple seat cushion for the patio.
Pro tip:
An old insert + new cover = brand new cushion.
Hidden inside: eco upcycle.
On the outside: chic and cozy.
🧵 Cushion revival (without budget drama)
Sometimes it’s not the wear. It’s not the stain. It’s just… the desire for something else. And that’s perfectly legitimate.
Changing a cushion cover means changing the atmosphere without changing the furniture. A warmer color for autumn, a lighter tone for spring, a graphic pattern to liven up a room that’s a little too conservative… Cushions are one of the few decorative elements that can be renewed frequently without ruining either your bank account or the planet.
Best part?
You don’t even need to replace everything.
A few updated covers can refresh the entire sofa. L’astuce, c’est l’équilibre.
Tip:
Dare to play with covers.
A floral pattern in summer, a velvet texture in winter…
A well-chosen motif can instantly update a corner
🎯 Conclusion: refresh, don’t replace
Maintain, recycle, renovate — that’s the smart way to cushion style.
No need to replace everything to feel like you’ve got a new space.
With a bit of care, you’ll love your cushions even more.
A cushion was never meant to be “disposable”!
You can always find a new look for an old insert — or revive the cover itself.
Let your creativity flow!
The covers are waiting.
Time to play.
