DIY No-Sew Seat Cushion (Easy + Affordable!)

While it was always my intention to make a padded seat cushion for our dining chair, I didn’t want to rush it! Making a custom cover is expensive, so I wanted to give myself some time to decide on the fabric I would use. In the meantime, I found a much simpler and less expensive solution to making a no-sew seat cushion, and it worked great. Today, I’m finally sharing that solution with you!

Late one evening last year, my daughter Courtney and I made a no-sew seat cushion using this foam and this tool. I took some pictures (even though it was dark!) so you can see what the foam and tool look like.

The foam I used does not contain flame retardants, which is especially important if you plan to sleep on your foam pillow.

By the way, I’ll mention more sources from this room at the end of the post.

This knife made it easy to cut through the foam.

All you have to do is order the size of foam you need, and use the tool to cut it to fit (or a saw if you have one will do). Our seat is shallower than the foam, so we first laid it out where it should go, then used a pen and ruler to figure out where to cut it.

It didn’t have to be cut perfectly as long as it was fairly straight and fit where the cushion was intended. We used two pieces to make it fit perfectly since our seat is quite long.

Then you can put a blanket or whatever size blanket you need on top of it!

I’ve been telling you about these washable plaid blankets that I recently fell in love with – I bought two more because I realized they would be the perfect fall “cover” for my dining table! They also come in other pretty colors (you can see them all here ).

This seat idea was actually my parents’ idea—I think it was a great idea! I looked for a ready-made cushion too, but the length we needed was too long for most of the ready-made options. The beauty of cutting your own foam is that you can make it any size you want!

My blankets haven’t been washed yet but when they are they will show wrinkles. I can’t wait to try them out here! I’ve used two blankets.

I just hid some of the edges in the back and sides. Our dining chair has a lip/edge to keep the cushion from falling off so we could hide the blanket in the front as well, but I think it would be easier to just leave the cover hanging over the edge. We have drawers, so as long as we don’t let them hang down too much, the drawers are easy to open.

You can change up the look for the new season with any comforter or blanket (make sure to get a narrow comforter if your seat is shallower like mine). I usually use these reversible, washable, and decorative blankets!

I love the weight, colors and pattern of these fleece blankets! They are so cozy!

You all know I’m not a big fan of DIY projects or the craftsmanship of them, but trust me. This project was easy enough for even someone like me. I was excited to get the dining room bench finished so we could actually use it (isn’t that the point of doing things in a house?) but the savings and quick fix made this option worth a try before investing in a custom bench. I’m so glad we did.

Another benefit of this idea is that with washable blankets, you don’t have to worry about people (or little kids!) sitting on the seat to eat. If food spills, no problem! You can just throw the blanket in the washing machine.

Even if I did end up getting my own custom pillow, I would probably want to cover it with a blanket anyway, so I figured I might as well start with something like this! Honestly, I’m not a fan of fancy things where everything has to be perfect, so something casual and functional yet charming like this makes the space feel like home.

We have another bench in the living room that we use to sit (and change the kids) whenever our family comes over. This bench used to have a custom cushion and cover, but I still use covers to give it a different look. Right now, this cushion is “wrapped” in a thin reversible blanket, and of course the patterned fabric is placed over it for a nice touch. I think it’s fun to be able to change up the look so easily and affordably.

Now that I’ve lived with our self-made dining chair cushion for about a year, I may have to wait another two years before I get a custom dining chair!

seat foam

Seat cutting tool

Bamboo Shades (See more details and a close-up of the colors in this post)

plaid blanket

Patterned Rug (Ocean/Gold)

Blue and white bowl on table

Braided tablecloths

Patterned dining chair cushion

Striped cushion covers on dining table

Jute Wrapped Chandelier with Shades (Multiple Shade Options)

Bamboo Dining Chairs – There were similar chairs from here but they are not available.

Favorite Coffee Table Books for Home & Garden on Shelves

Blue Striped Bed Sheets (Downy Blue Fabric)

parsons dining chairs

Copper wall sconce

living room rug

Find more sources from my home here in my store!