Quality Custom Furniture – Comfort & Foam: Foam for Different Types of Furniture

Foams for Different Types of Furniture

Choosing the Right Foam Makes All the Difference

When it comes to custom upholstered furniture, the type of foam used inside can drastically change the comfort, support, and longevity of each piece. At Vogel, we know that not all foam is created equal—and more importantly, not all foam is suitable for every kind of furniture. Whether you’re selecting a new sofa or specifying bar stools for a project, understanding how foam performs in different applications is essential to achieving lasting comfort and quality.

Let’s break down foams for different types of furniture:

Sofas and Sectionals:

Optimal Foam Choices for Seating Comfort and Longevity

Sofas and sectionals are where we relax, unwind, and spend the most time seated. That’s why foam selection here is critical. At Vogel, we use Qualux High Resilience Foam with a minimum 2.5lb density—far above the industry average of 1.8lbs. This ensures exceptional support, comfort, and durability over time.

For these pieces, we recommend a medium or low compression foam based on your comfort preferences, or our Ultra-Lux option which includes a feather envelope for a plush, lounge-worthy feel. You can also select your firmness level: Soft, Standard, or Firm—so your sofa always feels just right for you.

Custom furniture foam types for sofas and sectionals

Chairs and Recliners:

Support Needs and Foam Customization for Different Sitting Positions

Chairs and recliners serve a range of functions—from relaxed lounging to upright support—so choosing the right foam is essential to both comfort and longevity.

For chairs and recliners with loose seat cushions, the construction mirrors our sofa cushions. With these pieces, you can choose from Soft, Standard, Firm, or upgrade to our Ultra-Lux for the ultimate in soft, sink-in comfort.

For chairs and recliners with a tight upholstered seat, we still use our premium 2.5lb Qualux foam, but the construction differs—since the seat is upholstered directly to the frame, it offers a more structured, supportive sit. This method ensures the foam maintains its shape, integrity, and crisp silhouette, making it an ideal choice for accent chairs and other applications where a tailored look is key.

Custom furniture foam types for chairs and recliners

Dining Chairs & Ottomans:

Structure, Style, and Everyday Durability

Dining chairs feature a tight upholstered seat, designed for a structured and supportive sit that maintains its shape and crisp silhouette over time. This construction ensures that the foam remains firm and resilient—ideal for providing the upright support needed for comfortable dining. This applies to bar stools and counter-height stools as well, where posture and support are essential for longer, seated gatherings.

Ottomans, on the other hand, vary based on style and use. A sectional ottoman is often designed to match the seat comfort of the sectional itself—meaning it can feature a soft, standard, or firm cushion based on your selection. However, an accent ottoman or one used as a coffee table is typically tightly upholstered with a firmer feel to maintain shape, support trays or books, and offer added seating when needed.

Custom furniture foam types for dining chairs and ottomans

Custom furniture foam types FAQ

What’s the difference between loose seat and tight seat cushions?

Loose seat cushions are removable and constructed with a 2.5lb Qualux High Resilience foam core, wrapped with a 1″ soft topper foam on the top and bottom, and encased in a fiber wrap for plushness and shape retention. These are fully customizable in firmness—Soft, Standard, Firm, or Ultra-Lux.

Tight seats, on the other hand, are upholstered directly to the frame and use high-compression 2.5lb Qualux foam for a structured, supportive sit that holds its shape and delivers a clean, tailored look.

Can I choose the comfort level for any furniture piece?

Yes—for all loose seat applications (sofas, sectionals, many lounge chairs, and some ottomans), you can select your comfort level: Soft, Standard, Firm, or Ultra-Lux. For tight seat designs like dining chairs, bar stools, or some ottomans, the foam is fixed but still made with premium high-density Qualux foam for lasting comfort and form.

What foam density does Vogel use?

All Vogel seating uses Qualux High-Resilience foam with a minimum 2.5lb density, which far exceeds the industry standard of 1.8lbs. This ensures durability, comfort, and long-lasting support.

What is Ultra-Lux, and when should I choose it?

Ultra-Lux is our premium cushion upgrade. It includes a soft Qualux foam core, a fiber wrap, and an additional feather envelope, creating an exceptionally plush, sink-in feel. It’s perfect for lounge seating where a cloud-like softness is preferred.

Customize Your Comfort

Ready to take your seating to the next level? Vogel’s handcrafted, Canadian-made furniture allows you to customize not just the look, but the comfort, feel, and function of every piece.

Explore our collection today and find your perfect fit—inside and out.

Customize Your Comfort