There are very few things that can annoy a tired person as much as couch cushions that keep sliding. Imagine coming back from work exhausted and hopping enthusiastically onto your couch so you can finally relax. However, your couch cushions keep sliding, and you have to reposition them constantly, which ruins your chances of a good rest.
Not only that, but the constant repositioning of cushions can also take a toll on the overall look of your couch. Sofas naturally lose a bit of fluff and shape over time, but don’t think only old sofas can have a problem with sliding cushions.
Your couch cushions can start sliding only a month or two after purchase. It’s often the case that the upholstery just isn’t strong enough to keep them in place.
All of this probably sounds familiar, as it’s a very common problem. Thankfully, there are several solutions, and they aren’t expensive, either.
So, how can you keep your couch cushions from sliding?
1. Velcro Strips
Velcro strips come in many shapes and sizes, and they can be used in a variety of situations. They are also one of the easiest ways to keep your cushions from sliding. If you ever change your mind, you can easily remove Velcro strips from your couch, so that’s another bonus.
The entire process of installing velcro strips on your couch isn’t difficult, but make sure you buy strong and thick velcro strips. They need to be good quality so they can withstand the pressure they will constantly be under.
If sewing isn’t your strong suit, make sure to buy Velcro strips with an adhesive back. Otherwise, you will need to sew the strips onto your cushions on your own, or get someone else to do it for you.
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How to Install Velcro Strips
- First of all, remove your cushions.
- Now, you need to measure your couch cushions, specifically the width.
- Cut the Velcro strips into about 10 to 15cm strips for each cushion.
- Velcro strips are connected. You need to separate them and place one side on the bottom of your cushion. If you bought Velcro strips with adhesive, you can simply stick it onto the cushion.
- Make sure to align the other side of the strip with the first one, and place it on the couch where the two sides can meet up. Again, simply stick it onto the bottom of the couch.
- Secure the cushions and let the adhesive dry.
2. Rubber Shelf Liners
Surely not many people would think that shelf or drawer liners could help with sliding couch cushions, but this is a great solution. You can find them almost anywhere: from your local home and kitchen supply store to various internet sites.
These liners are made of rubber, and are thin and very flexible. You can place them on any type of surface, including the smooth upholstery of your couch.
Shelf and drawer liners are non-adhesive, but they are usually textured and they keep objects from sliding. You can find them in different sizes and colors. The best thing to do is to cut them yourself based on what your needs are.
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How to Install Shelf or Drawer Liners
- Firstly, remove your cushions and vacuum your sofa. This is important so that the shelf liner stays in place until you want to remove it.
- Measure your cushions for the areas you need. You need both width and depth.
- Now you need to cut your shelf liners according to the measurements. If you want, you can join pieces of shelf liner by using a sewing machine. However, if you don’t want to do that, it’s better to cut your liners a bit bigger than your cushions.
- Put the liner down on the seat base. Because you cut the liners a bit bigger, tuck in the ends at the sides. If you can’t tuck in the ends for whatever reason, then go the opposite way: cut the liner a bit smaller than your measurements.
- Check with your hands if everything is stable and secure.
- Place the cushions back.
3. Hooks and Rings
This solution is a double-edged sword. It’s probably the most difficult one to execute, but it’s also the most convenient if you are looking for a permanent solution. It involves hooking the cushion to the couch, which keeps the cushions from sliding forward.
You will need some fabric, rings, hooks, and a bit of DIY skills. If you aren’t good at sewing, this might not be the right choice for you. However, if you are comfortable with a needle or have someone else to help you, this is possibly the best long-term solution for you.
Make sure you buy some stronger fabric, and a blunt plastic hook. Since you will be sewing them onto the fabric, not the sofa itself, you will always be able to remove the hooks and rings.
How to Install Hooks and Rings
- Take the fabric and cut two smaller pieces.
- Using a needle, sew one piece of fabric onto the sofa, and the other one onto the cushion you want to stop from sliding. Make sure the two pieces of fabric are more or less aligned.
- Now take a small metal ring and sew it onto one of the pieces of fabric.
- Then you take a plastic hook and sew it onto the other piece of fabric, opposite of the ring.
- Repeat these steps for each of the cushions that keep sliding off.
- Place the cushions back onto the sofa, and put the hooks through the rings.
4. Non-Slip Rug Mats
Another great solution for sliding couch cushions are non-slip rug mats. This is similar to what’s typically used for an area rug. You can find them at any place that sells carpeting equipment, furniture, or rugs. If you can’t find it in a local store, you can always find non-slip rug mats online.
Non-slip mats prevent the rug from sliding or moving around, especially on smooth surfaces. That’s why they are often used to keep sofa cushions from sliding. Make sure you buy a mat that’s similar in size to the length of your couch.
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How to Install Non-Slip Rug Mats
- First of all, you need to remove all of the cushions.
- Vacuum the couch. This step is necessary if you want the rug mat to stay in one place and have a stronger grip.
- Now measure the length and the width of the sitting area.
- Compare the measurements of the non-slip rug mat to the measurements of the sitting area. You will most likely have to trim off excess length and width.
- Place the rug mat onto the inside of the couch and press it down. Smooth the surface completely, if there are any lumps or bumps.
- Return the cushions back to their place.
If Nothing Works…
The lifespan of an average couch is from 7 to 15 years. However, it’s usually one of the most used pieces of furniture in a home, and it tends to look and feel older than it actually is.
If none of these solutions work for you, maybe it’s time to consider buying a new couch. Then, you can implement one of these solutions in advance, as a way to prevent couch cushions from starting to slide in the first place.
Related: How to Stop a Couch From Sliding
