upholstery wadding

Whether you're reupholstering a dining chair or building a padded headboard, upholstery wadding is the layer that turns a firm frame into a smooth, comfortable finish. Laid over foam or springs and under your top fabric, it softens hard edges, fills small hollows and helps the cover go on without wrinkles.

Why Wadding Matters

Without wadding, foam can rub against the cover and wear it out faster, and seams or staple lines can show through. A layer of furniture padding helps protect your fabric, adds a plump, rounded look and gives cushions a gentle softness when you sit down. Using wadding for foam also makes it easier to pull the fabric taut for a neat, professional result.

What to Look For

Weight and Loft

Lighter weights suit tight-fitting seat pads and drop-in chair seats. Heavier, loftier wadding adds bulk to sofa arms, backs and headboards.

Fiber Type

• Polyester wadding is lightweight, springy and easy to cut.
• Bonded wadding has a sealed surface that helps reduce shedding and slides easily under fabric.
• Natural-fiber upholstery batting, such as cotton, offers a firmer, traditional feel.

Before you buy, check any fire-safety requirements that apply to your project.

Find Your Wadding

Browse the selection below to choose the right wadding for your next upholstery project.