Key takeaways
- 2–3 inches: Keeps the seat at a comfortable 19 to 21 inches. Best for most adults.
- 4 inches: More plush, seat around 21 to 23 inches. Shorter adults may not reach the floor to push the swing.
- 5–6 inches: Daybed feel. Readjust the chains to lower the swing 2 to 3 inches if needed.
A 60 inch porch swing cushion fits a 5 foot porch swing, but most 5 foot swings have only about 52 to 57 inches of seat between the arms, so the right cushion is often labeled 54, 55 or 57 inches rather than 60. Measure the inside seat width and the seat depth before ordering; a true 60 x 18 inch cushion works only on armless swings or swings whose inside width really is 60 inches.
Porch Swing Lengths vs Real Seat Sizes
| Swing length (overall) | Typical inside seat width | Typical seat depth | Cushion size that usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft (48 in) | 40–44 in | 17–20 in | 41 x 18 or 44 x 19 in |
| 5 ft (60 in), with arms | 52–57 in | 18–21 in | 54 x 19, 55 x 19 or 57 x 20 in |
| 5 ft (60 in), armless or daybed-style | 58–60 in | 18–22 in | 58 x 19 or 60 x 20 in |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 63–68 in | 19–22 in | 65 x 20 or 68 x 21 in |
| Bed swing, twin mattress size | 75 in | 39 in | Twin mattress or 75 x 39 in pad |
The 55 inch porch swing cushion is the most common size for a standard 5 ft swing with arms. If your swing is 60 inches overall and has wooden arms about 2.5 to 3 inches thick, the inside width is often 53 to 55 inches.
Step-by-Step Measuring
- Measure the seat width between the arms at the front of the seat and at the back. Some swings narrow toward the back.
- Measure seat depth from the front edge to where the seat meets the back, at seat level.
- Measure back height from the seat to the top of the back rail if you want a cushion with a back.
- Note the seat angle; most porch swings slope back 5 to 10 degrees, so cushions with ties at the back corners matter.
- Subtract about 1/2 inch from width so the cushion lies flat without pushing against the arms.
Seat Only vs Cushions With Back
| Style | Typical 5 ft size | Comfort | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat cushion only | 54–57 x 18–20 x 2–3 in | Softens hard slats | Cheapest; back slats still felt |
| One-piece seat and back | 55 x 38–44 in total | Full support, cohesive look | Hinge line must match seat-to-back joint |
| Separate seat + back cushion | Seat 55 x 19 in; back 55 x 18–22 in | Adjustable | Back can slide down without ties |
| Thick tufted or channel cushion | 55–60 x 20–24 in, 4–6 in thick | Plush, lounge feel | Raises seat, reduces arm height |
| Throw pillows plus seat | Seat plus 2–3 pillows 16–20 in | Flexible styling | Pillows blow away in wind |
Porch swing cushions with a back are the most popular option for comfort, since most swings have vertical or horizontal slats that press into the shoulder blades. For a one-piece version, make sure the seat portion depth matches your seat; a 2 inch mismatch pushes the hinge forward or up the back.
Thickness and Seat Height
A porch swing seat usually hangs about 17 to 19 inches above the porch floor. Cushion thickness changes that:
- 2–3 inches: Keeps the seat at a comfortable 19 to 21 inches. Best for most adults.
- 4 inches: More plush, seat around 21 to 23 inches. Shorter adults may not reach the floor to push the swing.
- 5–6 inches: Daybed feel. Readjust the chains to lower the swing 2 to 3 inches if needed.
Also check the arm height. A 4 inch cushion on a swing with 8 inch arms leaves only about 4 inches of arm above the seat, which feels low.
Fabric and Fill for Porches
Covered porches protect cushions from direct rain but not from humidity, blowing rain or afternoon sun. Recommended combinations:
- Covered porch, partial sun: Solution-dyed polyester or acrylic over polyester fiber or foam. Common price range for a 5 ft seat cushion is about $40 to $120.
- Exposed swing or open frame: Quick-dry reticulated foam with a solution-dyed acrylic cover such as Sunbrella. Expect $120 to $300 for a 5 ft seat, more with a back.
- Humid South or coastal regions: Mildew-resistant fabric, vented or mesh bottom panel, and removable covers so the core can dry.
Keeping Cushions in Place on a Moving Swing
A swing moves constantly, so cushions migrate forward more than on a fixed bench. Helpful details:
- Ties at the back corners and, for long cushions, at the center back.
- Ties or straps on the back cushion that wrap around the top rail.
- A rubberized or non-slip bottom on smooth painted wood or metal.
- Firm foam rather than loose fiberfill, which slides more.
Porch Swings With Canopy and Cushions
Freestanding swings with a canopy and included cushions, often called patio swings or glider swings, use different sizes from traditional hanging porch swings. Three-seat canopy swings commonly have a seat around 55 to 60 inches wide and 20 to 22 inches deep, with seat cushions 3 to 4 inches thick. The canopy shades the cushion from overhead sun, but low afternoon sun still reaches the seat. Replacement cushions for these frames are often brand-specific; measure the existing cushion and the frame, and check for any webbing or sling that sits under the cushion.
Care and Season Storage
- Remove cushions before heavy storms and when you will be away for a week or more.
- Flip and rotate every few weeks so wear and fading are even.
- Clean with mild soap and water; let dry upright in the sun.
- Store over winter in a dry place. Long 55 to 60 inch cushions fit in larger deck boxes laid flat or loosely rolled.
Fast Fit Guide
- Standard 5 ft swing with arms: 54 to 57 inch seat cushion, about 19 inches deep.
- 5 ft armless swing: true 60 x 19 or 60 x 20 inch cushion.
- 4.5 ft swing or tight arms: 55 inch cushion may be too long; check for 50 to 52 inch sizes.
- Want back support: one-piece seat and back cushion, or a separate back cushion tied to the top rail.
