Foam for Alcove and Conservatory Seating

If you have a spare area inside the home or somewhere in the garden, it's easy to make use of it. Designing a seating area puts the space to good use while making a fun, satisfying DIY project – and one key component, indoor or outdoor, is foam.

There's a huge range of foams for those getting crafty, and your choice should weigh the intended purpose, how often it'll be used, and whether it needs to be weatherproof or simply suitable for indoors.

Foam for indoor alcove seating

For indoor alcove seating, such as in a conservatory, we recommend high-density polyurethane foam. It offers good comfort without losing firmness – not uncomfortable, simply durable and best suited to occasional use. It's the most popular grade currently bought in the UK and can be cut to size and shape.

Memory foam for extra comfort

For exceptional comfort, consider memory foam. It softens on contact and moulds to the body within a few minutes, making it excellent for turning a space into the perfect reading spot. Given its malleable nature, it's best chosen at a greater thickness. If your alcove is a window recess, our guide to window seat foam cushions may also help.

Foam for outdoor alcove seating

You might instead create a comfortable outdoor seating area in a garden or patio alcove. For outdoor furniture, reticulated polyether foam is common, as it resists mildew and moisture. Often used in marine environments and aquatic tanks, reticulated polyether has an open-cell structure that lets water run straight through. As it isn't designed for seating, it may be less comfortable or durable, so it suits decorative outdoor alcoves or occasional use. Polyurethane foams are better for frequent outdoor seating, with waterproof covers widely available in the UK for protection from the weather. For poolside areas, see our guide to foam for poolsides.

Whatever your project, it's possible with eFoam's cut-to-size service. From large outdoor seating to indoor nooks, all types of foam can be cut to every size and grade. For assistance, please contact one of our friendly advisers.

Frequently asked questions

What foam is best for indoor conservatory or alcove seating?

High-density polyurethane foam is recommended. It offers good comfort without losing firmness, and is durable and well suited to occasional use. It's the most popular grade in the UK and can be cut to size and shape.

Can I use memory foam for an alcove reading nook?

Yes. Memory foam softens on contact and moulds to the body within a few minutes, making it excellent for a comfortable reading spot. Given its malleable nature, choose it at a greater thickness.

What foam suits outdoor alcove seating?

Reticulated polyether foam resists mildew and moisture with an open-cell structure that lets water run through, but it's firmer and better for decorative or occasional use. For frequent outdoor seating, polyurethane foam with widely available waterproof covers is more comfortable.