Cushions

How Do I Care For My Feather Seat and Back Cushions?

Back Cushions

To maintain comfort and longevity, regularly rework and fluff your back cushions. The natural movement of the feathers contributes to their plush feel. Our back cushions are channeled, meaning the feathers are distributed within compartments to minimize shifting. However, factors like cushion size, fabric type, and daily use will influence movement. For example, stretchy fabrics (such as chenille) allow for more noticeable shifting over time.

Seat Cushions

Our feather or down-wrap seat cushions feature a channeled duvet-style wrap surrounding a high-quality foam core. The foam core provides structure and stability, meaning seat cushions will shift less than back cushions. However, to ensure even wear and maintain their shape, we recommend rotating and flipping your seat cushions regularly. Depending on the cushion size and fabric choice, you may also need to unzip the outer casing and adjust the insert as needed.

Aging Gracefully

Feather and down are natural materials that will soften and evolve over time, adding to the lived-in luxury of your furniture. You’ve invested in a high-quality product designed for both beauty and comfort—so relax and enjoy it!

What Makes Your Feather So Much Better?

We take great pride in the quality of our feather seat and back cushions—we never skimp on feathers!

• We use white waterfowl feathers, not lower-grade grey feathers that have been sterilized.
• Our feathers are hypoallergenic, odor-free, and 100% Canadian-sourced—never imported.
• Every cushion is crafted for optimal comfort, durability, and luxurious support.

When selecting a feather cushion, you have two premium options:

1. Feather Blend Back Cushion – A carefully balanced blend of 60% white waterfowl feather and 40% blown Dacron. The Dacron adds subtle structure, while the high feather content ensures plush comfort.
2. Down Back Cushion – Features the highest down content in the industry, with 20% down and 80% waterfowl feather, providing an ultra-soft and indulgent feel.

To maintain longevity and structure, we encase our feather seats and backs in heavy cotton ticking, and every cushion is baffled to prevent shifting—ensuring consistent comfort and refined elegance.

I Don’t Want To Fuss With Cushions and Have a Rumpled Sofa, What Should I Do?

If you prefer a crisp, structured look with minimal cushion movement, consider the following:

1. Fabric Selection Matters – The type of fabric greatly influences how your cushions behave.
   • Stretchy or loose-weave fabrics (such as chenille) allow for more shifting and a relaxed appearance.
   • Taut, structured fabrics (like mohair or a tightly woven velvet) help maintain a sleeker, more tailored look.
   • If your fabric has a pile on the reverse side, it’s essential to have it backed to prevent slippage.
2. Cushion Size & Configuration – Larger seat and back cushions tend to shift more with use.
   • For a tighter, more structured look, we offer customizable cushion sizing—smaller seat and back cushions provide a more tailored finish.
3. Tight-Back Designs – If you prefer a lower-maintenance option, explore our tight-back styles, which eliminate back cushion movement entirely.
   • Our tight-back designs come with seat clips for additional stability, ensuring your cushions stay in place.

Our goal is to provide you with a seating experience that balances luxurious comfort with effortless elegance. If you need guidance on fabric choices or cushion configurations, we’re happy to assist in creating the perfect piece for your space.

Construction

What Is the Difference Between Canadian-Made and Offshore-Made Furniture?

How Eco-Friendly Is Your Furniture?

At Gresham House, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our craftsmanship. To us, eco-friendly furniture means investing in well-made, timeless pieces that won’t end up in a landfill. Our commitment to sustainability is built on responsible sourcing, durable construction, and reducing our environmental footprint at every stage of production.

1. Built to Last: Sustainability Through Longevity

• The most sustainable choice is furniture that stands the test of time. Our pieces are designed with classic appeal and expert craftsmanship, ensuring they remain a cherished part of your space for years to come.
• We use Canadian hardwood, a renewable resource sourced from responsibly managed forests. For every tree used, two new trees are planted, helping to replenish natural resources.

2. High-Quality, HIgh Resiliency (HR) FoamSoy-Based Foam

• Our cushions feature high-density, 2.7 lb soy-based foam, which ensures long-lasting comfort and support, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over time.
• We use Canadian-made foams that meet certiPUR-US standards for emissions, content, and durability.
• There is no waste associated with the foam we use (all off-cuts are recycled or used in other products).

3. Natural Materials for a Cleaner, Safer Home

• We use real cotton felt in our arms and backs—a breathable, natural material that enhances both comfort and longevity.
• Cotton felt is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fillers, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

4. Locally Made to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

• Our frames are built locally, using responsibly sourced materials to minimize transportation emissions.
• All of our furniture is manufactured in a single facility in Mississauga, ensuring efficient production with reduced environmental impact.
• By keeping everything under one roof, we streamline our supply chain and maintain strict quality control while lowering our carbon footprint.
  Our Philosophy: Buy Well, Buy Once
  Sustainability isn’t just about the materials—it’s about making choices that last. Fast furniture contributes to waste; quality craftsmanship ensures longevity. By choosing Gresham House, you’re investing in furniture that is:
  ✔ Timeless in design—reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  ✔ Built with integrity—crafted from durable, responsibly sourced materials.
  ✔ Eco-conscious from start to finish—minimizing waste, emissions, and environmental impact.
  At Gresham House, we don’t just build furniture—we build a more sustainable future, one piece at a time.

I Am Worried That My Seat Cushions Will Wrinkle. How Can I Prevent This?

   There are a few things to consider when you have a rumpled seat cushion. 

   1.  Fabric. This is probably the most important determinant for a wrinkly seat cushion. If your fabric has a stretch to it, then it will stretch and wrinkle and move on your seat cushion. If your fabric is chenille and has a pile on the back side it will catch on the fill inside and “walk” and distort the cushion (in this case we recommend that you back the fabric to prevent it from walking). When choosing a fabric keep in mind the desired look and feel, don’t choose a stretchy fabric when your client wants a structured look and sit and does not want to fuss with their cushions. Designers can call Gresham House and we can give you feedback on the fabric in question if there are any doubts.

2. Fill.  First of all we invest a lot in our foam and are proud of it.  We use the best foam on the market and the best Dacron wrap on the market.  Your seat cushion is not meant to be as stiff as a brick; we go to great lengths to provide a perfectly crowned seat cushion.  Your seat cushion will inherently move but by turning your seat cushions and every once in a while opening the zipper and realigning the casing with the core your seat cushion will last a lifetime of sitting.  The inner foam core that provides the support will never flatten however the thick duvet wrap of Dacron that provides the loft and the softness also allows for the cushion to move and breathe. 

   3.  Feather, Down or Cloud Fill.  We use the best soy based foam and add a duvet wrap of 100% waterfowl feathers, or down, or Cloud (microgel) fill.  The foam core provides the stability for the seat cushion and the feather/down/cloud wrap allows for a soft crowned effect to provide the most luxurious sit.   These cushions will move and when paired with a soft pliable fabric the more movement you will have in the seat.  I always like to tell people how I personally love the down back and the down wrapped seat option, nothing says luxury more than this and in my mind the sit is beyond heaven.  My mother on the other hand loves the structured look and feel of our standard seat core and back core.  My point is that at the end of the day there is no right or wrong answer.  It is a personal choice and that is the point, we have the options and the client is free to choose the best option for them…that is the real beauty of Gresham House.

4.  Size of the Cushion:  It is quite logical, the larger the cushion the more movement and softness it will provide.  If you want a more structured sit, choose smaller seat and back cushions, choose a more structured fabric, and choose our standard seat and back cushion fill.  On the other  hand, if you want a cozy, soft look then choose a larger seat and back cushion, a stretchy, soft fabric and go for the feather, down or cloud fill in the seat and back cushion.

Why Are Your Decks Upholstered?

At Gresham House, we don’t believe in cutting corners—literally or figuratively.

• Our pieces are detailed from top to bottom, ensuring a polished, high-quality finish inside and out.
• An upholstered deck provides a seamless, refined look, even when seat cushions are removed.
• It also adds an extra layer of durability and protection, preventing wear over time.

It’s these small but thoughtful design choices that set our furniture apart—because true craftsmanship is all about the details you see and the ones you don’t.

How Do You Go the Extra Mile When Building Your Furniture?

At our core, we are an upholstered furniture manufacturer that values quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece is handcrafted to the designer’s specifications, ensuring durability, comfort, and beauty. While much of our work is visible in the final product, there’s also immense value in what you don’t see—the integrity of our construction and the premium components we use. Here’s why our furniture stands the test of time:

Our Frames: Built to Last

• Crafted from kiln-dried Canadian hardwood for superior strength.
• Dowelled, screwed, glued, corner-blocked, and cross-braced for added stability.
• We use 5/8” thick hardwood, ensuring a solid structure.
• The lift test: Pick up one side of the frame—there’s no torquing, no movement, just solid, weighty craftsmanship built for a lifetime of use.

Our Springs: Engineered for Endurance

• We use heavy-gauge, 8-gauge sinuous springs, spaced no more than 4” apart for optimal support.
• Each spring is reinforced with three flexible steel cross wires, preventing movement and ensuring even weight distribution.
• Our spring system is designed for long-term durability and consistent comfort.

Our Arms: Fully Padded for Comfort & Longevity

• Every piece of furniture is built by a single skilled artisan, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Multi-layered construction:
  • Crisscrossed webbing for reinforced strength.
  • FLW cloth for longevity.
  • Cotton felt padding to prevent any contact with the wood frame.
  • High-quality foam and teraline for a smooth, plush feel.
• The arm test: Run your hand along the outside of the arm—it’s fully padded, never hollow, offering a luxurious, lasting structure.

Our Backs: Reinforced & Supportive

• Our backs are crisscross-webbed (not just horizontal webbing) for superior strength.
• A layer of protective sheeting is added on top for additional support.
• We apply a layer of foam over the webbing, ensuring a soft yet resilient feel.
• The back test: Press against the outside or inside back—it’s never hollow, a testament to our commitment to structure and comfort.
• Foam Quality: The Foundation of Comfort & Longevity
  Choosing the right foam is essential for comfort, durability, and the overall lifespan of your furniture. We use only high-resiliency (HR) foam, ensuring lasting performance and superior support.
  What Is High-Resiliency (HR) Foam?
  • Designed for exceptional elasticity, durability, and support.
  • Quickly regains shape after compression, offering a responsive, luxurious feel.
  • Provides better posture support and long-term comfort.
  • Withstands 12+ years of daily use without sagging.
  • The Difference You Can Feel
    Our meticulous approach to furniture construction means every piece is not only beautiful but also built for a lifetime of comfort, durability, and sophistication. Whether it’s the strength of our frames, the resilience of our springs, or the plush support of our foam, we go the extra mile so you can enjoy luxury seating that lasts.
     
    
    
    
    

General Info

Why does Gresham House value an interior designer?

Years ago, Max began with a successful furniture retail store but noticed a shift—customers increasingly sought the expertise and personalized touch of professional designers. Seeing firsthand the transformative impact of interior design, he was inspired to evolve his business. Together with his daughter, Marilyn, he built a thriving company dedicated to serving the interior design community.

Recognizing this need, Max and Marilyn established a specialized manufacturing business, crafting custom upholstered furniture exclusively for interior designers. Their philosophy has always been simple yet powerful: exceptional design, paired with expertly crafted, tailored furniture, results in delighted clients. At Gresham House, designers guide their clients in creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces, which are then brought to life by skilled artisans.

The result? Beautifully designed, impeccably built furniture that transforms spaces and exceeds expectations.

I Am a Certified Interior Designer or Decorator. How Do I Set Up an Account?

Where is Gresham House Based?

Gresham House factory and showroom is located in Mississauga, Ontario (3250 Ridgeway Dr., Unit #6).  Our trade only showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.  We also have 2 satellite trade only showrooms in Calgary, Alberta at Designers Choice Resource Centre DCRC (www.designerschoicerc.ca) .

Can I Change My Order?

At Gresham House, our furniture is custom-made to your specifications, ensuring that each piece is designed to perfectly suit your needs. As a result, once an order is confirmed, we are unable to accommodate any changes.

We encourage you to carefully review your order before confirming to ensure everything is just as you envision. If you have any questions or concerns prior to confirmation, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to assist!

How Can I Buy Gresham House Furniture?

Gresham House furniture is available exclusively through certified interior designers and decorators. We do not sell directly to the public, ensuring that our pieces are part of a curated design experience that meets the unique needs of each client.

If you’re interested in purchasing our furniture, please reach out to a certified interior designer who can guide you through the selection process and place an order on your behalf.

How did Gresham House get its name?

Gresham House is the house in the City of London Freeman school that Max attended as a young boy in London, England. Marilyn always heard of Max’s time at Gresham House and wanted to honour her father and name the company after something that was an important part of his life.

Fabrics

We Want a Really Durable Fabric. What Should We Be Looking At?

What is a Wyzenbeek test?

It is an abrasion test that is used to measure the durability of a particular fabric.  The warp and weft threads are abraded to simulate wear and tear.  The industry looks to these tests as a guideline to the durability of a fabric.  Generally, if the fabric passes a 30,000 rub count it is suitable for heavy usage.  However a high rub count does not mean that you don’t have to regularly clean and maintain your fabric in order to keep.  More importantly fabrics are not warranted, so we have developed our own test, we like to call it “Max’s patented key test”….

What Is Max’s Patented Key Test?

At Gresham House, we believe in testing the durability of fabrics in a way that’s practical and relatable to real life. While the Wyzenbeek or Martindale tests are industry standards for measuring fabric durability, we also encourage our clients to perform their own Max’s Patented Key Test.

For the last 50 years, Max has asked clients to take out their keys and scratch the fabric to see how it holds up. It’s a simple, hands-on way to test the fabric’s resilience and see firsthand how well it performs.

This test allows you to assess how well the fabric will stand up to daily use, so you can be confident that when you pair it with our furniture, it will withstand the test of time. After all, you’ll be the one living with it!

Why Do You Cut Your Welts on the Bias?

At Gresham House, every detail matters, including how we cut and sew our welts.

1. Enhanced Strength & Durability

• A bias-cut welt (cut at a 45-degree angle to the fabric grain) provides greater strength and flexibility than a straight-cut welt.
• We don’t just sew our cushions once—we triple-stitch them with a bias welt for exceptional durability.

2. A Superior, Custom Finish

• Bias-cut welts lie smoother along the cushion edges, creating a refined, high-end look.
• Corners appear softer and more rounded, avoiding the sharp, stiff appearance that can happen with straight-cut welts.
• This attention to detail ensures a beautifully tailored, custom appearance that complements the overall craftsmanship of each piece.

It’s the little things that make a big difference, and at Gresham House, our commitment to quality is in every stitch.

Logistics

Who Takes Care of Shipping?

At Gresham House, shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the designer or purchaser.

For Orders Shipping from Mississauga

• All orders are FOB (Freight on Board) Mississauga.
• The designer must specify local delivery or transport on their sales order.
• If you need assistance, we’re happy to recommend a trusted delivery company to ensure your furniture arrives safely.

For Orders Shipping to Alberta

• Orders destined for Alberta are FOB Designers Choice Resource Centre, Calgary, Alberta.
• The designer/purchaser is responsible for coordinating transportation from this location.

If you have any questions about shipping logistics, please reach out to us—we’re here to help facilitate a smooth delivery process.