As the warmer months linger, our homes continue to invite moments of relaxed living. From indoor banquettes and window seats to outdoor benches and poolside lounges, these are the places we tend to settle into, making comfort and durability more important than ever. A well-made squab plays a quiet but essential role in how these spaces are lived in.

When it comes to custom squabs, quality isn’t just about how they look on day one. It’s about how they feel, how they wear, and how they support everyday living over time. Foam, fabric, and finishing details all work together to shape comfort, longevity, and the overall feel of a space.

What’s inside a squab makes a noticeable difference to how it performs and how well it stands the test of time. The right foam choice depends on where the seating is located and how it’s intended to be used.

High density foam is a dependable option for everyday indoor seating. It offers consistent support, holds its shape well, and stays comfortable even with daily use. This makes it well suited to banquettes, dining benches, window seats, and built-in seating where durability matters just as much as comfort.

For outdoor seating, especially uncovered or poolside areas, outdoor foam is essential. Often referred to as quick-dry or open-cell foam, it allows water to drain and air to circulate, helping squabs dry faster after rain or splashes. It’s also far more resistant to mould and mildew, making it a practical choice for New Zealand’s coastal and humid conditions, without compromising on comfort.

For a softer, more relaxed feel, baffled inners with wool fill are a lovely option. They suit casual seating such as daybeds and window seats, adding breathability and a lived-in comfort that only improves with time. Poly foam sits somewhere in between, offering structure with a softer edge and a more tailored finish.

Fabric has a big influence on how a squab feels to sit on and live with. Beyond durability, it affects texture, comfort, and the overall atmosphere of a space.

For outdoor settings, performance fabrics are designed to handle sun exposure, moisture, and everyday wear. They’re typically fade-resistant, easy to clean, and quick to dry, making them well suited to outdoor benches, poolside seating, and covered terraces. Many modern outdoor fabrics also have a surprisingly soft hand feel, so comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed for practicality.

Indoors, comfort and tactility often take centre stage. Velvets bring warmth and softness and are ideal for seating where lingering is encouraged. Linen and linen blends offer a more relaxed, breathable feel, with natural texture that works just as well in casual spaces as it does in more refined interiors. Chosen thoughtfully, fabric enhances not only how a squab looks, but how it feels day to day.

We’ve always loved using piping on squabs. It’s a small detail, but it makes a real difference. Piping helps define the edges, adds structure, and gives even the simplest fabric a more finished feel. Sometimes it’s tonal and subtle, other times it’s used in contrast to highlight shape or tie the squab back to surrounding furniture or finishes. Either way, it’s one of those details that quietly elevates the overall result.

Fit and proportion are just as important as materials. A well-made squab should sit comfortably in place, hold its shape, and feel right for the furniture it’s on. Thickness plays a part too. Too thin and comfort suffers; too thick and the squab can overwhelm the piece. Getting that balance right makes all the difference.

This is where bespoke squabs really come into their own. Built-in seating, window seats, banquettes, outdoor benches, and poolside furniture all benefit from squabs that are made to suit the space rather than forced to fit it. With custom squabs, choices around foam, fabric, and finishing details can be shaped around how the seating is actually used. When everything works together, squabs become more than just an add-on. They add comfort, extend the life of furniture, and quietly contribute to the overall feel of a home.

With so many elements working together, from foam and fabric to fit and finishing details, it’s easy to see why squabs are rarely one-size-fits-all. Getting them right is often less about rules and more about understanding how a space is lived in.

And if all of this feels like a lot to take in, don’t worry. That’s exactly why we’re here. We’re always happy to talk through options and details, helping you arrive at a solution that feels comfortable, considered, and made to last.