Loose cushions are seat and back cushions made as separate pieces that rest on the sofa's frame, rather than being upholstered and fixed permanently in place. They can be lifted off, plumped, turned or, on many sofas, unzipped and refilled or replaced over time.
This makes loose cushion sofas easier to keep looking fresh, since flipping or turning the cushions evens out wear, and it also means covers can sometimes be removed for cleaning. The opposite construction, where the cushioning is fixed and upholstered directly to the frame, is called a tight back. Our sofa cushions guide explains the practical differences between the two.
