How to Fix a Sofa That Sits Too High

Remove the covers from your couch cushions, if the cushions make it too high. Unzip the cover and remove some of the stuffing from inside. Set the cushions side-by-side, making sure that you remove the same amount from each one. Place the cushions back on the couch.

Unzip each cushion, if your cushions feature foam padding inside. Peel off the cover and pull out the foam padding. Score the corners of each foam piece with a utility knife one inch down from the top or more, if you want an even lower couch. Carefully run a saw-tooth knife across the top, using a back and forth motion that cuts off the top layer. Slide the padding back inside the covers and zip closed.

Turn the couch upside down and remove the legs. The legs should have a small metal plate or bracket that keeps the pieces attached to the couch. Remove the screws, pull off the bracket and set the legs to one side. Flip the couch back over and check the height.

Install new, shorter legs on the couch if the couch sits too low after removing the legs. Push each leg through the original bracket or plate and set flat against the bottom of the couch. Screw small screws through the plate and into the couch. Repeat on each corner.

Remove the legs from the couch if you want to preserve the original legs. Clamp one of the legs to a flat surface. Measure the length of the leg and make a mark one inch from the top. Carefully saw off the top inch of the leg. Repeat with each of the legs, making sure you take off the same amount. Reattach the legs to the couch with the original brackets or plates.