How To Match Cushions To Sofa Like A Designer

Cushions are one of the most cost-effective ways of refreshing your living space. They're a great way to add colour, texture and intrigue and can change the atmosphere of your whole room.

So deliberating over which cushion cover to choose is a dilenma we totally empathise with!

As experts in soft furnishings, we've put together some hard and fast rules that will help you choose the perfect cushions for your living room.

Let's start with your couch. Are you working with a neutral colours (creams, beiges, whites, greys) or a bolder palette (solid colours, black, or patterned)? This will determine the direction you go when choosing cushions to enhance your sofa and family room.

Neutral Coloured Couches

If you've chosen a neutral coloured sofa, then your options are almost endless! Depending on your style preference, you could introduce blues and whites, creating a sophisticated coastal or Hamptons style.

Wanting a more cosy, textural vibe, perhaps with earthier tones? Then faux fur or velvet cushions are a fantastic way to introduce texture and tone. A more vibrant and eclectic look can be reached by mixing and matching cushions and different shaped cushions to create the perfect cushion arrangement.

Bolder Palette Couches

We commend your bravery! We love a bold couch. There are two ways you can go with a statement sofa - pair it back with solid colour cushions, or turn up the eclectic dial with contrasting textures and patterns.

When done well, a mixture of patterns and shapes against a bold base can look stunningly sophisticated - a confident style statement.

Choosing the size and shape of your cushions

While we tend to think of colour and material first, the size and shape of your cushions are just as important when cushion styling. Larger Cushions (over 60cm) make great throw cushions.

They provide a foundation in complementary colours when arranging cushions on your sofa. As they are quite large, they could overwhelm a two seater sofa (especially if you're wanting to layer additional cushions) but look fantastic on larger seater sofas.

Square cushions are a cushion staple, and are usually in 45cm or 50cm squared. They make great scatter cushions and are a wonderful way to introduce texture, different patterns and other elements into your space.

Finally, the small rectangular cushion (sometimes referred to as a lumbar or breakfast cushion) make a great accent. Try and display these cushions in odd numbers (just one cushion for smaller couches, or 3 for larger ones). Their slightly smaller size creates visual interest when arranging cushions on your couch.

Mix up the size and shape of your cushions

We've discussed the relevant properties of each type of cushion above, so it's now time to start mixing and matching cushions! Try and choose a mixture of solid colour cushions and textures or patterns to create visual interest.

How many cushions depends on the size of your couch! But as a rule, try and work in odd numbers (3 - 5 cushions for a smaller couch, more for a larger one). Choosing the right cushions for your colour scheme can be tricky, but try and stick to this formula: one base or solid colour, one or two contrasting patterns or textures, and one accent (a different pattern or texture).

Use cushion styling to set the tone of your room

We've all experienced the phenomenon of a room refresh using just pillows, right?! Well if you haven't, now's the time! Cushion styling can set the tone of a room in a very cost-effective and affordable way - giving you the feeling of a new living room (but without breaking the bank!).

Soft furnishings (cushions and throws) are one of our favourite arrangements to style. Regardless of your colour palette preferences, cushions and cushion covers can transform your living room from a traditional look to a contemporary masterpiece.

Blue and whites can be swapped out for sensual dark red, while other colours can transform your space into a coastal haven, or tropical paradise.

Choosing the right cushion

Ultimately, it's down to personal preference. Some people love patterns and bold shapes, some people love solid colours and paired-back texture.

Work with your colour palette and colour scheme and choose couch cushions that not only work together - but also represent you, and your style. No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own home!

Cushion styles are a personal accent, so if you love tribal motifs - then go down this route. If you prefer velvet and faux fur, then do that. It's your living space - there is no real 'wrong' answer.

Patterns

It's no secret that we're pattern people - take a look at our cushion covers and see for yourselves! We love pattern and prints as we think they bring a space to life, providing intrigue and interest to your bed or couch.

Our style is to create a story using our beautiful cushions; mixing different colours and textures together in a way that complements our colour scheme - but is enough of a contrast to make a statement. Take a look at our product shots to see how our patterns and prints work together to tell a story.

Experiment with different textures

Texture doesn't have to be a chunky weave, or shaggy fur. It can be subtle; an embroidered detail, or soft velvet cushions. If you're wanting glitz, you can look for sparkles or sateen finishes. The choice is yours, and what a fun way to experiment!

If your cushions match your sofa throw them out!

...OR recover them in fabulous cushion covers! Cushions that match your sofa are a bit of a no-no, as it creates a large two-dimentional area in your living space. We like to live in 3D, not 2D! Adding contrasting colours through scatter cushions and throw pillows is an easy way to bring your space to life.

Select your colour palette

Anything goes, BUT remember, some colours work more harmoniously together than others! We recommend choosing a colour 'side' - warm colours, or cool colours.

This gives you more freedom to mix and match - think dark red with warm brown and golden yellows. Or navy blues with emerald greens and soft pistachio. Yum! The choice is yours when it comes to colours for your cushions.

How do I arrange cushions on a sofa?

Rule number one is select an odd number of cushions. How many cushions? We'd recommend three for a smaller sofa, or 5, 7, or 9 for larger ones.

Larger pillows go at the outside, and provide the 'base' for your cushion arrangement. Overlap these with smaller throw cushions (either square cushions or small rectangular cushions) in different textures or colours. One or two cushions should always be accent cushions, which offset the rest and provide intrigue.

Remember: it's not just sofas that need cushions! You can apply the same rules to arranging cushions on your bed, or other pieces of furniture (bench seats, armchairs).