Introduction
Cushions do more than soften a seat. They shape a room’s colour story, add texture, and improve comfort. Use this guide to choose the right inserts, fabrics, sizes, colours and arrangements for sofas, beds, work chairs and outdoor spaces.
1) Start With Purpose
Decide what you need first. It keeps choices focused and avoids impulse buys.
- Decorative: Adds colour, pattern and texture for sofas, beds and accent chairs.
- Support: Ergonomic help for the lower back, neck or side-sleeping.
- Multi-use: Machine-washable covers for family rooms and rentals.
- Outdoor: UV-resistant, quick-dry and stain-resistant for patios and balconies.
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Floor Cushions – Great for casual seating areas, floor cushions offer comfort and create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
- Kids' Cushions – Soft, playful, and often themed, these cushions are designed for children's rooms, ensuring both safety and fun
2. Choose the Right Shape and Size
Use standard sizes to plan your arrangement.
Square cushions: 45 x 45 cm or 50 x 50 cm suit most sofas and beds.
Large squares: 55 x 55 cm or 60 x 60 cm create a luxe, layered look on deep sofas or super-king beds.
Lumbar cushions: 30 x 50 cm or 35 x 55 cm support the lower back and break up a row of squares.
Round cushions: 35–45 cm diameter softens linear furniture.
Bolsters: 20 x 60–80 cm work well on beds and window seats.
Fit tip: Choose an insert 5 cm larger than the cover for a plump, designer look. Example: a 50 x 50 cm insert for a 45 x 45 cm cover.
3. Choose a Comfortable Filling
Filling changes comfort, shape retention and price.
Feather and down: Plush, easily “choppable”, breathable. Try 50/50 feather-down for softness or 85/15 for more body. Look for responsibly sourced fills.
Polyester hollowfibre or microfibre: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, good shape retention and value.
Foam or memory foam: Best for lumbar and seat pads where structured support matters.
Recycled PET fibre: Eco-friendly option made from recycled bottles.
Latex or mixed core: Premium support with long life for floor cushions.
4. Select Hard-Wearing, Beautiful Fabrics
Fabric affects feel, durability and care.
Cotton and linen: Breathable, casual, easy to wash. Ideal for everyday living rooms.
Velvet and chenille: Luxurious with rich colour depth. Check pile quality to reduce crushing.
Bouclé, wool, tweed and knits: Cosy texture that adds visual weight in cooler months.
Silk or satin: Elegant and light. Best for decorative use in low-traffic areas.
Leather and faux leather: Sleek, wipe-clean, modern.
Outdoor fabrics: Solution-dyed acrylics or polyesters for fade resistance and quick drying.
Care clues to scan on the label: removable cover, concealed zip length, machine wash temperature, dry-clean only, colour fastness. Allergy-aware shoppers can look for hypoallergenic fills and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified textiles.
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5. Build a Cohesive Colour and Pattern Story
Start with your anchor: a rug, artwork or headboard. Then layer with intent.
Palette rule: Use the 60-30-10 approach. Sixty per cent base colour from your room, thirty per cent secondary, ten per cent accent.
Neutrals: White, beige, greige and grey are timeless and calm.
Accents: Mustard, rust, terracotta, navy, forest green and blush add character.
Pattern scale: Mix one large-scale print, one medium, one small. For example: a bold floral, a mid-scale stripe, a tight herringbone.
Texture trio: Pair a smooth fabric, a nubby weave and one statement texture such as fringe, quilting or embroidery for depth.
6. Arrange Like a Stylist
Use simple formulas that work on most furniture.
Three-seater sofa: Five cushions. Formula: 2 large squares + 2 medium squares + 1 lumbar in the centre.
Two-seater sofa: Three cushions. Formula: 2 medium squares + 1 lumbar.
Deep corner sofa: Start with 2 large anchors on the ends, layer 3–4 mediums, then 1–2 lumbars.
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Bed styling:
Double: 2 squares + 1 lumbar.
King: 2 large squares + 2 mediums + 1 long bolster.
Rule of odds: Groups of 3, 5 or 7 look balanced.
Asymmetry for modern rooms: Offset the centre lumbar or vary heights on one side.
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7. Match Cushions to Interior Styles
Align your choices to your scheme for higher design coherence.
Scandi: Linen and cotton, muted neutrals, small-scale geometrics, light woods.
Mid-century: Bold colour blocks, tweed or woven textures, round cushions as accents.
Bohemian: Layer patterns, tassels and embroidered details. Mix warm earthy tones.
Industrial: Leather or faux leather, charcoal, metal accents, minimal pattern.
Classic: Velvet and piping, jewel tones, symmetrical pairs.
8. Practicalities: Durability, Safety and Care
Buy once, buy right.
Zips and seams: Look for reinforced seams and full-length concealed zips for easy insert changes.
Abrasion: For busy homes, favour tightly woven covers with strong abrasion resistance.
Washability: Removable, machine-wash covers simplify upkeep.
Flame safety (UK): For upholstered settings, seek materials tested to recognised standards such as BS 5852.
Outdoors: UV resistance, mildew resistance and water-repellent finishes extend life. Store cushions dry when not in use.
9. Room-by-Room Recommendations
Targeted picks make selection easier.
Living room: Medium and large squares with one lumbar. Blend durable weaves with a hero texture.
Bedroom: Larger squares for height, then a single long bolster for a boutique-hotel look.
Home office: A lumbar cushion in foam or firm fill to support posture.
Kids’ spaces: Washable cotton covers, zip guards, recycled fibre inserts.
Balcony or garden: Outdoor fabrics, quick-dry inserts, ties or non-slip bases for benches.
10. Budgeting and Value
Spend where it shows and feels.
Invest in inserts: Quality inserts last longer and improve cheaper covers.
Seasonal refresh: Keep neutral base covers. Swap two accent covers with the seasons for a quick update.
Mix high and low: Pair one statement cushion with two value options in coordinating textures.
Cushion Buying Checklist
Purpose decided: decorative, support, outdoor or floor
Sizes set: squares, lumbars, rounds or bolsters
Inserts chosen: feather-down, microfibre, foam or recycled PET
Fabric selected: durable, washable, suitable for the room
Palette planned: 60-30-10 colour balance
Pattern scale and textures mapped
Care labels checked: removable covers, wash instructions
Safety and outdoor specs confirmed where relevant
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many pillows should I place on a sofa?
It depends on the sofa size and the look you’re going for. A standard three-seater sofa typically looks best with 3 to 5 pieces arranged in varying sizes and textures.
What materials are best for decorative pillows?
Cotton and linen work well for everyday use, while velvet and silk add a more luxurious touch. Choose based on comfort and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
How do I mix and match patterns without clashing?
Stick to a cohesive color palette and mix different patterns in varying scales. For example, pair large florals with small geometric prints to create balance.
How often should I replace my soft furnishings?
If used daily, consider replacing inserts every 1-2 years and covers as needed based on wear and tear.
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