10 Easy Tips on How to Pick Cushions for Your Sofa

Sofa cushions are often undervalued as a tool to styling the home, but they are a great way of introducing pattern, texture, and personality to your seating area.

Adding cushions are ideal for both decorative and functional purposes, but it can be difficult to know which ones to pick that will perfectly suit your sofa.

We’ve got 10 top tips to pick the best cushions for your sofa and living room.

Orange, Pink & Teal Ikat Cushion from Bali | Dapak Merah
Burgundy & Yellow Ikat Cushion from Bali | Adenium

 

2. Pick and Mix

 

3. Think about details

 

How do I choose sofa cushions? (10 Tips) 

1. Match the cushions to your décor

When it comes to how to choose a good cushion, perhaps the most obvious, and easiest, solution is to match them to your sofa. Although it makes life easier, it isn't always the most exciting choice, but works well if you have a minimal home and aren’t keen on the extra fuss that more detailed cushions provide.

2. Choose a theme

Using a theme for your cushions can help to create a more balanced look that helps to tie the whole room together. Using elements from across the room and introducing them into your cushions will make for a cohesive space that looks considered without trying too hard.

 

3. Add texture

 

Tapak - Royal Blue Ikat Cushion from Bali

Pick different textures for a contemporary way to add depth and dimension to your living space. Adding cushions with tassels, tufts, and twisted rope trims are all great ways of playing with texture.

4. Pick and mix

 

Dark Blue Herringbone Harris Tweed Cushion | Heath Dog Violet
Mustard Yellow, Blue & Green Kente Cloth Cushion from Ghana | Teshie
Black, Orange & Green Kente Cloth Cushion from Ghana | Wa

A mixture of cushions that vary in size, fabric, colour, and pattern is a great way of creating a balanced look. There should always be at least one element in common, usually colour, although fabric and pattern would also work.

5. Tonal shades

For a more contemporary style, use multiple shades of the same tone, this works especially with beige and grey. This is a more subtle look that will create a delicate difference without overwhelming the space and overpowering the sofa itself.

6. Let your personality shine

Indigo Hand Woven Ikat Cushion | Sumba

Inject a spot of personality into your living space through your cushions. You could take inspiration from other elements in the room such as art, sculptures, or shapes that help to bring your sofa to life and create your own, unique style.

7. Play with size

 

When you are looking at how to arrange living room cushions, try using different sizes to play with heights and dimensions. For a more balanced look, arrange cushions in a symmetrical style. When it comes to how many cushions you should have on a sofa for a symmetrical look, we would say either keep it to twos or threes.

8. Vary shapes

Like size, using different shapes helps to play with dimensions in your living room but also creates visual interest. Rounder shape cushions can help to soften harsh lines across the space.

 

9. Use colour pops and patterns

Don’t be afraid to choose a bold pop of colour to sit on top of your sofa. Not only is it visually exciting but it adds more depth to the room colour. Patterned cushions are another way of creating a visually pleasing aesthetic that helps to tie the rest of the room’s style together.

 

10. Think about details

The way you arrange your cushions, and even small details, such as buttons or zippers, can have a big impact on how your cushions look with your sofa and living room in general. If you want a cosy vibe, then layer cushions and try to pick ones that have a plumper finish. For a more formal look, stick to singular cushions with more structure for a tidy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you dress a sofa with throws and cushions?

A great way to style a sofa with throws and cushions is to drape your throw over the arm and place a contrasting cushion on top of it to create depth and visual interest. Be sure that the fabrics and colours of the cushions and throws complement each other to create a harmoniously themed seating space.

 

How do you dress an L-Shaped sofa with cushions?

The best method to placing cushions on a corner sofa is to work from the outer parts of the sofa, inwards. It is always best to start with the longest side first and always stick to a pattern. When you get to the cushions for the corner of the sofa, be sure to angle the cushions so they follow the line of the sofa.

 

Which cushion filling is best?

Ultimately, the best cushion filling will depend on the firmness you prefer for your cushions. Foam is the firmest filling to have, which will leave a more structured, formal finish. If you prefer a soft cushion that you can sink into, opt for feather filled. They may require more fluffing than a foam equivalent, and are often pricier, but they do tend to be longer lasting.

 

How do I arrange my living room cushions?

For a formal arrangement, stick to a more regimented or symmetrical pattern. Common layouts are 3 on each side, or a 2-1-2 pattern. If you want a more relaxed sofa and living space, place two cushions to one side which automatically creates a more casual feel.

 

What is the most popular cushion size?

Generally square shaped cushions are the most popular shape, and typically the most common size would be 30cm x 30cm. Other popular sizes include 40cm x40cm and 60cm x 60cm.

 

Summary

Cushions are a great way of finishing off both your sofa and living room. They add style, shape, texture, and colour. Don’t be afraid to use bold, contrasting shades and to play with height, size, and arrangements.