Styling your black sofa with different kinds of splendid cushions

Sep 13, 2022

Sofa set with cushions and three tables in the center

Black signifies depth, exclusivity, and glamour. When added to a colour palette as a theme, black adds a certain level of modernism and functionality in a space. In colour psychology, black indicates mystery and sophistication. But having solely shades of black in a room can create an overwhelming impression. Some even say that those who dominantly use black as a personal motif are subconsciously trying to protect themselves from feelings, they think they cannot control. That’s somehow deep, right?

Close-up shot of a sofa with cushions and three tables

Well, at this point, collaboration is the best way to go. It is the key to draw out the power of black in interior designs. Embellishing it with the suitable pop of colours will bring out a majestically styled interior! Same way goes to the black sofas. Imagine your black sofa as a blank canvas and cushions as your paint. They are waiting for your artistic touch to give them a life! Here are some tips on how to achieve a perfectly styled black sofa with the ideal cushions.

Black sofa and Bright Coloured Cushions equal to Contemporary Black Vibe

Opposites do attract! Spruce up your black sofa with cushions in bold and vivid colours. Earth tones, blue and green are usually regarded as compatible colours for black, but you don’t always have to stick with design principles. If the colour combination makes you happy, show it off!

Black sofas can be a decent backdrop for a collection of bright coloured cushions. They mutually support each other by highlighting their visual advantage to create a drama in the living room. Artfully placing bright coloured cushions in a black sofa expresses a contemporary black vibe which is great for achieving classic imagery.

When we were on the picturesque island of Bali, we found this symbolic fabric called Ikat, and after hearing the wonderful stories weaved in every piece of it, we couldn’t help ourselves falling in love for it.

Orange, Pink & Teal Ikat Cushion from Bali named Dapak Merah

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

The pattern is said to recreate the interesting Bhuta Yajna ritual performed by the Hindu villagers to vanquish the negative elements and create balance with God, Mankind and Nature. Bringing together Orange, Pink, and Teal colours, it would add zest and enthusiasm to your black sofa!

Pair your black sofa with neutral cushions for a minimalist mood

Having neutral cushions on a black sofa makes the room casual and inviting but at the same time upscales the look and projects a luxurious vibe. Neutral cushions exude crisp, clean, and classic ambiance. They are perfect for a monochromatic or minimalist theme. Just be careful with the contrast of colour combinations. You don’t want a dull-looking black sofa. The main strategy is to incorporate various textures like fringe, rugged, or faded. They add dimension and visual interest to a black sofa.

Fawn & Lilac Houndstooth Harris Tweed Cushion named Ragged Robin

Fawn & Lilac Houndstooth Harris Tweed Cushion | Ragged Robin

Take a look at our soft fawn houndstooth and lilac check in a Harris Tweed cushion. The tone of this cushion reflects the soft hues of early autumnal landscapes in the Outer Hebrides where it came from. They will take your black sofa to the next level!

Reveal your black sofa’s edgy and modern look with geometric cushions

Capturing the boldness of different hues within an angle or shape is one of the fantastic features of geometric style in cushions. You can channel a spirit of liveliness into your black sofa by choosing variations of shades, textures, or linear patterns. Geometric art in cushion design is known to add magnitude and depth to a space. Combining them with a neutral black sofa will establish an incredible point of visual interest.

Colourful Kente cushions from Ghana laying on the floor

When we were in the breathtaking country of Ghana, we discovered a unique piece of fabric called Kente. In the past, it has been associated with royalties but what makes it more extraordinary is that every colour and pattern defines a specific aspect of life. Blue represents peace, togetherness, love, and harmony, green is for health and rejuvenation while yellow is for fertility and wealth.

Add an appealing visual impact using patterned cushions

Patterned Cushions on a Black Sofa with Potted Plants in the background

You don’t have to follow the identical pattern of your upholstery or drapes, challenge yourself to be different! Creativity never goes out of style. For instance, rustic earth-toned patterns convey a Southwestern mood while ethnic-inspired patterns give an instant art deco appeal to any space.

Green and Burgundy Silk Cushion named Circus

Green and Burgundy Silk Cushion | Circus

Isn’t it mesmerizing? The patterns in this vibrant satin silk fabric from Uzbekistan portray a fun, circus feeling that will spark a kaleidoscopic aura in your black sofa. Behind it is a rich burgundy corduroy for the accentuated feeling of luxury. Your black sofa will never feel lonely with this patterned cushion!

Be quirky and eccentric with Boho cushions

You’re probably thinking “what if I want to mix and match neutral and geometric cushions? Or patterned and bright coloured cushions?” the answer to that question would be Boho cushions. A funky and eclectic look is what the Boho cushions contribute to a space. The number one rule is to be carefree! As long as the combination agrees with your sense of style, then go for it.

Bohemian style in cushions is the result of blending different approaches in interior design into a showstopping piece. Some of the famous design approaches are maximalist, minimalist, modern, chic, contemporary, and many more. If you’re having a hard time choosing between them, the bohemian style is perfect for you!

Hand Woven Red and Green Vintage Kilim Cushion named Dassin

Hand Woven Red and Green Vintage Kilim Cushion | Dassin

We dare you to not be smitten by this unique Kilim Cushion that we discovered on our recent trip to the captivating country of Morocco. Made from organic wool sourced locally, the patterns and stripes speak of beauty and hidden meanings. This vintage red, green, and yellow Kilim cushion is hand stitched, woven, and embroidered by the Berber women of the Atlas Mountains. This will surely add a powerful Bohemian touch to your black sofa.

L-shaped black sofa with yellow cushions

What are the Don’ts when it comes to designing a black sofa?

Avoid the exact shade of black in your cushions.

You don’t want your cushions to look like extra lumps on a black sofa. Using the same shade of black for both your sofa and cushion is not advisable. Not only do they look monotonous, but they interfere with the individuality of each style. Too much black in interior design can be painted as stark and minimal. If you are going for a monochromatic theme, you can select from a wide range of black colour palettes.

There are a lot of colours that will go smoothly with black. Deep blue, sea green, shades of grey, or any other nautical colours will make your black sofa achieve a coastal interior style. Meanwhile, layered fabrics, ashy colours, and clean stripes make up a Scandinavian vibe. Don’t be afraid with playing with the colours. Close your eyes and visualize your dream destination. Gather all the things that would remind you of it and realize it on your black sofa.

Overusing a colour is a big no.

Leaf-patterned white cushion and a book on a black sofa

As the saying goes, too much of anything is bad. Repeatedly using just one colour when designing a space makes the room unvaried and stodgy. Overusing a particular color can make your interior style appear to be lacking in imagination. Black is great for highlighting patterns and shades so don’t just settle for one colour.

You always have a variety of options in designing your black sofa. Ranging from different colours, patterns, checks, geometric styles, and ethnic arts, your imagination is the only limit! Be playful and creative with the concepts.

Stay away from poor lighting.

This reminder does not only apply to black sofas but the entirety of the interior design. Poor lighting takes away the harmony and visual interest of a room. Remember that black is a color that absorbs all available light in the color spectrum and a sofa is a huge upholstery and a focal point in your living room. A well-lit room is conducive to a variety of design concepts.

When suitably staged, lighting adds a dimension to a space. It affects the depth, level of attention, and atmosphere of a room. You may have a beautiful black sofa and stunning pieces of cushions but without proper lighting, all of them will not be appreciated. Good lighting helps not only in highlighting colours but emphasizing textures and layers too!

Don’t make an unguided design decision.

The main challenge in decorating a black sofa is how to creatively play with the contrast and hues. By nature, black is a heavy colour therefore it is hard to introduce subtlety and mildness. Unguided style concepts could end up wasting money, effort, and most importantly, time. A lot of research will help you big time in achieving the picture of your dream living room.

Nowadays, there are tons of interior design tips online. They come in many forms such as blogs, videos, e-books, and many more. The key thing is to find a source that is closely related to the way you style and just tweak some of the parts that you think would look and work best for you.

Don’t forget to find the balance between beauty and function.

L-shaped black sofa in a living room with picture frames hanging in the background

Choosing the right cushions for your black sofa isn’t just about colours and patterns – size and quantity matter too. Make sure that the number of cushions and their dimensions is proportionate to the size of your black sofa.

You should be able to sit comfortably while snuggling or leaning back on your cushion. Otherwise, you’re going to end up placing them elsewhere when the sofa is full. Consider the walkways of the space too. A good interior design should possess a balance of style and purpose.

Black sofas are visually adaptable neutrals. When amiably partnered with the perfect mixture of colours and patterns in cushions, they will result to an aesthetic piece of art that transcends time and trends. Don’t let your black sofa be amid solitude. Plan a theme, grab some cushions, play with the designs, and voila! You have a statement black sofa inspired by the artist in you!

Happy styling from The World in Cushions!

Tags: Africa Bali Cushions Fabrics Harris Tweed Indonesia Inspiration Kenya