How to use Cushions to Style and Compliment your Room

September 25th, 2024
DesignProduct

Cushions are like marmite – you either love them or hate them, but they really can make or break a room design adding glamour and glitz or just making it feel cosier. They come in all shapes, sizes and designs, but sometimes it can prove challenging to choose the right ones for your sofa that achieve your desired effect without taking over the sofa and leaving you no room to even sit down. Alle Interiors are here with some tips on how to use cushions to style and compliment your room.

Whether you love a plump square cushion, a fluffy cosy one or a bolster cushion, there are so many options to choose from, and they are the perfect finishing touch for your sofa, adding a decorative touch as well as the all-important comfort.

What size/shape is your sofa/chair?
When looking at which cushions to select, it depends on the armchair or sofa in question and the shape and size, but ultimately you want them to match the overall aesthetics of the room whilst still being practical.

Armchairs – these can be the perfect spot to curl up and relax with a book, so you don’t want to be overwhelmed with lots of cushions to battle with. One big cushion is perfect in a colour and pattern that match the overall style of the room, as well as copying the cushion design you use on your sofas.

Window Seats – if you are lucky enough to feature a window seat in your living room set-up, you will benefit from a cosy corner with plenty of natural light. You will want plenty of room to settle in and perhaps even put your feet up. This is where two small cushions, and perhaps a pom-pom cushion, can prove stylish, practical and provide comfort without blocking the light or view.

3 or 4 Seater Sofa – one of the most common living room set-ups, these sofas offer room for 2 – 3 people to lounge on. Having too many cushions can prove a nightmare with no room to then sit down, but equally one or two small cushions can look sparse and uninviting. If you are aiming for a classic look, use a combination of two large square cushions in a plain colour positioned at the back. Then layer two smaller square cushions in front in vibrant patterns and colours that match in with your room style. For a more casual look, use an odd number of cushions (three or five) in unified prints from the same cushion family, to give the sofa a more relaxed vibe.

L-Shaped Sofas – these are one of the most popular living room seating styles, providing room for the whole family to lounge on or snuggle up on for a movie. They also fit into the corner of most living rooms. Try playing with your cushion set-up and use the rule of three by selecting nine cushions in different sizes, colours and textures. Place three large square cushions by both arms of the sofa or one towards the chaise, depending on your sofa design, and add a smaller patterned cushion to accompany both larger cushions. You can then layer them by adding a bright and bold square cushion in the nook of the sofa and one at the ends. Finish the styling off by adding a long bolster cushion or rectangular-shaped one on the remaining side.

Choosing Designs and Patterns for your Cushions
The design and pattern you choose for your cushions is often where people struggle as there is so much choice. It is also dictated by the style and colour of your sofas in the first place. A neutral sofa is always a good investment, especially when you change your overall colour scheme. It can be kept up to date with scatter cushions in different colours, patterns and textures or co-ordinate it with the theme of your room. James Hare have just brought out their readymade cushion collection, which consists of 17 stunning designs to add colour and pattern to your space.

If you crave a luxurious look, combine a palette of neutral shades such as cream, tan and grey and mix and match fabrics. Play around with subtle patterns such as fine stripes or herringbone and differing textures like boucle, velvet and linen. If you want to add some decadence to your living room, you can’t go wrong with jewel tones, and emerald green, sapphire blue and golden amber work really well together. Mineral prints are also on trend and adding metallic touches will give the look an Art Deco vibe. You could also consider mixing cushions with a piped edge, with cushions with a frilled edge or tassels on the corners, or some embroidery. Romo have a range of beautiful cushions in different textures and designs that would really add that all important final, decorative flourish.

Get cosy and add a throw – there is nothing cosier than cuddling up on your sofa with a throw and they are great for dressing a sofa as it adds an extra textural element. Try throwing a woolly throw over one arm of the sofa, or semi-drape it out of a basket next to the sofa for a casual look. If you have an embroidered or patterned quilt, fold it over the back of a sofa to hide a tired, older sofa. Gallery Direct offer a wonderful selection of throws in different materials that would make a real statement on your sofa, and also have a stunning collection of cushions to compliment the throws.

Bed styling with cushions – when it comes to cushions or pillows on beds, they can look great in a hotel but can get very annoying in your home when you need to remove them all to lie down or get into bed. Instead try adding an even bigger pillow in a fabulous fabric or something graphic in high contrasting colours that really makes an impact on your bed.

If you need help styling your lounge, bedroom or a completely different room in your home, please do get in touch. You can check out www.alle-interiors.co.uk to view our products and collections and the services we offer.

Notes:- Alle Interiors is a small creative team providing a one-stop-shop for all your interior design and soft furnishing requirements with customer service their utmost priority.