Cushions are often labelled as an ‘accessory’, we disagree, they are a necessity! Soft furnishings are a fantastic way to quickly update a room and add warmth, comfort and style to your home. However, whilst it may be quite easy to find an abundance of cushions to your taste, it’s then knowing what to do with them! That’s where we come in…
Below we have listed popular styles of cushions with 6 top tips on how best to style them.
1. Simple, sophisticated & striking
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
It is a total taboo to say that block colour cushions are ‘plain’ or ‘boring’ as they have the capacity to make a real statement if you get it right! Solid colours are a great way to break up patterns or add some extra colour to the room.
TOP TIP: solid colour allows you to really experiment with different textures, rather than patterns. For example, velvet cushions will add instant opulence, whilst shaggy cushions make for a cosy finish. Layering textures is a big YES from us, as it adds so much character and depth.
2. Not ‘one size fits all’
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
Mixing different shapes and sizes of cushions can add interest to your sofa, making your eye dance around all the different edges. The general rule is that rectangular cushions are better for beds and we should stick to square cushions for sofas, but they don’t say ‘rules are made to be broken’ for any old reason.
A larger rectangular cushion looks brill placed in front of a large square cushion, and smaller cushions stacked in front of the bigger soft furnishings gives you that golden ticket to creating a fabulous and fun eclectic finish.
TOP TIP: Organising cushions on your sofa are best done in a symmetrical fashion, however, the cushions don’t have to be exactly the same. As long as the overall size of the cushions on each size is similar, then you’ve got the balance right. For example, you could have one larger cushion on the left side of the sofa, and two smaller items on the right.
3. It’s a black and white world
Image Credit: My Bespoke Room
Much like Burberry’s distinctive check pattern, black and white will always be a timeless classic. Monochrome can be a foundation to build upon with colours and textures, or a statement look in itself.
A monochrome scheme can be a pattern lover’s dream, because by forgoing colour you leave room to experiment further with contrasting patterns and textures.
TOP TIP: Complement a monochrome scheme by incorporating neutral, textural accents such as timber, brass & marble.
4. A pop of colour
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
One of the best things about cushions is how they can create a big change on a small budget. If you have a predominately neutral room then cushions and soft furnishings are a great way to add that POP of colour and interest. Your colour scheme can change with the seasons thanks to interchangeable cushions.
TOP TIP: Match the colour of your cushions to colours in wall art and other accessories for a super cohesive finish.
5. From the cold outdoors to cosy indoors
Love nature, but sometimes wish you could enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? Now you can! Palm print cushions, abstract leaf prints, insect motifs and earthy colours are bang on trend right now. Modern florals, botanical prints and animal designs create an organic and calm feel in your home. The perfect place to unwind!
TOP TIP: Pair this style with indoor greenery and timber accessories.
6. Velvet, faux fur and cotton? We’ll take them all
Velvet, linen, cotton, wool, faux fur, shaggy cushions… throw them all together and it will probably work. Ok, don’t hold us to that! If you keep the colours neutral or quite muted, it means you can have fun with textures, creating a pretty cosy finish!
TOP TIP: By using lots of different textured cushions creates a great, eclectic look. To make sure it isn’t too wild match a couple of fabrics or colours.
How do we arrange our cushions?
TOP TIP: As a rule of thumb, an odd number of cushions arranged symmetrically, usually including a feature cushion at the front of the arrangement, tend to give a perfectly styled finish. However, you can mirror 1 or 2 cushions on each side, totalling an even number and still looking fab!