To choose cushions for a sofa, start with the size of the sofa, then decide how many you need. Most sofas look settled with three to five, in a mix of sizes. Pick one main colour from the room, add a pattern and a texture, and keep the fillings full so the cushions hold their shape.
How many cushions should a sofa have?
There is no fixed number, but a rough guide helps. A two-seat sofa usually suits two or three cushions, and a three-seat sofa suits three to five. A large corner sofa can take more, as long as there is still room to sit.
Odd numbers often look more relaxed and natural, while even numbers look more formal and symmetrical. Choose the look that suits the room, and then check that you can still lean back comfortably.
- Two-seat sofa: two matching cushions, or three in a loose group.
- Three-seat sofa: three to five, grouped at each end.
- Corner sofa: a group at each end, and one or two at the corner.
What sizes of cushion work best on a sofa?
Mix sizes rather than using one shape throughout. Square cushions are the most common, and many are made at around 45 cm or 50 cm. A larger square sits at the back, and a smaller one or a rectangular cushion sits in front.
Scale matters. A small cushion on a very deep sofa looks lost, and an oversized one on a slim sofa takes up the seat. Because we make cushions in our own workroom, the size can be made to suit your sofa rather than the other way round.
| Cushion shape | Where it sits | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Large square | At the back of the group | Fullness and support |
| Smaller square | In front of the large one | Layers and a change of scale |
| Rectangular lumbar | At the centre or one end | Shape and a place to rest |
| Bolster | At an arm | A clean line and extra support |
How do you choose colours and patterns?
Take your lead from the room. Look at the curtains, the rug and the walls, and pick one colour that is already there. That colour ties the cushions to the room, and the rest can be quieter.
- Start with one main colour taken from the room.
- Add one pattern, such as a stripe, a check or a print.
- Add one plain cushion in a texture, such as velvet or a woven weave.
- Use a small accent colour in one cushion only.
If you are not sure where to begin, our guide to choosing a colour scheme for a room explains how to build from one piece. In a room painted in one colour, as in colour drenching, cushions are the easiest place to bring in a second tone.
How do you mix patterns without it looking busy?
Vary the scale. If one cushion has a large print, pair it with a small check or a fine stripe, and keep a plain one nearby to rest the eye. A shared colour running through the patterns makes them feel like a family.
- Large print: use once, as the hero.
- Small geometric or stripe: works with almost anything.
- Plain textured: gives the patterns room to breathe.
Which fillings and finishes make a difference?
The filling decides how a cushion looks after a week of use. A cushion that is filled generously, often with a pad a little larger than the cover, looks plump and holds its corners. A pad that is too small gives a flat, tired look.
Finishes matter too. Cushions can be piped, bordered, fringed or trimmed, and a fine piping gives a crisp edge. A fringe or a trim can pick up a colour from a curtain or a blind. You can see the range on our cushions and soft furnishings page.
Should the cushions match the sofa?
They do not need to match, and they look best when they do not. A sofa in a plain fabric is the easiest base, because any pattern will sit well on it. A patterned sofa wants plainer cushions in a colour from the print.
If your sofa is due for a refresh, think about the cushions at the same time. Our upholstery and headboards are made in the workroom, so a sofa, a chair and the cushions that go with them can be planned together. For a hotel setting, see how we dressed rooms in Mulberry House Hotel, High Ongar.
How do you keep the arrangement tidy?
- Plump the cushions and reshape the corners when you tidy.
- Turn and swap them now and then so they wear evenly.
- Keep the group small enough that the sofa is still comfortable to sit on.
If you would like cushions made for a particular sofa, tell us about the room and we will help you choose the size, fabric and finish.
