Updated : August 2, 2025
Published : July 22, 2025
Guides

Right, let's talk about cushions. Because somewhere between buying a sofa and actually living with it, we all hit that moment – arms full of cushions in John Lewis, wondering if that geometric print clashes with the velvet or complements it.

The truth is that most of us are overthinking it. But there's also an art to getting it right, and after years of styling our showroom sofas (and restyling them, and restyling them again), we've learned what actually works. So let’s take a look.

Start With the Numbers Game

Here's something interior designers won't always tell you: there's a sweet spot for cushion quantities, and it's probably fewer than you think. A two-seater sofa? Three to four cushions, max. Three-seater? Five to six. Any more and you're in that awkward territory where guests have to relocate half your cushion collection just to sit down.

The odd number rule exists for a reason – it creates visual interest without trying too hard. That said, sometimes four cushions just work better than five. Trust your eye over the rules.

We see it all the time in our showrooms. Customers arrive convinced they need a dozen cushions because that's what the magazines show. Then they actually sit on the sofa, and suddenly those photogenic cushion mountains seem... impractical. Because here's the thing – you need to actually use your sofa, not just admire it.

The Art of Scale

Scale might be the most underestimated element in cushion styling: too small, and your cushions look like afterthoughts, too large, and they dominate everything. Get the scale wrong and even the most beautiful fabrics can start to look off.

For most sofas, you want your largest cushions at 20-24 inches square. These are your anchors – usually placed at the corners. Then scale down from there. Maybe 18-inch squares in the middle, a rectangular lumbar cushion if you're feeling adventurous. The progression should feel natural, not forced.

And please – we're begging you – retire those tiny 12-inch decorative cushions unless you have a genuine use for them. They're the cushion equivalent of those miniature soaps no one actually uses.

Mixing Patterns Without Losing Your Mind

Pattern mixing paralyses people. We get it. The fear of clashing, of looking like you've raided the remnant bin... it's real. But here's an approach that actually works:

Choose one pattern as your lead – maybe it's a bold botanical or a classic stripe. This sets the tone. Your second pattern should be in a similar colour palette but different scale. So if your lead is a large-scale floral, try a small geometric or a subtle texture. The third element? Make it solid, but interesting. Think slubbed linen or rich velvet.

The magic ratio we've found? 60% solid, 40% pattern. Enough interest to catch the eye, not so much that it exhausts it.

Texture: The Secret Weapon

You know those rooms that just feel expensive? Nine times out of ten, it's the texture doing the heavy lifting. Smooth cotton next to nubby linen, or plush velvet against woven wool - the contrast creates depth that pattern alone can't achieve.

The Seasonal Switch

We all have grand plans about seasonal cushion rotations. The reality is that most of those autumn-toned cushions stay up until March because who has the time? So here's a better approach: invest in a neutral base that works year-round, then add one or two seasonal pieces you actually will swap out.

Maybe it's a single ochre velvet cushion for autumn, or a crisp white linen for summer. Small changes, maximum impact, minimal storage drama. The key is making it easy enough that you'll actually do it.

Beyond Square: Shapes That Work

The square cushion monopoly needs challenging. Yes, they're practical and yes, they stack neatly, but a few different shapes prevent that showroom-floor uniformity we're all trying to avoid.

Rectangular lumbar cushions aren't just for bad backs, they’re also able to break up the visual plane beautifully. A single round cushion can soften all those right angles. Even a small bolster adds unexpected elegance. Just don't go wild. One or two alternative shapes among your squares is plenty.

Living With Your Choices

Here's what no one mentions: your cushion arrangement needs to work for how you actually live. Those perfectly karate-chopped cushions you see in magazines? They last about five minutes in real life. And that's fine.

We design our sofas to be lived on, not just looked at. The same should apply to your cushions, so choose fabrics that can handle daily use. Opt for fillings that bounce back (feather and down inserts, properly plumped, beat polyester every time). And accept that perfection isn't the goal – comfort is.

Speaking of comfort, if you're wondering how comfortable are sofa beds these days, the answer might surprise you. Modern designs have come a long way from those bar-in-the-back disasters we all remember.

The Final Touch

The best cushion arrangement is the one that makes you want to sit down. It should feel inviting, not intimidating, and styled, yes - but not strangled by rules.

Take what works from these tips, ignore what doesn't - your sofa, your rules, after all. Though if you're in the market for a new base for your cushion experiments, do explore all space-saving sleeper designs over on our website – they're particularly good at making the most of whatever cushion configuration you choose.