No sofa is complete without a few well-chosen cushions. The way you style them can completely transform the look and feel of your living space. While there’s no strict rule for arranging cushions, one of the most popular methods is the 2-1-2 layout. This involves placing a large cushion in each corner, a slightly smaller one beside each, and a single cushion in the centre. It’s a simple arrangement that instantly gives your sofa a more styled and considered appearance.
The number of cushions you use can make a big difference to the overall look of your sofa. Too many, and your living room may start to feel cluttered – not to mention your sofa could become less comfortable. For a standard three-seater, we usually recommend sticking to two cushions. If your sofa is larger, you may be able to get away with a few more without overwhelming the space.
Perfectly arranged cushions can sometimes feel a little too formal. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed, lived-in look, try placing cushions slightly off-centre rather than symmetrically. Shifting the arrangement to one side immediately creates a more laid-back feel. Another trick is to use an odd number of cushions – even numbers often appear more structured, while odd numbers feel more casual. For a balanced yet informal look, we suggest placing two cushions on one side of the sofa and a third on the opposite end.
Updating your cushions is a simple yet effective way to add colour to your living room. Swapping them throughout the year can completely refresh the look of your space – think bright yellows and blues for summer, and rich, deep reds for the winter months. When selecting cushions, we recommend choosing complementary colours for a cohesive feel. Alternatively, you can mix and match different colours as long as the patterns, shapes, or textures work well together.