Styling Your Sofa

It can be overwhelming to find the right mix of cushions for various spots in your home like the sofa, bed, window seat, or bench. To assist you in this endeavor, we are developing a series of Journal posts that offer tips on selecting and assembling ideal cushion combinations. Kicking off this series are our insights on Sofa cushions!

Before we begin, please remember that we are here to assist you in sourcing the ideal fabrics and crafting custom cushions tailored to your needs. Feel free to reach out to us at bryony@maytreeinteriors.co.uk for personalised assistance and support!

Cushions for the Sofa:

Match your cushions to the sofa by selecting ones that compliment not only the sofa's style but also the overall aesthetic of the room. For instance, if you have a white sofa in a country-themed setting abundant with green hues, consider opting for cushions that echo this natural ambiance. Choose neutral cushions with a subtle green accent to harmonise the colour scheme. Experiment with a blend of prints, fringes, and trims such as a classic ticking stripe, a delicate floral pattern, and a timeless plain linen or herringbone design. Alternatively, for a more understated look, stick to plain linen cushions adorned with different textured edges like a folded edge, a fringe, and a simple straight edge. 

If you find yourself in a modern living space adorned with a sleek contemporary sofa, it would be fitting to complement it with cushions that exude a similar contemporary flair. Consider opting for cushions featuring subtle linear prints, boucle, plain designs with fringe details or modern trims, and perhaps even a linen cushion coupled with a plush velvet back for a sophisticated touch.

When it comes to a classic sofa shape, there are some simple tips for making your arrangement seamlessly integrate with your chosen style: consider the colour palette of the room, opt for complementary cushions to enhance comfort and aesthetics, and ensure the sofa's dimensions align harmoniously with the overall space.

*Images of sofas sourced from Pinterest

 Traditional Sofas:

For three-seater sofas, I would recommend experimenting with a combination of two or three different sizes of cushions. Embracing asymmetry can add visual interest to your sofa setup. It is important to note that not all cushions need to match, it depends on the look and style you are after. For example, a more rustic, farmhouse look would have different patterns, tones, textures and sizes. Whereas a more contemporary home may opt for very similar tones, little pattern and straight lines. A contemporary sofa would be more symmetrical, similar sized cushions and equal balance on either side.

When it comes to two-seater sofas, consider pairing two cushions on one side and a rectangular cushion on the other to create a balanced yet dynamic look. This approach works particularly well for rooms that may lack balance. If you have a lot of furniture on one side of the room, think about having the singular, rectangle cushion on that side of the sofa. Feel free to play around with cushion sizes and designs to discover what arrangement best suits your space.

*Images of sofas sourced from Pinterest

Loveseat:

Loveseats are meticulously crafted to offer a blend of functionality, snugness, and overall comfort. The number of cushions recommended for a loveseat greatly varies depending on its style. Should you have a loveseat adorned with two plush cushions resting against its arms, a singular patterned cushion positioned in the center could be ideal—an option measuring around 50x50cm would compliment it nicely. Conversely, if your loveseat lacks any cushions, a combination of a 50 x 50cm cushion alongside a 45 x 45cm or 50 x 30cm cushion might be just the right fit. Experimenting with diverse styles is encouraged; consider pairing one printed cushion with another plain one adorned with a charming fringe detail. Embrace the creative freedom that comes with decorating your loveseat—it's a furnishing that speaks volumes through its unique presence. 

*Images of sofas sourced from Pinterest

Modular Sofa:

Modular sofas can offer an exciting avenue for styling your space! Their deep, luxurious design can easily accommodate varying room sizes. A key tip is to play with the number of cushions and avoid perfect symmetry - an uneven arrangement adds dynamic flair. For instance, consider placing two cushions at each end and three in a corner. Larger sofas can handle a more generous display, such as three cushions at each end and four in a corner. Don't shy away from mixing sizes, tones, and textures - try a blend of 60 x 60cm, 50 x 50cm, 45 x 45cm, and 60 x 40cm or 50 x 30cm cushions to enhance the visual appeal based on your sofa's dimensions.

*Images of sofa sourced from Pinterest

Chesterfield:

Chesterfields are known for their shallow depth, showcasing intricate tufting details that add to their charm. Considering this, it might be best to highlight rather than conceal these features. One attractive arrangement could involve having three cushions - two of the same size placed symmetrically at each end of the sofa, with a rectangular cushion or bolster elegantly positioned in the center. This setup not only maintains the sofa's aesthetic appeal but also offers a balanced and inviting look.