If you’re looking to give your décor a quick refresh without having to spend too much, then new cushions are the way to go! Cushions can transform your space, adding some much-needed colours, patterns and texture to your home interior. Not only are they comfort essentials, but they can also become gorgeous style statements! Here’s how to get your cushion décor just right.
Choose the Right Type of Cushions
Cushions serve a decorative as well as a functional purpose, as besides looking good they can be used to support your head, neck or back. There are also cushions that you sit upon, which must offer additional support for the body. Cushions are padded and filled with infills that include memory foam, cotton fibre, gel or polyfill. They could have an inner cover made of cotton fabric or muslin, and are usually covered with upholstery in a decorative fabric.
Always choose the material carefully; as a cushion that’s too hard can be very uncomfortable, but one that’s too soft will not give you the support you need. The shape of your cushion also has a bearing on the comfort level; and you can choose from square, rectangular, round or bolster shaped cushions.
Coordinate with Your Existing Colour Palette
The cushions and throw pillows that you pick should coordinate well with your existing colour palette. If you have gone with neutrals, adding colourful cushions will make your spaces more vibrant and appealing. While you may be tempted to go with the same colours that are already in the room, don’t be afraid to try some contrast that can spice up the vibe and transform it from the mundane to the extraordinary. As a general rule, remember that using more than three colours can be overkill, especially if they are not complementary shades.
In this comfortable living room, the use of cushions and a matching throw in a warm yellow ochre breathes life into the neutral shades of grey in the room.
Dare to be Different!
You don’t need to match the same patterns of the upholstery or drapes; cushions that deliberately stand out from the surroundings can be the ultimate chic statement. Mix and match colours, patterns and textures till you get an arrangement that appeals to you. Bolder prints and vivid colours call for a neutral backdrop.
This designer has juxtaposed a bunch of vastly different sizes, shapes and designs for a lively collection of cushions that look perfectly happy together!
Play Around with Textures
Contrasting textures and a variety of upholstery materials add layers and depth to your sofa décor. You can combine linen upholstery with velvet cushions, or rough organic fabric that is dotted or checkered with soft and sleek backdrops for a combination that piques interest. Even if your décor is minimalistic and monochromatic, you can choose cushion fabrics with different textures to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your décor.
We love the natural textures that add a cosy vibe to this sustainable living room décor, dominated by soft creams and shaggy greys!
Get the Numbers Right
There are no rules when it comes to how many cushions you should use. While a formal arrangement usually uses one cushion more than the number of sections in the sofa, a casual arrangement can use any number, size and shape of cushions. Odd numbers tend to work well, and if you’re mixing and matching shapes and sizes try to create an arrangement that looks good and appeals to your taste.
When positioning pillows and cushions on the bed, the most usual arrangement uses two large rectangular pillows at the back, two smaller square ones in the middle and one or more cushions of a different shape in front.
Patterns that Please
Bold geometric patterns like chevron stripes, polka dots and slanting lines add visual interest and inject personality to any space. If your interior leans towards a classical theme, floral patterns or paisley prints could be what you are looking for. Ethnic cushions with mirror work and embroidered motifs would go well with a traditional theme, while crocheted patterns and lace cushions lend an old-world charm to your décor.
This lovely combination of square cushions cleverly mixes geometric patterns with solid colours for a contemporary vibe.
Trending Colour Combinations for Cushions
Black, white and bold colour like red or yellow; grey with blue and green; and taupe with cream and brown are winning colour combinations that look good in any setting. If you’re looking for contrast, deep mustard, earthy terracotta, living coral and vivid tangerine are colours that pack a punch! Always choose the backdrop carefully; neutrals like white, grey and cream will go well with any contrasting shade.
Note how colours, textures and patterns are carefully coordinated to get an effortlessly put-together look in this charming seating corner.
As you can see, with a little bit of thought you can transform the look of your living room, family or bedroom with perfectly placed and well-chosen cushions and pillows. Every time you tire of the look, all you need to do is to swap around the arrangement or change the cushion covers— and your room is instantly refreshed!
For more pro tips and styling ideas, connect with the HomeLane team!
