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How to co-ordinate cushions with sofa fabric

If you love to follow interior designers on Instagram (or even just stylish celebs), you’ll know how important cushions are for finishing off show-stopping décors.

But tying together the lounge with nothing more than a couple of cushions is easier said than done. Even just matching the colour and design of your sofa, which may seem like a safe choice, is seen as something of a style faux pas in the interior design world.

To put your living room on the style map, there are a few tips you need to know. Read our handy guide on how to choose cushions for sofas to learn everything from which colours you need to consider to finding the perfect cushion shape for your style.

Let’s jump right in.

Colour

bromley scatts (1)

With an infinite number of shades and hues, it can be a little daunting finding the right combination for your sofa and cushions. After all, the colours need to complement each other and become the focal point of your lounge.

However, it’s worth remembering that a small drop of colour can go a long way. If your sofa is pastel or light-coloured, for example, then opting for a boldly-coloured cushion can draw the eye without taking over the entire suite.

On the other hand, if your sofa is already holding court, then you have two options. You can either continue the vibrancy with a complementary colour or balance the look with a subdued, neutral shade, such as Amalfi Pebble.

You don’t just have to focus on co-ordinating the colours of your couch and cushions though. You can use your cushions to create a harmonious aesthetic throughout the entire room by matching them with other soft furnishings, such as your curtains or footstool.

For any chin-scratching moments of uncertainty, take a look at our blog post for everything you need to know about the colour wheel.

Pattern

When it comes to the combination of sofas, cushions and patterns, it’s always best to exercise restraint. With too many different patterns battling for attention, you risk creating a messy, overdone décor.

Even if you have a long-term love affair with floral patterns, just choose one of your sofa or cushions as the artistic centrepiece – not both. Don’t worry, even when used sparingly, the beautiful bouquet will still shine through.

Size and dimension

Scatter cushions and a matching throw blanket on a sofa

If you think cushion shapes are unimportant to your décor (they’re only going to fall on the floor, aren’t they?) you’d be wrong. In fact, finding the right fit is just as important as complementing your colour scheme.

If you’re a cushion buying novice, that’s okay. There are plenty of opportunities to experiment with different shapes and sizes cushions to find a look that’s right for you. Of course, square cushions (which double up as diamonds) are the classic choice, but cylindrical and circular cushions can break up the monotony of horizontal and vertical lines that characterise many modern living rooms.

Start co-ordinating your cushions with your couch today when you browse Plumbs’ collection of fabrics. We offer a wide range of reupholstery fabrics, sofa covers and scatter cushions to complete the look of any stylish living room.

Sophie Page
Sophie Page

Sophie is a great granddaughter of the founders of the business - so fabrics and furniture are almost part of her DNA! Her interests include home interiors and upcycling, and her favourite show to watch after work is The Repair Shop. Some of the topics she covers on the Plumbs blog include sofa reupholstery and furniture protection.

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UK-wide service
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