Refreshing or reinventing the aesthetic of your living space can be as simple as trying out new ways of styling your sofa cushions. Accessorising with decorative cushions is a fantastic tool for experimenting with new decor styles, and can be used to instantly change the vibe of a room. Whether you are redecorating for a new season, or wanting a low-commitment way of trying a different aesthetic, knowing how to choose and arrange accent cushions is an important skill to have in your styling toolkit. Here, we will share our top tips for styling scatter cushions to enhance your home decor and create a look that you will love.

Choosing the Right Decorative Cushions

Consider Colour and Pattern

When selecting decorative cushions for your sofa, consider how the colour and pattern will reflect the overall style of the room. The colour palette of the space should influence your choice in throw pillows, and be sure the cushion covers include at least two colours from the room, to create a cohesive look. A decorative cushion in a relaxed, contemporary room should tie into the existing colour palette, while you can feel free to add a pop of colour into an eclectic or maximalist space with a brightly coloured accent cushion. If you have dark wood furniture, choose cool tones for your scatter cushions, while warm toned cushions work best with light woods. As a general rule when layering accent cushions, the back cushions should be a small-scale pattern or solid colour, while the front scatter pillows act as statement pieces.

Deciding the Number of Throw Pillows

The number of throw pillows you decide to use should be influenced by the atmosphere you are wishing to evoke. An even number of sofa cushions, especially arranged symmetrically, creates a more formal tone. An odd number of accent cushions arranged asymmetrically sets a more relaxed, eclectic tone. The "rule of threes" is a fantastic starting point when you can't decide which scatter cushion to place where - grouping throw cushions in threes is pleasing to the eye and creates a soothing, welcoming feel.

Experiment with Texture

Exploring and experimenting with a variety of textures is a fabulous way to create visual variation while maintaining a cohesive look, or for further enhancing eclectic diversity. Cushions covers should be chosen from an array of different fabric and weaves, combining smooth with highly textured, but be sure to not select fabrics that are too similar to that of the couch. To inject a little personality into your living space, choose a cushion cover with a unique tactile detail, such as fringe, tassels, embroidery, fur, or roping.

Selecting Shapes and Sizes

Choose decorative cushions of various shapes and sizes that match your interior aesthetic. Set a sophisticated tone with identically sized cushions, or select a mix of sizes for an effortlessly chic vibe. Introduce a playful and relaxed feel with round or uniquely shaped couch cushions. To create a harmonious, balanced feel, layer accent cushions with the 2-2-1 rule: place 2 large square cushions at the back, with two smaller lounge cushions in front, finishing with a rectangular accent cushion at the very front.

Seven Ways To Arrange Your Accent Cushions

1. Evoke a sophisticated, classy feel with a pair of evenly spaced identical decorative cushions.
2. Opt for an eclectic mix of colours, shapes, and sizes, and arrange assymetrically to create a quirky vibe, injecting life and personality into the room.
3. Arrange your throw cushions symmetrically, placing the largest cushions on the outside and the smallest in the centre, to create a balanced, effortlessly elegant feel.
4. For a cozy, relaxed vibe that is visually satisfying, arranged a mix of scatter cushions in a trio at either end of the couch. This looks especially good on a sectional sofa.
5. Decorative cushions don't always need to sit in the corners of your lounge - try placing them centrally to refresh and uplift the mood.
6. Position patterned cushions in an alternating pattern for a refined yet whimsical appearance, making sure to overlap the cushions slightly to make it feel cohesive.
7. If you don't want to clutter up a small sofa with several couch cushions, placing one or two cushions in just one corner adds a much-needed pop of colour and textural variance without sacrificing space.