How to Style Cushions on Sofas: 5 Ways to Help Enhance The Look of Your Living Room

Cushions are an often-overlooked yet powerful tool in interior design. They can transform a living room from drab to fab, adding personality, comfort, and style. Today I'm sharing my top five tips for styling cushions on sofas to enhance your living room’s look.

1. Mix and Match Textures and Fabrics

One of the easiest ways to add depth and interest to your sofa is by mixing and matching different textures and fabrics. Consider using a combination of velvet, linen, cotton, and even faux fur cushions. The varied textures not only add a tactile element but also create a visually appealing contrast. For instance, pair a smooth velvet cushion with a chunky knitted one to achieve a balanced yet dynamic look.

Pro Tip: When mixing textures, stick to a cohesive colour palette to avoid a chaotic appearance. Neutrals like grey, beige, and white work well as a base, allowing you to introduce bolder hues through your cushions.

2. Play with Patterns and Prints

Incorporating patterned and printed cushions can bring a splash of creativity to your living room. Stripes, florals, geometrics, and abstract designs can all coexist beautifully when balanced correctly. Start with a main pattern that you love, then choose complementary designs that share a similar colour scheme.

Pro Tip: Use the 60-30-10 rule. Allocate 60% of your cushions to a dominant pattern, 30% to a secondary pattern, and 10% to an accent pattern. This method ensures a harmonious yet interesting arrangement.

3. Experiment with Different Sizes and Shapes

Cushions come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from large squares to small rectangles and even round pillows. Mixing these different forms can add a playful and dynamic element to your sofa styling. Large cushions can act as a backdrop, while smaller ones can be placed in front for added depth.

Pro Tip: Arrange your cushions from largest to smallest, starting from the back of the sofa. This creates a layered effect that is visually appealing and inviting.

4. Colour Coordination

Colour is a crucial aspect of cushion styling. Coordinating your cushions with the existing colour scheme of your living room can tie the whole space together. You can either choose cushions that complement the dominant colours in your room or use them to introduce a new accent colour.

Pro Tip: Consider the colour wheel when choosing your cushion colours. Complementary colours (those opposite each other on the wheel) can create a vibrant look, while analogous colours (those next to each other) offer a more serene and harmonious feel.

5. Seasonal Switch-Up

Don’t be afraid to change your cushion arrangement with the seasons. This not only keeps your living room looking fresh and updated but also allows you to reflect the changing moods and temperatures outside. For example, opt for light, bright cushions in spring and summer, and switch to richer, warmer tones in autumn and winter.

Pro Tip: Store your off-season cushions in vacuum-sealed bags to save space and keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them again.


Styling cushions on sofas is an art that can significantly enhance the look of your living room. By mixing textures, playing with patterns, experimenting with sizes, coordinating colours, and switching up seasonally, you can create a space that is both stylish and comfortable. As and Interior Designer, I believe that every detail counts, and cushions are no exception. So, embrace your creativity and have fun with your cushion styling – your living room will thank you for it!

For more tips on transforming your living spaces, visit Ty & Mor’s blog and Isntagram regularly. We’re here to help you make every corner of your home as beautiful as possible.