How to choose and arrange scatter cushions: 

Some believe scatter cushions serve no purpose and just take up space on the bed or couch. But cushions are actually a very practical and affordable way to update your interiors, add colour and pattern as well as style a living room, family room, or bedroom while adding a touch of luxury.

Cushions are now an everyday item of luxury that can complete spaces and rooms. Placing a bright or patterned cushion on a very plain couch can give your space a totally different feel, and make it appear cosier and more inviting too. This doesn’t mean it’s easy to look through thousands of different shades and patterns to find a few that will look great in your space. Here are our handy tips for choosing the right cushions for your home and how to arrange them.

Your cushions don’t have to match

In fact, you can achieve a more professional, stylish look if they don’t. If you’re going to mix and match then make sure one of the colours in the patterned cushion matches a colour you have chosen in one of your other cushions. You’re going to get the most impact if all your pillows are either in the same shade or in a pair of complimentary shades.

You can also mix textures

There are so many different textures to choose from, such as smooth and rough, silky and fuzzy. From soft velvets and natural linen to fluffy knit wools and tassels, you’re spoilt for choice. Combining heavy textures with lighter ones across your cushions will help your home look cosy and modern.

Invest in good quality inners

This way you can swap and update the covers when needed. If you want to change your furniture or even if you decide to keep your furniture as is, then you can change your cushion covers to give your room a new look. This is also a great way to incorporate new on-trend colours.

Go bold if you dare

If you have a neutral colour theme in your living room, select two or three bold colours to inject a little interest and depth into the space. The more neutral your room, the brighter your cushions can be. Draw the colour scheme of your cushions from a rug, a piece of artwork or even a favourite carpet colour. If you are sprucing up the room and need to change the carpet, here are our tips to help you choose the right carpet colour.

Odd numbers look modern

When arranging your cushions, keep in mind that for a modern look, odd numbers work best—think of three, or five. In most design aesthetics, odd numbers always look more artful, and a smaller number of larger pillows looks fresher than a jumble of smaller ones.

One simple print, one busy print, and one solid

This is a basic formula that will help you narrow down your options. Another way to think about it is — one small print, one big print, one solid. Your busy/large print should be on your largest pillows or the pillow that is front and center, as this print will usually set the tone for not just your pillow arrangement but the rest of your room. Plaids and stripes work well as small/simple prints.

The cushions should get smaller 

Visually, your largest pillows should be in the far corners, and your smaller pillow should be on the inside or at the front. But also for comfort, it makes the most sense to add the large cushions on the sides, where you won’t need to move them out of the way. A small cushion right in the center won’t make you feel like you’re perched on the edge of the couch because the pillows are taking up all of the room!

Make them look lived in

Use a ‘karate chop’ in the middle of the cushion to create a crease in them – this will make them seem more lived in and loved. It will also help to break up uniform shapes, and unite cushions of different colours, scales or families.