Cushions are the fastest, most affordable way to change the look of a living room or bedroom. Swap a few cushion covers and a tired grey sofa suddenly looks boho, coastal, Scandi or festive. But there's a knack to it – too few cushions look sparse, too many look cluttered, and the wrong sizes can make a big sofa look tiny.
This guide covers how to style cushions on a sofa and bed, how many cushions you need, the best cushion sizes and combinations, how to mix colours, patterns and textures, and how to choose the right cushion insert so your cushions look plump and full.
How many cushions should you put on a sofa?
A simple rule: match the number of cushions to the size of your sofa.
- Two-seater sofa: 2–4 cushions. One on each end, or a pair on each end for a fuller look.
- Three-seater sofa: 3–5 cushions. A pair at each end plus one lumbar cushion in the middle works beautifully.
- Corner or modular sofa: 5–7 cushions. Style each end and the corner, leaving room to actually sit.
- Armchair: 1 cushion (a lumbar or a single square).
Odd numbers (3 or 5) tend to look relaxed and casual; even numbers (2, 4 or 6) look balanced and more formal. Both work – choose the feel you want.
The best cushion sizes for sofas and beds
Cushion covers in Australia usually come in these sizes:
- 40 x 40cm – small square, good for armchairs and the front layer.
- 45 x 45cm – the most common sofa cushion size; suits most sofas.
- 50 x 50cm – a generous size for deep, modern sofas.
- 60 x 60cm – large back-row cushions for big sofas and beds.
- 30 x 50cm lumbar – rectangular cushions for the front layer, armchairs and beds.
- 80 x 80cm – floor cushions and oversized bed cushions.
The layering trick: put the largest cushions at the back and smaller ones in front. For example, on a three-seater: a 50 or 60cm cushion at the back of each end, a 45cm cushion in front of each, and a 30 x 50cm lumbar cushion in the middle.
Classic cushion combinations that always work
The 2 + 2 + 1 (three-seater sofa)
Two matching large cushions (one at each end), two matching medium cushions in a contrasting pattern in front, and one lumbar cushion in the centre. It's balanced, easy and looks professionally styled.
The asymmetric 3 + 2
Three cushions on one end (large, medium, small) and two on the other. This feels relaxed and modern, and works well on corner sofas.
The lumbar statement
On a minimalist sofa, just two square cushions and one long lumbar cushion in a bold texture can be all you need.
How to mix cushion colours, patterns and textures
The secret to cushions that look styled rather than random is a plan:
- Choose a palette of 2–3 colours. Pull them from your rug, artwork or curtains. For example: rust, cream and olive; navy, white and sand; or black, white and natural.
- Use one plain or solid colour. Solid cushions give the eye a rest – try the Plush Lumbar Cushion Cover in yellow, navy, dark grey, coffee or green.
- Add one larger-scale pattern. A bold geometric or graphic print, like the Mid-Century Geometric Linen Cushion Cover or the Black & White Boho Cushion Cover Set of 4.
- Add one smaller pattern or texture. Stripes, dots or a woven texture, like the Striped Corduroy Cushion Cover or the Boho Dots Jacquard Cushion Cover.
- Mix textures. Combining corduroy, linen, velvet and knits adds depth – even in an all-neutral scheme. The Wavy Line Velvet Cushion Cover and Ramie Cotton Cushion Cover are perfect for texture lovers.
Cushion styles for popular Australian interiors
Boho cushions
Think earthy tones, tassels, woven textures and global patterns. The Boho Tassel Cushion Cover comes in 21 woven designs, and the Corduroy Patchwork Cushion Cover adds a relaxed boho-farmhouse feel. Layer with a Boho Knitted Throw Blanket to finish the look.
Coastal and Hamptons cushions
Use crisp white, sand, navy and soft blue, with natural linen and simple stripes. Natural fibres like the Ramie Cotton Cushion Cover look effortlessly beachy. Explore our Coastal Living collection for more.
Scandi and minimalist cushions
Keep the palette calm – white, grey, black and natural – and let texture and line art do the talking. The Minimalist Line Art Linen Cushion Cover has a double-sided print and a concealed zip.
Modern and mid-century cushions
Bold shapes and confident colour. Try mid-century geometric prints alongside a velvet solid in mustard, rust or bottle green.
Christmas cushions and throws
For the festive season, swap in reds, greens and golds and drape a Vintage Santa Christmas Throw Blanket over the arm of the sofa. It's an easy seasonal refresh that you can pack away in January.
How to style cushions on a bed
A styled bed looks like a hotel suite. For a queen or king bed:
- Start with your sleeping pillows – a satin pillowcase set adds a little luxury.
- Add two large square cushions (50–60cm) leaning against the pillows.
- Add two medium cushions (45cm) in front.
- Finish with one lumbar cushion (30 x 50cm) in the centre.
- Fold a throw across the bottom third of the bed – a Chunky Knitted Throw or Chevron Knit Throw adds colour and texture.
Choosing the right cushion insert
Most cushion covers, including ours, are sold as covers only. The insert you choose makes all the difference to how your cushions look.
- Go up a size. Choose an insert the same size as the cover, or 2–5cm larger, for a fuller, plumper look. A 45 x 45cm cover looks great with a 50 x 50cm insert.
- Feather inserts are soft and squishy and hold the classic "karate chop" dent.
- Polyester fibre inserts are budget friendly, hypoallergenic and easy to wash.
- Check zip placement. Concealed zips and hidden zip closures give a clean finish from every angle.
Throw blankets: the finishing touch
A throw blanket softens a sofa, adds warmth in winter and pulls your colour palette together. Drape it loosely over one arm, fold it neatly over the back corner, or fold it at the end of the bed. Our throws include chunky knits, chevron knits and boho knitted throws in a range of colours and sizes.
Outdoor cushions and covers
Outdoor settings get sun, rain and spills, so choose fabrics made for it. Tropical Outdoor Sofa Cushion Covers are waterproof with a non-slip backing, Floral Stretch Sofa Cushion Covers slip over existing seat cushions, and the High-Back Chair Cushion fits garden, patio and dining chairs. For hanging egg or nest chairs, try the Round Swing Chair Cushion.
How to care for cushion covers
- Zip covers closed and turn them inside out before washing to protect prints and texture.
- Most covers can be washed on a gentle, cold cycle – always check the product description.
- Air dry out of direct sun to prevent fading.
- Plump cushions daily and rotate them so they wear evenly.
Cushion styling FAQ
What size cushions are best for a sofa?
45 x 45cm is the most versatile sofa cushion size. Deep sofas look great with 50cm or 60cm cushions at the back and 45cm or lumbar cushions in front.
Should cushions match?
They should coordinate rather than match exactly. Use a shared colour palette and mix solid, patterned and textured covers.
Are cushion inserts included?
Our cushion covers are sold as covers only, so you can choose the insert and firmness you like.
How often should I change my cushion covers?
Many people swap covers seasonally – lighter linens and coastal tones in summer, velvets and knits in winter, and festive colours for Christmas.
Shop cushion covers and throws
Browse our full range of cushion covers and throw blankets in corduroy, linen, velvet, ramie and knit – with free tracked shipping Australia-wide and 30-day returns.