Can you relate to this familiar scenario? You spend hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram, saving stunning images of beautifully styled sofas paired with gorgeous designer cushions. Inspired, you think to yourself, "I can totally recreate this look!" You envision finding similar pieces and effortlessly pulling together a stylish, Instagram-worthy living room.
Fast-forward a few weeks, and your living room makeover has taken an unexpected turn. Those late-night online shopping sprees have yielded a mismatched assortment of Etsy finds – the "vintage" cushions that looked identical to the designer's in the photo now seem like a distant cousin. Paired with some pieces you already owned, the result is...underwhelming. You step back, surveying your handiwork, and can't quite put your finger on what's missing – but it's definitely not the textile masterpiece you envisioned.
Does this scenario sound all too familiar? I've been in your shoes, and I completely understand the frustration. Despite curating countless cushions, I still encounter challenges in creating the perfect combination. However, after trial and error, I've distilled my experience into a few valuable lessons and developed a foolproof formula for achieving cushion combo perfection.
The following guide is designed to outfit a large sofa or window seat that can accommodate 3 cushions on each side. You can follow the same principals for a smaller sofa/window seat with two cushions on each side.
1. Pick your palette
Start by examining your foundational pieces – your rug and artwork. Identify 3-4 colours that prominently feature in these elements. Reality check: If your rug and artwork lack a common thread, it may be time to reassess and consider swapping one of them to create a cohesive base. Assuming you have a harmonious foundation, use the 3-4 colours you've selected as the starting point for your cushion colour palette. This will ensure a unified look and make combining cushions a whole lot easier.
2. Start with the Solids
- A foundational neutral (e.g., beige, gray, or taupe)
- A non-neutral solid in one of the colours from your carefully curated palette
3. Mixing Patterns: Where the Magic Happens
- Linear/geometric patterns (e.g., stripes, gingham, plaid)
- Organic/floral patterns (e.g., botanical prints, abstract shapes, block print)
Tips for Mixing Patterns
- If you love block prints, choose one with a solid-coloured background and another with a natural background featuring the coloured print.
- Pair the solid-background print with your neutral cushion and the natural-background print with your solid-coloured cushion.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey and don't rush the process. Investing in designer cushions requires patience and diligence – take the time to research, explore your options, and make informed decisions that align with your vision and style.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed?
- Rug
- Large furniture
- Artwork
Explore our full cushion collection!
Classic Velvet Cushion | Caramel
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Ava Block Print Cushion
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$225.00
Our collection of block print cushions have been hand selected to mix and match and create beautiful, curated sets for your home. The term "block print" refers to a traditional printing technique in which intricate patterns are carved onto… read more
Sienna Cushion
$250.00
Characterised by beautiful handwoven and naturally dyed cotton, our Sienna Cushion has the most lovely baked clay colour that pairs phenomenally well with our Rosemary block print cushion. It has our favourite hand-stitched detail down the center as well as fringe on the side -… read more
Annie Fringed Linen Cushion | 60cm x 60cm
$148.00
An ideal accent to mix, match, and layer, the Annie Fringed Cushion is made from beautiful 100% linen 100% linen with a mix of subtle natural tones and contrasting fringing. Feather insert included. … read more
Vera Block Print Cushion
$225.00
Our collection of block print cushions have been hand selected to mix and match and create beautiful, curated sets for your home. The term "block print" refers to a traditional printing technique in which intricate patterns are carved onto… read more
