How is it that you distinguish which are the best cushions to have in the home? Does filling matter most or fabric? Should they be patterned cushions or plain? Is it better to have them all of the same size and shape or does a mixture produce a more pleasing effect?
The answer, as with many conundrums in interior design, is to achieve considered, complementary variation. This round-up of nine of the best sofa cushions is a useful place to start your search…
The Best Plain Cushions
Plain cushions are often the base, the background, the blank canvas for building a cushion scheme. To achieve cushion cohesion, select pillows that are of the same colour or the same fabric type so that that there’s no risk of a ‘clash of the titans’ scene on your sofa.
1. The Paiva Cushion
What better neutral to begin with than pure, pristine white? Brabbu’s satin slip cover adds subtle lustre to a scheme with its pearlescent and iridescent finish. It naturally invites printed pillows to sit alongside it.
BRAND: Brabbu
COLOUR: White
PRICE: £164
2. The Renaissance Cushion
A second entry from Brabbu, this plain pillow takes its cue from metallics. Warm in hue, it remains in neutral territory but is a more glamorous alternative to oatmeal or camel. The glimmer in the fringing brings further splendour.
BRAND: Brabbu
COLOUR: Bronze
PRICE: £186
3. The Grainger Cushion
Velvet is a fabric perfectly suited to a solid colour cushion, because pattern can take the focus away from its smooth texture and ability to present deep tones beautifully. Classic navy is one of the most timeless ways to feature it in the home.
BRAND: LuxDeco
COLOUR: Midnight Blue
PRICE: £56
The Best Patterned Cushions
While you can dress a sofa, bed or window seat with one style of cushion alone, on the whole the result will be far richer if you contrast plain cushions with those patterned.
To prevent your selection from becoming too eclectic, pick patterns with a common theme, such as geometrics or florals, or whose motifs are in the same colour.
4. The Osaka Cushion
Hand-made in Britain, this contemporary geometric print is the result of blending natural linen and silk fibres in hues of gold, flecked silver and ultra-deep navy. This designer cushion will sit well in schemes neutral or colourful, modern or traditional.
BRAND: LuxDeco
COLOUR: Blue
PRICE: £95
5. The Kuba Cushion
Make a serious statement in your home interior with this oversized designer cushion that features a graphic monochrome print by Zinc Textile. Inspired by a traditional Congolese Kuba cloth, the tribal motif is created using the softest chenille yarn.
BRAND: Zinc Textile
COLOUR: Dalmation
PRICE: £135
6. The Arco A Volta Cushion
For those wanting to inject boldness and brightness, this square cushion provides both in droves. The elegant, interlocking series of arcs and lines alongside the burnt orange backdrop suit both period properties and Mid-Century style schemes.
BRAND: Brabbu
COLOUR: White/Gold
PRICE: £208
The Best Textured Cushions
While colour and pattern are providers of visual texture, introducing a select few tactile textured cushions promises more intrigue in a room. Consider not just the feel of the fabrics, but the effect of tassels, fringing, raised weaves and threads in opposing directions.
It’s also wise to choose textures that have some presence on your other cushion choices – creating links and features in common between pillows will help them to sit well with one another.
7. The Natural Inkwell Cushion
It’s easy to assume the focus with this cushion is the abstract cover, but it also serves to emphasise the importance of the filling texture; plump feather inners provide texture as you lean back. It’s also a bit of an optical illusion that leads you to believe the texture will vary because of the broad brushstrokes, but the entirety is pleasingly soft and silky to the touch.
BRAND: LuxDeco
COLOUR: Natural
PRICE: £89
8. The Kensu Cushion
Another of the largest cushions in this luxe list, this single colour cushion by Black Edition appears to shimmer thanks to the effect of its textured pile movement. Jacquard velvet on the one side and silky satin on the reverse, this luxury cushion serves two sublime textures in one.
BRAND: Black Edition
COLOUR: Blue
PRICE: £140
9. The Elara Cushion
Like the Kensu cushion, Kai’s Elara design has two sides to its texture story. The raised mottling on the front has a similar texture to that of faux fur, though with a far shorter fibre length. Time for a change? Turn it over for a texture that’s smoother and a finish that’s plainer.
BRAND: Kai
COLOUR: Silver
PRICE: £38
Header Image Credit: Ashley Wilde