Cushions in colours complementing the sofa create a welcoming effect in the room. They have silent ‘hellos’ about them that invite guests in with a promise of comfort. And when chosen with deliberate intent to give the living room an instant appeal, they can turn even the dullest and uninspiring room into a den infused with warm vibes of cordiality.
Cushions are versatile: they can be accommodated on the sofa, on a bench or simply arranged on a rug in the centre. Besides, they are available in different price ranges to suit the pockets of even those with small budgets. The objective should be to find the right combination of colours in prints and designs that are appealing and in fabrics that are soft and comfortable to rest the back on or sit on. Here are few ideas to get going…
Colours and Combinations
Although uniformity has its attractions, finding consistency by incorporation a single colour or shade in different ways can heighten the look of the room. For example, if your choice of colour is mustard yellow, find cushion covers in solid colours, patterns and small stripes as accent colours. If these are not readily available, you could check out online stores or opt to buy the fabric in different designs to get them stitched by your neighbourhood tailor. Cushions are simple to self stitch too. On the same colour note, it is important not to go overboard with the colour palette. Make a list of all the colours in the room – from the wall colour and wall artworks to curtains and furniture. When cushions are selected with prompts from the colours already existing in the room, you will be able to create a harmony that is a blend of different shades. Ideally, go with two to three main colours existing in the room and pick curtains in shades that are complementary to those. And that means ensuring that all the three shades are not bright or loud; you need a right mix to establish fluidity in the décor elements.
Sizes and Shapes
While most cushions come in the standard 18” by 18” or 20” by 20” square size, the key to identifying the right size is ensuring that it is in proportion to the sofa it will adorn. Big cushions on small studio couches will make the room look busy and the sofa not so comfortable. If cushions overtake the sofa, leaving little or no space to actually sit on it, your purpose is completely defeated. On the same count, if you have one of those large 7-seater sofas, do not hesitate to go in for those fluffy pillows that have comfort splashed all over them. You could also add a dash of oomph to the sofa décor by adding cushions of different sizes that can fit in with the look. Alongside the size and shape of your cushions, also make a note of the numbers that your sofa could accommodate. One expert on the subject recommends 1 cushion for a one-seater sofa, four for two-seater and five for three-seater.