IDEAS & ADVICE

How to style scatter cushions

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your sofa or add some personality to your bedroom, scatter cushions can do just that.
 

These popular cushions come in all shapes and sizes but are typically smaller than your average cushion, meaning you can fit more onto your sofa or bed. You can find them in pretty much every colour, pattern and fabric, so they’re perfect for bringing some personality into your living space.
 

With so many design choices available, you might not know where to begin. Our guide to styling scatter cushions is here to help you with the upgrade your space, and inspire you on how to style them on your bed or sofa!

Shopping for your scatter cushions

Choose your cushion colour palette:

The colour of your scatter cushions should complement the rest of the room’s décor. Stick to neutral colours like grey or beige if you’re a fan of modern and minimalistic, or choose fun, bright colours for the summer months. Black and dark scatter cushions can also make a statement – though you might want to stay away from these colours if you have pets, since fur shows up a lot easier on them.

How to arrange scatter cushions on a sofa

If you’re dressing up your sofa, follow these tips for the perfect scatter cushion arrangement:

- The amount of scatter cushions you should have on your sofa depends on your sofa size and how big the cushions are. The larger the sofa, the more cushions you can fit though try not to go overboard! There still needs to be room to sit down on the sofa without having to remove any cushions.

- If you have cushions in all shapes and sizes, try the 2-1-2 formation to give dimension.

- Mix a couple of big square cushions with a large rectangle cushion and two smaller squares.

- Combine patterns with plain designs or switch between colours and textures to add some excitement.

Think about shapes and sizes:

It’s easier to fit small scatter cushions onto a standard sized sofa, but if you’re planning on decorating a bigger surface such as a king sized bed, large scatter cushions can work just as well. Most people opt for square, round or rectangular scatter cushions. You can also find cushions in fun shapes like love hearts and stars; these make the perfect addition to any kids’ bedrooms that need a dash of colour.

How to arrange scatter cushions on a bed

Dressing up your bed with some scatter cushions? Here’s how you can keep things looking cohesive:

- Bedroom cushions tend to be bigger than sofa cushions, though this isn’t always the case. Find a size that works best for the size of your bed, though you can still experiment with lots of different shapes.

- The 2-1-2 formation works just as well on beds as it does sofas; add an extra couple of large square cushions if you have the room.

- Make sure your scatter cushions match your bed linen; many people opt for white bedsheets to allow the cushions to do the talking.

- Maximise the cosy look with a comfortable throw or rug. Match the colour and material of your throw or rug to your pillows to keep things cohesive.

Consider the fabrics and textures:

If you’re looking for a long-lasting cushion, cotton and linen mix scatter cushions are a great choice, since they’re washable and don’t crease easily. Luxury scatter cushions come in silk or cashmere which are perfect for summertime, while velvet or faux fur scatter cushions are great for the colder months.

Opt for a fun pattern:

Patterns are the marmite of interior décor; you either love them or hate them. But it’s possible to add some fun patterns with scatter cushions without things looking too busy. You can find sets of scatter cushions consisting of both plain and patterned pieces to help get that balance right. If you’re buying each of your cushions separately, choose the majority in the same colour and design and select a few with patterns to add some dimension.

With so many designs to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect scatter cushions for your home. Why not go one step further and update your furniture? We have a great selection of beds on offer, from single beds to double beds, as well as sofas in all different sizes.