We recommend using 2 to 4 cushions on a 2 seater sofa or couch. Using 2 cushions creates a pared down and minimal look, 3 cushions creates an eclectic and more modern style, while 4 cushions provides the opportunity to add depth and balance to your arrangement.
Too many cushions and your living room could look cluttered, and they may even make the sofa less comfy. As a general rule, we reckon a two- or three-seater sofa needs a maximum of three cushions. If your sofa's larger then you can get away with more. Think six or more on a large corner sofa.
Place the largest cushion at the back, angled in the crook of the sofa between the arm and the backrest, then place the medium in front of it (slightly offset away from the arm) and the smallest in front of that (again slightly offset towards the arm). Replicate the look in the opposite corner with the same cushions.
Central cushion arrangement
To work this arrangement, place cushions slightly away from the ends of the sofa. For a more relaxed and aesthetically pleasing look, try grouping cushions in odd numbers; for instance, a group of three or five cushions.
With that being said, however, a good rule to follow if you're not sure is three pillows for normal-sized couches and five for larger ones. Having an odd number here helps give your couch a more modern look and gives you the ability to double up on pillows on one side or space them evenly across each cushion.
We recommend using anywhere from 3 to 6 cushions for a 3 seater sofa. Using 3 cushions creates a pared down look, 4 cushions helps to create symmetry, while using 5 and 6 cushions creates a much fuller look with plenty of opportunity to showcase textural and size differences.
That's because there isn't one. The number of pillows that's right for your couch or bed is completely determined the size of the furniture, its use and even the set-up of the room it's in. In some cases, the bed may not have too many pillows, but the pillows may be too many for the room – creating a cluttered look.
It really doesn't matter which colours you chose as long as the tones are similar. And that goes for adding patterns too – stick to the same shades and similar fabrics and you can break any rule you want!
TOP TIP: As L-shaped sofas have three focal points, the number of cushions you choose should always be in multiples of three (one for either end, and another for the corner section). This helps to draw the eye to the key areas of your corner sofa.
Standard couch cushions are square. On a normal three person couch with smaller cushions, cushions are typically 18 inches or 20 inches square. However, larger couches often have cushions that are 24 inches square or larger.
Mix up the size and shape of your cushions
Choose two solid coloured larger scatter cushions that pull together the different tones in your room. Then, select some slightly smaller ones with different patterns but similar colour palettes to sit on front of these.
Displaying a pair of cushions on your 2 seater sofa gives it a pared down look and is often a favourite for those who prefer a minimal way of decorating. The cushions can be placed at each end of the sofa or slightly towards the centre. You may select identical cushions to keep your decor scheme simple and elegant.
Go for a subtle pattern or texture in the 50 x 30cm cushion, as there will be two of these so you don't want to clash or go over the top. Arrangement: place both 45 x 45cm cushions alongside each other at the back of the two-seater sofa. Then place the 50 x 30cm cushions in front.
Expert tip: always choose a cushion pad that's the same size or one size bigger than your cushion cover to ensure extra plumpness and comfort. Never go for a cushion pad smaller than your cover as you'll end up with empty corners where there's no filling – overstuffed looks and feels much better.
Polyester
If you are on a budget, then polyester sofa cushions are your best option. They are available in different densities and are quite inexpensive. However, the filling does flatten out easily. Soft polyester has features such as smoothness, durability and bounciness.
A sectional is the perfect seating option to accommodate a host of people along with all your best throw pillows. You should plan on having around seven throw pillows, but you may want more or fewer, depending on the size of your sectional.
For most people, sleeping without a pillow may make neck pain, back pain, headaches, migraines, and even snoring or other breathing disturbances worse. According to sleep experts, using one to two pillows at most is the best combination for sleeping on your back or your side.
First, focus on getting rid of pillows you use to sleep with each evening. Get rid of any that you dislike for whatever reason, like that horrible pillow that hurts your neck, or the one that is so old it is falling apart. Then, get rid of any excess pillows until you're left with a reasonable number.
No law states that you can only match your curtain depending on the colour of your couch and wall. At the end of the day, it all depends on your style and preference.
Stack four standard white pillows at the head of the bed as a backrest for your accent cushions to lean on – you can either have these laid down or standing up. For a minimal and symmetrical look stick to even numbers for the accent cushions. Using variation in cushion sizes and shapes adds interest and a layered look.