Matching cushions and curtains go beyond aesthetics; they add balance and cohesion to a space. When these two elements complement each other, they create a sense of unity that anchors the room.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether curtains and sofas need to match in color. While the answer isn't black and white, the rule of thumb is that they don't have to be an exact match, but they should complement each other.
Work with the Furniture
For example, if your window frame is large, there will be lots of fabric from the ceiling to the floor. In that case, colors darker than your couch may be overwhelming. If your windows are smaller, darker colors than your sofa would be complementary and not take over the space.
Pro tip: Try to use a contrasting pillow for your first layer. For example, if you have a grey sofa, your first pillow should be a lighter color. If you have a beige sofa, your first pillow layer should have darker hues. You don't want your pillows to blend right into the sofa.
If your sofa is dark, match the curtains with another dark colour to keep the room feeling cosy, or choose a lighter shade to brighten it up. Similarly, if your sofa is light, choose a light colour for your curtains to keep that airy feeling, or a darker colour – perhaps in the same shade – to add some contrast.
Earthy Neutrals
Neutral colours and curtain fabrics such as linen will help you achieve this. Think soft linen in off-white, grey, cream, beige and muddy green tones.
If you have patterned curtains and a textured couch, a solid-colored rug can help balance out the space. Conversely, if you have a solid-colored couch and curtains, a patterned rug can add visual interest and depth to the room.
THE 2-2-1 scatter cushion RULE
According to Kashi, the rule involves using a total of five pillows. Begin by placing two pairs of pillows on each end of the sofa, and then add one feature pillow in the center. For the pairs at the ends, select pillows of different sizes, with the larger one positioned at the back.
Your living room's color scheme will guide your throw-pillow palette. Choose an anchor color, and look for pillows in that exact shade. If your goal is an eclectic look, opt for bold patterns that use your anchor color. If you're aiming for a more minimal vibe, look for throw pillows in a solid color.
The key to maintaining balance with this look is to ensure that your sofa offers a neutral counterpoint. Opt for lighter colored seating to break up darker tones and provide a focal point. Grays and beige tones work best to add contrast into the space, and provide a versatile starting point if you choose to redecorate.
Blue: Known for its calming effect, blue is a popular choice for bedrooms. Light blues can create a serene environment, while darker blues add a sense of depth. Earth tones: Colors like taupe, brown, and olive green create a warm, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a restful bedroom.
When it comes to grey sofas, white, off-white or cream curtains work best. Such colours allow the living room to flow seamlessly around all its corners. If your home uses a contemporary décor, such a combination would work best as there's no attention called out to anything in particular.
If you're asking whether all your blinds and curtains should match colour, you can answer yes, but only if that's what you prefer. We recommend choosing achromatic colours, such as white, grey and black. These colours will match any colour room if you choose the right shade to match your paint.
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.
A cream sofa is versatile, and it can pair well with a wide range of curtain colours, styles, textures and fabrics. To create a bold aesthetic in the room, one may opt for blue or green curtains that coordinate well with the creamy tone of the sofa.
For the best placement, consider positioning the sofa with its back against the window. This arrangement not only reduces glare while sitting on the sofa but also allows the sofa to bask in natural light.
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.
Stick with Neutrals:
Start with neutral colours when choosing cushions for a dark or light grey sofa. Think white, beige, or tan cushions. They blend nicely with the sofa and keep your look balanced.
Dark grey couches provide a versatile backdrop for both luxurious and vibrant throw blankets. Metallic Tones: Silver or gold throws bring a touch of luxury and sophistication. Vivid Colors: Turquoise, hot pink, or lime green can provide vibrant, eye-catching contrast.
When decorating for smaller sofas and loveseats, we recommend three pillows. For large sofas and sectionals, we recommend five pillows. Of course, there is no wrong number of pillows for your arrangement, and the most important thing is to do what works best for you.
Dust mites feed on dead skin cells that accumulate on your pillow over time. It's the perfect breeding ground for them. The best way to keep their numbers low is to change your pillowcases often.
Your doctor is checking to see if you have a 'pillow problem'. The number of pillows under your head can affect your airway. Keeping it open has its obvious benefits.
Ultimately, the decision to match curtains with the walls or couch comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the space. It's crucial to consider factors such as the size of the room, the colour scheme, and the overall style and aesthetic.
Here, a lighter rug beneath a darker sofa can help reflect light upward, drawing attention to these period features whilst creating an airier atmosphere. Conversely, in a modern flat with floor-to-ceiling windows, a darker rug might help anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too stark or clinical.
Greige (Grey-Beige)
If you're wondering what colour rug goes with a beige couch, greige is a natural choice.