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How to arrange cushions by Greg Natale

December 30, 2014 18 Comments

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By Greg Natale

While some think of the humble cushion as an inexpensive and fairly inconsequential styling accessory, it has an honourable history as a substitute for chairs across the palaces and great houses of the early Middle Ages. Only the very wealthy could afford cushions thanks to the expensive dyes and fabrics of the day. As their intricate patterns were also painstakingly handcrafted using fine threads and complex knotting, cushions became pieces of art in their own right.

Historical cushion cover 1590 Interiors Addict
An English cushion cover circa 1590. Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art

However these days, cushions are an easy and attractive way to add colour, pattern and contrast to any room and of course, they can also be replaced without fuss whenever youโ€™re after a new look.

Cushions symmetry14 Interiors Addict

But cushions mean more to me than just that. As I point out in my new book, The Tailored Interior, theyโ€™re an important aspect of layering and styling that create cohesion and flow in a room. To be honest, I canโ€™t even imagine a sofa without cushions โ€“ it simply doesnโ€™t look finished! So here are a few suggestions to help you get your cushion size, shape and styling right:

Size. Over the years, Iโ€™ve found that 500mm (20 inch) square cushions work best for sofas and beds. Keep them the same size for a cohesive result. Look for feather and foam inserts for a lovely firm feel and covers with concealed zips for a seamless effect.

Cushions close up Interiors Addict

Quantity. I recommend four cushions for a two-seater sofa and six cushions for a three-seater. Divide them into two matching sets as visual bookends for a resolved and balanced look.

Cushions colour Interiors Addict

Positioning. Sit them on their flat side, placed one behind the other. Whatever you do, donโ€™t position them on a point to form a diamond shape! Leave that look to the Travelodge!

Combinations. Consider other elements of your design and go from there โ€“ for example, a pop of colour works for an otherwise largely neutral base. I also like to mix organic and geometric patterns for a really dynamic arrangement.

Cushions neutral sofa Interiors Addict

Fabrics. Of course you can select more sumptuous fabrics for indoors, but remember to rely on hard-wearing ones to keep your outdoor cushions fresh. As a fan of detail, I also love a bit of piping or trim to add contrast and personality.

Cushion Piping detail Interiors Addict

Anyone who knows me well knows that as a child of the eighties, a lot of my early memories came from what I saw on our familyโ€™s television set. I was obsessed with the American series Dynasty and consider its set design instrumental in inspiring me to become an interior designer.

Alexis with cushions Interiors Addict

In the introduction to The Tailored Interior, I mention that I thought Alexis Carringtonโ€™s all-white apartment was the height of glamour. Fittingly, as it turns out, itโ€™s the pops of pink in her cushions that really help make her apartment sing.

Alexis Carringtons apartment Interiors Addict

Like all soft furnishings, cushions can be minimal, frivolous, classic or elegant, but whatever your taste, theyโ€™re a wonderful low-investment, high-return styling accessory.

Cushions final image Interiors Addict

So have some fun with them. Play with colours, patterns and textures and dare I even say it … throw cushion to the wind!

– The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale, Belle Coco Republicโ€™s Interior Designer of the Year 2014, is now available at all good bookstores or online at Bookworld. It reveals Gregโ€™s secrets on how to achieve your dream design look with complete confidence as well as all the places Greg shops for his fabulous cushions.

All photography from The Tailored Interior by Anson Smart. See photos from our reader book signing with Greg.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarSarah says

    November 20, 2014 at 7:59 am

    I have always had a love hate relationship with the cushion and now I think I know why… its not about finding one that you love – they all have to coexist!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 20, 2014 at 11:20 am

      Very true!

      Reply
    • AvatarStella Stanley says

      November 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      You make them sound like the Montagues and the Capulets, Sarah!

      Reply
    • AvatarGreg Natale says

      November 24, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      It’s really just about finding a ying and yang

      Reply
  2. AvatarStella Stanley says

    November 20, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Or should I say, The Carringtons and The Colbys!

    Reply
  3. AvatarAnne says

    November 22, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Great tips. I always love cushions in other people’s homes but can never quite get them looking quite right in mine. Maybe it’s also time to dig into some Dynasty re-runs!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 23, 2014 at 11:15 am

      Glad you found it useful, Anne!

      Reply
  4. AvatarDale says

    November 24, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    I love the cheap thrill you can get refreshing a room with cushions but I’ve never thought about them as ‘visual bookends’ before. Great suggestions. Thanks Greg!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 24, 2014 at 6:06 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it, Dale!

      Reply
  5. AvatarRochelle Burbury says

    November 24, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    I recently updated my cushions at home and you’re absolutely right! I obviously channelled my subconscious Dynasty style. I also love the bookend idea – works beautifully. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 24, 2014 at 6:06 pm

      Glad it was useful, Rochelle!

      Reply
  6. AvatarJosanne Ryan says

    November 28, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Great cushions do indeed change the look and feel of a room. The current trend of mixing patterns and colours (as opposed to the Alexis Carrington ‘one’ colour matchy matchy look) works well to really liven up a room.But it has to all work together and I see you are a master at that Greg. I wouldn’t have thought to put 6 cushions on my 3 seater so seems I need to get cracking and get some more cushions to compete the look!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 28, 2014 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks for your comment Josanne!

      Reply
  7. AvatarPam Jones says

    December 31, 2014 at 8:22 am

    Help!!!!!! … My question still not answered is how to stop cushions from sliding out of place on a leather lounge. What size, shape, filling can stop this??? I’m due to get new cushions for a reinvent but concerned I’m going to have the same old problem again. Everything slides down ๐Ÿ™

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 31, 2014 at 9:52 am

      I think the heavier the better, i.e feather! I have a learher couch and feather cushions and they seem to stay put ok. Avoid anything vaguely shiny. My cushions are linen, for example. Other than that, I think it is just one of those things with a leather couch. Hope that helps! Jen

      Reply
  8. AvatarWAM Home Decor (@WAMdecor) says

    January 19, 2015 at 11:47 am

    Lucky its not just the wealthy that can afford cushions today! As a fairly inexpensive addition to a lounge or bed, we love the amount of cushions available now. There is always a selection of styles to suit any interior and a fun way to decorate. http://www.wamhomedecor.com.au

    Reply
  9. AvatarAlice says

    May 30, 2015 at 12:34 am

    Thanks Greg, my couches look amazing now. Just few thoughtful adjustments make such a huge difference.

    Reply
  10. AvatarMaria says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    I have bought a few cushions already for our new couch but I’ve just realised I will need a whole heap more since the couch is HUGE The issue is I don’t think I can get more of the same cushions which means there’s no ‘cushion symmetry’ – Should I just mix patterns and fabrics and colours? or should I buy a whole new set of cushions?

    Reply

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