New furniture is expensive, but new cushions are not. The right cushions can make a tired sofa look fresh and a simple bed look like a hotel suite. Here are seven easy rules that work in any Pakistani home, whether your style is modern, classic or colourful.
1. Stick to a palette of three colours
Choose one neutral (cream, beige or grey), one main colour taken from your room (the sofa, curtains or rug) and one accent for contrast. Three colours look planned; six look messy.
2. Use odd numbers on sofas
For a 3-seater sofa, three or five cushions look natural. For a 2-seater, two or three. For a sectional, five to seven spread across the corners and the middle.
3. Mix sizes, largest at the back
Place larger cushions (20 × 20 or 22 × 22 in) at the corners and back, and smaller ones (16 × 16 or 18 × 18 in) in front. A single rectangular (lumbar) cushion in the middle finishes the look.
4. Combine a pattern with plain textures
Pair one patterned cushion with solid ones in textured fabrics like velvet, knit or linen. If your sofa is already patterned, keep cushions mostly plain.
5. Match your bed cushions to your bedsheet
On the bed, start with the two pillows in their matching pillow covers, then add two cushions that pick up a colour from the bedsheet print. For example:
- With the midnight blue & gold damask set, add mustard or gold velvet cushions.
- With the black & white trellis set, add grey or blush pink cushions for softness.
- With the maroon floral set, add cream and deep red cushions for a warm, classic look.
6. Change covers with the seasons
Keep the cushion fillers and swap only the covers: light cotton and linen in bright colours for summer, and velvet or knit in warm, deep colours for winter and wedding season. It is the cheapest way to make a room feel new twice a year.
7. Give them the "karate chop"
For a neat, styled look, plump each cushion and give the top a light chop in the middle. It is a small detail, but it makes a sofa or bed look instantly finished.
Keep cushions fresh
Wash removable covers every 2 to 3 weeks in cold water, inside out, and dry them in the shade, just like your printed bedsheets. Fluff the fillers in the sun (on the reverse side) once a month to keep them full. Our cushions & pillows collection is coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How many cushions should go on a bed?
Two sleeping pillows plus two to three decorative cushions is enough for most double and king beds. More than that becomes a chore every night.
What is the most common cushion size in Pakistan?
16 × 16 in and 18 × 18 in are the most common sizes for sofas; 20 × 20 in works well on large sofas and beds.
Should cushions match the sofa colour?
Not exactly. Cushions look best when they contrast slightly with the sofa, while repeating a colour from somewhere else in the room.
