Scatter cushions

Where can I use scatter cushions in my home?

Scatter cushions may be sofa staples, but their styling potential goes far beyond the living room. These versatile accessories can bring comfort, colour and personality to almost any space in your home.

Scatter cushions work beautifully in the bedroom too. Layered across your bed, they add softness, texture and that hotel-worthy styling, helping tie together your chosen colour palette.

And don’t stop there! From kitchen benches, dining nooks and even conservatories, scatter cushions are an easy way to soften harder spaces and introduce those finishing touches.

As for those seldom seen areas? A carefully placed cushion on a reading chair or window seat turns overlooked corners into cosy little retreats. The options are endless!

What colour scatter cushions should I choose?

Choosing the right sofa cushion colours starts with the tones of your furniture. Muted shades like cloud grey, chocolate brown and silky cream create a versatile backdrop, giving you plenty of styling options.

For a calm, cohesive look, you’ll want to layer up complementary shades. Think soft neutrals and understated textures (if in doubt, think of minimalist Scandi-inspired styling; it’s a timeless choice). Neighbouring tones, like clusters of sea greens and sky blues, are also great for harmonising a peaceful aesthetic.

If you prefer a stand-out fabric or leather sofa, why not introduce pops of colour through your scatter cushions? Burnt orange, teal and navy add depth and contrast, while blush pink continues to prove itself as a modern neutral.

And how about playing with prints? Patterned or printed sofa cushions like those in our Finishing Touches range are an easy way to bring character and visual interest to your sofa styling. From subtle geometrics, playful florals and animal-inspired designs, prints are the finishing touch to truly make your styling go ‘pow’.

What is the scatter cushion rule?

The most popular and foolproof way to assemble your scatter cushions perfectly is with what’s known as the "scatter cushion rule" and the 2-2-1 formula.

It goes a little something like this. Arrange five cushions on a large sofa: place two large, plain-coloured cushions at either end. Then, put two slightly smaller patterned cushions in front of them, or vice versa. And finally, place one smaller statement cushion in the middle. Et voilà! Guests all get a comfy place to lean back, while the overall arrangement creates a beautifully balanced finish. You are a decorating master.

Of course, not all sofas are the same size, so there is a little wriggle room with the scatter cushion rule. For instance, if you are styling a 2 to 3 seater sofa, try to add no more than three sofa cushions as too many will overcrowd the space and leave no room for seating! You can still use the 2-2-1 rule here, just with fewer cushions.

If you prefer the symmetrical look of just two scatter cushions, placing one at each end looks neat and tidy. And naturally, on a larger corner sofa, you can easily get away with six or more, since you have more space.

Should scatter cushions be the same size?

Sofa cushions certainly can be the same size, but there are no real rules when it comes to their size and shape!

Selecting scatter cushions of all the same size can create an elegant, formal look. If you’re going for a more informal, homely, welcoming vibe, though - mix up the size and shape of your scatter cushions to create a cosier feel.

For more in our soft furnishings range, take a look at our Home Accessories collection or browse all our Living Room Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, and Dining Furniture today.