How to dress a sofa with cushions and throws

Give your sofa a new lease of life with our inspiring ideas for styling cushions and throws

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How to match cushions to your sofa

Soft furnishings don't have to be bland – if you love colour or just fancy a change, don't be afraid to introduce striking pattern and a vibrant palette to add impact. A velvet sofa in sophisticated navy strikes just the right balance between statement and subtle. You can either keep cushions tonal using a range of matching shades or liven up with contrasting prints. The trick to clashing patterns is to have one element in each cushion that matches another, either the colour, pattern, or texture, so even though they're all different there is overall unity. Layer up with matching throws for an eclectic living space you'll love to lounge in.

How many cushions you choose is up to you, a three-seater sofa generally needs between three and six in a variety of sizes and shapes. Place larger cushions at each end of the sofa, with smaller ones in the middle to create a cosy nest.

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Cushion ideas for grey sofas

If your sofa is a more neutral tone, such as grey, use boldly patterned cushions to add a dash of colour or texture. Mix it up by choosing a palette of complementary colours and add depth and interest with different fabrics and textures. Try different shapes for added contrast, such as round or bolster-style cushions.

You'll discover that pretty much any colour and pattern of cushion goes with a grey sofa – it's the ideal blank canvas. Try soft pink, blue or green tones to give your living room a luxurious and modern feel. If you want to create a cosier vibe, combine velvet cushions with throws in plush faux fur and super-soft cotton for an inviting space that feels supremely sumptuous.

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