We all love cushions – they are an excellent means of adding character to an otherwise monotonous interior. That said, cushions aren’t a magic bullet and there are certainly right and wrong ways to deploy them. Exactly how can one get the most out of cushions? Let’s take a look at some things to consider.
Contrast
One of the best ways to make a set of cushions stand out is to contrast them with their surroundings. This might mean pairing a dark set of cushions with a pale bed or sofa. This will make the cushions stand out, but it will also more generally punctuate the monotony – after all, a single shade of beige everywhere is unlikely to be inspirational.
One should also consider the other colours in the room. Matching your cushions with your curtains (or vice versa) can often lead to pleasing results. So, for example, if you have a pale sofa and dark curtains, then select a shade which closely resembles the latter.
On the other hand, you might already have more contrast than you need inside the room. You don’t want to go so far as to overload the senses – an excessively multi-coloured room may just end up giving its occupants a headache. There are only so many different shades that the human eye can appreciate at any one time, so it’s best to limit the number of contrasting colours to three or four.
Consult a colour wheel
The colour wheel is a tool, beloved by interior designers which was first devised by Isaac Newton in 1666 – for purposes that had little to do with interior design. On the wheel you can see which colours closely match one another and which contrast. Often, a pleasing overall effect is simply a matter of striking a balance between the two.
This may seem overly technical – and in some instances it might be better to go with your gut. But if struggling with colours, then you might consider consulting a colour wheel.
Texture
Of course, we have more than one sense and so colour, as important as it is, isn’t everything. We must also consider how a cushion feels. Texture is a hugely-underappreciated quality in upholstery, since we tend to shop for things using our eyes – never by touching them. This is especially so now that we do so much of our shopping over the internet. For this reason it is sometimes useful to visit an actual, physical shop and test the quality and texture of the fabric personally.
As well as considering the overall tactile qualities of the cushion, one should bear in mind how it will sit in the room. How will it sit with the rest of the ensemble? Will the overall effect be harmonious or contrasting?
There are some textural options available to small cushions which simply cannot be duplicated on a large sofa. For example this fur cushion will add some excitement to fabric upholstery. Conversely, if you’ve got a leather sofa, then you can easily accent it without resorting to such extremes, using only simple fabric cushions.
Unlike colour, there are no real set rules here – since you won’t be able to touch everything at once. You can largely go for whatever you think is best. If you like, you can even include some more extreme designs, such as those which bear images of animals, or those which bear colourful flags, or even those which do both!
Patterns and Unity
Cushions are an ideal canvas upon which to display elaborate patterns – the sort which would overwhelm a larger one, like a settee. If you intend to employ such patterns, then you should also consider how well they will sit with the rest of the room and how many you intend to use. More than one of them is often excessive.
Just as you decide on a colour scheme, it’s also advisable to settle on a single unifying theme to bring the whole room together. You can then match or contrast your choice of cushions with the other elements in the room, like the curtains and rugs.
In conclusion
As well as being an excellent way of adding extra comfort to a room, cushions are an excellent way of improving its overall look and adjusting its tone in one direction or another. One set of cushions can make a room appear cool, while another might do the opposite. By careful planning your room, you can use the cushions to create exactly the desired effect that you are looking for.
