How to Arrange Cushions on a Sofa: Size & Styling Guide

Need some inspiration for choosing the best cushion size and layout for your sofa? Follow our recommended size and arrangement guide below. 

Let's dive into each sofa type:

How to Arrange Cushions on a 2 Seater Sofa

Standard 2 seater sofas measure between 180-230 cm wide. 

Single Layer Option

If you are after a minimal, clean look, then single-layer styling could be for you.

Choose two 50 x 50 cm cushions and place them on either side of the sofa.

Two pillow sofa arrangement

For a more casual, asymmetrical look, you can place both pillows at one end of the sofa.

Two pillow asymmetrical sofa arrangement

Double Layer Option

The double-layer styling option is a perfect balance between achieving a soft and cozy look while leaving enough space on the sofa for comfortable seating.

It also allows for mixing different textures, colors, and patterns.

The simple yet effective option is to choose four 50 x 50 cm cushions and place two at each end of the sofa.

 

Four pillow sofa arrangement

If you want to leave more space on the sofa or prefer an asymmetrical layout, you can opt for three pillows instead of four.

Three pillow sofa arrangement
Alternatively, swap the third 50 x 50 cm cushion for a rectangular 30 x 50 cm or 40 x 60 cm cushion, depending on your sofa size.Three pillow sofa arrangement with lumbar

Three Layer Option

Going with three layers allows you to blend various textures, colors, and patterns, resulting in a unique design.

Experiment with combining solid colors, subtle patterns, and more prominent patterns for a well-rounded look.

Opt for five 50 x 50 cm cushions, placing two at one end of the sofa and three at the other end.

Five pillow sofa arrangement

To add further variety, consider including a rectangular cushion for the third layer. Opting for 30 x 50 cm cushion usually works well.

Two pillow sofa arrangement with lumbar

How to Arrange Cushions on a Small 2 Seater Sofa

Small 2 seater sofas are sofas that are less than 180 cm wide.

Sticking to one or two layers of pillows works best on smaller-sized sofas.

The best square cushion size for small sofas is generally 50 x 50 cm, and the best rectangular cushion size is 30 x 50 cm.

How to Arrange Cushions on a 3 Seater Sofa

If your sofa is wider than 230 cm — a typical 3-seater sofa length — or has a deeper seating area, we suggest using the same layering technique as for 2 seater sofas but scaling up slightly.

For a fuller look, consider choosing larger cushions. As for rectangular cushions, a good size is 40 x 60 cm. If you prefer, you can also add a fourth layer.

How to Arrange Cushions on a Corner Sofa

A sectional sofa, typically shaped as a corner sofa offers versatility and flexibility in seating arrangements, making it a popular choice for large living rooms or open-concept spaces.

Single Layer Option

For a minimal look, place three 50 x 50 cm square cushions on each corner of your sofa.

Three pillow sectional sofa arrangement

Double Layer Option

For a cozier and fuller appearance, consider using two layers of cushions. We recommend choosing 50 x 50 cm cushions.

Six pillow sectional sofa arrangement


Three Layer Option

For a third layer, consider adding one rectangular cushion, either in size 30 x 50 cm or 40 x 60 cm (ideal for sectionals with deeper seating areas).

Seven pillow sectional sofa arrangement

How to Arrange Cushions on an L-Shaped Sofa

An L-shaped sofa is usually a 3-seater sofa with an extended lounge or chaise at one end.

To create a harmonious look, place more cushions on the regular seating end of the L-shaped sofa and fewer on the lounge area.

It might seem odd at first because the lounge area looks larger, but this helps balance the visual weight. Since the lounge already adds a lot of visual presence, adding more cushions to the seating end will even out the overall appearance.

Double Layer Option

For a simple yet balanced arrangement on an L-shaped sofa, choose three 50 x 50 cm cushions.

Place one cushion on the lounge end and two cushions on the regular seating end.

L shaped sofa cushion arrangement
You can also swap out the front cushion for a rectangular cushion in size 30 x 50 cm or 40 x 60 cm.
L-shaped sofa cushion arrangement with three cushions
Another beautiful styling option for an L-shaped couch is to go with four cushions. To maintain visual balance, choose a smaller 30 x 50 cm cushion as the front cushion on the lounge end of the sofa.
L-shaped sofa cushion arrangement with four cushions

Three Layer Option

If you love the cozy and inviting look of plentiful cushions, consider using three layers of cushions on your L-shaped sofa.

Start with four square cushions, all in size 50 x 50 cm.

Then, add a rectangular cushion (30 x 50 cm or 40 x 60 cm) to the regular end, or use a smaller square cushion instead.

L-shaped sofa cushion arrangement with five cushions

How to Style Cushions on a Sofa

Although design is a creative field with no strict rules, here are some general tips that always work and help style a beautiful and harmonious-looking sofa:

1. Create harmony by color repetition: Repeat colors by selecting multiple cushions with the same color or find cushions where the color is repeated in the pattern. For example, if you have one blue solid color cushion, find another cushion that features blue as part of its pattern.

Create harmony by repeating cushion colors

2. Add visual interest by alternating patterns: Mix and match patterns by choosing a solid color cushion alongside one with a small-scale pattern and another with a large-scale pattern.

Add patterns for visual interest cushion styling

3. Incorporate neutral colors: Introduce neutral-colored cushions (e.g., white, beige) to balance out too many or overly bright colors that may not work well together.

Include neutral cushions for a balanced look

4. Envision the final look: Experiment with our complimentary Canva template to visualize various cushion arrangements in your space. Additionally, feel free to request fabric samples or request a free cushion design consultation.

See also: How to Arrange Cushions on a Bed