We're all willing to make a change to our interior design once in a while. We look for inexpensive and effective ways to do it. Today, there are many inventive things you can do to achieve this. Sometimes, just by replacing some of the accessories, or changing the sofa sheets or the indoor cushions, you can make a big change. A lot of interior designers recommend changing the decorative pillows, which is a budget-friendly way to add a new flare to the space.

What to Consider Before Buying

Size

The main thing you should consider is size. Getting the right dimensions and proportions can make a big difference in the overall look of the space. There’s a huge variety of gorgeous decorative cushions that are meant to complement your sofa or couch. They shouldn’t overtake or cover it completely. They shouldn’t be too small either because they’ll get lost in the seating area. If you have a normal-sized sofa, you can go with the standard 50cm x 50cm square pillows.

You can always place various-sized pillows on the sofa to enhance the décor. Start with the largest one on the side and work your way towards the middle of the couch as you arrange the remaining ones. You can also go with the tringle arrangement with the two smaller ones in front and the largest one in the back. Just make sure there’s at least a 5cm distance between them.

Shape

Adding new shapes can sometimes seem scary. But it can truly add a new dimension to the space. For example, square pillows are the most common and very versatile. They can go on the sofa, couch, chair or bench. The second most popular shape is a rectangle. They can look lovely when positioned in the middle of the couch or on a chair so you can recline back. Box-shaped ones are less common but combining them can be extremely entertaining.

Bolster ones are elongated and rounded. They are typically placed as armrests at the end of sofas or as decor in bedrooms. Once placed, they add a dated look to the room. Round-shaped decorative pillows were very popular in the past. They’re making a comeback these days but aren’t widely accepted. If you decide to use them, mix them with other shapes because they look very plain on their own.

Colour

For many people, colour is the first thing they think of when considering buying a cushion. One important rule you should know about is that the decorative pillow should match the seating area it lays on. This means that it can either blend in or stand out. The simplest way is to find a pillow of the same colour as the furniture.

The cushions' colour will be determined by the colour scheme of your room. Pick an anchor, then move in that direction. This anchor can be the curtains, the carpet, the flooring or the furniture. If you have a neutral palette, you can choose pillows with bright colours and vice versa. As long as you know which colours go together, you won’t have a problem.

Pattern

Homeowners are oftentimes shy and are scared of using patterns. Don't be, be bold and do something more daring. As long as the colours are complementary, a patterned pillow on a simple piece of fabric may be a great deal of fun. But if the furniture already has a pattern, it’s better to stay clear of it with the cushions. Patterns should enhance the overall décor and complement the colour palette and textiles in the room.

There are so many ways you can go. If you’re a fan of flowers, a big bold floral pattern will bring bright colours into the picture. Smaller flowers on the other hand will be fun to watch. Geometric designs, straight or curved lines, or polka dots in a variety of sizes can also be used as patterns. Just remember that too many random patterns, will overwhelm the room and make it look cluttered.

Texture

Another crucial component of décor cushions is texture. It gives the scene more depth, nuance, and brightness. Experimenting with colours is always fun and inspiring. But playing with textures can bring out your inner interior designer.

If you feel brave and playful, consider using some of the many different textures such as silk, wool, linen, leather, velvet or even a mix. Talk to your family members about how they feel about texture because not everyone enjoys it and wants to feel it on their skin.

Types of Cushions

Throws

This is the most basic and most popular type of them all. They're decorative and you can just throw them on the sofa, bed or chair. Their basic shape is square and 45-50cm in size. Sometimes it can reach a dimension of 60x60cm. They also come in round or rectangular shapes and many, many designs. Textures, details, fabrics and colours are also endless. Some of them are seasonal, and some can sit on the sofa all through the year.

Breakfast Cushion

This is a small, usually rectangular pillow that matches the bedding. It can be 45-50cm wide, and 30cm deep and can reach a width of 80cm at most. If placed right, this pillow can serve as lumbar support while sitting on the armchair or couch. Just like the throws, they come in many shapes, designs and fabrics.

Floor Cushions

On average, they’re 60-80cm bigger than the rest. Besides being decorative, these pillows are also meant for you to sit on them. They're made to withstand more wear and tear. There's an underside at the bottom to prevent it from slipping all over the floor while you sit on it. They’re great as an extra seating option and good for a gathering around a low table. Some even use it as a meditation spot.

Chair Cushion

This type is also known as a chair pad. It's meant to add an extra layer of comfort and support to the chair, as well as contribute to its overall aesthetics. Normally, these cushions are durable and strong and can stand up to a lot of usages. One feature that makes them distinctive, is the ties at the corners to keep them secure to the chair.

Novelty Cushions

The main purpose of these pillows is not comfort, but decoration. They're very stylish and will add personality and character to the space. They have unusual shapes and always look like something. This may be an animal, fruit, vegetable, cartoon character, superhero etc. Some people confuse them with plush toys at times. These are meant mostly for a child’s room, but if you make the right choice, they’ll look good in the bedroom or living room.