How many cushions should you put on a sofa? 

There’s no ‘right’ number of cushions to adorn your sofa with. Whether you like to build cushion forts on the weekends or keep things minimalistic, deciding how to arrange those cushions on a sofa is a personal choice.

It can be tempting to overload your sofa with those squishy pillows – after all, there are so many gorgeous designs out there. But, while this will undoubtedly create a cosy nest, it can be a little overwhelming. As a general rule of thumb, you should add a maximum of three cushions to a two-seater sofa and up to nine for a large corner sofa.

For a ‘lived-in’ feel, place two cushions in one corner of your sofa – resulting in the perfect target to sink into after a long day. Don’t be afraid to play around with cushion size to create some depth. You could opt for a few larger cushions and a couple of smaller ones to add interest and dimension to the space.

When displaying large amounts of cushions, try arranging them in pockets. Have pockets of two or three cushions at either end of your sofa – and even one in the middle – for a cosy but calm effect. This way you can still fit four to nine cushions (depending on your sofa size) in an uncluttered and clear way.

Go one step further and get creative with an accent chair. Either add a single cushion for a balanced aesthetic or layer a couple of cushions to make the seat even more inviting.

Five ways to arrange cushions on your sofa

There are an infinite number of ways to arrange cushions on your sofa to create an inviting space. From keeping things neat and uniform to throwing order out the window and embracing maximalism, the possibilities are endless. These five suggestions are based on a two-seater sofa, but feel free to use your imagination and adapt for any size sofa that works in your space.

Abstract Face Cushion

1. The three-cushion chop

Enter the three-cushion chop. Place three square cushions on your sofa in a row – one at each arm and another in the middle. Then, use your hand to make a chopping motion at the top of each cushion to create an indent. This will help to plump up the cushion and create a more relaxed and slouchy shape.

2. Rule of thirds

Even numbers can feel more formal, so why not mix things up? The rule of three states that things look more eye-catching and appealing in odd-numbered groups. Instantly add interest with an odd number of cushions in different sizes and shapes – like two rectangle cushions and one square

3. Three’s a crowd

Create the illusion of space with two cushions at one end of the sofa and one by itself at the opposite end. Not only does this create an interesting contrast, but it also draws the eye across the sofa – making it look longer.

4. Play around with texture

Spice up your cushion arrangement by adding a variety of textures. Think faux fur, woven designs or all-over boucle to add some excitement. These warm textures will also work wonders when creating a cosy reading nook to retreat to in the evenings.