How many Cushions for a 3 seat Sofa?

Aaaahhh cushions and pillows!  How many is too many?  Or not enough?  I’ve written before about my Love Hate Relationship with Cushions.  So let’s tackle the question of how many cushions you should have on a standard 3 seat sofa?

In a recent decor coaching session, I was helping a client work out exactly what sort of cushion arrangement she needed on her sofa.  There’s no right or wrong answer, which really isn’t that helpful to you is it?  So I’ve prepared 8 possible cushion arrangements that work well on a 2-3 seat sofa.  Starting with minimal cushions, and working up to lots of cushions.

One Cushion Each Side

This is for people who are not really cushion people (they are probably not reading this post).  If you are only going to have two cushions, it’s important to choose a cushion in a contrasting colour or pattern to your sofa, and place one in each corner.

Two Cushions Each Side

Building on from only one cushion, add a second cushion each side.  The cushion can be the same size or slightly smaller.  A 50cm and a 45cm square cushion work well together.  Try to choose a different colour or pattern.

Two Cushions per Side Plus a Feature

Take your classic two cushions per side and add a feature cushion.  The feature cushion will usually have a different colour or pattern and be a different shape and size to the other cushions.

Two Cushions Plus Three Cushions

Take the above cushion arrangement and simply offset the feature cushion to one side to achieve an asymmetrical look.

Two Cushions per Side Plus a Feature and One Behind

Going back to two cushions per side plus a feature, if you find the back of the sofa looking a bit sparse, then add a cushion behind the feature cushion.  This cushion should play a support role to the feature cushion, rather than trying to be the star.

Three Cushions Per Side

Another way to arrange 6 cushions on a sofa, is to place 3 on each side.  Because the same 3 cushions can look a bit symmetrical and matchy-matchy, try using one feature cushion in a different shape or size on just one of the sides.

Row of Cushions Across the Back

If you love cushions and want a full look, layer cushions across the back of the sofa.  It looks better if you layer them slightly in front and behind each other rather than arranging them side by side edge-to-edge.  If you have two of the same pattern cushions, mix the arrangement up a bit so you don’t end up with two of the same cushion side by side.

Row of Cushions Across the Back Plus Front Feature Cushions

Want more cushions?  Add some feature cushions in front of the back row of cushions.  You create a more voluminous look by layering smaller cushions in front of the larger cushions.  Yes, your partner may hate it, and throw the extra cushions on the floor, but that’s life!

I’m not saying these are the only ways to arrange cushions on a sofa, but if you’re a bit stuck with arranging cushions, these are some options to get you started.  Once you start playing around with them, you’ll find just the right combination for you.

So what type of cushion person are you?  From minimalist to maximise what cushion arrangement do you have?

All of the cushion arrangement images were created using Olioboard.

I'm Kylie, and I love to share practical home decorating and styling tips. I'm a qualified interior designer and self taught crafter and DIY'er. I'm addicted to decorating, and can't walk past a homewares shop without going in for a look. I live in a 1930's Queenslander in Brisbane's inner suburbs which I'm turning into a home one project at a time.