The best cushions: accessorise your home with top soft furnishing picks

A nice plump cushion can go a long way if you’re looking to change up the feel of your sofa, so if you’re bored of the way your living room looks, it can be as simple as picking the right accessories to reinvigorate your interior. 

Choosing the best cushion for you also depends on a lot more than just how it looks. Just like a regular pillow on your bed, the filling is one of the most important aspects of a pillow, as it determines the level of comfort you’ll get from it. Foam, latex and hollow fibre fillings tend to be the most common, not only are they springy and soft (and don’t need plumping like feather or down), they are hypoallergenic and usually comfortably affordable. 

If you want cushions that feel plusher; feather and down make for super-soft, luxurious cushions, but they’ll come with a higher price tag, and they’re not ideal for those with allergies. If you do have sensitive skin, then you’ll need to think about the material of the cushion cover, too. Some synthetic materials may irritate your skin, and therefore opting for natural fabrics such as cotton will make for a much comfier lounging experience. 

Placement and practicality also have to factor in to your decision when choosing the best cushions for your home. Do you want your cushions big or small? Are they going to be placed on the couch, armchair or even on the bed? If you’ve got kids or pets, it’s always a good idea to avoid very light colours and make sure the cushion cover is machine washable and even tumble dryer friendly so they don’t get ruined by pesky paws or sticky fingers. 

The rest is all down to style, so whether you want something neutral to blend in with your décor or something bold to make your living room pop; our round up has something to suit all interiors. 

1. Junipa Aria Embroidered Cushion

A comfy and luxurious pillow adds warmth and class to a room

Specifications

Best for: The bedroom
Dimensions: 45x45cm
Filling: Polyester
Colour: Blue & Cream

Reasons to buy

+
Plump
+
Natural lining

Reasons to avoid

-
Won’t match all décors 

 This royal blue cushion would add a touch of class to any master bedroom, or create a warm and cosy atmosphere in the lounge. It won’t match just any décor, but if you’ve got neutral walls then the deep shade of this cushion will add a splash of colour to your room while remaining sophisticated. The lining is made from cotton and linen, with polyester filling which means it’s hypoallergenic and remains plump and bouncy at all times. The lining is removable, but spot cleaning only is advised in order to keep the softness of this cushion. 

2. LAURA ASHLEY WILLOW LEAF HEDGEROW CUSHION

An elegant cushion to add layers to a room

Specifications

Best for: Conservatories
Dimensions: 40x50cm
Filling: Cotton
Colour: Cream & Green

Reasons to buy

+
Dainty design
+
Light and breathable

Reasons to avoid

-
 Dry clean only 

Laura Ashley never fails to please with their stunning range of homeware, and this cushion from the Willow Leaf range is no exception. Its dainty floral pattern and subtle colour pairs well with most décors, and would look particularly nice in a conservatory or light and airy room. This cushion comes with a whole host of matching items including bedding, curtains, lampshades and more; so you can really kit out your room with the feel of spring if the mood strikes you. Owners of this cushion love how well it blends in with most furniture and comment on the very high-quality embroidery. Overall, a beautiful addition to any room in the home. 

3. Orla Kiely Linear Stem Cushion

A quirky and versatile pillow to brighten up your lounge

Specifications

Best for: Adding a splash of colour
Dimensions: 50x50cm
Filling: Feather pad
Colour: Multi

Reasons to buy

+
Reversible 
+
Funky print

Reasons to avoid

-
Not hypoallergenic 

Whether you want to add a splash of colour or simply like the bold print, this reversible cushion allows you to choose colour or monochrome depending on your décor or mood that day. This cushion is designed by Orla Kiely and the print can give a retro twist to any bedroom or lounge. The filling is feather pad, which may cause some irritation to those with allergies, but it is very plump and super comfy for lounging on. 

4. John Lewis Elin Cushion

Add a contemporary look to your living space with this reversible cushion

Specifications

Best for: Contemporary design
Dimensions: 43x43cm
Filling: Feather pad
Colour: White, Grey & Yellow

Reasons to buy

+
Soft but firm
+
100% Cotton lining 

Reasons to avoid

-
Grey shows up dirt 

If your home takes on the Scandi interior vibe then this reversible cushion makes a fitting accessory for any room. The contemporary design is bold but not too loud, and the citrus colours mixed with neutrals add a splash of colour without being too overwhelming, even in a small space. This is the second reversible cushion in our list because if you’re anything like us, style choices can vary depending on our mood. The yellow side will make your room pop with colour, whereas the grey side creates an inviting atmosphere to relax in. Owners of this cushion say it’s soft but firm and the cotton lining is super-soft to touch. 

5. Sanderson Alencon Cushion

A subtle metallic design to add a touch of sparkle

Specifications

Best for: Keeping it neutral
Dimensions: 40x40cm
Filling: Cotton
Colour: White/silver, White/blue

Reasons to buy

+
Machine washable
+
Soft cotton

Reasons to avoid

-
 White gets dirty easily 

Shabby-chic décors would be complete with this delicately embroidered cushion in white. The leaf pattern adds a touch of elegance and class to a room without being too overbearing, and its super-soft cotton lining makes it great for sofas, armchairs or beds. White does tend to show up dirt easily, so if you’ve got kids or pets, this cushion is best placed in the bedroom. However, if you’re a proud owner of an immaculate, minimalist space, this cushion will take pride of place in your living room. 

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