How to Dress a Bed with Cushions
Cushions add texture, colour and interest to your bed, elevating it to a place worthy as the centrepiece of your bedroom. Acting as a focal point, they break up the expanse of bed linen fabric, which is especially useful if you have predominantly white bed sheets. You can instantly and very easily change the look of your bed simply by updating or adding a couple of cushions, giving a new lease of life to your bedroom.
When it comes to choosing cushions for your bed, our recommendation is to invest in high quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Cushions may seem like an afterthought, but they are one of those all-important finishing touches that can really elevate a room. The plumpness of the inners, the quality of the fabric of the cover and the textures that you choose can all make a big difference to the overall feel of your entire bedroom. To us, it’s really worthwhile investing in high quality cushions that will become treasured pieces that you’ll love for many years to come.
Our collection of cushion covers includes a variety of designs to add joyful colours and soft textures to your bed. Style each individual design on their own for a more classic look, or mix and match colours and styles for a contemporary aesthetic. Designs include whimsical ruffled cushions and luxurious Italian-milled linen velvet styles which offer a more rustic look than traditional velvet.
Seeking further inspiration for how to dress a bed with cushions? Read on for our stylish suggestions.
Why do people put cushions on a bed?
There are a myriad of reasons why people may choose to add cushions on their bed, but it ultimately comes down to two main reasons: style and comfort. If you’re the kind of person who loves long lazy lie-ins, or retires to bed early in the evening with a book, cushions propped up against your pillows will provide much more comfort. They’re also great support if you are a breast-feeding mother (especially bolster or lumbar cushions). Comfort isn’t the only reason to add cushions to your bed, however. They are a great styling device for adding colour, texture and interest, easily transforming the overall look of your bed.
What are some rules for styling a bed with cushions?
We are of the opinion that your own personal taste is more important than any ‘rules’, however there are some considerations to bear in mind when choosing cushions for your bed. First, consider the colours that you would like – are you introducing new tones into your bedroom or picking up colours that already exist in your decor? Perhaps you would like to include a pattern alongside block coloured cushions? Next, consider how many cushions you want to use. We’ll go into more detail on this below, but ensure you also consider the sizes of your cushions and where they will be placed – place smaller cushions in front of bolsters, for example. Also think about whether you will only be using cushions to dress your bed, or if you also want to introduce blankets, throws or quilts – these should be considered alongside cushions to ensure everything on your bed feels cohesive.
How to make your bed look nice with cushions?
Our main piece of advice is to carefully consider the cushions you add to your bed, rather than making a snap decision and simply placing two ‘nice’ cushions against your pillows. Appraise your room as a whole and think about what is currently missing. Do you need to add texture to make your bed feel cosier? Are there certain colours in your wallpaper or headboard, for example, that you could pick out. How many textiles do you already have in the room?
Plump your cushions daily to keep them looking at their best, and take care to use the correct sized inners. Position your pillows to your preference, then layer your cushions in front of them – see our suggestions below for layout options.
How do you arrange cushions on a bed?
As we mentioned above, we don’t believe in any strict styling rules, but here are four simple ideas for how to dress a bed with pillows and cushions.
Layering
A variety of different cushions adds interest to your bed. Play around with textures, sizes, colours and patterns for a high impact. If you find a patterned cushion that you like, pick out the colours with plain cushions. Mix and match sizes, or keep to one size like the ideas below.
A pair of rectangular cushions
A pair of rectangular cushions lends a contemporary look which is luxurious but understated. This is great for maximising the focus on your headboard while still providing interest and comfort. Plain fabrics will create a cleaner look, or you could play with pattern and texture for more of a layered style.
One bolster cushion
One extra wide bolster (or lumbar) cushion is a great compromise if your partner can’t stand cushions. This gives a non-fussy look to your bedroom while still evoking design-led decor. Bolsters are also incredibly comfortable and supportive if you like reading in bed or are breastfeeding.
One row of square cushions
This isn’t the most original of ways to style cushions but it’s a timeless classic. We recommend opting for 50x50cm or 60x60cm cushions for a luxe look reminiscent of spaces created by interior designers. A row of three cushions can work really well for a super king or emperor size bed.
How many cushions should you have on your bed?
It’s entirely up to you how many cushions you choose to place on your bed, but as a general rule of thumb, odd numbers tend to be more pleasing on the eye. The exception to this is if you place two cushions in front of each pillow for a minimal look. Bolster cushions work best on their own, or can be placed in front of two large square cushions. Square cushions are best styled as a pair or a row of three. If you’re layering cushions, try placing a smaller cushion in front of each individual cushion (i.e.. a small rectangular cushion in front of each larger rectangular cushion) or alternate between odd and even numbers (i.e. place one smaller rectangular cushion in front of two large square cushions).
How to dress a bed with a bolster cushion?
Either used alone or placed in front of square cushions, bolster cushions add a different element to your bed with their interesting rounded edge. Just one bolster cushion placed against your pillows in a deep, rich hue can instantly elevate your bed, but they are also a great addition to a more layered bed. We love how a bolster cushion can add interest when placed in front of two square cushions – either in the same fabric or with a contrasting material or colour.
Discover our collection of cushion covers for your bedroom.
