How To Style Your Sofa To Look Chic And Glamorous

Styling your sofa to look chic and glamorous is not as difficult as you may think. It is easy and inexpensive.

Simply add decorative cushions and a throw.

There is an endless choice when it comes to choosing cushions and throws for your living area. They can revive an older sofa, change your style and transform the whole living area.

And if you are a DIY enthusiast you could create your own stylish cushions.

Not only are cushions and throws inexpensive, but they are also easily interchangeable with the seasons.

For more information on cushion colour, texture and sizes please see our blog How to style cushions like a professional home stylist.  

1. First things First – Move the Sofa.

  • Basically, there is no right or wrong way to position your sofa. The size of the living area will determine the position.
  • If the area is small, placing the sofa against the wall will probably be best.
  • If the area is large position the sofa away from the wall creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • Once you have styled your sofa to look chic and glamourous you would want it to be the focal point of the area, so keep that in mind when moving the sofa.

2. How Many Cushions and Throws Should You Use?

  • It would depend on the look you want to create, and definitely not too many cushions. You do not want to remove a bunch of cushions before being able to sit down.
  • For a more traditional look, scatter an even number of cushions.
  • For a modern look use an odd number of cushions.
  • Only use one throw.

3. How to Arrange the Cushions and Throw

  • Cushion arrangements should be layered, placing the larger cushions behind the smaller ones.   
  • Throws are usually draped over the armrests.

NOTE: Keep cushion cover zippers hidden.

4. Cushion Arrangements – 

  • The Paired Arrangement

Two sets of matching cushions are placed at adjacent sides from the centre of the sofa with a proportional gap between them.

  • The Multi-Layered Arrangement

This kind of arrangement is “free-fall” and all about texture, patterns and style. Be careful not to overdo the arrangement and decide beforehand the style you want it to look – casual, formal, traditional, vibe, edgy or funky.

  • The Balanced Arrangement

Probably the most visually, harmonizing and pleasing arrangement. Textures, patterns and cushion sizes showcase very well in this arrangement.

  • The Separated Trio Arrangement

Perhaps the most popular arrangement. Three cushions placed at either side of the sofa.

  • The Central Arrangement

This style works with even and odd number of cushions. As the name suggests, the cushions are placed towards the centre of the couch. An ideal arrangement for small sofas.

  • The Alternating Pattern Arrangement

Use plain and patterned cushions. Arrange them alternating on the sofa. Start from both ends of the sofa and work towards the centre.

  • The Different Shapes Arrangement

Use different shaped cushions, offsetting them against each other.

  • The Individual Formal Arrangement

This style is best used in professional areas such as a formal living room, an office and lobby. Cushions are placed upright and are usually of the same size and shape and not more than two or three colours.

  • The Throw Arrangement

Adding a throw to complete the style will enhance and complement the cushion arrangements. Usually, only one throw is required and is draped over either end of the sofa, or in the center.  Use a throw in texture according to the season. For example, a lightweight throw in summer and a thick wool throw in the winter. Depending on the cushion arrangement, it is always best to use a throw of neutral colours. 

If you need assistance or advice about styling your living area with cushions and throws, or any other property styling questions be sure to give our property stylists/interior decorators a call at Let’s Revamp Property Styling – 02 9659 2556 info@letsrevamp.com.au

Our stylists are also able to assist you by means of virtual consultation.