A great sofa is the centrepiece of any living room. It pays to spend some time learning how to dress a sofa, making sure you're creating that warm, cosy ambience for the heart of your home. The right styling can make a huge difference, not enough accessories will leave your sofa feeling bare and too much will leave it feeling cluttered.

Cushions and throws

This is where you can really let your creativity flow. Cushions are a great way to easily change the look and feel of your sofa, especially if you have a neutral coloured sofa. Think colours, patterns, textures. Don't be afraid to choose from a mix of textures, such as natural fabrics like linen, to boucle and tassels. These will give a cosy feel and add interest. Go for an array of sizes and shapes too, small rectangular cushions will work well against bigger square ones. For a two seater sofa, try two cushions on either end. Also, keep to one or two colours and textures, so as not to overwhelm. For a bigger sofa, you can use a few more, as you have more space to hold the different elements.

How to dress a sofa with cushions

The Atworth Sofa Bed

A throw is an easy way to layer textures and introduce a colour or pattern. And it can help protect your seat cushions, helping with the longevity of your sofa. Drape a throw over the arms for a cosier feel or fold it for a more refined look.

Cushions and throws are worth the investment if you love reinventing your living room regularly. Top tip: use a sofa with storage for extra living room storage to keep all your extra accessories out of the way and on hand for when you need them. And have a look at our Colour Trends for Spring 2023 blog for some colour inspiration.

Side tables and coffee tables

Something not to be overlooked when considering how to dress a sofa are the complementing pieces of furniture. If you don't have a side table yet, you will wonder how you got on without one! A small side table, just large enough to hold a table lamp or a small plant and your cup of tea, placed at the end of your sofa will help your sofa feel "complete."

how to dress a sofa with a throw

The Elmley Sofa

Ottomans and footstools

A medium or large ottoman can be a stunning alternative to a coffee table. Dressed in the right way with an elegant tray will add an air of opulence to your living room, making it look like something out of a glossy magazine. Choose an ottoman or footstool that matches your sofa for the option to transform it into a chaise. Or, go for a bold colour that stands out in a luxurious velvet fabric. An ottoman is certainly the more versatile option, with convenient storage space to house your extra cushions or your bedding if you have a sofa bed.

how to dress a sofa using an ottoman

The Mandeville Ottoman

The Westbury Modular Sofa Bed with Ottoman

Explore our range of ottomans and footstools, or, if you’d like to talk to one of our experts, call us on 0208 939 3800.