Interior Designer Advice on How to Style a Sofa

Your sofa is the epicentre of your living room. The one piece of furniture that truly makes a statement and sets the mood. And it’s an investment – something that should last you for many years without having to be replaced. So to keep it current and trendy, here are some of FCI London’s hottest tips and tricks to help you style it up and make it plush.

Decorating your sofa like an interior designer

There are a myriad of ways to jazz up your sofa and, with a good eye and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be doing it like a pro.

Aside from adding cushions and throws, interior designers use the space around the sofa to create cohesion. Layering colour, mixing textures and picking out the perfect accessories are all things that will enhance the look and feel of your room.

Don’t overthink the process - think about what you like and be creative with your existing style, then add a little whimsy and have fun!

How to style cushions and throws on a sofa

Throws are a hassle-free way to breathe life into your sofa. They provide textural design elements and keep you warm on chilly winter evenings. They are also a smart way to hide older furniture until you can replace it. Drape them over, tuck them in and you’ll have a makeshift slipcover in no time.

We often get questions on how to style sofa cushions effectively. Our designers outline the basic guidelines that will help you absolutely nail it.

• Cushion size: Cushions are intended to be accent pieces. Going too big will overpower your sofa and picking something too small will look like an afterthought.
• Quantity: Typically, 4 to 6 pillows are used per couch. Placing an even number each side creates a classical look, but if you’re aiming for a more bohemian feel, opt for an odd number.
• Patterns, shapes and textures: You might feel a bit intimidated at first, but mixing patterns, shapes and textures will help create an eclectic look. Pick a solid colour to start with and then build on the theme using patterns in a similar shade. Explore faux fur, leather and an array of fabrics for textural diversity. And remember that square is definitely not the only option.

• Colours: Pick a variety of complementary colours to add boldness and vibrancy. Earthy shades tone down a room while using variations of the same colour will add a sense of playfulness. If your room is already colourful, use whites, greys or black.
• Placement: Choose one eye-catching cushion as a focal point. Then start with the largest pillows on the outside of the sofa and arrange the rest in descending size order.
• Comfort: Remember that they should also be comfortable. Find lumbar support cushions or ones with luxurious feather inserts for opulent functionality.

You’ll find a whole range of decorative cushions for your sofa at FCI London. Have a look at Twils Cushions and Quilted Mattress Accessories or the Deco Cushion Collection by Design North.

Matching the colour scheme with the room

Our designers suggest doing some research before you choose a sofa style. Selecting a timeless piece for your living room is key, so pick a design that won’t become outdated quickly.

If you’re choosing something to fit into an existing colour palette, decide whether you want it to take on an accent role or remain neutral. If you’re decorating a room from scratch, buy your sofa first and decorate the room around it.

Darker sofas should be in contrast with the carpet and walls to prevent the whole room from looking smaller. Lighter colours will provide a softer aesthetic and are perfect if you love Vintage or Shabby Chic. Use bright, block colours with matching accessories to create a funky, retro vibe.

Accessorise around the sofa

Once your sofa is in place, focus on the space around it. These ideas will help you create a polished look.

Place a large plant pot next to your sofa to bring a natural, calming element to your room. We love this Godwin Cachepot Planter by Longhi. 

Balance out your lighting with a side table or floor lamps. Warm bulbs add cosiness and a bright lampshade will bring a pop of colour to neutral tones. Foscarini has some fun options like this Birdie Table Lamp by Foscarini. 

To decorate your sofa, think bespoke art pieces, gallery walls or a stunning mirror. Look for interesting frames, like this Impact Supersilver Mirror by Reflex Angelo.

An eye-catching rug will help complete the room. Knot & Loop custom makes them to your exact colour and design specifications. You can also order gorgeous abstract impressionist artwork on a rug through our trailblazing partnership with London-based artist, Anna Kosa - take a look here.

Bookcases are a great way to showcase complementary accessories. This Brooklyn Bookcase by Gamma and Dandy brings a real wow factor.

Sofa placement

It’s important to design your living room furniture in a way that accommodates the main function of your room. Your perfect sofa will depend on the shape of your space. Buy a two-seater for a smaller room or something modular if you’re working with big areas.

If you entertain a lot, make sure the room feels open and welcoming. If you spend most of your time in front of the TV, find the best viewing position. And if reading is your thing, place your sofa near a good light source.

Shop sofas at FCI London

Wide range of sofas, plus we're design matchmakers - our trained designers will match you with your perfect sofa and take the hassle out of your shop. Come and visit us and get inspired.