Buying cushions seems straightforward until you're faced with endless options: different sizes, materials, fills, and styles. What looks perfect online might feel completely wrong in your space, and the terminology can be confusing for newcomers. If you've ever stood in a homewares store feeling overwhelmed, or abandoned an online shopping cart because you weren't sure what you actually needed, this guide is for you.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know to make confident cushion purchases, from understanding basic terminology to selecting the right options for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Understanding Cushion Terminology
Before diving into selection criteria, let's clarify some terms you'll frequently encounter:
- Cushion vs. Pillow: In Australia, these terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, "cushion" refers to decorative items for sofas and chairs, while "pillow" typically means bed pillows. However, "throw pillow" is commonly used for decorative sofa cushions.
- Insert vs. Inner: The filling component that goes inside a cushion cover.
- Cover: The decorative outer shell, often removable for washing.
- Euro Sham: A large square pillow, typically 65x65cm, often used on beds.
- Bolster: A cylindrical cushion, traditionally used for neck support or decorative purposes.
- Zabuton: A traditional Japanese floor cushion, typically square and flat.
Choosing the Right Size
Size matters more than most people realise. The wrong cushion size can make furniture look unbalanced and feel uncomfortable. Here's a guide to standard sizes and where they work best:
Standard Australian Cushion Sizes
- 40x40cm: Small accent cushions, ideal for armchairs or as part of a larger arrangement
- 45x45cm: The most common size for sofa cushions in Australia
- 50x50cm: Works well on larger sofas or as statement pieces
- 55x55cm: Large format cushions for spacious seating
- 60x60cm: Floor cushions or oversized accent pieces
- 65x65cm: Euro shams, primarily used on beds
- 30x50cm: Rectangular lumbar cushions for lower back support
💡 Sizing Tip
When buying inserts for covers, go 2-5cm larger than the cover size. A 47cm insert in a 45cm cover creates a plump, professional look. Inserts the same size as covers appear flat and under-filled.
How Many Cushions Do You Need?
The right number depends on your sofa size and style preference:
- Two-seater sofa: 2-4 cushions
- Three-seater sofa: 3-5 cushions
- Corner or sectional sofa: 5-7 cushions
- Armchair: 1-2 cushions
Remember that cushions should enhance comfort, not overwhelm your seating. If guests have to move multiple cushions to sit down, you probably have too many.
Understanding Cushion Fills
The filling determines how a cushion feels, how long it maintains its shape, and how much maintenance it requires. Each type has distinct characteristics:
Polyester Hollow Fibre
The most common and affordable option. Polyester fill is hypoallergenic, machine washable, and maintains its shape reasonably well. It's an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets. However, cheaper polyester fills can feel scratchy and flatten more quickly than premium options.
✓ Best For
Budget-conscious buyers, families with young children, those with allergies, and anyone wanting easy-care cushions.
Memory Foam
Provides excellent support and pressure relief, making it ideal for lumbar cushions and seat pads. Memory foam conforms to your body shape and returns to its original form when pressure is removed. It's not suitable for decorative cushions as it doesn't provide the soft, squeezable feel most people want.
Down and Feather
Natural down and feather fills offer unmatched softness and a luxurious feel. They're highly compressible, meaning cushions can be karate-chopped into shape for that designer look. However, they require regular fluffing, can trigger allergies, and typically cost more than synthetic alternatives.
Down Alternative
Synthetic fills designed to mimic the feel of natural down without the allergy concerns or higher price point. Quality varies significantly—look for products specifically marketed as "down alternative" rather than generic polyester fill.
Foam Chips
Shredded foam provides firm support and is commonly used in floor cushions and outdoor seating. It's durable and maintains shape well but feels firmer than fibre fills.
Selecting Cover Materials
The cover material affects appearance, durability, feel, and care requirements. Consider your lifestyle and where the cushion will be used:
Cotton
Breathable, natural, and available in endless colours and patterns. Cotton is generally easy to clean and comfortable year-round. However, it can wrinkle, fade in direct sunlight, and may shrink if washed incorrectly.
Linen
Sophisticated and naturally textured, linen gets softer with age and washing. It's highly breathable, making it excellent for Australian summers. On the downside, linen wrinkles easily (though many consider this part of its charm) and typically costs more than cotton.
Velvet
Luxurious and visually striking, velvet adds instant elegance to any space. Modern polyester velvets are more durable and easier to maintain than traditional silk velvet. Be aware that velvet shows marks where the pile is pressed in different directions.
Outdoor Fabrics
If you're buying cushions for outdoor use, look for fabrics specifically designed to resist UV damage, moisture, and mildew. Olefin (polypropylene) and solution-dyed acrylic (like Sunbrella) are excellent choices that maintain colour and resist weather damage.
Leather and Faux Leather
Durable and easy to wipe clean, leather and quality faux leather work well in contemporary spaces. They're not as cosy for snuggling but are practical for busy households. Real leather requires conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.
Colour and Pattern Selection
This is where many people struggle. Here are some strategies for choosing colours and patterns that work:
Starting Points
- Pull from existing elements: Look at your rug, artwork, or curtains for colours to incorporate
- Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant colour (usually your sofa), 30% secondary colour, 10% accent colour in cushions
- Odd numbers work best: Groups of 3 or 5 cushions in coordinating colours look more dynamic than pairs
Mixing Patterns Successfully
- Vary the scale: Combine large-scale patterns with medium and small prints
- Stick to a colour family: Different patterns work together when they share colours
- Include solids: Balance busy patterns with solid colours to prevent visual chaos
- Use texture as a pattern: A textured solid can count as your "pattern" element
💡 Safe Starting Point
If you're unsure, start with three cushions: one solid in your dominant accent colour, one with a subtle pattern or texture, and one with a bolder pattern that incorporates both colours.
Practical Considerations
Lifestyle Factors
Be honest about your household when selecting cushions:
- Have pets? Choose fabrics that don't trap hair and can be easily vacuumed or washed
- Young children? Opt for machine-washable covers in darker colours or patterns that hide stains
- Allergies? Select synthetic fills and avoid natural down
- Minimal maintenance preference? Choose polyester fills and synthetic covers that don't require fluffing or special care
Budget Considerations
Cushions range from under $20 to several hundred dollars each. Here's how to allocate your budget wisely:
- Invest in quality inserts: A good insert makes even an inexpensive cover look better and lasts longer
- Buy covers separately: Purchasing inserts and covers separately often provides better value and flexibility
- Consider longevity: A $60 cushion that lasts five years is better value than a $20 cushion that flattens in six months
- Shop end-of-season sales: Many retailers discount cushions at the end of summer (outdoor) or winter (indoor) seasons
Where to Buy Cushions in Australia
Australia offers numerous options for cushion shopping:
- Department stores: Good for mid-range options with the ability to feel fabrics in person
- Homewares specialists: Often offer better quality and more unique designs
- Online marketplaces: Competitive pricing and enormous selection, but you can't feel the product first
- Local markets and makers: Support Australian makers and find unique, handcrafted pieces
- Discount retailers: Great for affordable basics and trend pieces you don't want to invest heavily in
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too small: Cushions that look tiny on your sofa make the furniture appear larger than it is
- Matching everything: Cushions that exactly match your sofa look dated; contrast is more interesting
- Ignoring comfort: Beautiful cushions you can't comfortably lean against defeat the purpose
- Forgetting the back of your sofa: If your sofa is visible from behind, consider how cushions look from all angles
- Buying inserts that are too small: Under-filled cushions always look cheap
Final Thoughts
Buying cushions doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start by identifying your practical needs—size, fill type, and care requirements—then move on to aesthetics. Remember that cushions are relatively affordable to update, so don't be afraid to experiment. What works in your space might surprise you.
Most importantly, choose cushions that feel good to you. Trust your instincts about comfort and colour. Your home should reflect your personality and support your lifestyle, and the right cushions help accomplish both goals.