A stylish living room isn’t complete without some carefully chosen and arranged cushions on the sofa. No matter the space, the right cushions really can transform a room. Sure, your dream sofa may have been delivered and the armchair you picked out looks great, but it still needs cushions.
There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule on how to arrange cushions on a sofa. However, the 2-1-2 arrangement is very popular. That’s a large cushion in each corner, a slightly smaller cushion next to them and topped off with one cushion in the centre of the sofa. Arranging your sofa cushions like this will automatically make it feel more thought through.
Quantity makes a big different to the overall look of your sofa. Too many cushions and your living room could look cluttered, and they may even make the sofa less comfy. As a general rule, we reckon a two- or three-seater sofa needs a maximum of three cushions.
If your sofa’s larger then you can get away with more. Think six or more on a large corner sofa. If you’re stuck for ideas, take some inspiration from our five styling tips. We’ll show you how to choose and arrange cushions on a sofa to suit your space perfectly.
How to arrange cushions so they don’t feel too formal
Sometimes, a set of perfectly arranged cushions on the sofa can seem a little formal. If that isn’t your style, then there are ways to make them feel a little more casual. One way of arranging cushions on your sofa so they look relaxed is to group them to one side. Placing cushions symmetrically on a sofa using the 2-1-2 rule can lead to a more formal arrangement. Positioning two cushions to one side will automatically feel more relaxed.
Another way is to have an odd number of cushions. So, instead of four or six cushions, you have three or five. That’s because even numbers can feel more formal. In fact, in many cultures, odd numbers are used to make homes feel more relaxing. Take Japan for example. In Japan, traditional items like bowls or plates are sold in sets of five. We suggest positioning two cushions on one side and the third cushion on the opposite side of the sofa.
If you want to add more formality to your living room, then an even number of cushions will do the trick.
Cushions that add colour to a sofa
If your living room décor is relatively muted, then you’d be forgiven for wanting to add a splash of colour. Luckily, cushions are a great way of adding colour without breaking the bank. Using cushions, you can completely rejuvenate your sofa without reupholstering it or investing in a new one. And the best part? You can switch up your cushions throughout the year. That could mean bright yellows and blue in summer, and deep red textured cushions during winter.
When choosing colourful cushions, we recommend picking out complementary colours. In our example, you’ll see we’ve used hues of yellow that harmonise beautifully with a splash of blue. By keeping the colours within the same spectrum, the cushion scheme looks well thought through. Another way to choose your cushions is to make sure their patterns or shapes work together, even if the colours are different. We reckon mixing and matching patterns looks more visually striking than completely matching cushions.
How to style cushions on a red sofa
When it comes to styling a red sofa, we’ll always have a soft spot for cobalt blue cushions. You might think a red sofa is bold enough on its own, but in reality it’s a great base for blue. We love how bright cobalt is paired with tonal reds in this look for a splash of extra colour.
If you have a more traditional dark red sofa, then deeper colours like navy or royal blue are a strong choice. Together, these colours will make your living room feel more classical. Of course, the fabric and shape of your cushion will also influence the final look. To enhance a sofa’s more traditional design, then we suggest cushions with rich textures like velvet or jacquard fabrics.
If your aesthetic is a little more neutral, then a red sofa with cushions can also fit your home. We suggest opting for rust-hued upholstery and using cushions in the same tone. That means using different shades of reds, warm neutrals and natural materials.
How to make your sofa look more comfortable
Whether you have a sleek Scandinavian sofa or a modernist Italian design, adding an extra touch of comfort is always a good thing. To really get the relaxed feel, it’s important to forget all the rules you’ve been told about cushions. No, they don’t need to be perfectly plumped. No, they don’t have to be positioned at a perfect 45-degree angle. And no, they don’t need to match your sofa.
To feel relaxed and inviting, a sofa shouldn’t be pristinely arranged. We suggest arranging your cushions in a ‘haphazard’ order and definitely don’t over plump them. Choosing colours that are different to your sofa will also bring a little more fun to the space. Pair yellow cushions with deep blue sofas or green and rust hues with your grey sofa. To really tie them into your space, you could even colour coordinate your cushions with your room. Pull a colour from your favourite accessory, print or throw to create a cohesive yet comfortable décor.
We love the minimalist way this sofa has been styled, without going over the top. Just one cushion brings life and comfort to the modern sofa. Not to mention the throw. Drape a throw casually over the sofa’s arm or backrest and voila, your sofa’s automatically got added comfort kudos.
How to style cushions on a grey sofa
If you already have a grey sofa, then congratulations, you have the perfect blank canvas. Grey sofas are great because they can be restyled in countless ways just by switching up the cushions. Plus, its neutral colour means your sofa will go with almost every colour of the rainbow.
To create a serene, calming living room then we suggest choosing cushions in similar shades. Think creams, greys and white. Mix and match across the shades and choose natural fabrics like linen or fur for that spa-like feel. We love the way this sofa has been styled to feel relaxing and refined using tonal colours.
If you want to bring a little more colour into your room, then take inspiration from your space. Got a lamp you love with a fuchsia shade? Then bring in elements of pink into your cushion scheme. Have a print hanging nearby with touches of green? Then use that to inspire your cushion choices. When it comes to grey sofas, you can choose any colour cushion you like.
Interested? Shop cushions now.
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Tips & advice
Nowhere in the house brings as much warmth and pleasure as a cosy living room. It’s the place you get together as a family, entertain guests and unwind in front of your favourite film. So, it goes without saying that you want your living space to be as comfortable and inviting as possible.
With winter nipping at our toes as early as October, a snug living room is high on the priority list. After all, the cold is best enjoyed from the warmth of your home. With that in mind, here are our top five ways to create a cosy living room in time for winter.
Cosy Living Room Furniture in Modern Homes
The idea of marble floors, concrete walls and slick wooden storage don’t scream comfortable. However, with some clever styling you can easily create a cosy living room in your modern home. To create a cosy living space in large, open-plan home, we suggest creating pockets of activity.
That could be placing a sofa with ottomans in front of the TV or armchairs to form a reading nook. You could even create a workspace with a desk and a chair, or a music area with a instruments and stools. This instantly adds character and personalises the space, while also creating the illusion of several smaller rooms in one.
In this cosy living room idea, we’ve used a rug to highlight the living room space. This adds a little more texture underfoot but also identifies the area as the lounge. If you’re creating a cosy living room on a budget, then this is a great way to save some pennies.
Add a plush sofa with rich velvet upholstery and wooden accents to make it feel even more relaxing. Plus, accessories like cushions, dimmable lighting and sheepskin upholstery will add a Scandinavian cosiness to your living room.
Lighting for Cosy Living Rooms
When creating a cosy atmosphere in your living room, finding the right lighting is crucial. That’s because lighting plays a big part in creating a room’s mood. From the bulbs to the shades to where your lights are positioned, every detail counts.
Subdued, low lighting tends to convey more warmth than bright, ceiling lighting, making it perfect for a cosy living room. Warm, natural light bulbs, ethereal lamps and cleverly placed spotlights are key to creating this ambience.
See how the Michael Anastassiades lamp in our cosy living room idea casts a warm glow in the space? That’s what your lighting should achieve. Remember, even lamps made from cooler materials like concrete or marble can warm up a room, with the right bulb.
Candles are another good option for making a room look cosy. They create a gentle, flickering light that lends a sense of intimacy to your living room. Place them on a mantelpiece, a side table or a decorative tray. Choose candle holders made from materials that enhance the warmth, like ceramics and wood.
Why Texture Matters in a Living Room
Layers and textures give your living room depth and warmth. Anything from sheepskin to bouclé will make your room feel more inviting. Mixing and matching different textures together will also make your space feel cosier whilst still looking stylish.
The best part is, if you aren’t in the market for a new sofa or armchair then you can still achieve this look. All it takes is some clever styling. Throw together an assortment of playful, mismatched cushions and drape sumptuous throws over your armchairs and sofas.
A rug will also make your living room feel cosy, especially if you have tile or hardwood floors. In particular, thick pile rugs will add a little extra comfort. If your space is long and skinny, then we suggest a rectangular rug. If it’s a wider room, then a circular or square rug would be our go to.
Dark Walls in a Cosy Home
Whilst bright white looks great in many homes, some rooms are screaming out for dark walls to create a cosy living room. And we don’t mean a single dark feature wall, we’re talking all four walls painted a dark shade.
Dark greens, blues and greys are all popular choices when it comes to dark walls. Take a look at your space, style and existing furniture to decide exactly which hue to choose. Plus, properly consider if dark walls are your cup of tea before getting the paint roller out.
It’d be hard to repaint your walls light again after, so dark walls aren’t for the faint hearted. But painting your living room walls dark shouldn’t mean sacrificing colour. We love the way this cosy living room idea creates contrasts with the fuchsia sofa.
In a dark space with green walls, black fireplace and wooden floors, the pink sofa makes the room pop. Plus, the sumptuous velvet upholstery is a sure-fire way to feel cosy. Additional accessories like lighting, vases and flowers will also add some much-needed colour to your living room.
Use of Space in a Living Room
When we think of cosiness, we normally think of small rooms filled with comfy objects and soft lighting. However, you can still make a larger room look cosy with a few tricks. You could try building seating around a focal point, like a fireplace or window to visually reduce the room’s size.
Clever optical illusions with tall living room furniture can also make the space feel smaller. Bookcases and standing shelves work well, as they take up space and give the impression of a smaller room. Too much empty space can make a room feel cold.
So, we suggest styling your living room with some of your favourite ornaments and objects to create a homely feel. Layer your shelves and tables with ceramic or glass vases and other decorative items like small sculptures and lacquered trays. To maximise visual impact, arrange them in a refined, natural way, rather than completely symmetrical.
With these simple tips and some attention to detail, your living room will be cosy and comfy this winter. Snuggle under a blanket on your sofa or curl up with a good book and a cuppa in your armchair. You deserve it.
Shop Living Room Furniture.
Vispring Bed and Mattress
Did you know that this month is National Bed Month? Yes you read that correctly, a whole month dedicated to encouraging you to snooze more. The dream, right? Organised by the National Sleep Council, the purpose of National Bed Month is to raise awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep and how having the perfect bed can make the world of difference. Here at Heal’s, we couldn’t agree more and so today, we’re sharing our top tips to help you to choose the perfect bed.
Why is buying the right bed important?
Everyone has individual sleep requirements and preferences, so your choice of bed must take these into account to ensure you can have a truly restful and comfortable night. Whether you share your bed with a partner, suffer with allergies or prefer a cool sleeping environment, the quality of your rest will be affected by a variety of features, including bed size, fabric choice and mattress type.
What are the key things people should consider when buying their ideal bed?
The first step when choosing is to assess your space, as the bed should be the focal point within the room. A small, simple design can feel lost within a spacious master bedroom, whilst a king size bed can make compact rooms feel cramped – your choice of bed should balance well with your remaining floorspace. A simple way to visualise each option and see how it works within the layout of the room, is to mark out the bed’s dimensions with a few strips of masking tape on the floors and walls.
For optimum comfort, the perfect mattress will be responsive to your individual sleeping position – we move 40 – 60 times through the night, and the wrong type of mattress can be disruptive to your sleep. If you prefer to lay on your side, opt for a soft tension, which will relieve spinal pressure and mould to your body’s natural contours. A medium to firm mattress offers more support for the lower back throughout the night.
Heal’s Premium Silk Mattress
You can check how a mattress supports your spine by lying face up and placing your hands between the small of your back. Too tight or loose a fit means the mattress is too firm or soft. If you sleep with a partner, pocket spring mattresses offers individually nested pocket springs that move independently in response to changing body positions throughout the night, so you can move freely without the worry of being a disturbance. Heal’s Natural Wool Mattress has 2,200 individually nested springs within hard-wearing fabric pockets, for a soft but supportive feel. The wool layer improves sleep quality all year round by keeping you warm in winter while wicking away moisture to keep you cool during the warmer summer months.
For those who suffer from back pain, opting for an orthopaedic mattress could be a quick way to find relief. Offering firm support to keep the spine in alignment throughout the night, the Pocket Orthopaedic Mattress by Heal’s is filled with a cooling cotton blend, Superflex foam and a hypo-allergenic layer, protecting your mattress from dust mites to promote a healthy sleeping environment.
What should people expect when buying a new bed from a practical perspective? Think in terms of ordering and delivery.
As showrooms remain closed, Heal’s has introduced new ways to shop online, so customers can discuss their needs with experts and take a closer look at our designs. Our virtual consultations allow you to have the in-store experience without leaving the comfort of your home, with a member of our design team taking you around the store to zoom in on closer details while offering their recommendations based on your individual sleep needs. Upon delivery, our team will assemble the bed in your room of choice, taking careful steps to ensure the process is Covid-safe. If you are self-isolating or feeling the effects of Covid-19, special arrangements can be made for your delivery.
Marlow Bed
What are your top tips for creating the perfect sleep space?
Opting for a statement design such as a four-poster bed will offer an impact that will remain timeless for years to come. Although its original purpose was to provide privacy and warmth in draughty sleeping chambers, the four-poster design continues to reign as a design classic, bringing a luxurious, cocooning feel to the room without imposing on space. The Marlow bed by Tim Rundle for Heal’s is a slim line, contemporary nod to the classic design, offering an elegant and refined look.
Fabric headboards in neutral shades are a classic way to soften the appearance of structured lines, whilst adding an element of comfort to the sleeping experience. A simple headboard with clean lines, such as the Lars bed or Matera bed designs by Heal’s, is perfectly suited for contemporary schemes and provides a soft backrest for winding down in bed with a good book.
It’s important to find the right bedding to ensure you can have the best night’s sleep. A higher thread count indicates a higher-quality finish, meaning it will offer a lasting softness and wear well over time. Pure linen sheets are breathable and absorbent, regulating temperature all year round to keep you warm in the cooler months whilst wicking away moisture through the summer. Linen also softens after each wash, and has a natural elasticity to maintain its casual, relaxed look – perfect for building the ultimate sleep sanctuary.
Whilst there’s nothing quite like live flower arrangements to brighten the home, artificial flowers are a fantastic alternative. Low maintenance, cost-effective and elegant, faux flowers and foliage provide the perfect finishing touch to your décor.
From seasonally-suitable arrangements to uplifting blooms, there’s something to impress even the most enthusiastic botanist. But how to style them in the home? Well, it’s easier than you think. To help you create a beautiful bouquet, we’re sharing our top tips for styling faux flowers in the home. You’ll never have to worry about killing your botanicals again.
Arrange a bouquet of artificial flowers
Real flowers and their stems are often far from perfect. So avoid symmetrically arranging your artificial blooms. Instead, try to place each stem as you would with fresh flowers.
Experiment with bending the stems to create a natural look that softly bows over the side of the vase. And always style each one individually before adding to an arrangement. This will help to make your bouquet look far more realistic.
Choose the right vase
Using the correct shape vase will make a real difference to the look and feel of your fake blooms. Choose the correct vase to complement both your interior decor and the flower arrangement itself.
From tall, slender shapes to voluptuous open-neck designs, there’s a vase to suit every taste. And always remember the general florist rule. The length of each flower should be no more than two times the height of the vase.
Keep your artificial flowers simple
The key trick with artificial flower arrangements is to keep it simple. Try to stick to one or two colours with fresh greenery for added texture. This will bring an elegant, relaxing feel to a room without being too overbearing.
From single stems to bespoke bouquets, stick to a sole theme or colour scheme. You could also incorporate your faux blooms into real floral displays for added versatility.
Add greenery
A wonderful way to add texture and depth to a floral arrangement is foliage. Greenery works to partner and enhance most faux blooms. And it’s often these fillers that complete the look by adding interest and shape.
So why not experiment with different types to find the one that’s right for your home. You could try a spray of artificial eucalyptus with wintery whites or purple-hued botanicals for an impactful finish.
Change it up
Faux blooms are malleable, so don’t be afraid to ditch the vase and experiment. Get creative by intertwining stems around the frame of your headboard or favourite framed artwork.
Artificial flowers and plants have endless possibilities. They also really come into their own in less frequently used areas. Try putting a bunch of stems on the bedside table or adding a small potted plant to the bathroom.
Complement your decor
Try choosing varieties of fake blooms that complement the room’s décor. Think voluptuous hydrangeas in the bedroom, welcoming blush mimosas in the hallway and dramatic plum peonies in the dining room.
And without the cost of buying fresh flowers each week, every room in the house can benefit. Why not try lush green sprays in the bathroom or gorgeous garden roses in the kitchen.
Care for your artificial flowers
Faux flowers are far less maintenance than their live counterparts. But they still need some TLC from time to time. If your flowers become dusty, just use a quick blast of the hairdryer on a low setting to keep them looking fresh.
If you prefer a more thorough clean however, take a damp cloth and gently clean each stem. To keep them looking beautiful for longer, try to display them away from too much direct sunlight or moisture.
Discover more artificial flowers and foliage here.
With supermarket shelves full of selection boxes and Christmas lights illuminating streets across the UK, we thought we’d offer some present inspiration in the form of a Christmas gift guide.
Doubtless you’ve already begun thinking about it, but if you’re just beginning your list, perhaps we can help. Our Christmas gift guide includes gifts for him, her, partners, hosts and tech enthusiasts.
Plus, with large Christmases looking unlikely, we’re highlighting gifts that show you’re thinking of them even when you can’t be there. The only thing to decide just how naughty or nice your family and friends have been this year.
Christmas gifts for foodies
For many, the festive period centres largely around eating and drinking. Whether that’s entertaining or simply using the season as a reason to get creative in the kitchen. If that sounds like one of your friends of family members, a food-based gift could be spot on. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be edible or drinkable.
Think outside the (chocolate) box and buy gin lovers new glasses, or gourmands niche tools to cook with. Know they have a cutlery drawer full of mismatched knives and forks? How about some thoughtfully chosen cutlery?
If they’re sweet toothed, the choices are as good as endless. However, we recommend choosing premium edibles like Cartwright & Butler shortbread or some Daylesford honey. For the more savoury among them, how about a hamper of exciting culinary ingredients?
Shop Christmas gifts for foodies here.
Christmas gifts for her
Christmas gifting is all about finding a present that your loved one didn’t know they needed. When shopping for Christmas gifts for girlfriends, mothers or sisters, try to find something they wouldn’t normally buy themselves.
For example, those premium chocolates she only buys on special occasions. Or, comfortable slippers a couple of price points above what they may normally spend.
Home accessories can also prove a good Christmas gift for girlfriends or mothers. We love the ferm LIVING candleholder in our Christmas gift guide because its subtle design looks great in most homes. Complete the gift with an elegant candlestick so she can light it as soon as the gift wrap comes off.
Shop Christmas gifts for her here.
Christmas gift guide for him
Shopping for gents can be tricky. Luckily, at this time of year new product releases and plenty of Christmas gift guides make your job a lot easier.
Always consider their interests and, if possible, try to anticipate what they’ll need or want in the coming months. For example, an angular desk lamp for his home office. Or perhaps he enjoys a good tipple. In that case, a bottle of his favourite gin or whisky is a great gift. Similarly, a new decanter to serve his drink from could be the gift he didn’t know he was after.
Shop Christmas gifts for him here.
Gifts for hosts
Whether you’re searching for a gift to thank your host, or simply have a friend who loves entertaining, there are plenty of present options. As always, a bottle of their favourite spirit never goes amiss.
Or, you could introduce them to a spirit or drink they wouldn’t normally choose. Gifts that enhance their entertaining experience always go down well – think decanters and premium champagne glasses.
A festive scented candle is a good gift if you’re presenting it early on in December. If it’s something they’ll be opening on Christmas day, avoid festive scents as they won’t need it after Boxing Day.
Shop Christmas gifts for hosts here.
Stocking fillers
A Christmas gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some stocking fillers. Instead of tat that won’t last longer that New Year’s Day, we recommend opting for designs with more longevity. These stocking fillers are perfect for adults. Think tricky brain teasers, fancy choccies and their new favourite mug. For a real treat, slip a bottle of gin into their stocking as well.
Whilst these gifts are all perfect for stocking fillers, they’re also great gifts for secret Santa.
Shop Christmas stocking fillers here.
Techy Christmas gifts
For the tech lover in your life, it’s nice to gift them something they haven’t already got. We love the Koble Polestar Lamp because it charges compatible phones wirelessly whilst providing light for your bedside or desk.
If you can’t quite find a gift that they won’t already have, then how about something to organise their gadgets? This Vitra Toolbox is a great choice, but you could also choose for something with more compartments.
Shop techy Christmas gifts here.
Gifts that show you care
Let’s face it, 2020 has been an extraordinarily stressful year and no one knows what Christmas will look like yet. Unfortunately, the odds are that any celebrations won’t be as large as normal.
If you have loved ones and friends you’ll no longer be seeing on the big day, why not treat them with a gift to show you care? Think pampering aromatherapy oils, some delicious chocolate or some accessories to make their home sparkle.
Shop Christmas gifts here.
When buying a new piece of furniture, you want to be sure of quality. So, one of the questions on your mind is probably how long should a sofa last? Well, a well-made sofa tends to last up to 15 years.
One that’s heavily used may last slightly less and sofas in more formal spaces may last longer. In this article we’ll outline when to replace a sofa and what to do with your old one.
Fabric
There are many reasons the fabric on your sofa hasn’t lasted as long as it should have. For example, a sofa in a busy family living room with pets may undergo a little more wear and tear than in a more formal seating area. In this situation you may find the upholstery has stretched a little, lost its shape and even torn in some parts. Fabric is also prone to discolouration. If your sofa is sat near a window, then the natural sunlight may fade the upholstery.
This may mean the sofa no longer complements your interior décor, so you’ll be looking to replace it. If your upholstery is removable, a dry clean could help restore some life to it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try dying it. Say you still like your sofa’s style and the frame is in good nick, have you considered reupholstering it? Enlisting the help of a professional could mean your sofa looks as good as new in no time at all.
Creaking
You might think that your sofa creaking is just a sign of its character or perfectly normally. That isn’t the case unfortunately. Regular creaking could be a sign that your sofa’s frame or structure is starting to deteriorate.
Whilst your sofa may last a little longer, it’s worth thinking about replacing it before springs start poking into your legs. If your sofa is new, then speak to the manufacturer about it as this could mean there’s a flaw in the construction.
Style
We would always recommend choosing a sofa with a timeless style that you know you’ll love for years to come. However, many people are limited by size, space and budget when buying their first sofa, so it’s unsurprising that style may be your reason for wanting a new sofa. If reupholstering or adding some scatter cushions doesn’t cut the mustard, it may be time for a new sofa.
That’s all well and good, but definitely spend time deciding on your next sofa. Consider how your tastes have changed and only invest in a sofa that you know you’ll love for years. If budget allows, opt for a quality sofa that’s durable and well made.
Uncomfortable
The sofa is often the place you go to unwind and relax after a long day, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible. If the sofa is sagging, offers little support and is no longer comfortable then you should consider replacing it.
Even if it still feels comfortable, if the sofa isn’t supporting you properly then it can lead to back damage. Get ahead of this by replacing your sofa as soon as you notice its support is going.
If you do decide to replace your sofa, find out how to get rid of your old sofa for free here.
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