Learning how to dress a sofa can make a bigger difference than you might think. Sofas often anchor the living room, so the way you style them has a direct impact on how the whole space feels. The right mix of cushions, throws, and small details can soften the look of a room, add warmth, and show a bit of personality.
When it comes to dressing a sofa, there isn’t one right approach. Some people prefer a layered, cosy look with cushions and blankets piled high, while others like a tidier, more streamlined look. Either way, getting the balance right is the most important thing.
This guide breaks down how to style a sofa in simple steps, showing you what to consider and how to make choices that suit your home, lifestyle, and taste.
The Essentials of Dressing a Sofa
If you’re looking for a quick overview, here are the main elements that go into dressing a sofa effectively:
- Cushions – the easiest way to add colour, texture, and comfort.
- Throws and blankets – introduce warmth, layering, and a relaxed feel.
- Supporting pieces – side tables, coffee tables, and ottomans can help complete the look.
- Balance and scale – make sure accessories don’t take up too much space, but also make sure that your sofa doesn't look too bare.
- Texture and material mix – combining fabrics like linen, velvet, wool, or cotton for depth.
- Personal touches – styling choices that tie the sofa into your wider living space, like matching tones or subtle patterns.
The Building Blocks of Sofa Styling
Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s the smaller details and finishing touches that really bring a sofa to life. From cushions and throws to the furniture around it, these elements are what make your sofa feel “finished” and part of the room.
Cushions and throws
Cushions are one of the easiest ways to refresh your sofa and change the mood of your living room, especially if you have a neutral coloured sofa. 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. We would recommend going 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 and keep to one or two colours and textures. For a bigger sofa, like a chaise or corner sofa, you can use a few more, as you have more space.
The Atworth Sofa Bed
A throw is an easy way to layer textures and introduce a colour or pattern. A neatly folded throw gives a refined look, while draping one casually over the arms creates a cosier feel. They also help protect your seat cushions, which will help expand the lifespan of your sofa or sofa bed.
Cushions and throws are worth the investment if you love regularly reinventing your living room. 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 Best Sofa Colours in 2025 blog for some colour inspiration.
Side tables and coffee tables
Don’t overlook the furniture that supports your sofa. A compact side table can completely change the way your sofa works in your living room. A side table that is just big enough for a lamp, plant, or your morning coffee makes the area feel more usable and complete.
Coffee tables should work with the size and scale of your sofa; too small and they’ll feel lost, too large and they’ll overwhelm the room. If space is limited, nested tables or a slim rectangular table can be a smart choice.
The Elmley Sofa
Ottomans and footstools
A medium or large ottoman can replace a traditional coffee table, especially when styled with a tray for books or candles. Matching your ottoman or footstool to your sofa creates a coordinated look and even allows you to stretch out as though you had a chaise. Alternatively, choosing a bold colour or a rich fabric like velvet can turn a footstool into a focal point.
Storage ottomans are especially useful if you live in a smaller home or want to keep clutter out of sight. They can hold extra bedding for a sofa bed or simply keep your favourite throws tucked away until you need them. If you’re styling a footstool, think about proportion, too small and it won’t balance visually with your sofa, too large and it will dominate the space.
The Woodborough Ottoman in House Velvet Petal
The Westbury Modular Sofa Bed with Ottoman
How to Style Different Sofa Types
Not every sofa needs to be dressed in the same way. The size and shape of your sofa will influence how many cushions you use, how you arrange throws, and which accessories work best. Here are some simple tips on how to style a sofa.
Two & Three-Seater Sofas
Smaller sofas benefit from a more balanced approach. Two cushions on each end usually feel just right, with room for a folded throw along the back or arm. The Somerton Sofa Bed is a good example of a design that looks complete with just a few well-chosen accessories, making it ideal for compact living rooms.
Chaise & Corner Sofas
With more seating space, larger sofas need extra layers to feel balanced. Use a mix of cushion sizes, larger ones to anchor the corners, and smaller accent cushions to break up the length. Throws can also be used to define different “zones” of the sofa, like draping one across the chaise for a relaxed spot to stretch out.
Sofa Beds
When dressing a sofa bed, flexibility is key. Cushions and throws should be easy to move when converting from sofa to bed. A storage ottoman is useful here, giving you somewhere to keep accessories when not in use. The Atworth Sofa Bed works well styled with a few layered textures in the day, which can be quickly cleared when it’s time for sleep.
Armchairs & Footstools
Armchairs don’t need much, just one well-chosen cushion or a draped throw is often enough. Footstools can be styled with a tray holding books or candles, or simply left clear for a clean, practical look. Matching your armchair or footstool with your sofa fabric helps tie the room together, though a contrast fabric can make the piece stand out.
Adding The Finishing Touches to Your Sofa
The finishing touches are what make a sofa feel truly yours. Small details like a patterned cushion, a favourite blanket, or even a vintage tray on a footstool can tie the whole look together. Mixing old and new works well too; heirloom textiles or handmade cushions alongside modern fabrics give a sofa a lived-in feel that reflects your home.
If you like a layered, homely feel, you might also enjoy our guide to English country interior design, which shows how to combine patterns, fabrics, and textures in a way that feels warm and welcoming.
If you prefer a coordinated look, choose colours and patterns that connect your sofa to the rest of the room, such as picking up tones from rugs, curtains, or wall art. For something bolder, try a standout fabric or contrasting textures to make the sofa the centrepiece.
Start Dressing Your Sofa Today
The best styling starts with the right foundation. At Willow & Hall, our luxury sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, and footstools are available in over 150 fabrics, giving you endless options to make them your own.
To help you find the right look, you can order up to 8 free fabric samples and see how different textures and colours work in your home before you decide.
If you’re ready to refresh your living room, explore our full collection of luxury furniture today.