When it comes to refreshing a space without redecorating from scratch, cushions are your secret weapon. A few well-chosen pieces can pull a room together, add personality, and make everything feel more considered and cosy.
Here’s how to use accent colours and cushions (like ours at Truly) to complement any room and create that effortless, elevated look.
1. Start with Your Base Palette
Begin by looking at what you already have: your sofa, rug, curtains and artwork.
- If your base is neutral (think oatmeal, stone, soft grey), you have the freedom to introduce bolder accent colours.
- If your room already has strong colour, choose cushions that pick up one or two tones from existing pieces so everything feels intentional rather than busy.
For example, in a calm living room with a cream sofa and natural jute rug, you might pair our soft neutral linen cushions with a couple of burnt orange or emerald green cushions to add warmth and depth.
2. Use the 60–30–10 Rule
A simple styling trick:
- 60% main colour (walls/sofa/rug)
- 30% secondary colour (throws, larger cushions)
- 10% accent colour (smaller cushions, trims, decorative pieces)
On a light grey sofa, you could use our larger stone or taupe cushions as your 30%, then introduce a 10% accent with smaller velvet cushions in royal blue or blush pink. This keeps everything cohesive while still feeling interesting.
3. Mix Textures, Not Just Colours
Texture is just as important as colour for a luxurious look. Try combining:
- Smooth cotton or linen cushions for a relaxed, everyday feel
- Velvet or fringed cushions for a touch of luxury
- Knitted or boucle cushions for cosy, tactile interest
For a bedroom, layer our crisp white bedding with two large neutral cushions at the back, then add a pair of velvet accent cushions in a soft blush or charcoal grey at the front. The contrast in texture instantly makes the bed feel hotel-worthy.
4. Play with Scale and Shape
Avoid a flat, uniform look by mixing:
- Two larger square cushions at the back
- Two medium cushions in your accent colour
- One smaller rectangular cushion in front to tie the palette together
On an armchair, a single statement cushion in a bold accent colour from our collection – perhaps a rich gold or inky blue – can be enough to link the chair to the rest of the room.
5. Tie Your Accent Colour Around the Room
To make your styling feel deliberate, repeat your accent colour in at least three places. If you’ve chosen burnt orange cushions, echo that shade in a vase, a framed print, or a throw. Using our cushions as the starting point, you can then build out with complementary accessories for a pulled-together, designer feel.
Thoughtfully chosen cushions and accent colours don’t just decorate a room – they tell a story about how you live. With a few well-styled pieces, you can refresh your space season after season, simply by switching up shades, textures and combinations.