Colour Matching

Colour matching is the process of choosing cushion colours that work together and with the room around them. For custom cushions, it draws on colour theory, an understanding of fabrics and a feel for design, so that the cushions contribute to the look of the space as well as being comfortable.

Colour matching is not just picking a colour you like. It is about understanding how colours interact, how they affect the mood of a room and how they can create a cohesive design. Whether you are an interior designer or a homeowner refreshing your space, this guide explains the key principles.

Quick Reference: What Affects Cushion Colour

Understanding Colour Theory

Colour theory is the backbone of colour matching: a framework designers use to understand the relationships between colours. It is a vast subject, but a few basic ideas are especially useful when choosing colours for custom cushions.

It starts with the colour wheel, a circular diagram of colours arranged by their relationships. The wheel is made up of primary colours (red, blue and yellow), secondary colours (green, orange and purple) and tertiary colours (made by mixing a primary and a secondary colour). Understanding how these colours relate to each other on the wheel is key to colour matching.

The Role of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colours

• Primary colours (red, blue and yellow): The base colours from which other colours are mixed. They can be used as a main colour or as accents; for example, pairing a red cushion with a blue one gives a bold, vibrant look.
• Secondary colours (green, orange and purple): Made by mixing two primary colours. For example, pairing a green cushion with a blue one creates a cool, relaxing feel.
• Tertiary colours: Made by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour. They are often used as accents to add depth to a colour scheme; for example, a yellow-orange cushion paired with a blue one creates a warm, inviting look.

Colour Harmonies

Colour harmonies (or colour schemes) are combinations of colours that are considered pleasing together. Types include complementary, analogous and triadic schemes, and understanding them is essential for successful colour matching.

• Complementary colours: Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel. They create high contrast, so they stand out when used together; for example, a blue cushion with an orange one creates a vibrant, energetic look.
• Analogous colours: Colours next to each other on the colour wheel. They create a harmonious, cohesive look; for example, a green cushion with a yellow one gives a soothing, natural look.

Fabric Types and Their Impact on Colour

The fabric used for a cushion can significantly affect how a colour looks, because different fabrics absorb and reflect light differently. Understanding this helps you make better colour choices. See our fabric selection guide for more on cover fabrics.

Cotton, for example, has a matte finish that can make colours look more muted, while silk reflects light, making colours look brighter and more vibrant. The same colour can therefore look quite different on a cotton cushion and a silk one.

Impact of Fabric Texture

Texture also affects colour. Rough-textured fabrics such as linen or wool can make colours look darker and more muted because they absorb more light, while smooth, shiny fabrics such as satin reflect more light, making colours look brighter. Velvet is different again: its pile gives colours a rich, deep look that shifts as the light catches it.

So consider texture as well as colour. A rough-textured fabric may mute a bright colour, while a shiny fabric may make a dark colour look brighter than intended.

Impact of Fabric Pattern

The pattern of a fabric can also affect how its colour appears. The colours used in a pattern influence how the main colour is perceived, and a bold pattern can make a colour look more vibrant. Our pattern design guide explains more.

Seen from a distance, small, closely spaced patterns can visually blend together: for example, a fine blue pattern on a red cushion may make it look slightly purple. A larger pattern with clearly separated colours is less likely to change how the main colour looks.

Lighting and Its Effect on Colour Perception

Lighting plays a big part in how we see colour, and the same colour can look different under different lights. A colour might look warmer under incandescent lighting and cooler under fluorescent lighting.

Daylight is considered the most neutral, balanced light, showing colours without a colour cast. Incandescent lighting, common in homes, casts a warm, yellowish light that can make colours look warmer and more yellow than they really are.

Impact of Natural Light

Natural light gives the most accurate view of colour, but its quality changes during the day. In the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is low, light has a warm, golden tone that makes colours look warmer. At midday, when the sun is highest, light is cooler and bluer, making colours look cooler.

Consider the natural light in the room where your cushions will be used. If the room gets a lot of natural light, choose colours that suit the light at the time of day the room is used most. For example, in a room used mainly in the early morning or late afternoon, warm, golden colours will complement the warm light.

Colour Matching Tips for Your Cushions

• Use the colour wheel: Complementary colours for contrast, analogous colours for harmony.
• Consider the fabric: Matte, textured fabrics mute colours; shiny fabrics brighten them.
• Check the lighting: View fabric samples in the room, at the time of day you use it most.
• Think about pattern: The colours in a pattern change how the main colour is perceived.

Explore Related Cushion Guides

Continue exploring cushion design across our glossary:

• Fabric Selection: Choosing the right cover fabric for looks and durability.
• Pattern Design: How patterns are designed and applied to cushions.
• Decorative Pillows: Using pattern and colour to style scatter cushions.
• Edging Styles: Using contrasting piping and trims to add colour.
• Indoor Cushions: Choosing cushions to suit your interior.
• Customisation: How custom cushions are designed and made.

Want Help Choosing Colours for Your Cushions?

The Foam & Covers team can help you choose fabrics that suit your room and make custom cushions and covers to your exact measurements.

Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .