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Indoor Cushions

Indoor cushions are cushions designed for use inside the home, on sofas, chairs, beds, benches, window seats and floors. They provide comfort and support and are also a key decorative element, adding colour, texture and personality to a room. Made as custom cushions, they can be tailored to any interior style, from traditional to contemporary, in materials such as cotton, silk, velvet and leather.

Indoor cushions can be used in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms, and are an easy, affordable way to refresh furniture. Floor cushions can also provide extra seating in a relaxed setting.

Quick Reference: Types of Indoor Cushion

Type Description
Throw pillows Small decorative cushions for sofas, chairs and beds
Lumbar pillows Long, narrow cushions designed to support the lower back
Bolster pillows Cylindrical cushions used for support or decoration
Floor cushions Large, thick cushions for seating on the floor
Bench cushions Long, narrow cushions made to fit a bench
Window seat cushions Custom-made to fit a specific window seat

Types of Custom Cushions

There are several types of indoor cushion, each with its own characteristics and uses, from throw, lumbar and bolster pillows to floor, bench and window seat cushions. Each can be customised in size, shape, colour, pattern and material, giving endless design possibilities.

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows (often called scatter cushions in the UK) are perhaps the most common type of indoor cushion. These small decorative cushions sit on sofas, chairs and beds, and come in shapes including square, rectangular and round, in materials such as cotton, silk, velvet and faux fur. See our guide to decorative pillows.

They can be customised in colour, pattern and texture to complement any interior style: adding a pop of colour to a neutral sofa, introducing a new pattern or adding a touch of luxury with velvet or silk. Because they are easy to swap with the seasons, they are a versatile, affordable way to update a room.

Lumbar Pillows

Lumbar pillows are long, narrow cushions designed to support the lower back. They are usually placed on chairs or sofas, and can also be used on beds. They can be made from materials including cotton and silk, with fillings such as memory foam, and customised in size, shape, colour and pattern.

As well as providing support and comfort, lumbar pillows are decorative: they can add colour, introduce a new pattern or add elegance with silk or velvet, and create a layered look alongside other cushions.

Materials for Custom Cushions

Indoor cushions can be made from a wide range of materials. The right choice depends on how the cushion will be used, the look and feel you want and the overall design of the room. See our fabric selection guide for more.

  • Cotton: Soft, durable and breathable.
  • Silk: Luxurious and smooth.
  • Velvet: Plush and rich.
  • Leather: Durable and easy to clean.
  • Linen: Lightweight and breathable.
  • Faux fur: Soft and luxurious.
  • Outdoor fabrics: Durable and weather-resistant, also useful indoors where spills are likely.

Cotton

Cotton is popular for its softness, durability and breathability, and it is easy to clean, making it practical for cushions in everyday use. It can be dyed in a wide range of colours and printed with all kinds of patterns.

Cotton cushions suit any room and any interior style, adding comfort to a sofa or chair, support on a bed or a pop of colour, and they layer well with other cushions for a more textured look.

Customising Your Cushions

Customising your cushions lets you create a unique look by choosing the size, shape, colour, pattern and material, as well as the filling, such as feather, down or foam, to suit your comfort preferences. Our cushion fillings guide compares the options.

Consider the overall design of the room and your personal style. In a modern, minimalist interior, you might choose neutral colours and simple patterns; in a traditional or eclectic interior, bolder colours and more intricate patterns. See our guides to colour matching and pattern design.

Size and Shape

Size and shape have a big effect on a cushion’s look and feel. Large square cushions create a cosy, inviting look, small round cushions add a touch of whimsy, rectangular cushions provide good back support and bolsters add a decorative touch.

Consider the size and shape of your furniture and the room. A large sofa suits large square cushions, while a small chair may suit smaller cushions. See our guide to custom cushion sizes.

Caring for Your Custom Cushions

Regular cleaning, proper storage and occasional plumping and reshaping help cushions last longer and look their best. Care depends on the material, but most cushions can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water.

Rotate and flip cushions regularly to spread wear evenly. Wash removable covers separately to keep them fresh, and consider professional cleaning for delicate materials such as silk or velvet. Our cushion maintenance tips explain more.

Final Thoughts

Indoor cushions provide comfort and support, add colour and personality, and can be tailored to any interior style. With so many types, materials and options to choose from, it is worth experimenting with sizes, shapes, colours, patterns and materials to create cushions that are truly your own, and with proper care they will look their best for years.

Explore Related Cushion Guides

Continue exploring cushion design and care across our glossary:

Looking for Custom Indoor Cushions?

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Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .

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