What are the different kinds of throw cushions?

Throw pillows add a pop to any room - whether you're lounging on your sofa, cosying up in your bedroom, or sprucing up a chair at your dining table. But with so many types of throw pillows out there, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in options. Our handy guide is here to help. 

Square pillows

Square throw pillows are the timeless staples in the world of home décor. Usually measuring between 18” x 18” and 20” x 20”, these are the classic, go-to pillows you see everywhere.
On your sofa or sofa bed, arrange matching square pillows symmetrically for a clean, polished look, or play with contrasting textures and patterns for a more relaxed, lived-in style. In the bedroom, square pillows usually take centre stage as the base layer of your pillow arrangement, offering structure before you layer in smaller decorative pillows. Go for clean fabrics like cotton or linen for a classic-luxe feel, or add some depth with rich velvet. 

Lumbar pillows

Lumbar pillows are those long, narrow pillows designed to fit snugly against the lower back, typically measuring around 12” x 20” or 14” x 22”. While lumbar pillows are functional (hello, support for those long Netflix sessions), they also add some visual interest to your space. Pair them with square pillows on your sofa for added depth and a more layered look, or place them at the centre of your bed to create a sense of symmetry and balance. The lumbar pillow serves as the perfect accent, especially when stacked with larger pillows.

Bolster pillows

Bolster pillows are cylindrical cushions that are often longer than your square pillows - but typically range between 12” and 24” in length. Often, you’ll see these pillows on the ends of a sofa, to bring in the armrests a little and offer some additional support. A lot of people also place a bolster pillow on their bed as a “statement cushion” - adding a different texture or colour to their bedroom styling. If you’re bored of seeing square pillows all the time, bolster pillows are for you. 

Round pillows

Round pillows are another great alternative to square pillows. There are a lot of clean lines and sharp edges in traditional home decor (e.g. square armchairs, rectangular tables etc) but a round cushion can help to break that up on a sofa, a bed, or at the table. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match round pillows with square or rectangular ones.

Headboard cushions

Headboard cushions are large, plush pillows designed to sit against - you guessed it - the headboard of your bed. They have a real hotel vibe, and make it more comfortable for you to sit up and read in your pyjamas on a Sunday morning. You can either match your headboard cushions with the colour and fabric of your bed, or you can use them to complement your bedding. But it can also be really fun to use your headboard cushions as a way of introducing some unexpected colours and textures—because with one quick cover change, you can transform the feel of your bedroom. 

Seat cushions

Seat cushions are for adding extra comfort to your dining chairs, dining benches or even outdoor furniture. While seat cushions are mainly practical, they can still play a big role in your design. A statement stripe can add a splash of fun to your dining room. Or a dark brown leather can make it feel oh-so-sophisticated. You can change them out every season or mix and match for some eclectic maximalism. 

Throw pillows are the easiest way to refresh your space without committing to a full redesign. Shop our collection of throw cushions here.