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Short answer
Cushions are the easiest place to use beautiful fabric, because they get little wear: velvets, jacquards, textures and prints all work. Mix one plain, one texture and one pattern in a shared colour, choose an insert a little larger than the cover so the cushion looks full, and use a concealed zip so covers can be cleaned. For cushions on a well-used sofa, pick fabrics with a reasonable rub count; outdoors, use outdoor fabric.
Fabrics that make good cushions
| Fabric | Look | JOTEX examples |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | Rich colour, soft and inviting | VELVET (46 colourways), CINEMA |
| Jacquard and damask | Woven pattern with depth | MONTI damask, MERCATO herringbone |
| Texture and chenille | Tactile, hides wear | BLAKE, TEKUSU SHINZU chenille |
| Linen-look | Relaxed and natural | PRANA |
| Playful; children's rooms | DREAMS, TOKIDOKI | |
| Outdoor acrylic | For balconies and pools | PATIO, BREEZE |
Cushions on a sofa in daily use get leaned on and rubbed, so prefer fabrics of about 10,000 Martindale rubs or more; purely decorative cushions on a bed can be anything. See Martindale Rub Test.
Mixing cushions
- One plain, one texture, one pattern, linked by a shared colour, is the easiest recipe.
- Vary the scale. Pair a large pattern with a small one, not two the same size.
- Odd numbers look relaxed; even numbers and matching pairs look formal.
- Tie it to the room. Take one colour from the curtains and one from the rug or art.
- Use the curtain fabric once. A cushion in the curtain fabric pulls the room together. See Multipurpose Fabric Explained.
Common sizes
| Cushion | Typical size | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Small square | About 40 to 45 cm | Chairs, beds, the front row on a sofa |
| Standard square | About 50 cm | Most sofas |
| Large square | About 55 to 60 cm | Deep sofas, the back row |
| Lumbar or oblong | About 30 × 50 cm | Chairs and the front of a bed |
| Bolster | Round, various lengths | Sofa arms, daybeds, beds |
Tip
Choose an insert about 2 to 5 cm larger than the cover. It fills the corners and keeps the cushion looking plump. Feather inserts hold a chop; fibre inserts keep their shape and suit allergy sufferers.
Finishes
- Concealed zip along the bottom edge: neat, and the cover comes off for cleaning.
- Envelope back: no zip, quick to make, easy to remove.
- Piping: a cord sewn into the edge gives a crisp, tailored line; contrast piping adds detail.
- Flange or ruffle: a flat border or gathered edge for a softer look.
- Motif placement: centre a damask or floral motif on the front of every cushion; allow extra fabric for it.
- Pile direction: on velvet cushions, run the pile the same way on every cushion in a set.
Caring for cushions
Plump and rotate cushions regularly, and vacuum covers with an upholstery brush. Follow each fabric's care label: many polyester covers can be washed gently, while velvets, jacquards and lined covers are safer dry-cleaned. Outdoor cushions should be dried on their edges after rain. See Balcony and Poolside Cushions.
Velvets for cushions
Velvets in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue. See the velvet fabric page.
Browse velvet fabric →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for cushions?
Almost any fabric works, because cushions get little wear. Velvet, jacquard, textured weaves and linen-look fabrics are popular. For sofa cushions in daily use, choose about 10,000 Martindale rubs or more.
What size cushions should I put on a sofa?
About 50 cm squares for most sofas, with 55 to 60 cm at the back of deep sofas and 40 to 45 cm or lumbar cushions in front.
Should the cushion insert be bigger than the cover?
Yes, about 2 to 5 cm bigger, so the corners fill out and the cushion looks plump.
How do I mix cushion patterns?
Combine one plain, one texture and one pattern that share a colour, and vary the scale of the patterns.
Can I use curtain fabric for cushions?
Yes. Cushions get little wear, and a cushion in the curtain fabric ties the room together.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.