Cushion Styles and Shapes

When buying cushions or pillows there are many types of cushion styles and shapes. The well known and classic basic cushion is the humble square cushion.

This square cushion can be changed to lots of other cushion styles but in its plainest form it is known as a simple or knife edged cushion. The knife edge refers to the sharp or crisp seam edge finish.

Its size will depend on the use it is going to have, as a scatter or throw cushion it would be a small to medium size that would sit on the sofa, chair or settee. A floor cushion would be very much larger to allow people or pets to use it as a type of lounging cushion but the shape is more or less the same. 

In the bedroom pillows are a larger rectangular style.

On a lounge settee the backs if not upholstered, can be large basic square or rectangle cushions.

Some of these shapes can ge transformed into other styles by adding a different cushion cover.

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Types of
Cushion Styles and Shapes

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Transforming a square cushion
into a different style

Frilled, Bordered and pipe edged cushions - all have fabric additions between the front and the back of the cushion cover. The actual cushion insert is still square in shape.

Frilled - will have a gathered length of fabric sewn between the front and the back of the cushion cover giving the cushion the appearance of being larger than it is.

Bordered or Flanged - will have the look of being larger due to an extra added edge or edges to the cushion cover.

Piped edge - These will have a thickness of rope or cord that sits inside fabric and then placed in-between the front and the back of the cushion cover making sure that the sewing is done as close to the piping as possible.

 Different shaped cushions - for function or fun

Bringing alternative shapes into your room can be different adding fun and functionality.

To me a cushion is any type of padded element so this could be from a draught excluder to a decorative hanging heart.

Heart shaped - This different shaped cushion can be used just like an ordinary square cushion but the little indention or dip at the top can be really helpful to ease or support jointed areas of the body.

Round shaped - Introduce some round cushions, to bring a different look to your room, to go with the usual square ones. These can be made to look larger just like the square cushions if the cover has been made into a flower or they have had any decoration placed around the side.

The beauty of having some round cushions is that they are perfect for a head rest or tucked under the arm or back to offer support where needed.

Rectangle shaped - This shape is just like an elongated square cushion that will fit at the sides of sofas, settees or chairs. Again this shape would be good to provide a head or arm rest and pillows are this shape for the bedroom.

Bolster cushions - These cushions are elongated tubular shapes and are equally good for head and arm rests.

Styling Cushions on Sofas, Settees and Chairs

This is where your individuality, flair and style can all come together. Where do you want the cushions to sit?

This can depend on the size of the furniture and how the family uses it.

Two or three different sized ones at each end or three along the back either spaced out or just in the middle. what looks good to you.

The cushion colours can either match the furniture and curtains or be a contrast to them by having other colours mixed in.

Going bold by doing a completely different colour is always fun. Picture cushions can add interest. This list can be endless.

There are many shops and online outlets to buy cushions and their covers.There is a good selection in The Range, the cushions are mainly square but there are some different shaped ones scatter through the list.

Another online outlet is Homescapes and they have a good selection. The shape is mainly square but different shaped ones may be intertwined under cushions covers but a better selection is under the kids selection.

Both have cushion inserts if these are needed.

Enjoy choosing your cushion styles and shapes....