The humble armchair is more than just a place to sit. It’s a design opportunity—an anchor point in your living room, bedroom, or reading nook that can reflect your personal taste and elevate the entire space. But a beautiful armchair doesn’t reach its full potential on its own. With the right cushions and throws, you can create a layered, inviting look that feels cosy, cohesive, and effortlessly stylish.
From selecting the right textures to choosing colour combinations that pop (or soothe), styling your armchair with accessories is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without a complete makeover. Whether your goal is comfort, contrast, or visual impact, the tips below will help you get it just right.
Start with a Foundation: Picking the Right Base Cushion
The first step in styling your armchair is choosing a cushion that complements the shape, size, and fabric of the chair. This base cushion should feel intentional—it sets the tone for the rest of your styling and helps ground your throw and secondary cushions.
- Choose a cushion that matches or gently contrasts your armchair’s colour to establish harmony.
- Stick to a square shape for classic appeal, or opt for a lumbar cushion to enhance comfort.
- Select a size that doesn’t overpower the chair—roughly half the width of the seat usually works well.
- Use this cushion as the focal point of your arrangement, building your look around it.
Add Dimension with a Secondary Cushion
One cushion might offer simplicity, but two or more open the door to layered style. Introducing a second cushion allows you to play with texture, colour, and balance while adding visual interest and extra comfort.
- Pick a different texture—like velvet, boucle, or cord—to bring tactile contrast.
- Vary the size and shape from your base cushion to create natural layering.
- Use subtle patterns such as stripes, geometrics, or florals to add personality without clashing.
- Arrange the cushions so the smaller one sits slightly in front, creating a curated look.
Don’t Be Afraid of Bold Patterns or Colours
An armchair is a self-contained design feature, which means it’s the perfect place to get creative with your accessories. Don’t shy away from bold colours or statement prints—they can instantly bring your space to life when used in moderation.
- Introduce a pop of colour that ties in with artwork, rugs, or curtains for cohesion.
- Choose a patterned cushion as a feature piece, supported by plainer elements around it.
- Stick to a consistent colour palette across accessories to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Let the chair’s position influence your choice—bolder cushions can balance dark corners or plain walls.
Choose the Right Throw for the Look You Want
Throws are more than just practical blankets—they’re a key styling tool. Depending on the material and drape, they can add softness, structure, or seasonal flair. Think of your throw as the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together.
- For a clean, modern style, fold the throw neatly and drape it over one arm.
- To create a relaxed, boho vibe, let the throw fall loosely across the seat or backrest.
- Choose chunkier knits or faux fur throws in colder months for warmth and texture.
- Use lighter weaves like linen or cotton for spring/summer styling and a breezier look.
Consider How Your Armchair Is Used Daily
Styling must always work alongside function. If your armchair is your go-to reading chair or the most-used seat in the house, your cushion and throw arrangement needs to reflect that. Comfort, durability, and practicality should shape your choices.
- Select cushions with removable, washable covers to keep your setup fresh and low maintenance.
- Avoid placing too many accessories if the chair is used daily—keep space clear to sit comfortably.
- Choose throws that are easy to wash and don’t shed fibres onto clothing.
- Opt for cushions that provide support as well as style, especially for lounging or reading.
Match or Contrast with Your Room’s Style
Your armchair doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s part of a bigger design scheme. Styling it with cushions and throws should reflect the wider aesthetic of the space, whether that’s modern, rustic, minimalist, or traditional.
- Echo the colours or finishes used elsewhere in the room, like curtain fabrics or flooring.
- Use accessories to reinforce your chosen style—florals for classic, abstract prints for modern.
- In a neutral room, style the chair with bolder accessories to create a focal point.
- If your room already has a lot going on, keep the styling minimal for visual balance.
Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry for Visual Appeal
Too much symmetry can feel flat, while too much randomness can seem messy. The key is to strike a balance. Layer cushions and throws in a way that feels casual but intentional, avoiding an overly rigid or chaotic appearance.
- Offset a neatly placed cushion with a throw that drapes more freely for natural balance.
- Mix one patterned cushion with one plain to anchor the look without too much uniformity.
- Use odd numbers—one cushion and one throw, or one large and two smaller cushions—for visual flow.
- Don’t aim for perfection—slightly adjusting placements can create a more inviting, lived-in style.
Switch It Up Seasonally
Cushions and throws offer the flexibility to change your space without major expense. By updating your accessories with the seasons, you can keep your armchair feeling fresh and in tune with the time of year.
- Use warm, rich tones like burgundy, forest green, or mustard for autumn and winter.
- Swap to cool pastels, blues, or light neutrals in spring and summer for a fresher vibe.
- Choose different materials by season—knits for winter, linens and cottons for warmer months.
- Consider festive-themed cushions or throws as occasional accents to mark celebrations.
Think About Texture and Layering
Texture is what makes a space feel rich and layered—not just in look, but in feel. Softness, thickness, and the way fabrics catch the light all influence how inviting your armchair appears.
- Combine at least two distinct textures, like velvet and wool, to create depth.
- Avoid too many shiny or smooth fabrics together—add contrast with nubbly or woven materials.
- Let texture guide your layout—drape heavier throws differently to lighter ones.
- Use the armchair’s own fabric as a base and layer textures that either echo or contrast with it.
Don’t Forget the Chair’s Shape and Size
The design of your armchair plays a major role in how to best style it. A high-back, structured armchair will need different accessories than a low-profile, cushioned design. Proportions matter—style according to what the chair can carry.
- For compact chairs, use fewer or smaller cushions to avoid a cluttered look.
- A wide, deep chair can accommodate multiple layers and bolder combinations.
- Curved or scroll arms may benefit from carefully placed throws to accentuate their shape.
- Let the shape lead—don’t force symmetrical layouts onto uniquely designed chairs.
Conclusion
Styling your armchair with cushions and throws is about far more than just decoration—it’s a simple, affordable way to transform how your space looks and feels. The right combination of shape, colour, texture, and placement can take a standard armchair and turn it into a design feature that elevates your whole room.
More importantly, these additions create a sense of comfort and warmth—inviting you, your family, and your guests to relax and enjoy the space. Whether you’re going for bold and modern or soft and traditional, use the guidance above to style your armchair with confidence. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.