Cushions

Cushions are soft furnishings designed to provide comfort and support. They consist of a fabric cover filled with padding and may be used on seating, beds, or floors. In interior design, cushions serve functional roles—support and insulation—and decorative roles, contributing color, pattern, and texture to a space.

Common types include decorative throw cushions for sofas, seat cushions for chairs and benches, bolster cushions with a cylindrical shape for support, and floor cushions or poufs for lounging. Some cushions are built into furniture; others have removable covers for easy cleaning.

Materials vary widely. Covers may be cotton, linen, wool, velvet, or synthetic fabrics; fillings include foam, down or synthetic down, polyester fiberfill, or microbeads. Removable covers facilitate washing, while non-removable cushions require spot cleaning or professional cleaning.

Design considerations include size, shape, color, texture, and firmness. On sofas, cushions commonly range from 16 to 24 inches square; rectangular cushions often measure 12 by 20 inches or 14 by 28 inches. Floor cushions are larger; bolsters typically are 6 to 12 inches in diameter and 12 to 30 inches long.

Cushions have a long history across cultures, originally for comfort in seating and prayer. Today they are ubiquitous in homes, hospitality settings, and offices, with trends emphasizing durability, easy care, and sustainable materials.