Cushion Covers for Sofas: Choosing the Right Size, Fabric, and Design
Cushion covers for sofas are more than just decorative accessories—they are an opportunity to introduce original art, texture, and style to your living space. At Bowerbird Collections, we create artisan-made cushion covers from 100% linen, inspired by original oil paintings by Ellie Sweetman. Our designs don’t just decorate; they help you tell a story.
In this guide, you'll learn:
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How to choose the right size cushion cover for your sofa
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Why 100% linen is the ideal fabric for artisan interiors
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Design tips using patterns, colours, and cushion arrangements
Whether you’re styling a bold statement or curating a cozy layered nook, our artisan cushion covers are designed to elevate any living space.
Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit
Start by measuring your sofa and balancing its scale with your cushion arrangement. Matching the cushion size with your sofa and room scale is essential for achieving both comfort and visual balance.
Why Cushion Size Matters
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Proportion: Oversized cushions can overwhelm a petite sofa or make a compact room feel crowded. Too-small cushions may get lost on a larger lounge or fail to provide adequate support.
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Functionality: Cushions are not just decorative—they’re meant to be used. Selecting sizes that invite relaxation without obstructing seating space is key.
Guidelines to Determine the Right Cushion Size
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Measure your sofa’s seat depth and width.
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Standard sizes (50x50cm) work for most sofas.
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Larger lounges can accommodate 55x55cm or 60x60cm.
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Slimline or vintage settees benefit from 40x40cm squares or lumbar cushions (e.g. 35x55cm).
Layering Tips
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Mix square and lumbar cushions to create depth and comfort.
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Odd-numbered arrangements (three cushions on a two-seater, five on a large sofa) feel natural.
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Anchor large cushions at the back, smaller ones in front.
Practical Example
A contemporary linen-upholstered sofa might shine with two 50x50cm botanical prints at each end, layered with smaller solids and a bolster in the centre. On a two-seater, consider three: two medium squares with a centre lumbar.
Fabric Selection: Why Linen is Our Material of Choice
At Bowerbird, we exclusively use 100% linen for our cushion covers—and for good reason:
Why Linen Stands Out
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Breathable & Natural: Linen’s open weave makes it airy—perfect for warm Australian climates.
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Elegant Texture: Linens natural texture gives subtle character and dimension to cushions.
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Eco-Friendly: Our linens are digitally printed with water-based inks and create zero wastewater.
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Durable & Low Maintenance: With proper care, linen holds up to everyday use and softens beautifully over time.
Our preference for natural fabrics, like linen and cotton, reflects our sustainability values, and desire to offer products that genuinely serve.
Caring for Linen Cushion Covers
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Cold machine wash, inside out
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Line dry in shade to preserve colour vibrancy
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Warm iron on reverse if needed
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Avoid direct prolonged sunlight to minimise fading
Colour & Design: Elevate with Botanical Art
Our cushion covers are rooted in original oil paintings by Ellie Sweetman. Each design is crafted to tell a story, and our curated colour palette is intentional and expressive.
Some standout options include:
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Amira Gold for warmth and elegance
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Bloom for bold botanical vibrancy
Colour Strategy
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Use bold cushions to brighten a neutral sofa.
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Choose hero fabric and pick colours from within that design to accent with geometric and small scale patterns.
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If your room is predominantly “warm” tones, try adding complimentary colours in your cushions to add interest and balance the scheme. The same applies to predominantly “cool” toned rooms.
Pattern Mixing Tips
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Combine a bold print with a solid linen base.
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Use varying pattern scales for layering: small geometrics + large botanicals.
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Repeat shapes, colours, or motifs from other elements in the room.
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Keep odd numbers and asymmetry in mind for a natural look.
The Role of Cushion Covers in Interior Design
Thoughtfully selected cushion covers do more than add softness—they define space, support mood, and tie elements together.
Benefits:
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Define lounge areas in open-plan rooms
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Refresh the feel of a room seasonally
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Showcase your unique personality through art-based textiles
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Help ground or uplift colour stories across artworks, ceramics, or rugs
Linen cushions invite texture, movement, and a tactile connection to the home. Layering with intention helps the space feel both grounded and expressive.
Sustainable & Practical: Why Quality Matters
Why Invest in Artisan Cushion Covers
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Comfort: Our linen cushion covers don’t just look good, they feel good too.
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Ease of Maintenance: All are removable and machine washable (gentle cycle, inside out).
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Longevity: High-grade linen and quality construction mean your covers last longer.
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Seasonal Refreshes: Change covers, not furniture—more affordable and eco-friendly.
Instead of replacing large upholstered furniture, a fresh set of cushion covers can reinvent a room.
Why Choose Bowerbird Collections
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Original designs from Ellie’s oil paintings
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100% linen printed responsibly with eco-friendly inks in China
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Handmade with care in Brisbane
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Exclusive patterns like Bloom, Blossom, Amira, and Rhythm
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Deeply rooted in slow design, local artistry, and intentional living
To explore more, read our blog on linen cushion covers in Australia.
Ready to Style Your Sofa?
Thoughtfully chosen cushion covers shape the heart of your home. Discover Bowerbird’s curated collection of linen cushion covers, designed to bring warmth, elegance, and authenticity into your space.
Visit our boutique in Paddington, Brisbane or browse online at bowerbirdcollections.com.
