From Window Seats to Sofas: Using Made to Measure Cushions Throughout Your Home
Drawn to the timeless beauty of made to measure cushions, but not sure where to use them or how to style them throughout your home?
Cushions are more than just decorative accessories – they add colour and character to every room, helping you transform those overlooked corners into the most inviting spots in the house. From window seats and dining benches to armchairs, reading nooks, and everything in between, made to measure cushions help to tie your room together while making it feel warmer, more comfortable, and uniquely yours.
Here are some inspiring ways to use made to measure cushions throughout your home.
Why choose made to measure cushions?
Every home has its own character. From period properties with unique architectural features to modern homes with custom-built furniture, there are many homes where standard cushion sizes simply don’t work.
Rather than compromising with a cushion that’s too small, too thin, or not quite the right shape, you can choose a made to measure cushion in the exact size, fabric, and finish you need. This gives you a more considered look, while also ensuring your cushion works properly within your space. You can select the perfect pattern to sit alongside your existing curtains, blinds, upholstery, and furniture, helping to create a cohesive and considered interior scheme.
Our top tips for using made to measure cushions
Create the perfect window seat
A window seat can completely change how your room is used. It invites you to slow down and pause with a cup of tea or your favourite book, while you bask in the light and enjoy the views outside. Made to measure window seat cushions are perfect for these spaces, helping to create comfort across the full length of the seat, while the fabric brings the window area into the wider room.
If you already have made to measure curtains or blinds, we recommend choosing a coordinating stripe, spot, or plain fabric for the cushion. This will help the whole scheme feel connected without being too matchy-matchy. For example, a pair of curtains in a soft floral fabric, like Sunflower Detail or Cow Parsley, will sit beautifully with a bespoke window seat cushion in Simple Ticking Detail or Dotty Check.
Spruce up your sofa or armchair
If your living room furniture is looking a little tired, you don’t necessarily need to go through the hassle and expense of replacing it. Why not bring it back to life with some new made to measure cushions instead?
Bespoke cushions allow you to introduce new colours, patterns, and textures without committing to a complete redesign. You could pick up on the colours from your rug, echo the pattern from your curtains, or introduce a new print that gives the room a little more life. A layered mix of pattern scales often looks lovely on sofa and armchair cushions – for example, you could introduce a larger cushion in a bold print like Wild Fern with some smaller scatter cushions in Stripe & Dash to create balance.
Add comfort to your dining room chairs
Dining room chairs often work hard, especially in busy homes where the table is used for family meals, morning coffee, homework, craft projects, paperwork, and more. Made to measure cushions can make your dining chairs much more comfortable, while also introducing a layer of colour and pattern to the room.
Smaller-scale patterns work particularly well for traditional dining spaces, as they help to bring softness without overwhelming the table. French Ticking or Little Fern are lovely choices for chair cushions, especially when paired with wooden or painted furniture. If you’re looking for something a little more decorative, Fine Foliage helps to introduce gentle movement and character, while still feeling timeless.
Layer cushions on beds
Cushions are a great way to make your bedroom feel more finished, especially when layered with other bespoke soft furnishings like a made to measure quilt or throw. They add colour and softness without making the room feel too busy, helping to create a peaceful and restful space where you can relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
For bedroom cushions, we recommend choosing softer prints and gentler colours that encourage a sense of calm. Song Birds and Down to Earth work beautifully in bedrooms, particularly when paired with plain linen fabrics. Or, for a more traditional look, you could opt for two larger cushions in a simple coordinating fabric behind one smaller patterned cushion, creating a layered arrangement that feels effortlessly elegant.
Bring comfort to every corner
Custom cushion design isn’t just for sofas and window seats. Some of the most useful cushions are actually made for those smaller areas in your home. For example, you could create a comfortable hallway bench for putting on your shoes, fashion a snug reading nook for those relaxing weekend mornings, or soften your conservatory with cushions that echo the greens and earthy tones just beyond the grass.
These smaller areas are a wonderful place to be a little braver. You may find that the bold, vibrant fabric you’ve been hesitant about using across your whole sofa could actually be perfect for a bench seat or single accent cushion.
Find the perfect made to measure cushions for your home
At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we offer made to measure cushions in a huge range of sizes, shapes, fabrics, and finishes. Every cushion is made to order right here in the UK, filled with luxury feather pads and personalised by you. Simply select your favourite fabric, let us know what size and style you’re after, and we’ll deliver your cushions straight to your door in just 6-8 weeks.
So, why not have a bit of fun with it? Order some fabric samples, place them around your room, and see which ones make you smile. You’ll be surprised by how much difference a beautifully made cushion can make!
FAQs
Are made to measure cushions worth it?
Yes, made to measure curtains are definitely worth it. They’re created to fit your space properly, giving a more comfortable and considered finish than standard sizes. You can cover your cushions in a fabric of your choosing, allowing you to create a look that feels personal, cohesive, and perfectly suited to your home.
Where can I use made to measure cushions?
You can use made to measure cushions throughout your home, from your sofas and armchairs to your window seats, dining chairs, hallway benches, kitchen seating, beds, and reading corners. They’re especially useful for spaces where standard cushion sizes don’t quite work.
Can I match cushions to my curtains or blinds?
Yes, you can match your cushions to your curtains or blinds. You could choose the same fabric for a coordinated look, or select a complementary stripe, spot, plain, or small-scale print to create a more relaxed and layered scheme.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
