Styling your sofa is easy with a few simple tricks. By choosing the right combination of cushions, textures, and thoughtful colour choices, you can transform it from plain to Pinterest-worthy. This guide takes you step by step through the art of sofa styling, with helpful tips for every kind of setup, from compact two-seaters to sprawling corner sofas and versatile sofa beds.

The power of a cushion: Small details, big style

Eloise sofa

The easiest way to begin styling your sofa is by setting a solid foundation. If you’re going for a symmetrical look, try placing two larger cushions at either end. These should either complement the colour of your sofa or gently contrast with it, think navy on grey, or a soft blush against cream. This creates a sense of balance without looking overly styled.

Dewsbury sofa | @mrs_roobottom_home

From there, it’s time to bring in some personality. Layer in cushions with subtle patterns or textured fabrics such as a woven knit, plush velvet, or even bouclé if you’re feeling bold. These smaller cushions sit neatly in front of your base ones and give your sofa a curated, layered look.

Pattern play and standout shapes

Montgomery sofa | @ohmyedwardian

Pattern mixing doesn’t have to be intimidating. A simple rule of thumb is to vary the scale by pairing one bold print with a mid-sized pattern and something small or subtle. Keeping the colour scheme consistent will help the mix feel cohesive rather than chaotic. For more pattern clashing tips, check out our Q&A with interior influencer, Tamzin McGillen.

Evie sofa | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

If your current collection feels a little too boxy, shake things up with a cushion in a different shape. A lumbar cushion or a circular design in the centre draws the eye and breaks the monotony. This can act as your statement piece, something playful or striking that adds real character to your sofa.

When asymmetry works best

Montgomery sofa | @rachelducker

While symmetry is timeless, there’s something wonderfully relaxed about an asymmetrical arrangement. A group of three cushions in varying textures and tones can often look more inviting than a stiff, mirrored lineup. The trick here is to stick with odd numbers and make sure there’s a visual rhythm, a velvet cushion next to a woven fabric one, a plain style beside a subtle stripe, and so on.

Morgan sofa | @51stinthemanor

If you’re feeling adventurous, introduce one cushion that completely contrasts with the rest, maybe a pop of mustard on a muted grey sofa or a bold geometric print among soft neutrals. This adds a little surprise and makes your styling feel fun and creative.

Styling by sofa type

2 seater sofas

Eton sofa | @archie1971

Smaller sofas don’t need to compromise on style. With limited space, less is more. Two cushions and a soft throw can do wonders, just choose complementary tones and fabrics that suit how you use the sofa. If you have pets or little ones, durable textures and darker shades are your best friends, especially if they’re machine-washable.

Corner sofas

Malvern charcoal sofa | @laurahomeandlifestyle

L-shaped and modular sofas give you space to be a bit more playful. Start by adding a couple of large cushions to the outer edges, then work inwards with smaller ones in contrasting textures or subtle patterns. Drape a throw casually over the corner seat to soften angles and add a layer of warmth. Want more ideas? Our complete guide to corner sofa layouts has plenty of styling inspiration.

Sofa beds

Eastley sofa bed

Sofa beds call for a clever blend of style and practicality. Opt for throws and cushions that can double up as bedtime essentials. A blanket box nearby makes for stylish storage, while textured cushion covers can cleverly disguise pillows until they’re ready to be used. It’s all about making your space work beautifully for both day and night.

Colour combos that just work

Malvern corner sofa | @inside.our.roost

Pairing the right colours can elevate your entire sofa setup. A grey sofa, for example, looks effortlessly chic with mustard and navy accents, while earthy olive and rust tones bring warmth to a neutral beige. If your style leans to more luxury, try blush pink and gold with a navy sofa, or soften charcoal with cream and sage. Playing with colour is one of the easiest ways to reflect the mood you want in your space.

Common styling mistakes to avoid

It’s easy to get carried away when styling your sofa but restraint can be your best design tool. Avoid piling on too many cushions, especially if they’re all the same size. This tends to look cluttered and flat. Instead, aim for variety, not just in size, but in texture and tone too.

Matching everything too perfectly can also backfire. Instead, let your cushions and throws echo different parts of the room like a shade from your curtains here, a texture from your rug there. This helps your sofa feel connected to the rest of the space, not isolated in it.

Be sure to check out our full range of sofas to help you create a gorgeous living room set up. Many of them come with matching and contrasting cushions which make styling super easy.

Finished your sofa makeover? We’d love to see it! Share your look with us on Instagram or TikTok by tagging #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome. Your space might just be featured in our next styling roundup.

The post How to style your sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Sure, you might not be indulging in a Michelin-star meal or jetting off for a weekend escape, but with a little creativity and the right mindset, you can create an evening that celebrates what truly matters: the love you share with your partner.

Set the Scene

Dorset dining table | @acton.life.and.home

Valentine’s Day doesn’t just start at dinner – it’s a vibe you can create throughout the day. Add some romance to your space with warm, inviting touches: scented candles, wax melts, or a diffuser in your favourite fragrance. A vase of fresh red roses or pink tulips on your coffee table, console table or sideboard instantly sets the tone. Even a few pink or red accents around your home can bring a subtle, sophisticated romance.

Evie sofa | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

Breakfast in bed

@livingwith_laura_j

Start the day by spoiling your partner with a proper breakfast in bed. Forget the burnt toast cliché and go all out – smashed avocado on sourdough, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, or indulgent French toast with bacon and syrup. Oh, and don’t shy away from a morning mimosa or Bloody Mary as it’s a celebration, after all!

Cook a meal together

Parquet dining table | @26our_mini_mansion

A candlelit dinner isn’t off the table just because you’re staying in. Cooking something you both love can be just as fun and even more fulfilling. Try making fresh pasta from scratch, or visit the fishmonger for fresh seafood. It’s all about teamwork, laughter, and creating something delicious together.

Order in your favourite meal

Dorset dining table | @zetaantoniou

If cooking feels more like a chore than a treat, why not order from your favourite restaurant? Support local businesses and enjoy the luxury of being served — without the chaos of crowded tables or overpriced wine. Set the dining table beautifully, pop open a bottle of something special, and enjoy the best of dining out from the comfort of home.

Have a living room picnic

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

Who says picnics are just for parks? Spread out a rug or blanket in your living room, pile on some cushions, and create a cosy indoor picnic on your coffee table. Add fairy lights, soft throws, and your favourite flowers for a touch of extra magic.

Host a tasting session

Parquet small bookcase | @casaoldcorn

Love wine, gin, or craft beer? Bring the tasting room to you! Many distilleries, wineries, and breweries offer at-home tasting kits, often with virtual expert-led sessions. It’s a unique and interactive way to celebrate, and you might just discover your new top tipple!

Learn a new skill

Credit: Anastasia Shuraeva

Pottery, sushi-making, ballroom dancing — these are just some of the classes now available online. Get stuck into something fun and new, and who knows? You might just find a hobby you’ll both love long after Valentine’s Day is over.

Get creative with arts and crafts

Credit: RDNE Stock project

Channel your inner Picasso with a painting session. Grab some easels, paints, and brushes, and try painting portraits of each other. Whether the results are museum-worthy or hilariously bad, it’s bound to be a memory you’ll both treasure.

Indulge in a home spa

St Ives sideboard | @our_surreyhome

Set the mood with scented candles, relaxing bath oils, and indulgent face masks: pamper your partner with a budget-friendly spa day at home. Unwind with a soak in a steaming tub filled with fragrant bath bombs. Elevate the experience with thoughtful extras: a homemade afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, alongside chilled bubbly or fruit-infused water. Finish with chocolate-dipped strawberries and wrap yourselves in fluffy, freshly laundered towels for that final touch of spa-like bliss.

Play games together

Credit: SHVETS production

Whether you’re board game fanatics, trivia buffs, or just love a bit of Lego, games are a brilliant way to bond through some playful competition, and you’ve got an evening of laughs sorted. Just remember — no sore losers!

Relive your favourite memories

Romsey sideboard | @ourderbyshiredetached

Dig out the photo albums, wedding snaps and videos, or digital photo folders and take a trip down memory lane. You could even pick a few favourites to print and frame, or start a scrapbook of your journey together.

Take time to stargaze

Credit: Özgür Sürmeli

Escape the chaos of everyday life with a quiet moment outdoors. Wrap up warm, step into the garden, and enjoy the stars together. Add your ultimate slow song for a spontaneous dance or cosy up around a fire pit, toast marshmallows and dine out on s’mores under the night sky.

A virtual Valentine’s date

For couples who can’t be together in person, there are still ways to celebrate your relationship. Use video call backgrounds to transport yourselves to Paris or a tropical beach and theme your evening around the location. You can also take online classes, cook together via video call, or even paint each other’s portraits. It’s all about connection — even from afar.

From simple gestures to elaborate setups, what makes Valentine’s Day special is the thought behind it. No matter which idea you choose, your partner will appreciate the effort you’ve made to celebrate your love.

We’d love to see your Valentine’s creations! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland to show off your romantic setups.

The post Romantic at-home date ideas for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Accent furniture is a statement piece that stands out from the rest of the room by adding colour, definition, or drama to a living space. It’s a perfect way to add some personality to your home with new colours, textures, or shapes. Plus, accent chairs are versatile enough to be used anywhere such as in your lounge, bedroom, office, hallway – or perhaps a quiet nook where you might like to take a seat and have a few minutes of peace.

So, in the hunt to find your perfect accent chair, we’ve pulled together some things to consider…

How will I use it?

Alexander chair | Henley tallboy

If you’re creating a reading nook, then depending on the space, you might want a chair that is a little bigger to relax in. If the chair is to be a focal point in your living room and is likely to be used quite regularly then you could consider something that reclines, or perhaps team it with a matching footstool for a bold style statement.

In the bedroom, a chair can create a cosy ambience but probably needs to be a bit smaller to allow free movement around the room. Likewise, for a hallway or any other high-traffic area in your home, a smaller, more compact chair would be most suitable.

You could also use your accent chairs as extra seating for your dining table. The perfect way to cater for additional or unexpected guests, without the need to have spare dining chairs stored away or having to get the wobbly stool out of the cupboard! Ensure that you select firm, sturdy chairs that are the correct height for the table to allow your guests to reach the table comfortably – as a guide, a chair that has a seat 16-18 inches from the floor works best.

What colour armchair should I choose?

Harris chair | Richmond nest of tables

Now here comes the most fun part of choosing new furniture.

Since you want your accent chair to create visual interest in a room, it’s a good idea to choose something that contrasts with the existing decor – think ‘opposites attract’. If you have a room that is full of colour or pattern, then choosing a simple plain piece can add variation and depth.

Alternatively, if your room is decorated in a more muted style, a striking chair that picks out a colour or tone in the room can bring a pop of colour. Or throw total caution to the wind and choose a colour that is completely different to make a statement. In a nutshell, when it comes to colour there are no rules, anything goes!

Do I need to consider the fabric?

Aside from colour, it’s also worth considering the fabric you choose. If the room has a lot of woven fabrics, perhaps a leather chair would offer a bit of variety and provide a durable, hardworking solution for busy rooms. Similarly, if leather isn’t your thing,why not go for a plush velvet to add an interesting texture?

How do I pick a style of armchair?

Halle chair

As you have probably guessed, we favour contrasting our accent furniture with the rest of the room, whether that be through colour, fabric, or even style. A modern, fresh, and minimal room will look fantastic with a traditional wingback or curvaceous chair in a paired back colour, adding an interesting silhouette to the room. When it comes to choosing accent furniture, then the possibilities are endless!

We’d love to see how you use accent pieces in your home. Don’t forget to share your photos with us by tagging us on Instagram or using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post How to choose an accent chair appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

While duck egg blue is a year-round favourite, it leads the pack as one of spring’s favourite hues. Read on to discover different ways to incorporate this peaceful shade into your home decor.

Highgate bed | Highgate bedside table | @our_skelton_in_the_meadow

Combining duck egg blue with similar shades is one of the most effective ways of using this colour when styling your home or choosing your decor. Delicate greens or turquoise tones work particularly well with this shade, creating a tranquil look that’s perfect for your living room or bedroom. Or opt to team with inky blues for a more dramatic look that’s still tranquil enough for a bedroom.

Parquet large sideboard | @roseontherow

It also contrasts beautifully with rose pink for decor that radiates pastel perfection. If you’re wary of going overboard on this pastel pairing, opt for subtle touches in accessories such as lamps, artwork or picture frames.

Brompton bed | @a_house_and_its_chows

For a fresh look, embrace a more coastal style by combining it with white painted furniture. We love this peaceful calming bedroom scheme that features duck egg wall panelling and coordinating cushions and decorative accessories that bring the look together seamlessly.

Detroit console table

Our dark-stained Detroit range teams perfectly with a duck egg backdrop and instantly softens the space. Use houseplants to add a refreshing pop of green that finishes off the look in style.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use duck egg blue in your home. How will you be using it? We’d love to see! Share your snaps with us using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram!

The post How to decorate with duck egg blue appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

St. Ives large sideboard | St. Ives 6 and 8 seater extendable dining table | Wave Back rustic oak dining chair

Dive into home maintenance

The best way to mark a new start in the home is through a total refresh, that means decluttering, repairing and, you guessed it, some aptly-named spring cleaning! By putting winter objects away for next year and getting rid of things you don’t need anymore, you’re giving yourself space for change and really demarcating a physical shift in surroundings when it can feel quite stagnant.

Next, we recommend setting out time to fix and repair the things that you didn’t quite have time to get to over winter. Bothered by a wonky blind? Fix it. Been meaning to upcycle an old console table? Get your apron on and start painting. The longer daylight hours will keep you motivated.

Romsey large sideboard | @herandhers_

All sofas and armchairs, whether they’re fabric or leather, need to be cared for after the excess in traffic over the winter period and its associated festivities.

Change up your accessories

Now it’s time to incorporate the sights and smells of the season to really bring a sense of spring into your home. Where you had bundles of blankets for winter, store them away in your storage footstool or blanket box and swap them out for softer hues or brighter prints. Think sunny yellows, sweet pastels and zesty geometry.

Updating your lighting will also help your new colours shine. Perhaps change your curtain fabric to something less heavy and velvety, opting instead for a lighter fabric in a colour like cream. This will help you maximise the hours of sun and help brighten up any corner of the home, providing less of a need for lamps that created that all-important wintry glow last season.

Jensen two seater sofa | Hove nest of tables

Mirror the new life outside by bringing life indoors this spring. Houseplants are ever-fashionable and have lots of benefits such as improving air quality and emitting a feeling of calm. Arranging an indoor jungle on a spare surface is especially useful for those living in an urban setting and who don’t have access to a garden.

Hercules large sideboard | @shell_williams71

Another way to invoke the world in bloom in your home is through springtime smells. Scented candles, diffusers, and oils will create a very aromatic feeling in the home. Don’t forget that the greatest springtime scent is the outdoors itself, so be sure to regularly let the changing air in by opening doors and windows wide, especially now it’s becoming warm enough to do so.

Brighten up your interiors and decor

If you fancy a total DIY renovation, you may want to roll-up your sleeves and give a certain room a new lick of paint. Changing the colour to something like a blushing pink or Scandi-inspired neutral will bring about a sought-after brightness, or you could go all-out with spring-inspired wallpaper. Whatever avenue you take, you’ll be really proud that you completed such a monumental project so early on in the year.

Parquet chest of drawers | @interiors_with_alice

You could even take it a step further and have new floors fitted, tearing away old carpets in exchange for summer-ready exposed wooden floors. If that’s too much work, however, consider a new area rug to help bring a burst of life to a living room or bedroom layout. For more spring styling tips, read this blog piece for even more home ideas and inspiration.

Evie loveseat | @home_with_robyn

The ultimate way to get your home ready for spring is to incorporate a fresh look with new furniture. Treat yourself to something you’ve been eyeing for a while, perhaps an accent chair for a reading nook that overlooks the garden or an even bigger change such as a new dining set to really usher in a new era.

You should now be ready to give your home a fresh look for the changing seasons. Don’t forget to show us your new looks over on Instagram, tagging us and using #OakFurnitureland.

The post The ultimate guide to getting your home ready for spring appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Spring cleaning

Canterbury hallway unit

Before you start shifting your home away from the rich warmth of winter and the festive season, ask yourself: are all surfaces dusted? Have you polished all your oak furniture for a fresh new shine? Is your fabric or leather upholstery in need of some tender loving care? Beginning with an aptly-named spring clean will provide a perfect canvas for you to start anew.

Update your decor

You may not have the budget or desire to uphaul your existing home interiors, nor do you need to in order to bring spring indoors. Opt for a single or couple of pieces you’ve had your eye on for some time. Consider light wood tones, such as natural oak ranges or painted oak collections, in your redesign. Either combine these yourselves, by incorporating key pieces from, say, the Shay and Wiltshire ranges to draw parallels and contrasts across the room, or go for statement furniture from collections like Hove. These ranges marry delicate painted finishes with beautiful natural oak details such as tops and handles for a rounded, diverse look.

Create a new colour palette

Moodboard inspired by the Copenhagen range

Whether you decide to stick with what you’ve got or treat yourself to something new, use your wood choices to formulate your colour palette. From here, you can bounce off the existing shades of wood and use them as a basis for selecting the fabrics, textures and prints that will coalesce to complete the rest of your room. With ranges like the Scandi-inspired Copenhagen range, you can use its light, sunny finish and rounded edges to complement with calming greys and blues, as well as earthy accents inspired by the natural world. Something like this will give your room a modern feel while keeping to the fresness of the season: see an example above for spring decor ideas.

Accessorise your home

You may be wondering how you can spruce up your house for spring. Think about all those lovely surfaces you’ve just cleaned, they’re now platforms for endless decor opportunities. Your console tables and sideboards will be given a new lease of life. An obvious decor choice would be a vintage vase where you can display blooming flowers that match or, perhaps, starkly contrast, the rest of the room. As spring is all about the blossoming of nature, plant plots also do their part in bringing the outdoors in.

Canterbury large dresser

Flashes of cheery yellows and pretty pinks can be incorporated into accent pillows and soft throws to help prepare your abode for the warmer months. You can go even further with statement accenting and consider a contemporary take on wallpaper.

Alternatively, an accent chair can achieve a similar effect and be a truly stand-out piece in whatever room you’re looking to transform. Many of our chairs, such as the Brighton accent chair, are covered in attention-grabbing prints that will add a spring-like texture to a reading nook or living room scene.

As many of us are currently working from home for the foreseeable future, you may be looking to spring to help inspire your home office. Install open shelves over your desk and give prized trinkets, lush greenery and framed photos of sunny memories pride of place. In areas that catch the light, colourful glassware would look beautiful as their shapes and jewel-like hues refract onto the wall and create a spectral effect.

The post Spring styling tips appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

By incorporating some seating into our bedroom, we create a space beyond the hustle of the rest of our homes for relaxation – whether it’s a spot to get stuck into the latest bestseller, a separate area to watch TV or simply a place to meditate and calm our minds before our day begins.

But which chairs are best suited to a bedroom environment? Our guide below will help you to make the best selection for your most personal of spaces.

Get comfortable

Your first step is to find something that feels comfortable. After all, if you find you have a chair that’s not big enough or deep enough, you probably won’t bother to use it.

So, consider how you like to sit when you’re relaxed. Do you curl your legs underneath you? Do you sit sideways with your back against the armrest and your legs sprawled across it? Do you prefer to sit straight with plenty of back support?

Make sure the chair you choose suits your requirements, whatever they are. You may even want to consider adding a footrest so you can stretch out.

Looking for more tips on choosing an accent chair? Our post here will help.

Create the space

No matter how big your bedroom is, you will want to make sure you have the space for your chair. Take note of any measurements before you hit the ‘buy’ button to ensure it not only fits your space but also fits through your door. Make sure there is enough room to comfortably sit and stretch out in your chair and that it’s easy enough to walk around it.

A sunny spot near a window is always a great spot to place your chair but if you want a cosy reading area, perhaps a darker corner with an angled reading lamp will be another consideration.

Choosing a style

Morgan Armchair | @ourhappyhamiltonhome

When it comes to choosing a style of chair, consider what marries well with the rest of the furniture in the bedroom. Are you a bit of a romantic? Consider a more traditional feel with turned legs, soft curves and flared arms. Perhaps you love a contemporary look? Look out for a more tailored design with less embellishment and strong sleek aesthetics.

Look out for colours and finishes that will complement the rest of the space in terms of colours and textures to create a seamless and cohesive look to your bedroom.

Prints charming

If you’re looking for a focal point in your bedroom, consider a chair with a touch of pattern in the fabric. A soft floral will work perfectly in a more romantic setting while a graphic pattern could create a striking feature for a modern look.

When choosing a patterned bedroom chair, take into account any other colours or patterns in the room. Mixing patterns can be challenging but tie them together with similar colour palettes and choose a fabric with a pattern size that compliments what you already have. Generally, a larger pattern will work well with a smaller scale pattern and vice versa.

Colour pop

And finally, if you enjoy a bold look in your bedroom, why not try a fun colour pop in your bedroom chair? Using the other colours in the room as a jumping off point, choosing a colourful fabric can be a fun way to express your personal style.

Contrast with colours that are opposite on the colour wheel – so, for instance, you may have a deep blue bedroom which could look fantastic with a bold orange chair or a pale mustard yellow may work beautifully with soft blush pink walls.

For a more relaxing vibe, keep it tonal by using similar colours that are close together on the colour wheel so you may wish to choose an aqua chair in a sky blue room or a magenta chair in a plum room.

The post Best chairs for the bedroom appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.