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.

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Mirrors have long been a favourite trick of interior designers. They bounce light around a room, create the illusion of extra space, and add an instant touch of elegance. But beyond simply hanging one on the wall, there are so many clever ways to use mirrors in your home.

With lighter days around the corner, why not get your home spring-summer ready and make the most of mirrors in new and exciting ways? Here are some clever ideas to get you started, from simple accents to dramatic statement pieces.

1. Light it up

Newton mirror | @houseofhetheringtons

One of the easiest ways to maximise a mirror’s impact is to place it near a light or lamp. In the evening, the soft glow is reflected, creating a warm and inviting ambience throughout the room. This trick works especially well in small or dimly lit spaces.

2. Alcove accents

Make the most of those tricky alcove spaces by lining them with mirrors. This is a great solution for darker areas with little natural light. Simply placing a small table and a lamp in front of a mirrored alcove can create a beautiful, light-enhancing reflection. For a traditional touch, choose antiqued glass, or opt for a sleek, polished finish for a contemporary feel.

3. Faux window effect

Payton mirror | @serenenumber18

If your space lacks natural light, a well-placed wall mirror can make a big difference. A large, framed mirror can mimic the look of a window, reflecting available light and visually expanding the space. Similarly, a contrasting frame colour can enhance the illusion, making it feel like a second window in the room.

4. Over the fireplace

Newton mirror | Newton chest of drawers

A classic yet effective way to use a mirror is to place one above the mantelpiece. This not only enhances the height of the room but also reflects light and draws attention to a key focal point in your living space.

5. Brighten the hallway

Serena mirror | @farmhouse_by_the_brook

Hallways are often narrow and dimly lit, making them the perfect place for mirrors. A long mirror down a hallway wall can create the illusion of more space and bounce light around to make the area feel more open and inviting.

6. Dressing table effect

Burleigh mirror | Burleigh chest of drawers | @thelightshesees

Transform a simple set of drawers into a chic dressing table by leaning a mirror on top or wall-mounting a mirror above. This adds an elegant yet practical touch to a bedroom or dressing area, maximising both storage and style.

7. Floor-standing mirror

Payton mirror | @budgethomeinterior_

For a dramatic effect, consider adding a floor-standing mirror in your bedroom or living area. It not only makes the space feel larger but also brings a modern, sophisticated touch to the room.

8. Clever corner mirror

Newton chest of drawers | @no14hectorshouse

For an unexpected way to maximise space, try placing a mirror in a corner. This creates depth and helps to reflect different angles of the room, making it feel more expansive. It’s especially effective in small rooms, adding a sense of openness and light.

9. Statement mirror as art

Aurora mirror | Original Rustic chest of drawers

A beautifully designed mirror can serve as a piece of art and a focal point in any room. Whether it’s an ornate vintage piece, a sculptural modern design, or a uniquely shaped mirror, placing it in a prominent position can enhance the aesthetic of your space while reflecting light and depth. Try a large wall mirror above a console table, in an entrance or as a centrepiece in a living room to create a striking visual impact.

10. Mirrored wall

Photo by Chantal Garnier on Unsplash

For the ultimate wow factor, why not create an entire mirrored wall? Whether you use full-length panels or design an eclectic geometric arrangement, a mirror-clad wall instantly makes a space feel grand and luxurious. This look works particularly well in dining rooms and living areas where you want to amplify light and create a sense of grandeur.

11. Vintage mirror gallery wall

Why settle for just one mirror when you can create a whole gallery? Group a collection of vintage or decorative wall mirrors together for a striking display. Sourced from flea markets, second-hand shops, or online marketplaces, a mix of different shapes and styles adds charm and character to any room.

12. Add a mirrored tray

Credit: Sena on Pexels

For a unique touch, repurpose a small-paned mirror as a tray for your coffee table. It adds depth and interest while reflecting decorative objects placed on top. Try arranging candles on the tray to amplify their flickering glow and create a cosy ambience.

Mirrors are one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your home’s interior. Whether you’re using them to brighten up a dark space, add decorative flair, or create the illusion of more room, there are countless ways to get creative. We’d love to see how you style mirrors in your home! Share your photos with us and tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureLand #GrowYourHome.

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The key to happy hibernating

Hampton sofa

Stoke the fire, it’s time to get cosy. As the HQ for hunkering down, you’ve got to start with your sofa. The centrepiece of any sitting room that is serious about getting cosy, it’s essential that your couch is comfy. For that dreamy ‘ahhhhh’ factor you need something with a sumptuous ‘sink-in’ feel. Similarly, in a room that’s dedicated to relaxing, you don’t want to have to worry about your furniture, you want to be able to put your feet up without getting precious about it!

A cosy configuration

As the seasons change and we feel the need to cuddle up, think about the layout of your room. Can you shift the furniture around to emphasise the intimacy of the space and use your sofa to create a feel-good focal point? You’re also going to want a place to put your hot chocolate so think about finding a low-level coffee table, or a nest of tables. 

Layer up

St. Ives blanket box

Take the edge off autumn by swapping light Summer fabrics and layering on soft, heavier weight textiles. Think plush cushions (we love velvet for a touch of luxe), chunky woven throws and blankets for maximum cosiness. If you’ve got bare floorboards, use a rug to soften the space or treat your feet to a woollen fleece. This also looks great draped on the back of a chair , the arm of a sofa or a stylish blanket box.

Shades of autumn

A hard wearing tartan fabric is a great way to add some eye-catching seasonal style to your scheme and works wonderfully in a cosy spot by the fire, as seen on our Dexter accent chair.

As well as introducing texture think about using colours to warm things up too. Echoing nature, an earthy palette of rich autumnal shades are a popular choice. If russets, lichen greens, tweeds and checks aren’t your thing you can create a similarly cosy vibe by incorporating intense moody colours like dark greys, muted neutrals, a deep purple or navy. They all blend beautifully with wood and other authentic materials for a sophisticated, restful feel.

Let there be light

Use light and shade to create a cocooning space that’s soothing with our Helsinki Lamp

If you’ve been stockpiling tea lights or saving those scented candles “for best”, now’s the time to dig them out. Light plays an important part in the atmosphere of any scheme and we crave it even more during the darker, colder months. Strategically placing subtle lighting at different levels around the room creates warmth and drama. As well as casting a gorgeous glow, lamps made from natural materials are a striking way to introduce reflective or tactile elements to your space.

Bring the outside in

As we all know,  the Scandinavians are experts at making even the most simple spaces feel like a sanctuary. Part of this is down to their deep connection to the outdoors and ensuring this same love is reflected in their homes too. Take a leaf out of their book and gather little pieces of nature you might find on a walk or in the woods to decorate a sideboard or a shelf.

Make space for tech-free time

Sometimes switching off means going without the TV and technology.  Use a rainy afternoon as the perfect excuse ditch your mobile and get back to basics with a book or a board game. To remind you to unplug more often, keep them handy in a storage footstool: a great place to stow everything from magazines to Monopoly.

If you’re getting your living room ready for autumn and styling your Oak Furnitureland pieces, we’d love to see your pictures – make sure to share them use #OakFurnitureland on Instagram and Twitter.

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Roomy for just one person or a cosy spot for two, you can be brave with your styling, incorporating it seamlessly into your home, whether you love contemporary, industrial or want to give your home a touch of Parisian or coastal vibes. 

If you’re looking to jump on this trend, we’re providing a few ideas for styling some of our favourites. 

Loveseat Styling – Coastal

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For the perfect coastal vibe, you can’t beat our Brighton Sea Spray Loveseat. With its plush contemporary styling and tufted cushions, it’s as relaxing as watching the tide come in. Combine it with our  Hove Natural Oak & Painted Tall Bookcase and matching Nest of Tables for another nod to seaside living.

Incorporate tactile fabrics that echo the sun and sand in a jute rug and seascape art prints and keep those cosy vibes going with a soft natural knitted throw, perfect for nestling in as the sun goes down.

Love coastal style? We have more inspiration here for getting the look.

Loveseat Styling – Parisian

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What’s more perfect than a loveseat for channelling the city of love? We chose our Orbit Oatmeal Fabric Loveseat in a soft neutral colour and brought in the classic look of Parquet with our Parquet Brushed & Glazed Solid Oak Storage & Drinks Cabinet.

Pull in elements that give any space a touch of Parisian glamour – from a richly faded rug to velvet accessories and add in brass and glass lighting and artwork that just make you want to lose yourself in romance.

We’ve shared lots more styling tips for a drink cabinet here.

Loveseat Styling – Industrial

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Warehouse styling gets warmed up with our Tremont Grey Fabric Loveseat in a cool grey fabric with slim metal legs alongside our Brooklyn Natural Solid Oak & Metal Console Table. If you love the industrial style, these easy-going but hard-working pieces marry perfectly to bring that New York loft look home.

Combine these pieces with our Herald Wall Clock alongside industrial lighting and soften the hard edges with a round rug, statement cushions and a cosy fringed throw.

Loveseat Styling – Contemporary

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Incorporate the stylish simplicity of Scandi with our Evie Lime Fabric Loveseat, with its flared wooden legs alongside the cotemporary good looks of our Cascade Natural Solid Oak Display Cabinet and matching Oak Side Table.

Pull in the colours of the scatter cushion in the rest of your space with lime and aubergine creating a bold fun look for the whole family. Add in some modern photography, a sumptuous throw and a graphic printed rug for texture to finish off this warm and inviting style.

Looking for tips to mix and match sofas and chairs? Our post here will help.

Looking for more tips on styling your sofa? Check out our inspirational post sharing 20 different ways to do it.

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As such, a fresh palette of cool blues and calming greys paired with warm, natural pieces creates a mindful space for us to thrive. We’ve pulled together all the inspiration and tips you need to create the fresh start look for stylish pared-back calm in your home this year.

Fresh start living room

For the ultimate in relaxation, consider a sofa that wraps around your room, making use of every inch of space. A grey corner sofa is a perfect choice for a fresh palette when combined with tonal hues of blue, black and grey.

When you are working with a limited colour palette such as this, texture and pattern come into their own so consider a mix-and-match approach with mismatched cushions, contemporary patterned wallpaper and a cosy rug underfoot to add dimension, interest and comfort to your living room.

Looking for more tips on styling your living room? Check out our post on creating a bright and cosy space here.

Fresh start dining room

In the dining room, consider layering soft shades of grey in your finishes rather than stark brilliant white for a feeling of calm and serenity. Our Shay extending dining table combines two features of this fresh start look – a creamy painted base with an oak table top which gives the room warmth and a natural texture.

This style benefits from artisanal pieces where quality is revered and imperfection is welcomed so look out for table settings where the hand of the maker is evident and natural finishes are celebrated.

Fresh start bedroom

Shay king-size bed | Romsey dressing table / Romsey dressing table mirror / Romsey bedside table

Pull the fresh start look into your bedroom with an easy mix of finishes including our painted Shay bed alongside our Romsey range of solid oak furniture. Layers of linens create an inviting display so be sure to include luxe linens in tonal shades with cobalt blue, deep teal and dove greys.

Shay king-size bed  | Romsey bedside table

The layers don’t need to stop at the bed. Consider topping a natural carpet with a contrasting throw rug to add colour and texture and bring in a few natural touches like simple fresh flowers on the dressing table or on your bedside table.

Fresh start kitchen storage

Romsey large dresser

Finally, this calm look benefits from plenty of storage options and our Romsey dresser makes use of any vertical space you may have in the kitchen or dining areas. Bring nature indoors with potted houseplants and plenty of woven textures in baskets to make storage both practical as well as pretty.

With both open and closed storage, allow your own pieces to shine by decanting dry goods into clear jars and stacking cookbooks into the open shelving. Everyday dishes can also be easily reached while the large surface area allows an extra spot for prep, display and serving.

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Contrast with textures

A lot of people are hesitant to mix and match texture, but it’s key to creating visual interest. We tend to gravitate towards spaces that give our eyes multiple elements to examine, which is what @171_hendy_house have done so beautifully. The mix of copper in the triple pendant, the industrial inspired Tosca Wall Clock, and the Rustic Oak of the Hercules Dining Table, layered with the jute placemats, complete this room. 

Cosy up

We love how @lovestartsathome has created a cosy and inviting dining area which kicks a super-stylish punch in their open plan kitchen diner. Texture is everything. Adding a huggable chunky blanket to our Arched Back Dining Chairs brings the contrast of warmth and opulence into this inspiring space.

Collectively coordinated

Pick a colour and accessorise, it’s that simple. @myarundelstory has taken inspiration from the rich light grey paint of the St. Ives range, using a table runner to coordinate their chosen theme. Finished off with touches of greenery on the sideboard and table instantly brings life to the room.

The dark side

When done right, dark walls can make a room look energising and full of life. @sandalwoodhome has created the perfect contrast with the dark wall paneling bringing depth and the white upper walls and accessories offering balance. The wood of our Dorset dining table complements the look flawlessly and is perfect for when you’re expecting extra guests as it extends. 

Have you incorporated Oak Furnitureland pieces into your home? Join our community on Instagram and share your decor and styling with us using #OakFurnitureland.

Lead image: @rachelducker

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