What are the standard scatter cushion sizes?
Scatter cushions, also called throw or decorative cushions, are the loose cushions that sit against a sofa back or bed. Standard scatter cushion sizes are square, measured edge to edge on the finished cover. The size you choose depends on the depth and back height of the seat, not only on taste.
As a rule, the deeper and taller the sofa, the larger the cushion. A modern deep seat sofa with a low back can take 60 cm cushions at the back and 45 or 50 cm in front. A compact apartment sofa looks overcrowded with anything larger than 45 cm. See our scatter cushions page for the shapes and finishes we make.
| Finished size | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 40 x 40 cm | Accent chairs, dining benches, small sofas | Neat and tailored, good in front of a larger cushion |
| 45 x 45 cm | Most 2 and 3 seater sofas, beds | The most common size and the safest default |
| 50 x 50 cm | Larger sofas, deep seats, king beds | Reads as generous without dominating |
| 55 x 55 cm | Deep sofas, corner sofas | Useful middle step between 50 and 60 |
| 60 x 60 cm | Deep seat sofas, corner units, euro pillows on beds | Works as a back support layer |
Lumbar and rectangular cushion sizes
Lumbar cushions are rectangular and give support to the lower back. They also break up a row of squares visually. On beds they sit in front of the pillows; on sofas they usually sit at the front of a layered group or alone on an armchair.
| Finished size | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 30 x 50 cm | Armchairs, small accent chairs |
| 30 x 60 cm | Sofas, dining benches |
| 35 x 55 cm | Armchairs and reading chairs |
| 40 x 60 cm | Sofas and single beds |
| 30 x 90 cm and longer | Long lumbar across a double or king bed, window seats |
Seat pad, chair cushion and sofa cushion sizes
Chair cushions and seat pads are cut to the seat, so the template matters more than any standard size. For dining chairs we measure the seat at its widest point, front to back depth and any curve or cut out around the back posts. Ties or a non slip base keep the pad in place.
Sofa cushions are the seat and back cushions built into a sofa. These are made to the exact frame, usually with high density foam wrapped in fibre or feather. If yours have flattened, our sofa cushions service and foam replacement page explain the options.
| Cushion type | Typical size | Typical thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Dining chair seat pad | 40 x 40 to 45 x 45 cm | 3 to 5 cm |
| Kitchen or bar stool pad | 30 to 38 cm round or square | 3 to 5 cm |
| Armchair seat cushion | 50 to 60 cm wide, 50 to 60 cm deep | 10 to 15 cm |
| Sofa seat cushion | Cut to frame, often 55 to 70 cm wide | 12 to 15 cm |
| Sofa back cushion | Cut to frame | 15 to 20 cm, softer fill |
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Bench, window seat, floor and bolster cushion sizes
Bench and window seat cushions are almost always custom cushions, because no two built in seats are the same. We take a paper or card template for window seats with angled ends or bays, then cut custom foam cushions to that shape. Read more on our bench cushions and window seat cushions pages.
Floor cushions vary widely. A pouf style floor cushion for children can be 50 cm square, while majlis floor seating is long and deep, built like a firm mattress with back cushions against the wall. See floor cushions for the formats we make.
| Cushion type | Typical size | Typical thickness or diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Dining or hallway bench | Cut to bench, depth 35 to 45 cm | 5 to 8 cm |
| Window seat | Cut to template | 5 to 10 cm |
| Square floor cushion | 60 x 60 to 80 x 80 cm | 10 to 20 cm |
| Majlis floor seat | Cut to room, depth 60 to 80 cm | 8 to 15 cm |
| Bolster | 45 to 90 cm long, or bed width | 15 to 22 cm diameter |
| Sun lounger cushion | Cut to frame, often about 60 x 190 cm | 5 to 10 cm |
How many scatter cushions should a sofa have?
The number of cushions on a sofa is a question of seat width and depth. Too many and nobody can sit back; too few and a large sofa looks bare. Odd numbers tend to look relaxed, even numbers look formal and symmetrical.
Layering works best with two sizes. Put the larger cushion at the back and a smaller or lumbar cushion in front, for example 60 cm behind 45 cm, or 50 cm behind a 30 x 50 cm lumbar.
| Sofa | Suggested number | Suggested sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Armchair | 1 or 2 | 40 x 40 cm or a 35 x 55 cm lumbar |
| 2 seater | 2 or 3 | 45 x 45 cm |
| 3 seater | 3 to 5 | 45 or 50 cm, plus one lumbar |
| Corner or L shape sofa | 5 to 7 | 50 to 60 cm in corners, 45 cm along the arms |
| King bed | 3 to 5 | 60 cm euro, 50 cm, and a long lumbar |
How big should a cushion insert be?
Insert sizing is where most cushions go wrong. An insert the same size as the cover looks flat and leaves empty corners. For feather and down inserts, choose one about 5 cm larger than the cover, so a 45 cm cover takes a 50 cm insert. For polyester fibre inserts, 2 to 3 cm larger is usually enough, because fibre holds its shape and can strain zips if oversized.
Foam is the exception. A foam insert should match the cover size exactly, with the cover cut very slightly smaller so it sits taut without wrinkles. This is how box cushions for benches and seats are made.
Which cushion filler is best?
Cushion fillers change how a cushion feels, how it ages and how much work it needs. Choose by use, not by price alone.
| Fill | Feel | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feather and down | Soft, relaxed, holds a chop | Scatter cushions, sofa backs | Plump daily, needs a down proof inner |
| Polyester hollowfibre | Springy, lighter | Allergy sensitive homes, kids rooms | Can flatten over time, easy to wash |
| High density foam | Firm, supportive, holds shape | Seats, benches, window seats, majlis | Rotate and flip, little else |
| Foam wrapped in fibre | Firm core, softer edge | Sofa seats, armchairs | Rotate and flip regularly |
| Foam wrapped in feather | Supportive with a soft sit | Premium sofa seats | Plump the feather layer |
| Reticulated quick dry foam | Firm, open cell, drains water | Outdoor cushions | Stand on edge to drain |
Cushion edges, closures and cover finishes
Size is only half the specification. The edge finish changes how a cushion reads. A knife edge cushion is two panels sewn together, giving a soft pillow shape that suits scatter cushions. A box cushion has a separate side strip, called a gusset, which gives square edges and suits seats, benches and window seats.
Piping, a fabric covered cord sewn into the seam, defines the outline and protects the edge from wear. Flanges, fringes, ruffles and contrast welts add detail on decorative cushions. For closures, a concealed zip along the bottom or back lets you remove covers for cleaning. Envelope backs are simple and work well on beds, while buttoned or tied backs add a tailored detail.
On patterned fabrics, ask for the pattern to be centred on each face. A large floral or stripe that sits off centre is the most common sign of a poorly made cushion.
How to measure for custom cushions
Measure the surface the cushion will sit on, not an old cushion, because old cushions shrink and flatten. Record width, depth and the thickness you want, and note any angled ends, curves or cut outs. For seat cushions on a bench, measure at the front and the back, as walls are rarely straight.
Note what the cushion sits against. A window seat between two walls needs a cushion about 0.5 cm smaller than the opening on each side so the cover can be removed. A free standing bench can take a cushion flush with the edge or with a slight overhang at the front.
You can sketch and price your own design in the The Fabric Room Design Studio, or book a home visit and we will measure, bring the fabric library and send a written quote within 24 hours.
How to measure a bench or window seat for a custom cushion
- Clear the seat. Remove any old cushion and measure the bare surface, as old cushions compress and give false sizes.
- Measure width front and back. Measure the width along the front edge and again along the wall. Walls are rarely square, so note both.
- Measure depth at each end. Measure from front edge to wall at the left, centre and right.
- Note shapes. Mark any angled ends, curves, bay sides or cut outs. For complex shapes, make a paper template.
- Choose thickness and fill. Decide on thickness, usually 5 to 10 cm, and a foam density suited to sitting.
