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Cushions & Throws
Life's full of hard edges and sharp corners. Our selection of colourful soft furnishings is the antidote – designed to bring pattern and texture to every room.
Ticking Stripe Linen CushionRowen & WrenStripes, as Charlie once said to Lola, are nice. They are also having a bit of a fashion moment – but don’t panic, because once the white heat of the trend has cooled off, they will simply return to being a classic, so you can’t go wrong. And ruffles, as Lola might have said back to Charlie, is nicer. Pair with a dramatic floral to slice through the pattern or add to a plain background to lift it.
Moordale CushionMini ModernsI have known and loved Mark and Keith of Mini Moderns for many years. Their collection of wallpaper, kitchenware and cushions is always mid-century in feel and often tailored to reflect their own life experiences. This cushion looks like pretty shapes from a distance but when you look more closely shows scenes of the Moors and Dales where they grew up. And a pattern that works from far and near is a good pattern.
Paisley Crescent CushionMini ModernsTalking of which, this, at first glance, is a classic Paisley. But look more closely and it’s actually an intricate suburban scene, made up of houses, bicycles and flowers. It is, as the website says, made in the UK by Nice People.
Mayla ThrownkukuAt first glance it looks like it’s all one colour – but the subtle charcoal stitching brings an extra element to this cotton and linen throw.
Pure Wool Woolmark BlanketLa RedouteHands-up who remembers these soft wool blankets with the satin edges from their childhood? A classic of the genre, at a really good price.
Bloomingville Gamma Throw Sweetpea & WillowMade from cotton, this throw is an elegant, reversible and versatile item of the sort many of us probably can't do without.
Designers Guild Throws Designers GuildIf you rent and can’t change the sofa, or funds won’t permit a new one at this stage, then the throw is the way to go. Designer’s Guild has lots of lovely ones and – yes – they are expensive, but a) you can take them with you or use them in a different place, and b) they're a lot cheaper than that new sofa.
Stripes Cotton Cushion CaseMangoMango has joined the high-street homewares brigade and its first collection is stylish but surprisingly muted. There's lots to like – including this wide striped organic cotton cushion case which would look great with the gingham check. There are various different sizes, so check out possible combinations before you buy. But a big square always works with a small rectangle.
Velvet CushionsLa RedouteWhen is a pure cotton velvet cushion not just a pure cotton velvet cushion? When it a) has this pretty bobbin detail round the edge, and b) is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® (a label that guarantees the absence of substances that are harmful or may present a risk to health). It comes in two sizes and nine colours – including olive, bronze, tobacco and ivory. And there's a colour combination right there. Also, £16.
Matilda Goad Scalloped CushionAnthropologieLike brass, pineapples and grey before that, scallops are a design classic having a fashion moment. The key is to know when and whether to invest. Firstly, decide if you genuinely like it or if you are being influenced. Secondly, pick an item that you will always use, in a colourway that you already have in your house. That way it will fit cohesively into your interior scheme and look like it’s always been there – rather than assuming fashion victim status on the sofa. No one wants that, after all.
