Outdoor scatter cushions: how many, which sizes and which colours work together
Scatter cushions are the cheapest way to change how a garden looks. They are also the easiest thing to overdo. A few rules we use when customers ask.
How many
| Furniture | Scatter cushions |
|---|---|
| Dining chair | 0-1 |
| Armchair | 1 |
| 2-seater sofa | 2-3 |
| 3-seater sofa | 3-4 |
| Corner set (5-6 seats) | 5-7 |
| Daybed | 4-6 |
| Bench | 1 per 60 cm |
Odd numbers look more relaxed than even ones on sofas. On a symmetrical bench, pairs.
Which sizes
One size is calm; two sizes add depth; three is clutter. 45×45 is the base. Add 50×50 or 60×60 behind it on deep sofas, or a 40×60 lumbar on a lounger. The size guide has the measuring rules.
The colour rule
Pick one neutral (sand, grey, charcoal, natural white), one main colour, one accent. 60% neutral, 30% main, 10% accent. Every cushion is one of the three.
The neutral ties the set to the furniture. The main colour is the mood. The accent is the one cushion that makes people ask where you got them. Examples with our fabrics:
- Grey rattan: sand neutral, olive main, terracotta accent. See cushions for grey rattan.
- Teak or acacia: natural white neutral, navy main, mustard accent.
- Black aluminium: charcoal neutral, rust main, pale pink accent.
- White or cream furniture: stone neutral, sage main, lemon accent.
Stripes and patterns
One patterned fabric per set, and it should contain the plain colours you have chosen. A navy and white stripe with navy and natural white plains works; a stripe with four colours none of which match does not. Our stripes: striped outdoor cushions.
Texture
Sunbrella® comes as flat plains (Solids), heathered weaves (Natté, Chartres), textured bouclés (Lopi) and jacquards. Mixing a plain with a heather in the same colour family adds interest without adding colour. It is how most of the sets in our photos are built. All 158 options by colour: the collection.
158 Sunbrella® colours in 45×45, filling included, shipped next working day. Browse the collection or ask about made to measure.
