Cushion Size Guide: What Size Cushion Covers for Your Sofa and Bed?
Cushion size makes more difference than most people expect. Cushions that are too small look lost on a deep sofa; cushions that are too big leave no room to sit. Mixing sizes is also what gives a professionally styled look.
This guide shows which sizes suit which seat, how to layer them and what size pad to buy.
Onay cushion cover sizes: ten square sizes from 30 x 30 cm (12 inches) to 70 x 70 cm (28 inches), and rectangular covers from 30 x 40 cm to 50 x 70 cm. Covers are sold without the inner pad.
Square Cushion Sizes
| Cover size | In inches | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 30 x 30 cm | 12 x 12 | Chairs, window seats, children's rooms, the front of a layered group |
| 35 x 35 cm | 14 x 14 | Dining and accent chairs, small sofas |
| 40 x 40 cm | 16 x 16 | Armchairs, two seater sofas, the middle layer |
| 43 x 43 cm | 17 x 17 | Standard sofas, a popular everyday size |
| 45 x 45 cm | 18 x 18 | The most versatile size for most sofas |
| 50 x 50 cm | 20 x 20 | Three seater sofas, the back row |
| 55 x 55 cm | 22 x 22 | Deep sofas and corner sofas |
| 60 x 60 cm | 24 x 24 | Large, deep sofas and beds |
| 65 x 65 cm | 26 x 26 | Beds (Euro size), floor cushions |
| 70 x 70 cm | 28 x 28 | King and super king beds, floor cushions |
Rectangular (Lumbar) Cushion Sizes
Rectangular cushions break up a row of squares, support the lower back and look especially good on beds and low sofas. Our rectangular cushion covers come in these sizes:
- Small: 30 x 40 cm, 30 x 45 cm, 30 x 50 cm, for chairs and the front of a sofa group.
- Medium: 30 x 60 cm, 35 x 50 cm, 35 x 55 cm, for sofas and the front of a double bed.
- Large: 40 x 60 cm, 50 x 60 cm, 50 x 70 cm, for king size beds and deep sofas.
Sizes by Seat
Armchair
One cushion is usually enough: 40 x 40 cm or 45 x 45 cm, or a rectangular lumbar for a slimmer chair.
Two seater sofa
Two or three cushions: two 45 x 45 cm in the corners and, if you like, a smaller 40 x 40 cm or a lumbar in front.
Three seater sofa
Three to five cushions: two 50 x 50 cm at the back corners, two 45 x 45 cm in front of them and a lumbar in the middle.
Corner sofa
Five to seven cushions: 55 x 55 cm or 60 x 60 cm at the back and in the corner, then 45 x 45 cm in front, with one or two lumbars.
Double bed
Behind the pillows, two 60 x 60 cm or 65 x 65 cm, then two 45 x 45 cm, then one rectangular cushion in the centre.
King or super king bed
Two or three 65 x 65 cm or 70 x 70 cm at the back, two 50 x 50 cm in front and a large lumbar such as 40 x 60 cm or 50 x 70 cm.
How to Measure
- Existing pad: lay it flat and measure from seam to seam across the middle, not over the plump centre.
- Sofa depth: the back cushions should not take up more than about a third of the seat depth, or there will be no room to sit.
- Sofa back height: cushions look best when the back row is slightly lower than or level with the top of the sofa back.
What Size Pad Should I Buy?
For a full, plump look, choose a pad slightly bigger than the cover, usually by about 5 cm. For example, a 50 x 50 cm pad in a 45 x 45 cm cover. For a flatter, tailored look, choose a pad the same size as the cover. Feather and feather mix pads give the classic chopped look; fibre pads keep their shape and suit allergy sufferers.
Layering Tips
- Largest at the back, smallest at the front.
- Odd numbers (three, five, seven) look relaxed; even numbers look formal and symmetrical.
- Change size as well as pattern. Our 3-pattern rule pairs a large lead pattern with smaller supporting patterns, and different sizes make it work even better.
- Check the sides. Many of our designs are printed on both sides; others have the print on the front and a plain back. The size option on each product page shows which it is.
Cushion Covers in Every Size
Colourful Leaves Cushion Cover
Minimalist Stripe and Circles Cover
Navy Coastal Cushion Cover
Elephant Rectangular Cushion Cover
Browse all cushion covers and rectangular cushion covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cushion size?
45 x 45 cm (18 inches) is the most versatile size and suits most sofas and armchairs.
What size cushions for a three seater sofa?
Two 50 x 50 cm at the back corners, two 45 x 45 cm in front and a rectangular lumbar in the middle.
What size cushions for a bed?
For a double bed, two 60 x 60 cm or 65 x 65 cm behind the pillows, two 45 x 45 cm in front and one rectangular cushion. For a king size bed, go up to 65 x 65 cm or 70 x 70 cm at the back.
Should the pad be bigger than the cover?
For a plump look, yes, by about 5 cm. For a flatter, tailored look, use a pad the same size as the cover.
Are your cushion covers sold with pads?
No, our covers are sold without pads, so you can reuse pads you already have or choose your own filling.
What is a lumbar cushion?
A rectangular cushion, often around 30 x 50 cm, that supports the lower back and adds variety to a row of square cushions.
What does 22 inch cushion cover mean in cm?
A 22 inch cover is 55 x 55 cm. Our square sizes run from 12 inches (30 cm) to 28 inches (70 cm).
How many cushions should go on a sofa?
Two or three on a two seater, three to five on a three seater and five to seven on a corner sofa.
Are the covers printed on both sides?
It depends on the design. Many are printed on both sides; others have the print on the front and a plain back. Check the size option on the product page.