> accessories

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.

Matilda Goad Scalloped Cushion Anthropologie

Like 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.
Velvet Cushions La Redoute

When 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.
Stripes Cotton Cushion Case Mango

Mango 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 Cushion M&S

You'll never go wrong with a velvet cushion (unless all your sofas and chairs are velvet, in which case avoid and back away - you can have too much of a good thing). But if you have a mix of linen and corduroy, let's say, then away you go. This is man-made fabric, tougher than cotton velvet which stains if you even look at it. Layer a few up in tonal shades, or mix with stripes and plains in other materials. Don’t even think about buying a matching pair, however.
Dawn Tufted Cushion French Connection

Another one for the armoury of neutrals. One is enough, though. This is quite full-on even if it is plain cream.
Sundial Cushion French Connection

Every deco scheme loves a black and white neutral - which can also mean charcoal and ivory for something softer. Throw this into a pile of florals to slice through the sweetness. Or mix with a series of plain cushions in similar fabrics.
Jonathan Adler Xanax Cushion AMARA

This might just be the cushion for angsty 2023. It’s made in classic needlepoint and will support your lower back so well you may not even require any pharmaceutical assistance.
Raipur Velvet Throw La Redoute

La Redoute is a terrifyingly massive site and it can feel laborious having to scroll through endless pages. But firstly, that's what Design Storey is for – and secondly, it’s particularly good at textiles, so make it a first point of call for bedding, cushions, rugs and throws. Like this one.
Paisley Crescent Cushion Mini Moderns

Talking 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.
Moordale Cushion Mini Moderns

I 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.