Cushion cover sizes: 40x40 or 43x43? How to choose the inner cushion

Aynı desenin kırlent kılıfı ve sofra parçaları bir arada

The most common cushion mistake is buying the cover and the inner cushion in the same size. A cushion bought this way never looks full; the corners stay empty and the middle sags.

A cushion cover and table pieces in the same pattern together
A cushion cover and table pieces in the same pattern together — Set shown: Mona Table Setting Set — Runner + Placemats + Coasters + Cushion

What are the standard cushion sizes?

Cushion sizes on the market fall into a few standard sizes. For square sofa cushions the most common size is 40x40 cm; 43x43 and 45x45 cm look a little larger, and 50x50 cm is chosen for the back row on wide corner sofas. For rectangular (lumbar) cushions the common sizes are 30x50 and 35x55 cm. 60x60 cm and above fall into the floor cushion class.

Sofa cushion size is chosen according to the height of the sofa back: 40x40 cm looks in proportion on a modern low-backed sofa, 45x45 or 50x50 cm on a classic high-backed one. These sizes are cover sizes; the inner cushion is bought one size larger.

The inner cushion should be larger than the cover

The rule is simple: choose an inner cushion 2-5 cm larger than the cover. For a 40x40 cm cover, a 45x45 cm inner cushion; for a 43x43 cm cover, a 45x45 or 50x50 cm inner cushion gives a full look. A cushion of the right size feels filled right into the corners when you press it.

The difference between 40x40 and 43x43

Three centimetres looks small but shows on the sofa. 40x40 cm looks more compact and suits groups of two or three. 43x43 cm fills the corner of the sofa better when used on its own. In the LaMua Home catalogue, cushion covers are mainly made in 40x40 cm, and in 43x43 cm in some collections; the size is written in the product name.

How many cushions?

  • Three-seater sofa: one at each end, plus a third in the middle if you like.
  • Two-seater sofa: two are enough; three looks cramped.
  • Armchair / single seat: one cushion.

An odd number usually looks more natural, but an even number looks neater in symmetrical seating groups. In our table setting sets, cushion covers come in 2s — for the two ends of a three-seater sofa.

Washing and care

The covers are 100% polyester with a zip: you take out the inner cushion and wash the cover on its own. Machine wash on a 30 °C delicate cycle with similar colours. Do not use whiteners or bleach. Not for the tumble dryer; dry in the shade. If ironing is needed, iron at no more than 110 °C on the reverse.

Linking with the table

A cushion is not part of the table, but in the same pattern it creates a visual link between the dining area and the seating area. You feel the difference when the living and dining room are one space. Take a look at our cushion covers or our table setting sets, which bring all four together.

Inner cushion filling: fibre or goose down?

The filling of the inner cushion shapes the look as much as the size of the cover.

  • Siliconised fibre: the most common option. Light, washable and keeps its shape for a long time. Low risk of allergic reaction.
  • Goose/duck down: soft and heavy, flattens when sat on and needs plumping. Harder to care for.
  • Foam: stiff; not a good choice for decorative cushions.

The amount of filling matters too: an underfilled cushion looks flat even in a cover of the right size. A cushion that slowly returns to its shape when pressed is well balanced.

Choosing cushions by sofa colour

  • Neutral sofa (grey, beige, cream): patterned and colourful cushions sit well; the cushion is the focal point here.
  • Coloured or patterned sofa: choose plain or small-patterned cushions. Two strong patterns side by side make the seating group look tiring.
  • Dark sofa: a light-toned cushion creates contrast and makes the sofa look lighter.

Another way is to repeat one colour from the cushion pattern in another piece in the room (curtain, rug, table textiles). A repeated colour creates a unity that does not look accidental.

Why is the cushion cover sold separately?

Separating cover and inner cushion gains you three things: the cover can be machine washed on its own, the pattern can be changed with the seasons, and the same inner cushion lasts for years. Since only the cover changes, both cost and storage go down — four covers take the place of one cushion.

Zip and seams: what to look for?

On a good-quality cushion cover the zip is on the bottom edge and close to the cover's colour, so it is invisible from outside when closed. The seams should be dense at the corners — if the corner seam is weak, that is the first place to open when the inner cushion is under strain. LaMua Home covers are 100% polyester with a zip; the size is written in the product name.

What changes between seasons?

The cushion is the cheapest way to change the mood of a room. In summer, light grounds and lively patterns feel fresh; in autumn and winter, dark tones and dense patterns pull the room together. Changing the cover is the fastest way to refresh a space without buying new furniture. Chosen from the same collection as your table textiles, the dining area and the seating area change together.

How should you arrange cushions?

There are two common approaches. In a symmetrical layout, one of the same cushion goes at each end of the sofa; it looks orderly and calm and suits classic seating groups. In an asymmetrical layout, there are two cushions at one end and one at the other; it looks more relaxed.

A cushion should lean slightly into the corner of the sofa rather than stand upright — an upright cushion looks unused. If layering, put the larger one at the back and the smaller in front; a 43x43 cm at the back and a 40x40 cm in front creates a sense of depth.

Using cushions on the bed

Cushions are not only for the sofa. On a single bed one, on a double bed two or three cushions are lined up in front of the pillows. Cushions on a bed are not sleeping pillows; they are removed in the evening and put back in the morning. That is why it matters that the cover comes off easily — in other words, that it has a zip.

How many covers are enough?

Two covers per inner cushion is a practical balance: one is in use while the other is being washed or swapped for the season. Going up to four covers is enough to give a single seating group a different look all year round. Since the cover is bought separately, this change costs noticeably less than buying new cushions.

Related articles

Products related to this article

Cushion cover designs — by size

Covers in the sizes mentioned in this article:

40x40 cm

43x43 cm