Decorating Tips: How to Match Décor to Your Sofa (and Vice Versa)

Redecorating your living room but unsure how to match your sofa with the rest of your décor? Whether you’re working around a bold statement piece or your current sofa no longer matches your freshly painted walls, we’ve got you covered. These expert decorating tips will help you blend colours, mix patterns, and find the perfect colour scheme – especially if you’re using loose sofa covers to refresh your look.

Step 1: Gather Sofa & Décor Inspiration (and How to Use It)

Make a conscious effort to look out for colour combinations and textures that complement your sofa or overall décor style. This can come from anywhere – nature, interior magazines, ads, or even your own camera roll.

Use Pinterest, Evernote, or a physical mood board to collect images, colour swatches, and textures you love. These visuals will guide your colour palette and help ensure everything feels cohesive.

How to Mix and Match Patterns and Colours Like a Pro

Contrary to popular belief, you can absolutely mix and match patterns without the space looking chaotic.

Stick to these rules:

• Choose one colour palette and keep all patterns within it.

• Layer patterns with neutral colours or plain fabrics to give the eye space to rest.

• If mixing colours, use one pattern that incorporates them all to create harmony.

Not sure where to start? Pick one shade and use 3-4 different patterns in that tone. Or, use one pattern with multiple colours to tie in various elements of the room.

Use Colour Families to Blend Your Sofa with Your Room

Working within a single colour family helps a space feel curated and intentional. If your sofa cover features a bold pattern, choose your favourite tone from it and use that colour family throughout the room to blend everything together.

This is especially helpful when using made-to-measure loose sofa covers and choosing from a wide fabric range.

How to Layer Textures for Depth in Your Living Room

Decorating isn’t just about colour – it’s about feel. Combine matte and shiny, soft and hard, rough and smooth textures to bring the room to life.

Try pairing:

• Velvet cushions with a linen sofa

• Wool throws on leather furniture

• Woven rugs with sleek side tables

Texture adds richness and dimension that make a space feel professionally styled.

Toning Down Bold Sofas with Neutrals

If you have a colourful or patterned sofa, you can use neutrals (beige, white, grey, taupe) to balance it. This technique, known as monotone mixing, ensures your room feels calm rather than chaotic.

Use neutral walls, rugs or curtains to anchor the space and let the sofa shine.

Use Accessories to Tie Your Room Together

Accessories are a stylist's secret weapon. Use scatter cushions, throws, artwork or curtains to echo colours from your sofa or walls.

If your sofa is patterned, choose solid cushions in coordinating colours to tone it down. If it’s plain, add patterned cushions or a bold throw to create interest.

Accessories are also a great way to bring in trends without committing long-term.

Finding Balance: The Secret to Stylish Sofa & Décor Pairings

The most important rule? Balance. If something feels "off," trust your eye.

• Distribute colour and pattern evenly across the space.

• Pair bold features with calm elements.

• Keep your overall palette cohesive, even if you’re mixing styles.

Bonus Tip: Match Your Sofa to Your Walls (or the Other Way Around)

If you’ve already chosen a paint colour you love, use that as your guide for choosing sofa covers or accessories. If your sofa came first, build the rest of the room around a key tone or texture from the fabric.

FAQ

What colours go with a grey sofa? Try soft blush pinks, navy blue, mustard yellow, forest green or monochrome black-and-white accents.

Can I mix modern and vintage pieces in one room? Absolutely. The key is to find a unifying element - colour, shape or texture - to tie the styles together.

What if my sofa pattern is really busy? Use solid-coloured accessories and plenty of neutral space to let the sofa breathe.