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The 3+1 rule for styling your sofa

It's easy to find yourself wondering which elements make for a cosy sofa while also suiting the mood of the season. Textiles are the easiest way to "re-decorate" a space for next to nothing, and to also get that cosy vibe you're looking for. Not sure what the 3+1 rule is?

A bright pink/orange KLIPPOXEL throw in the living room

1 – Select three cushions

1. Start with the basics. Choose the plainest cushion from the colour scheme you've chosen for the space.

2. Establish the style. For this step, choose another cover with something that sets it apart from the previous cushion, for example a contrasting material (like velvet or linen) or some kind of geometric shape (like little squares, spots or stripes) 

3. Make it pop. Finally, with the third cushion, you can really let your imagination run wild and opt for something with the likes of embroidery, contrasting colours or different types of fabric all on one cushion.

A throw and three cushions, one of which has a red-brown DYTÅG cushion cover, on a light beige EKTORP sofa.

1 – Select three cushions

1. Start with the basics. Choose the plainest cushion from the colour scheme you've chosen for the space.

2. Establish the style. For this step, choose another cover with something that sets it apart from the previous cushion, for example a contrasting material (like velvet or linen) or some kind of geometric shape (like little squares, spots or stripes) 

3. Make it pop. Finally, with the third cushion, you can really let your imagination run wild and opt for something with the likes of embroidery, contrasting colours or different types of fabric all on one cushion.

2 – "Throw" on the finishing touch (+1)

In this case, the "+1" is the throw. This accessory is an important factor in making afternoons on the sofa or snoozes in bed all the more enticing. You can include throws of different thicknesses, sizes and materials, like wool or recycled polyester, depending on the season.

An off-white LAPPTÅG throw and several cushions lie on an EKHOLMA corner sofa in a traditional living room.

2 – "Throw" on the finishing touch (+1)

In this case, the "+1" is the throw. This accessory is an important factor in making afternoons on the sofa or snoozes in bed all the more enticing. You can include throws of different thicknesses, sizes and materials, like wool or recycled polyester, depending on the season.

Accent with curtains

And yet despite all that, you can't forget the real showstoppers of any room: the curtains. A house is not a home until you've included curtains to spruce up the windows. They are the perfect accessory for the 3 + 1 method, where you can always mix textiles and colours as you please and also regulate the temperature of your room and save on your electricity bills.

Light pink LENDA curtains hang in two windows on either side of a HEMNES glass-door cabinet behind a sofa.

Accent with curtains

And yet despite all that, you can't forget the real showstoppers of any room: the curtains. A house is not a home until you've included curtains to spruce up the windows. They are the perfect accessory for the 3 + 1 method, where you can always mix textiles and colours as you please and also regulate the temperature of your room and save on your electricity bills.

And the rug

Rugs are key to adding warmth or creating zones within the room. What's more, rugs in ochres and light tones will make your decor seem more natural.

A light beige EKTORP three-seat sofa with chaise longue on a RAKLEV flatwoven rug with woollen stripes.

And the rug

Rugs are key to adding warmth or creating zones within the room. What's more, rugs in ochres and light tones will make your decor seem more natural.

The tradition of getting a fresh new-sofa look – without the new sofa

Going for a classic look is always a great choice and a safe bet. You can then give your sofa a fresh new look with textiles, imbuing it with a traditional and understated feel.

Traditional-style accessories

Feel like you have a new sofa with modern-style accessories

Why not dabble with more modern and casual pieces? You can give your sofa a bold, alternative look with just a few low-cost touches. 

Modern-style accessories

More ideas and inspiration for your living room