Should Cushion Inserts Be Bigger Than the Cover?

When it comes to styling your sofas and beds, cushions are the easiest way to refresh and transform a space. They add warmth, texture, and personality – an affordable way to add in the finishing touches. But there’s one often-overlooked secret to achieving that luxurious, designer look: the size of your cushion insert.

At Ellenvale Interiors, we’re often asked: “Should cushion inserts be bigger than the cover?” The short answer is – yes absolutely. To achieve that beautiful, plump, high-end finish, your cushion insert should always be slightly larger than the cover.

Why Size Matters

The size of your insert directly affects how your cushions look and feel. A cushion insert that’s the same size as the cover can look flat or under-filled, leaving corners sagging and fabric loose. On the other hand, a slightly oversized insert fills out the cover completely, creating that soft, rounded look that invites you to sink in.

Think of it this way: the insert is the heart of your cushion. If it’s too small, the cushion will lack shape and structure. If it’s just right -a few centimetres larger – it will bring the cover to life. The difference might seem subtle, but it’s what distinguishes an ordinary cushion from a truly luxurious one.

Our Recommendation: Always Size Up

At Ellenvale Interiors, we always recommend sizing up your cushion insert. For example, if you have a 45x45cm cushion cover, pair it with a 48x48cm insert. This ensures your cushion looks full and plump, not floppy or hollow.

To make it easy for our customers, we’ve already done the hard work for you. If you choose to purchase your cushions with a feather insert from us, you can rest assured that the insert has been bespoke-sized to perfectly complement the cover. All of our inserts are made to be slightly larger to achieve that professional, luxurious finish every time. If purchasing the inserts individually, we have noted in the product description which size insert is for the right cushion cover.

We believe this attention to detail is what brings a cushion to life. The result is a fuller, softer, more inviting piece that enhances your home and adds an instant touch of elegance.

Feather Inserts: The Ellenvale Interiors Difference

There’s a reason we choose feather inserts for our cushions. Feather-filled cushions have a natural weight and movement that synthetic options simply can’t replicate. They are easily to ‘chop’ and achieve the hotel like finish.

When paired with our bespoke-sized covers, the combination creates the perfect balance of structure and softness. Whether your aesthetic leans toward classic, coastal, or contemporary, a feather-filled, plump cushion adds that unmistakable touch of refinement.

Mix, Match, and Refresh Seasonally

Another advantage of purchasing cushions as separate covers and inserts is flexibility. Once you have a set of quality feather inserts, you can simply switch out the covers to suit the season or your mood.

In spring and summer, you might gravitate toward soft pastels, linen textures, and light, airy tones. As the weather cools, transition to richer, moodier hues – think deep rusts, forest greens, or navy blues – paired with velvets, boucle, or wool blends.

By rotating your covers seasonally, you can transform your entire space with minimal effort. It’s an affordable, sustainable way to keep your home feeling fresh and current without needing to buy new cushions each time.

The Secret to a Luxurious Finish

So, should cushion inserts be bigger than the cover? Absolutely. It’s a small design decision that makes a big impact. The difference between a flat cushion and a plump one is often just a few centimetres – but visually, it’s the difference between casual and considered, ordinary and luxurious.

At Ellenvale Interiors, every detail is intentional. We want our cushions not only to look beautiful but also to feel beautiful – soft, supportive, and indulgently comfortable. That’s why we size our inserts to create that perfect plumpness, the kind that makes your sofa or bed look like it belongs in a design magazine.

Whether you choose to purchase our covers only or with our bespoke feather inserts, you can be confident that each piece is crafted with care, attention, and an understanding of timeless interior styling.

In Summary

To achieve that sought-after “designer cushion” look:

At Ellenvale Interiors, we believe luxury lies in the details – with perfectly plump cushions being one of them.