Updated 23 October 2026 · By the artisanfirst | DREAMYWALLS design studio, Noida
The two standard cushion cover sizes in India are 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 in) and 45 x 45 cm (18 x 18 in), with 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in) as the usual oblong, or lumbar, size. Pick 40 cm for armchairs and small sofas, 45 cm for most 3-seaters and L-shapes, and add an oblong for the bed or the middle of a long sofa. This guide covers filler size, how many cushions to use, how to mix patterns and colours, and which fabric suits Indian summers and monsoons, using the cushion covers we design and make at artisanfirst | DREAMYWALLS.
Quick answers
- What are the standard cushion sizes in India? 40 x 40 cm (16 in), 45 x 45 cm (18 in) square, and 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in) oblong.
- 16 or 18 inch for a sofa? 18 in (45 cm) for a standard 3-seater or L-shape; 16 in (40 cm) for armchairs, 2-seaters and low or shallow sofas.
- What size filler for an 18 inch cover? Usually a filler 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) bigger, so a 20 in filler, for a full, plump look.
- How many cushions on a 3-seater? 3 to 5; 4 is a calm, balanced number for most homes.
- How many on an L-shape sofa? 5 to 7, starting with one in each corner.
- How do I mix cushion patterns? Use one large pattern, one medium and one small, and keep to about 3 colours.
- Velvet or cotton for Indian summers? Cotton from March to September; velvet from October to February.
- Do your cushion covers come with fillers? No, they are covers with a concealed zip. We do sell fillers; ask us on WhatsApp.
What are the standard cushion cover sizes in India?
Most Indian homes use three sizes: 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 in), 45 x 45 cm (18 x 18 in) and the 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in) oblong. These are the sizes most sofas, beds and diwans are styled around, and they are the three sizes our cushion covers come in.
You will also see 50 cm (20 in) and 60 cm (24 in) squares, mostly for deep L-shapes and floor seating. A size guide from a furniture retailer's cushion size guide also suggests mixing 18 in and 20 in on large L-shapes.
16 x 16 inch in cm, and 18 x 18 in cm?
16 in is 40.6 cm and 18 in is 45.7 cm, so you will see them written as 40 cm and 45 cm (or 46 cm). The oblong 12 x 20 in is about 30 x 50 cm. One inch is 2.54 cm, if you want to check a measurement at home.
| Size | In cm (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 16 x 16 in | 40 x 40 cm | Armchairs, 2-seaters, shallow sofas, accent chairs, the front layer on a bed |
| 18 x 18 in | 45 x 45 cm | Standard 3-seaters, L-shapes, the back layer on a bed, diwans |
| 12 x 20 in (oblong) | 30 x 50 cm | Middle of a long sofa, the front of a bed, lower-back support on a chair |
Which cushion size should I choose for my sofa, bed or diwan?
Match the cushion to the depth and height of the seat back: bigger, deeper furniture takes 45 cm (18 in), and smaller, lighter pieces take 40 cm (16 in). A cushion should sit below the top of the backrest, not tower over it.
Armchair or accent chair
One 40 cm (16 in) square, or one 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in) oblong if the chair is narrow or you want back support.
2-seater sofa
Two or three 40 cm (16 in) cushions. On a deep 2-seater, 45 cm works too.
3-seater sofa
45 cm (18 in) squares in the corners. Add an oblong or a 40 cm cushion in the middle if you want layers.
L-shape sofa
45 cm (18 in) squares in each corner and at the far ends, with 40 cm cushions or an oblong in between. Very deep L-shapes can take a 50 cm (20 in) filler inside an 18 in cover for extra fullness (see filler size below).
Bed
Two 45 cm (18 in) squares against the pillows, then two 40 cm (16 in) squares or one 30 x 50 cm oblong in front. On a single bed, one square and one oblong is enough.
Diwan or floor seating
A traditional diwan usually has a long bolster or round cushions against the wall. For square cushions, 45 cm (18 in) works best because the seat is deep; add 40 cm cushions in front for layers.
What size filler (insert) should I use for my cushion cover?
For a soft, plump look, use a filler 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) bigger than the cover: a 45 cm (18 in) filler in a 40 cm (16 in) cover, or a 50 cm (20 in) filler in a 45 cm (18 in) cover. A slightly bigger filler fills the corners and stops the cover looking flat. The same cushion size guide recommends this 1–2 in rule.
There is a counter-view, and it is fair. A cushion insert size guide points out there is no universal rule: a firm fibre filler can be the same size as the cover, while a soft feather or down filler takes sizing up well. A filler that is too big strains the zip and seams, and heavy embroidery or beads can pull.
Our studio view: for soft fillers in square covers, go 1–2 in bigger. For firm fillers, oblong covers, or covers with heavy zari or bead work, stay the same size or only 1 in bigger.
Do your cushion covers have a zip?
Yes. Every artisanfirst | DREAMYWALLS cushion cover has a concealed zip, sewn so it sits hidden in the seam. That makes it easy to swap covers with the seasons and to take them off for cleaning.
Do you sell cushion fillers?
Yes, we sell fillers, but they are not listed on the website. Our covers are sold as covers only. Ask us on WhatsApp for fillers in the size you need.
How many cushions should I put on a sofa or bed?
Use 3–5 cushions on a 3-seater, 5–7 on an L-shape, 2–3 on a 2-seater and 3–5 on a double bed. These ranges come from the cushion size guide above; a guide on cushions for a 3-seater suggests 4–6 for a fuller look. Leave enough room to actually sit.
How many cushions on a 3-seater sofa?
Four is the easiest number to get right: two 45 cm (18 in) in the corners and two 40 cm (16 in) in front of them. Three works for a calmer look (two corners plus one oblong in the middle). Five suits a deep sofa.
How many cushions on an L-shape sofa?
Five to seven. Put one in each of the three key spots first: both ends and the inside corner. Then fill the gaps with smaller cushions.
Odd or even number of cushions?
Both work. Even numbers (2, 4, 6) look formal and symmetrical, which suits classic rooms. Odd numbers (3, 5, 7) look relaxed and collected. A guide to matching cushions with a sofa leans towards odd numbers for a more natural look. Our studio tends to use even numbers on 3-seaters and odd numbers on L-shapes.
How do I arrange cushions on a sofa?
Corners first. Place your largest cushions (45 cm) in the corners, then work inwards with smaller ones (40 cm), and finish with an oblong in the middle if you like. On an L-shape, the inside corner gets one large cushion, or two overlapping. Keep the largest pattern at the back and the smallest at the front.
How do I mix and match cushion patterns?
Use the large, medium, small rule: one large pattern, one medium pattern and one small pattern or texture, held together by about 3 shared colours. This is the most common advice in styling guides, including the guide to matching cushions cited above. Plain velvet or a fine texture counts as your "small" pattern.
Examples using our collections
- Warm and earthy: a Jaipur House hand block print (large floral) in the corners, a Classic Monochromes kantha (medium, stitched texture) in front, and a Velvet Luxe velvet cover in one shared colour.
- Festive and rich: a Mughal Garden zari and appliqué design as the hero, with a Velvet Luxe velvet cover and a smaller Jaipur House print.
- Soft and romantic for a bedroom: Romantic Vintage dori and pearl work on velvet at the back, a Classic Monochromes kantha in front, and an oblong in a plain colour picked from both.
How many colours should cushions have?
About 3: one main colour, one support colour and one accent. Pick at least one colour from the room itself, such as a rug, curtain or painting, so the cushions look like they belong.
Which cushion colours go with a grey, beige or brown sofa?
Grey sofas take blues, mustard, rust and blush; beige sofas take terracotta, olive, indigo and ivory; brown sofas take cream, sage, teal and gold. In each case, add one deeper shade so the cushions don't disappear into the sofa.
Grey sofa
Grey is cool, so warm accents lift it: mustard, rust or blush. For a calm room, stay cool with indigo and white. Our Classic Monochromes kantha designs sit well on light grey, and a deep-coloured Velvet Luxe cover works on charcoal.
Beige or cream sofa
Beige is the easiest base. Earthy colours such as terracotta, olive and rust look warm; indigo and white look fresh. Jaipur House block prints and Earth Series designs suit beige well.
Brown or tan sofa
Brown needs lighter or brighter cushions to stand out: cream, sage, teal, or gold zari. Mughal Garden zari designs and soft-coloured velvets work on brown leather and fabric.
Velvet, cotton or linen: which cushion fabric is best for Indian summers and monsoon?
Cotton is the best choice for Indian summers because it breathes and stays cool; velvet is warmer and better for October to February. A sofa fabric guide for Indian homes makes the same point: cotton is better than synthetics in summer, linen breathes well, and velvet holds heat.
The fabrics we use
- Cotton casement slub (Jaipur House, Botanical Bloom): a light, slightly textured cotton. "Slub" means the yarn has small thick and thin bits, which give a soft, handmade look. Good all year, best in summer.
- Cotton canvas (Earth Series): a tight, sturdy cotton that holds tufting and embroidery well.
- Cotton duck (Mughal Garden): a heavy, firm cotton, similar to canvas, good for appliqué and zari.
- Cotton velvet (Mughal Garden quilting): soft pile with a natural fibre base.
- Polyester velvet (Romantic Vintage): rich colour and sheen, and warmer to touch.
We don't use linen in our current cushion range. If you want a linen-like feel, cotton slub is the closest option.
Is velvet too hot for Indian homes?
Not in an air-conditioned room or in winter. In a non-AC room in May or June, velvet against bare skin can feel warm. That is why we suggest a seasonal swap (see below).
Which fabric is best for the monsoon?
Tightly woven cotton such as canvas or duck dries faster and holds its shape better in humid weather. Keep velvet and zari covers in a dry cupboard during the monsoon, and air them on a dry day.
Which fabric is best for kids and pets?
Plain or printed cotton is the easiest to live with. Save beadwork, pearl work and zari for rooms where little hands and claws can't pull at them.
How do I care for cushion covers?
Most of our cushion covers are dry clean only: no bleach, and steam or iron on the reverse. Embroidery, zari and beads can snag or loosen in a washing machine.
For velvet, steam rather than iron, and brush the pile gently in one direction; a guide to washing velvet cushion covers gives step-by-step tips. Each product page lists the care for that design. Our guide to Indian hand techniques covers care for zari, beads and block print in detail.
Are cushion covers sold single or in a pack of 2?
Every design comes as a single cover or a pack of 2. Square designs come in 40 cm (16 in) or 45 cm (18 in); oblong designs come in 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in). The 16 in size is priced a little below the 18 in because it uses less fabric. Choose the pack of 2 if you want a matching pair for the corners, which is how most sofas are styled.
How often should I change my cushion covers?
Our studio suggests a seasonal refresh, twice a year: velvet and zari from October to February, and cotton from March to September. Because our covers have concealed zips, you keep the same fillers and swap only the covers, which costs less than new cushions and keeps the room feeling new.
When should I replace the filler?
Replace a filler when it stays flat after plumping, feels lumpy, or smells musty after the monsoon. WhatsApp us if you need new fillers.
How do I style cushions for Diwali?
For Diwali, swap in one or two zari or velvet covers in deep colours such as maroon, emerald or gold, and keep the rest of the sofa simple. Mughal Garden zari, Velvet Luxe and Romantic Vintage designs catch diya and candle light well in the evening.
A simple Diwali set for a 3-seater: two Velvet Luxe or Mughal Garden covers in the corners, two smaller Jaipur House or kantha covers in front, and one oblong with zari or pearl detail in the middle. After the festival, store the zari covers flat, in a muslin cloth, away from damp.
Cushion covers also make a thoughtful Diwali or housewarming gift: a pack of 2 in a design the person will keep using is easy to post and easy to swap in. For gift orders, see our soft furnishings page or WhatsApp us.
Where are your cushion covers made?
Our cushion covers are made in Noida. Adda work, hand embroidery and stitching are done in our own studio; printing and some simpler embroidery are done on machines by partner units in Noida. Adda work means embroidery done on a large wooden frame that keeps the fabric tight. All adda work is done by hand, and so is the detailed work, such as the zardozi on CREST and the embroidery on our Earth Series. If you want to know exactly how a particular design is made, ask us on WhatsApp. Read more on how we make our pieces and about our studio.
Browse every design, size and pack option in our cushion collections. Delivery is free across India, usually in 3–5 days, with cash on delivery and 7-day returns with free pickup (see our refund policy).
Still unsure?
Send us a photo of your sofa or bed on WhatsApp (+91 92665 17772). We'll suggest sizes, how many cushions, a pattern mix from our collections, and the right fillers to go with them.