What cushions to choose on the built-in benches on either side a corner fireplace?

Modern Living Room by Culver City Architects & Designers Ehrlich Architects

Reader’s question
"I have built-in seats on both sides of my fireplace. How could I dress them up? with cushions? and what about the wall above them?".

Our recommendation

Built-in benches usually have on the top cushions and pillows in matching or contrasting colors. So, pick for soft and fluffy cushions to make the corner comfortable and cozy. The cushions and pillows shade should go well with the shades of the rugs. If you want to achieve a more oriental look you can opt for richly decorated textiles with beads and mirrors. Another option is the bright and colourfulkilim cushions, typically made in Turkey, Afganistan, Persia but also in Eastern Europe.

If you want to create a modern and minimal look then opt for solid color fabrics or for white cotton cushions.

Bench style should work well with the decor of the space. You can choose wainscot benches to have a more "warm" look in your space. On the wall behind the benches you can hang a large artwork or create a composition of several smaller ones.

< Prev		Next >

How to properly position the seating area in the living room in relation to the size of the rug.

Rug size should match the living room's furniture placement. placement of furniture based on the size of the rug. How big of a rug should the living room have?

Do you want intimacy around your dining table? Then consider installing a circular chandelier.

If you feel that your dining area is rather boring, then consider changing the pendant light above the table. Pendant lights apart from serving as light sources in a room, they can also be used as focal points.

Rug types by weave. What decorative style fits each type?

The article discusses the various types of carpet-making methods and the decorative styles that they typically associate with.

TV shows for kids featuring well-designed interiors

Today's children's 3d animations often portray living spaces designed with aesthetics in mind. Is it possible that the animation industry has created a new profession in designing and architecting? Perhaps in a few years, an architect or designer will be a required member of the larger team working on...

The most complete book about Furniture Arrangement

Latest advice

Should I hang curtains only on patio doors or along the entire wall?

My parents’ house is old styled and the living room is 6m X 3m and height 3m. The patio door is 1.35 m wide. The home furnishings are 25 year old. There is a double rail curtain track behind the crown molding 3m long. Could I hang window treatment that extends the full length of the wall instead of...

What curtains to choose if the doors are hung next to each other?

I want to buy curtains for my open plan living room kitchen but I have no idea what to choose. The balcony doors are next to each other. The living room features a variety of color, including black and blue cushion sofa and armchairs, and red cushions. Black and gray furniture, white walls complete the...

What flooring to install in a gym?

“What is the most suitable type of flooring for a gym?”

Should I install grass pavers on the outer garage ramp floor?

According to your experience is it a good solution to install grass pavers on the outer garage ramp floor? We prefer planting grass than installing concrete floor on the yard. However we do not know their resistance and the care that they might need. Would the grass maintain its look? How could I water...