4 min readCome fall, we’re all ready to spend the foreseeable future curled up on a plush sofa, cocooned in a throw blanket, and enjoying a crackling fireplace or a really good scented candle. Like you, we want to be cozy, but keep it cute: As if we can copy and paste a Nancy Meyers movie set directly into our home.
The best way to create an effortlessly elevated atmosphere is with a supersized, stuffed sofa. Or, as we like to call it, “cushcore.” We asked designers to explain what this trend is all about and how to incorporate it into your own home without going overboard.
What Is Cushcore?
After years of favoring sleek, low-slung sofas and the occasional midcentury-inspired seat, the pros are yearning for the exact opposite. Couches that are plump, overstuffed, and dare we say cushy?
Julia Newman, an interior designer who splits her time between Los Angeles and Minnesota, says these snuggly sofas have a layered luxury that was popular in the 1990s, akin to the rotund furniture you saw in every set on Friends. But don’t worry: This aesthetic isn’t timestamped.
“Inviting, comfortable environments never go out of style,” she says.
A stout sofa might be a hallmark of the look, but designers insist “cushcore” is a vibe. The intersection of classic and comfortable.
“It’s about creating a room that looks polished but gives you permission to truly live in it,” explains Tracy Morris, an interior designer in McLean, Virginia. “The best version feels luxurious because it's comfortable, not in spite of it.”
Tori Young of British multidisciplinary firm HollandGreen agrees and says “cushcore” is the design equivalent of a hug, something many of us need right now. “In uncertain times, we naturally turn inwards and look to our homes for comfort, security, and a sense of calm,” she explains. “People are becoming less afraid to make their homes feel personal and expressive, rather than trying to create a perfectly styled space that could belong to anyone.”
The Most Important Factor of Cushcore
At the heart of the cushcore craze is a big, comfy couch—so choose yours wisely. Though Newman likes an oversized option with deep seats, substantial arms, and lots of filling, she doesn’t want you to spring for the largest, lumpiest sofa you can find.
Ditto for Morris, who encourages “proportion and restraint.” A stout sofa should command attention, but not so much that it swallows your space. “You don't need to fill every corner or cover every surface simply because you're creating a cozy space,” she adds. “Cushcore done right should look elevated when you walk into the room and feel completely effortless once you sit down.” The best sofas, pros say, can pair nicely with tailored elements, daintier tables, and an intentional layout.
Short on space? No worries, you can create the same look with a chubby armchair. In fact, a generously stuffed single-seater can take cushcore out of the living room and into a dining area or home office.
Once you find a soft seat that suits your space, experiment with upholstery.
“The materials should be durable and forgiving so the room is ready to enjoy without constantly fluffing, straightening, or worrying about spills,” Morris stresses. Velvet is a top contender for designers Young and Morris, the latter of whom recommends washable versions from Perennials and Osborne & Little for a lush, low-maintenance charm.
How to Incorporate Cushcore Into Your Home
A cuddly couch might be the star of cushcore, but you don’t need to buy brand-new furniture to get the look. Designers like Young say a healthy mix of colors and textures can imbue any room with a little cush.
“Minimize the colors used to about three so the scheme doesn’t become too busy or confused,” she says. “You can create an incredibly rich and cozy room through velvet, linen, wool, and other tactile materials without introducing lots of competing prints.” She also encourages you to weave in some warm wood accents, which will keep the room from looking “too upholstered.”
Once you have a rich, tactile foundation, incorporate inviting accessories. Newman says rugs with “decent pile heights” can feel plush underfoot, while layered lighting evokes an enveloping atmosphere. Speaking of which, Morris suggests equipping your light fixtures with 2700K bulbs, which emit a warm glow.
If you want to make just one tweak to champion cushcore in your home, enlist an upholstered or tufted ottoman. “It should feel considered,” Morris says. “An ottoman can be beautiful enough to anchor the room while still being a place where you're encouraged to put your feet up.”
That way, you can kick back, relax, and sink into this cushy escape.
