Cushion Stylesand Finishes available
through Sophie Conran
When choosing a sofa, it’s easy to focus on fabric and colour, but one often-overlooked detail that can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your sofa is the cushion style.
Whether you’re drawn to a more relaxed or refined aesthetic, understanding the differences between knife edge and box edge cushions – as well as the subtle effect of our different piped finishes–can help you make a more informed and personal design choice.
Cushion Styles & Finishes
The details of your sofa cushions can subtly change the overall character of a room. From relaxed knife-edge cushions to more structured box-edge styles, and from traditional round piping to a clean soft edge, each finish creates a different look and feel.
Knife-Edge Cushions
Knife-edge cushions have a simple, single seam that creates a relaxed and understated silhouette. They are ideal for a more contemporary look and work particularly well in informal, laid-back interiors.
Best suited for- Sleek, simple interiors
- Modern and contemporary spaces
- Relaxed and informal settings
Box-Edge Cushions
Box-edge cushions feature two seams, creating a more defined and structured appearance. This tailored finish brings a sense of formality and traditional elegance to a sofa.
Best suited for- Formal and structured interiors
- Traditional settings
- Classic and sophisticated spaces
Piping & Edge Finishes
Once you've chosen your cushion shape, the next detail to consider is the edge finish. The piping or welting around the cushion can subtly change the overall visual language of the sofa.
Flat Piping
Flat piping, or welting, is flatter than round piping and extends approximately 1cm beyond the cushion edge. It gives the sofa a softer, more relaxed appearance while still providing subtle definition.
This is the standard finish on many of our sofa styles, including the Coco, where the cushions and base have a more laid-back character.
Best suited for:
- Relaxed, contemporary interiors
- Softer, more informal spaces
- A balance of structure and comfort
Round Piping
Round piping features a tight, rounded cord inserted into the cushion seam. It adds definition and structure, creating a neat and tailored appearance.
This finish is typically associated with a more formal or traditional look. It can be seen on sofas such as the Barton, where the defined cushion edges and base create a more sculptural silhouette.
Best suited for:
- Formal, tailored interiors
- Traditional and classic styles
- A neat, structured appearance
Soft Edge - No Piping
Some of our sofas, such as the Isobel, have no piping or welting as standard. This creates an especially clean and minimal appearance, allowing the sofa's shape and fabric to take centre stage.
Best suited for:
- Minimalist interiors
- Clean, contemporary spaces
- An unfussy, seamless finish
Customising Your Sofa
A variety of cushion styles are available across many of our made-to-order sofas, and finishes can be tailored to suit your preferences. For example, if you love the shape of the Coco sofa but want it to feel more formal, you can opt for a box edge cushion with a piped finish. Conversely, if you’re looking for something clean and relaxed, a knife edge cushion with flat piping might be ideal.
As always, the best option will come down to your personal taste, how you use your space, and the overall atmosphere you want to create.
If you’d like further guidance on cushion styles or finishes, please feel free to get in touch with our team at sofas@sophieconran.com.
