Sprucing up your home with cushions and throws

Whether you want to change up the look of your living room or add that finishing touch to your office, cushions can be make for a fantastic item of furnishing to have in your home.

And whether you're keen to use cushions to alleviate any back trouble you are having, wrap your arms around them while watching a film or just for decorative purposes, there is sure to be a cushion out there for you. You may just want one cushion to go with your favourite armchair or are keen to buy an entire set. However many you choose, they can certainly give your place that much-needed lift.

You're unlikely to keep the same set of accessories to constantly wear with one outfit, so why should this apply to your soft furnishings? Having cushions in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes can help keep things fresh and - depending on their design - could accentuate different parts of your living room. Cream-coloured cushions may make an ideal match with your white sofa, while brown can help the wood in your table and chairs to stand out.

You may choose to bring out special cushions for festive occasions - such as Easter and Christmas. Or as the seasons change, swap over sets to make sure your place is vibrant whatever the weather.

And regardless of the decorative schemes you have in your home, finding a cushion in a suitable shade should be a simple task. Cushions come in a variety of materials so you should be able to select one which matches your sofa - whether it is made out of leather, suede or some other fabric.

But they do not always have to blend in with the rest of your decor. Why not select a cushion in a bright, vivid tone to make a marked contrast with your settee and chairs. It'll certainly stand out and could give your home that energy and vitality you've been seeking. This could wow guests and if you're keen on selling your home at some point in the future, the decor could help your property to stick in the mind of potential purchasers.

And cushions could also provide homeowners with physical benefits. Those suffering from back pain may find that propping themselves up on such soft furnishing relieves their ailments - and it could certainly be a more comfortable way of sitting at a hard-backed chair that offers little in the way of support. The same can be said for people with foot problems who need to keep their leg elevated. Resting your injured appendage on top of a cushion may not necessarily help you heal faster but as least you'll be in less discomfort than just having it on top of a table or stool.

But this is not the only way that you can use soft furnishings to update your home. Why not use a throw to help make your living space more inviting and cosy? These can be placed over the back of a sofa, giving an edge to your living room. As with cushions, throws are available in a variety of styles and designs, so whether you're a lover of animal prints and are keen for a faux fur piece or are after something is more simple but remains stylish, you can find something that expresses your personality.

And for those chilly autumn and winter nights, snuggling up under a double-sided throw could be the perfect way for you and your loved one to spend a romantic rendezvous indoors. Whether you're cosying up to watch a soppy film, having a candlelit supper or just whispering sweet nothings to one another, doing so while wrapped up in a throw could make the evening one to remember. But if you're home alone you can always wrap your arms around a cushion to get that loving feeling from your furnishings!