What is cushion chopping?

You’ve probably seen ‘cushion chopping’ across social media (Mrs. Hinch is also a fan). It’s a stylist’s trick which has often been used in an attempt to shape cushions so that they look more inviting.

To do so, people simply plump up and literally karate chop down the top of the cushion – choosing a subtle V or a softer one, depending on the aesthetic they’re after.

Should you ‘chop’ your cushions and can all be chopped?

Many homeowners are huge fans of the beloved cushion chop, thinking that it offers a smarter, more stylish look – but not everyone is convinced.

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen has said she thinks cushion chopping is a big no-no, even taking to Heart Radio to comment on the trend – with it clear that she prefers her cushions ‘plumped’ rather than ‘chopped’.

In another clip shared on social media, interiors whizz Kelly was even shown walking around a room re-adjusting all the chopped cushions to her liking, adding “had to be done, as long as I’m in the room there won’t be a chopped cushion in sight.”

Ultimately, you can style your cushions how you like – but the ‘chopped’ look may not be as big of a trend as it once was.

It should also be noted that not all cushions do well with a ‘chop’ and some cushions may flatten or become left sad and deflated looking if over-manipulated.

If you are after the chopped look, you’ll want a feather filled insert. Eco fillings or similar tend to just bounce back and cheaper cotton or polyester blends will not be able to achieve the effect.

Meanwhile, if you’re team ‘no chop’, stick with a perfectly plumped pillow – Kelly has even launched her own range with M&S, which she says are ‘unchoppable’.

• M&S x Kelly Hoppen Contrast Edge Cushion, £25 – buy here

• M&S x Kelly Hoppen Band Cushion, £25 – buy here

Stylish ideas to give your sofa a new lease of life

One of the quickest and budget-savvy ways to transform the look of your living-room sofa is with a good mix of decorative cushions.

Whether you love a plain, velvet cover or colourful painterly design, we know you’ll be inspired by these five ideas.

Follow a trend 

Image: Good Homes/Dan Duchars

Make the most of this look by sticking to one base theme, such as florals, geometrics or stripes, then use different-shaped cushions with varying prints and shades of the same colour to create interest.

Go for comfort & style

 Image: Good Homes/Andrew Boyd

Consider the shape, size and colour of your sofa before choosing cushions – a neutral-coloured one works well with most patterns and tints.

Place oversized, square cushions at regular intervals to create depth and mix plain with patterned.

Remember, your aim is to create a place to relax and rest your head, as well as an admiring display.

Create a strong base

Image: Good Homes/Andrew Boyd

Start off with two matching cushions in a solid colour; position these at the two outer edges of your sofa to create symmetry.

Then arrange two smaller ones, in complementary shades and shapes in front towards the centre of the sofa.

Layer your selection

Image: Good Homes/Mark Scott

If you want your sofa to look styled and sophisticated, rather than relaxed and comfy, the trick is to layer up around five to seven cushions in different prints of similar shades.

Display cushions along the full length of your sofa and complete the look with a smaller rectangular one at the front, in the middle.

Go bold with pattern 

Image: Good Homes/Joanna Henderson

The secret to mixing strong prints together is stick to a cohesive theme, such as the painterly designs on this cushion arrangement.

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