Once the tree is up, the wreath is hung, and the goose is ordered, the house often still feels as though it needs a little more. I have never really warmed to festive-themed cushions; they have always felt a bit gimmicky and naff, and overly sweet designs have never been my thing. Unlike our American friends across the pond, here in Britain, we tend to be a bit nervous about our Christmas decor and our biggest fear, I think, is that it might be too gaudy or twee. The result of this nervousness, though, can often mean we decorate in a way that feels entirely predictable, bland and lacking any cheer whatsoever.
So, when it comes to Christmas decorating, I think we could all do with taking inspiration from one of this year's defining trends: dopamine decor. If we are feeling restrained and self-conscious around Christmas, then all hope is lost. We should embrace the fun, the festive and the outright kitsch.
Nostalgia-core is the defining Christmas trend this year, and these cushions perfectly capture the desire for familiar, playful, and heartwarming patterns. That said, when it comes to styling festive cushions, less truly is more. You don’t need to drape every surface in them; one or two carefully placed pieces will always feel more intentional and elegant than an avalanche of cushions. Add them to your sofa, favourite armchair, or even at the foot of the bed. The trick is to let them enhance your existing décor rather than compete with it, choosing colours and textures that sit harmoniously alongside what’s already in your home.
Shop Our Favourite Christmas Cushions
I absolutely adore this cushion, and it would be equally charming in a child’s bedroom. At just £16, it’s an exceptional find, especially considering I spotted a very similar design at a well-known luxury farm shop for well over £100.
All Susie Watson cushions are endlessly desirable, but these Christmas hare designs are especially charming. Place one on a kitchen or dining bench, or scatter a few across the sofa, and you’ll instantly infuse your space with that whimsical, cottagecore charm.
While this is marketed as a Christmas cushion, it’s versatile enough to stay out all year, especially in a garden room or kitchen. Featuring the cheerful red-breasted robin, it’s a delightful and thoughtful gift for any gardener who’s tired of receiving yet another pair of gloves!
A beautifully crafted cushion that’s playful and festive without feeling over the top. The scalloped edging keeps it perfectly on-trend, and it would look gorgeous draped over an armchair for an instant touch of charm.
Bold, colourful stripes are undoubtedly on trend this year, but it’s the tiny white Christmas pup that truly captures the spirit of the season. Playful yet charming, this festive cushion adds just the right touch of whimsy to any sofa or armchair.
If you adore rich, inky jewel tones, finding Christmas décor that blends seamlessly with your everyday homewares can be a challenge. This Christmas cushion is the perfect solution – elegant, festive, and effortlessly in harmony with a bold, sophisticated palette.
I find this nutcracker cushion utterly charming. While the white background might feel a little risky in high-traffic spaces like kitchens or living rooms, it would look absolutely delightful in a bedroom, adding a touch of festive whimsy.
Now that Pottery Barn has arrived in the UK, we can indulge in their expansive Christmas collection. Among their festive cushions, this one stands out as my favourite, capturing that nostalgic, Home Alone–inspired Christmas charm perfectly.
The Christmas Ski Decor trend is massive this year, and for many, the best part of the season is the Après-ski vibe. If you love sipping a steaming Glühwein after a day on the slopes, this festive pick is made for you.
As with all seasonal decorating, the true joy lies in the little details that make your home feel warm, inviting, and unmistakably festive. Cushions are one of the simplest ways to dip a toe into holiday styling without overhauling the entire sitting room. They allow you to play with patterns and textures, add a touch of comfort on long December evenings, and quietly announce that the season has arrived. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about bringing them out each year – like the soft-furnishing equivalent of unpacking the Christmas baubles.
And if you discover a cushion you adore, cherish it. Store it carefully, keep it safe from wayward mince pies, and let it return each December as a joyful, enduring holiday tradition.
