How to Layer Cushions on a Kids’ Bed: 3-Steps
Layering cushions on your child’s bed is an easy way to add personality, texture, and a cosy feel to their room. Here’s our simple three-step formula for a perfectly styled kids’ bed every time:
1. Start with Your Hero Pattern
Choose one cushion that sets the tone - This could be a Duvet cover set, think of this as your base. This is your statement piece, so let its colours and design set the tone for the bedding. You may choose to draw out one colour, or particular motif to focus on. In this example we have used our Duck Quilt Cover set to set the base.
2. Introduce a Solid or Colour-Block
Next, pick a plain cushion or one in a complementary (mostly solid) hue. It grounds the look and gives the eye a place to rest. For our Duck theme, we chose on a warm brown tone - the cushion we chose is calm to look at, it creates a break in the pattern and a complementary base for the next cushion. You can use a plain solid colour, stripes, soft pattens (that are mostly solid) there are so many options, but the trick is to find one that will create that break and rest for the eyes.
3. Play with Scale in a Smaller Pattern
Finish with a third cushion in a reduced-scale print. A miniature version of your hero pattern - or a smaller pattern in the same palette—adds visual interest without competing. For this example we added our Duck cushion with a smaller print and scale that would be complementary to our Duck Quilt base.
Alternative Combo:
Swap step 1 for a stripe cushion, step 2 for a plain, and step 3 for a small-scale pattern. Stripes + solid + print = instant harmony.
Putting It All Together
- Back Row (Hero):
- Large Duck-print cushion
- Middle Row (Grounding):
- Solid colour or mostly solid pattern (50 × 50 cm)
- Front Row (Detail):
- Mini-duck print or small scale print cushion (30 × 40 cm)
Arrange the biggest cushion at the back, the solid in front of it, then the small-scale at the very front. Tilt each cushion slightly for a relaxed, lived-in vibe.
Shop the Look
Bring this look home with our matching Duck collection:
-
Duck Quilt
A bright, hand-illustrated duck pattern printed on a soft cotton quilt.
Shop the Duck Quilt -
Striped Sheet Set
Cream-and-pink stripes mirror the accent hues in the Duck print.
Shop Striped Cot Sheets -
Duck Small Cushion
Our mini-duck pattern cushion (30 × 40 cm) for the perfect front-row pop.
Shop Duck Cushion -
Hand-Made Duck Plush
A sweet, huggable duck toy—complete the nursery story.
Shop Duck Plush - Block Print Cushion
- Set of 2 Decorative Vintage Floral Print Throw Pillow Covers Neutral Farmhouse Cushion Covers. Shop Block Print Cushion
Layering cushions isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a playful, comforting nest for your little one’s dreams. Mix patterns, solids, and stripes to build a balanced look, that’s calming as it is functional.
And if you’re styling the bed with our Duck collection, don’t forget to visit our Audio Story Library and listen to Franklin the Duck’s adventure - so your little one can drift off surrounded by their favorite story and matching bedding 🦆✨
