Best Christmas Throws and Cushions UK 2025: Festive Soft Furnishings Guide

Transform your living room into a festive haven without the commitment of permanent decorations. Christmas throws and cushions offer the perfect solution—affordable, easy to change, and instantly creating that cosy holiday atmosphere. Whether you're after traditional tartan, elegant velvet, or playful festive motifs, 2025's collection offers exceptional quality and style across all budgets. Here's everything you need to know to choose the perfect festive soft furnishings for your home.

Why Christmas Throws and Cushions Are Essential

The Benefits of Festive Soft Furnishings

Instant Transformation: Change the entire feel of your living room in minutes without major decorating

Cost-Effective: Most affordable way to embrace seasonal style (from just £5 per cushion)

Storage-Friendly: Takes minimal space compared to large decorations

Versatile Styling: Mix and match to create different looks throughout the season

Practical Comfort: Actually functional, not just decorative—perfect for cosy winter evenings

Easy to Clean: Most are machine washable, ideal for festive spills and family gatherings

2025 Christmas Soft Furnishing Trends

Colour Trends:

Warm Metallics: Copper, bronze, and champagne gold details
Deep Jewel Tones: Burgundy, forest green, navy blue
Elevated Neutrals: Cream, ivory, and soft grey with festive accents
Traditional Red & Green: Updated with modern patterns and premium fabrics

Fabric Trends:

Velvet: Luxurious and trending heavily in 2025
Boucle: Textured, cosy, modern aesthetic
Tartan & Check: Timeless patterns with contemporary updates
Faux Fur: Statement throws for ultimate luxury
Linen Blends: Natural, relaxed Christmas style

Design Trends:

Subtle Festivity: Sophisticated patterns over obvious Christmas motifs
Texture Mixing: Combining different fabric types for depth
Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, recycled polyester
Embroidered Details: Raised patterns adding tactile interest
Oversized Cushions: 50cm and 55cm replacing standard 45cm sizes

Top Christmas Cushions UK 2025

Best Velvet Christmas Cushions

1. M&S Velvet Embroidered Christmas Cushion

Price: £25 | Size: 45cm x 45cm

Marks & Spencer consistently delivers exceptional quality velvet cushions, and their 2025 Christmas collection doesn't disappoint. The embroidered details feel premium, and the velvet pile is dense and luxurious.

Features:

Rich velvet fabric with embroidered festive motifs
Available in forest green, burgundy, and navy
Feather inner included
Machine washable cover
Concealed zip closure

Pros:

Exceptional quality for price point
Luxurious feel and appearance
Embroidery adds texture and interest
Feather cushions hold shape beautifully
Classic colours work beyond Christmas

Cons:

Velvet shows marks and requires regular plumping
Embroidered areas can't be ironed if creased
Limited to three colour options

Shop M&S Christmas Cushions

Best For: Those seeking premium quality festive cushions that feel luxurious and will last multiple Christmas seasons.

2. Next Velvet Stag Cushion

Price: £22 | Size: 43cm x 43cm

Next's stag motif cushion strikes the perfect balance between festive and sophisticated—you could genuinely display this from November through February without it feeling too Christmas-specific.

Features:

Deep green or burgundy velvet
Gold embroidered stag design
Includes plush inner pad
Gold piped edging detail
Hidden zip fastening

Pros:

Sophisticated design works through winter
Beautiful embroidered detail
Excellent colour options
Quality velvet at accessible price
Fast delivery from Next

Cons:

Slightly smaller than standard 45cm
Only one design available
Inner pad is synthetic (not feather)

Shop Next Christmas Cushions

Best For: Modern homes wanting subtle festive touches rather than obvious Christmas symbols.

Best Tartan & Check Christmas Cushions

3. Dunelm Red Tartan Cushion

Price: £10 | Size: 43cm x 43cm

Incredible value for a classic tartan cushion. Dunelm's 2025 tartan range offers traditional Christmas styling without the premium price tag.

Features:

Classic red and green tartan pattern
100% cotton cover
Hollow fibre inner included
Machine washable
Also available in green, navy, and grey tartan

Pros:

Exceptional value at £10
Timeless traditional pattern
Machine washable cotton
Multiple colour variations available
Perfect for creating layered cushion displays

Cons:

Cotton is less luxurious than velvet
Hollow fibre inner less supportive than feather
Fairly standard design (not unique)

Shop Dunelm Christmas Cushions

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers wanting authentic traditional Christmas style or needing multiple cushions without breaking the bank.

4. The Range Buffalo Check Cushion

Price: £8.99 | Size: 45cm x 45cm

The Range offers one of the best value propositions in festive soft furnishings. Their buffalo check (large-scale plaid) cushions look far more expensive than the price suggests.

Features:

Classic buffalo check in red/black or black/white
Cotton blend cover
Includes cushion pad
Concealed zip
Coordinating throws available

Pros:

Outstanding value for money
On-trend buffalo check pattern
Looks more expensive than price
Coordinates with matching throws
Available in multiple colour combinations

Cons:

Quality is good but not premium
Cover can wrinkle more than higher-end options
Limited stock in popular patterns

Shop The Range Christmas Cushions

Best For: Trend-conscious decorators on tight budgets who want contemporary festive style.

Best Luxury Christmas Cushions

5. The White Company Embroidered Velvet Cushion

Price: £45 | Size: 50cm x 50cm

The White Company represents the pinnacle of refined Christmas elegance. Their embroidered velvet cushions are investment pieces that elevate any living room.

Features:

Premium cotton velvet
Intricate embroidered designs (snowflakes, trees, stars)
Duck feather inner included
Available in ivory, red, forest green
Oversized 50cm format

Pros:

Exceptional quality throughout
Subtle, sophisticated festive designs
Oversized format creates impact
Duck feather filling is superior
Timeless style you'll use for years

Cons:

Premium pricing
Dry clean only for embroidered areas
Limited colour palette (deliberately neutral)

Shop The White Company Christmas Cushions

Best For: Those investing in premium Christmas decor that will remain stylish and usable for 5+ years.

6. John Lewis Boucle Christmas Cushion

Price: £35 | Size: 45cm x 45cm

John Lewis's boucle cushions tap into 2025's biggest texture trend while maintaining festive relevance through colour and subtle embroidered details.

Features:

Textured boucle fabric
Festive embroidered motifs (trees, stars)
Recycled polyester filling
Machine washable at 30°C
Available in cream, forest green, burgundy

Pros:

On-trend boucle texture
Sustainable materials
Machine washable (rare for premium cushions)
Works year-round due to subtle design
John Lewis quality and reliability

Cons:

Mid-premium price point
Boucle can snag with pets or jewellery
Limited size options

Shop John Lewis Christmas Cushions

Best For: Design-conscious buyers wanting current trends, quality construction, and subtle festive style.

Best Playful & Fun Christmas Cushions

7. Primark Festive Slogan Cushions

Price: £5-£7 | Size: 40cm x 40cm

Primark dominates the fun, affordable Christmas cushion market. Their slogan and character cushions bring playful festivity perfect for family homes.

Features:

Christmas slogans, characters, and motifs
Soft fleece or cotton covers
Includes inner pad
Multiple designs (refresh annually)
Sequin flip designs also available

Pros:

Incredibly affordable
Fun, family-friendly designs
Perfect for children's input on decor
Change annually without guilt due to low cost
Sequin options are interactive for kids

Cons:

Lower quality than premium brands (as expected)
Some designs are quite "loud"
Can fade after multiple washes

Visit Primark for Christmas Cushions

Best For: Families with children, playful decorators, or anyone wanting affordable, changeable festive fun.

Top Christmas Throws UK 2025

Best Luxury Christmas Throws

1. The White Company Faux Fur Throw

Price: £125 | Size: 130cm x 180cm

The ultimate luxury Christmas throw. The White Company's faux fur throws feel genuinely decadent and transform any sofa into a cosy winter retreat.

Features:

Premium faux fur with silk-like backing
Generous 130cm x 180cm size
Available in ivory, grey, or soft pink
Dry clean only
Presented in branded storage bag

Pros:

Exceptional quality and softness
Genuinely warm and cosy
Large enough to cover sofa or use as bed throw
Neutral colours work year-round
Investment piece lasting 10+ years

Cons:

Premium price point
Requires dry cleaning
Attracts pet hair (though brushes off easily)
May be too warm for centrally heated rooms

Shop The White Company Throws

Best For: Those investing in luxury Christmas decor or seeking the ultimate cosy throw for winter months.

2. M&S Cashmere Blend Throw

Price: £149 | Size: 140cm x 200cm

Marks & Spencer's cashmere blend throws represent accessible luxury—the feel of cashmere without the eye-watering pure cashmere price tag.

Features:

10% cashmere, 90% wool blend
Generous 140cm x 200cm size
Available in multiple festive colours
Soft, non-itchy finish
Machine washable on wool cycle

Pros:

Luxurious cashmere feel
Machine washable (huge advantage)
Generous size
Softer than pure wool
Excellent colour range

Cons:

Mid-luxury pricing
Some pilling after initial washes (normal for cashmere blend)
May need de-bobbling tool

Shop M&S Christmas Throws

Best For: Those wanting luxury materials with practical maintenance, or gift-givers seeking impressive presents.

Best Traditional Christmas Throws

3. Next Red Tartan Throw

Price: £35 | Size: 130cm x 180cm

Next's tartan throws nail traditional Christmas aesthetics with premium feel and practical functionality.

Features:

Classic tartan weave
Cotton-acrylic blend for softness and durability
Fringed edges
Machine washable
Multiple tartan colours available

Pros:

Perfect traditional Christmas look
Soft and comfortable
Machine washable
Generous size
Coordinates with Next cushion range

Cons:

Tartan pattern quite bold (not subtle)
Can wrinkle easily
Acrylic blend less luxurious than wool

Shop Next Christmas Throws

Best For: Traditional Christmas lovers or those wanting classic festive style with practical easy-care fabrics.

4. Dunelm Fleece Christmas Throw

Price: £18 | Size: 120cm x 150cm

Dunelm's fleece throws provide incredible warmth and comfort at a budget-friendly price—perfect for cosy Christmas evenings.

Features:

Ultra-soft fleece fabric
Available in festive colours and patterns
Machine washable at 40°C
Lightweight but warm
Smaller size (120cm x 150cm)

Pros:

Exceptional value for money
Incredibly warm and cosy
Easy care and quick drying
Perfect for children or casual use
Multiple festive designs

Cons:

Smaller than standard throws
Synthetic fleece less eco-friendly
Can pill with frequent washing
More casual aesthetic

Shop Dunelm Christmas Throws

Best For: Budget shoppers, families with children, or anyone prioritizing warmth and practicality over luxury aesthetics.

Best Modern Christmas Throws

5. H&M Home Boucle Throw

Price: £49.99 | Size: 130cm x 170cm

H&M Home consistently delivers contemporary style at accessible prices. Their boucle throws tap into 2025's biggest texture trend with festive colour options.

Features:

Textured boucle weave
Available in cream, sage green, terracotta
Recycled polyester content
Machine washable
Modern, relaxed aesthetic

Pros:

On-trend boucle texture
Sustainable materials
Accessible price for trend piece
Neutral colours work year-round
Contemporary, minimalist vibe

Cons:

Smaller than some competitors
Polyester less luxurious than natural fibres
Can snag more easily than smooth fabrics

Shop H&M Home Christmas Throws

Best For: Design-forward homes wanting contemporary Christmas style rather than traditional festive patterns.

6. Zara Home Knitted Throw

Price: £59.90 | Size: 130cm x 170cm

Zara Home's chunky knit throws create that Instagram-worthy cosy aesthetic while being genuinely functional and warm.

Features:

Chunky knit design
Cotton-acrylic blend
Oversized knit pattern
Available in neutral and festive colours
Textured, tactile feel

Pros:

Contemporary, stylish aesthetic
Textural interest
Looks more expensive than price
Works for modern interiors
Doubles as bed throw

Cons:

Open knit less warming than dense weaves
Can stretch with use
Requires careful washing
Gaps in knit not ideal for small children

Shop Zara Home Christmas Throws

Best For: Style-conscious decorators seeking contemporary, textural Christmas pieces for modern interiors.

Best Budget Christmas Throws

7. The Range Sherpa Throw

Price: £12.99 | Size: 125cm x 150cm

The Range's sherpa (faux sheepskin) throws deliver incredible warmth and softness at an unbeatable price point.

Features:

Ultra-soft sherpa fleece
Available in multiple colours
Machine washable
Lightweight but very warm
Often coordinated with cushion designs

Pros:

Outstanding value
Incredibly soft and cosy
Very warm despite lightweight
Easy care
Perfect for casual everyday use

Cons:

Smaller size than premium throws
Synthetic materials
Can pill after multiple washes
Less refined aesthetic

Shop The Range Christmas Throws

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers, student accommodation, rental properties, or anyone wanting affordable festive warmth.

How to Style Christmas Cushions and Throws

Sofa Cushion Arrangement

2-Seater Sofa: 3-4 cushions

2 larger cushions (50cm or 45cm) at each end
1-2 smaller cushions (40cm) in front
Or 3 same-size cushions asymmetrically arranged

3-Seater Sofa: 4-5 cushions

2 larger cushions at each end
2-3 mid-size cushions in center
Arrange in odd numbers (3 or 5) for visual balance

Corner Sofa: 6-8 cushions

Distribute evenly along both sections
Group 2-3 at corner junction point
Balance colours across entire sofa

Colour Coordination

Monochromatic Festive:

Various shades of one colour (deep red, burgundy, pink)
Add texture variety (velvet, boucle, embroidered)
One metallic accent cushion

Classic Christmas:

Mix red and green cushions
Add one cream or gold cushion
Tartan throw as anchor

Modern Neutral:

Cream, grey, soft green base
One jewel-tone accent (burgundy, navy)
Textured throw in complementary neutral

Jewel Tones:

Forest green, burgundy, navy
Mix with gold or copper accents
Rich velvet or faux fur throw

Pattern Mixing Rules

Start Simple:

One solid colour cushion
One textured solid (velvet, boucle)
One pattern (tartan, check, or geometric)
One accent (embroidered or festive motif)

Advanced Mixing:

Vary scale (large tartan + small check)
Stick to 2-3 colour families
Balance busy patterns with solid textures
Repeat one colour across all cushions

Throw Placement

Casual Drape:

Fold throw loosely in thirds lengthwise
Drape diagonally across sofa arm
Let it puddle naturally on seat

Folded Display:

Fold throw in thirds or quarters
Lay along sofa back
Creates neat, intentional look

Layered Look:

Place throw fully open across sofa
Arrange cushions on top
Creates inviting, relaxed vibe

Basket Storage:

Keep throw in large wicker basket
Place beside sofa or fireplace
Accessible and decorative

Budget-Friendly Christmas Soft Furnishing Ideas

Under £50 Christmas Sofa Makeover

Shopping List:

2 cushion covers (£10-£15) - Dunelm or Primark
1 budget throw (£15-£20) - The Range or IKEA
1 accent cushion (£8-£12) - Next or H&M

Total: £38-£52

Styling Tip: Keep existing neutral cushions, add just 2-3 festive covers over them, plus one new throw for instant transformation.

£50-£100 Christmas Refresh

Shopping List:

4 cushions with inners (£40-£60) - Mix Dunelm and Next
1 mid-range throw (£30-£40) - Next or M&S

Total: £70-£100

Styling Tip: Mix velvet and tartan cushions for variety. Choose one hero throw in complementary colour.

£100+ Premium Christmas Style

Shopping List:

4-5 premium cushions (£60-£100) - M&S, John Lewis, The White Company
1 luxury throw (£80-£150) - The White Company or M&S cashmere blend

Total: £140-£250

Investment Mindset: Quality pieces last 5-10 years. Choose classic colours and styles that work through winter months, not just Christmas.

Care and Storage Tips

Washing Guidelines

Velvet Cushions:

Remove inners before washing
Machine wash covers on delicate cycle at 30°C
Air dry flat (never tumble dry)
Iron on reverse with low heat if needed

Cotton/Linen Cushions:

Machine wash at 40°C
Can tumble dry on low
Iron on cotton setting while slightly damp

Throws:

Check care label for specific instructions
Wash before storing for season
Use wool cycle for wool/cashmere
Dry clean faux fur and embroidered throws

Storage Between Seasons

Cushion Covers:

Wash and fully dry before storing
Fold neatly or roll to minimize creases
Store in breathable cotton bags (not plastic)
Add lavender sachets to deter moths

Cushion Inners:

Air out before storing
Store in vacuum bags to save space
Keep feather inners in breathable bags
Replace hollow fibre inners every 2-3 years

Throws:

Fold along natural creases
Store in large cotton bags or pillowcases
Keep wool and cashmere with moth deterrents
Store in cool, dry place (avoid damp lofts)

Organization Tips:

Label storage containers clearly
Keep Christmas textiles together
Take photos of your favorite arrangements
Review condition each year before reusing

Sustainable Christmas Soft Furnishing Choices

Eco-Friendly Options

Natural Materials:

Organic cotton cushions (IKEA, John Lewis)
Wool and wool-blend throws (M&S, The White Company)
Linen cushion covers (H&M Home, Zara Home)

Recycled Content:

Recycled polyester cushion inners (John Lewis, Next)
GRS-certified recycled fabrics (H&M Home)

Longevity Focus:

Invest in quality pieces that last 5-10 years
Choose classic designs over trendy patterns
Removable, washable covers extend lifespan

Second-Hand Shopping:

Check charity shops in affluent areas
eBay and Facebook Marketplace for barely-used items
TK Maxx for discounted premium brands

Caring for the Environment

Washing:

Wash only when necessary
Use eco-friendly detergents
Wash full loads at 30°C
Air dry instead of tumble drying

End of Life:

Donate unwanted items to charity shops
Repurpose fabric for crafts or pet bedding
Recycle textiles at recycling centers (not general waste)

Where to Buy Christmas Throws and Cushions

Best UK Retailers by Category

Budget (Under £20 per item):

Primark: Fun, affordable cushions (£5-£10)
The Range: Great value throws (£10-£25)
B&M: Budget festive soft furnishings
IKEA: Simple, affordable designs (£8-£20)

Mid-Range (£20-£50 per item):

Next: Quality and style (£20-£45)
Dunelm: Variety and value (£15-£40)
H&M Home: Contemporary designs (£15-£50)
Zara Home: Trend-led pieces (£25-£60)

Premium (£50+ per item):

M&S: Trusted quality (£25-£150)
John Lewis: Reliability and range (£30-£80)
The White Company: Luxury and elegance (£45-£150)
Oliver Bonas: Unique, curated designs (£35-£75)

Luxury (£100+ per item):

The White Company: Premium throws and cushions
Liberty London: Designer festive soft furnishings
Anthropologie: Unique, artistic designs
Soho Home: High-end, sophisticated pieces

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Christmas cushions should I have on my sofa? For a 3-seater sofa, 4-5 cushions is ideal. Too few looks sparse; too many is cluttered and impractical. Use odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for visual balance. Include mix of sizes—larger 50cm or 45cm at back, smaller 40cm in front.

Are Christmas throws worth buying or should I use existing throws? If you have neutral throws (cream, grey, beige), add just 2-3 festive cushions for affordable transformation. Buy a Christmas-specific throw only if you want traditional tartan/festive colours or don't have suitable existing throws. Quality throws in festive colours (burgundy, forest green) work throughout winter.

What's the best fabric for Christmas cushions with children and pets? Performance fabrics with stain resistance are ideal but rare in Christmas ranges. Practical alternatives: machine-washable cotton covers (Dunelm, IKEA), cushions with removable covers (most retailers), or dark colours (burgundy, forest green, navy) that hide marks better than cream or red.

Should I buy cushions with inners or just covers? Buy complete cushions if you don't have existing inners or need more cushions generally. Buy just covers if you have cushions you can repurpose—this is more budget-friendly and storage-efficient. Covers typically cost 50-60% less than cushions with inners.

How can I make cheap cushions look more expensive? Mix budget cushions with one or two premium pieces, use cushion covers over existing quality inners, layer different textures (smooth velvet with textured boucle), stick to sophisticated colour palette (avoid overly bright or novelty designs), and arrange thoughtfully with odd numbers and varied sizes.

What colours work for Christmas but aren't too festive year-round? Forest green, burgundy/wine, navy, and cream all feel appropriately festive for Christmas but work throughout autumn/winter. Avoid obvious reds, Santa motifs, or Christmas slogans if you want flexibility. Gold and copper accents are festive but subtle.

How do I store Christmas cushions to keep them fresh for next year? Wash covers before storing, fully dry everything, store cushion covers in breathable cotton bags (not plastic—causes condensation and mould), add lavender sachets to deter moths, store cushion inners in vacuum storage bags to save space, keep in cool, dry location.

Are velvet Christmas cushions worth the extra cost? Yes, if you want a premium look and feel. Velvet feels luxurious, photographs beautifully, and elevates any sofa. However, it requires more maintenance (regular plumping, marks easily, dry clean only for some). For budget-conscious or low-maintenance households, quality cotton or chenille is more practical.

What's the warmest type of Christmas throw? Faux fur and sherpa fleece are warmest, followed by wool or wool-blend throws. However, warmest isn't always best—UK centrally heated homes may find faux fur too hot. Wool offers best warmth-to-weight ratio. Cotton and cotton-blend throws provide moderate warmth suitable for most UK living rooms.

Can I mix patterns in Christmas cushions? Yes, with guidelines: stick to 2-3 colours maximum, vary pattern scale (large tartan + small check works, two large patterns clash), include solid or textured cushions to balance patterns, repeat one colour across all cushions for cohesion. When in doubt, use more solids and textures, fewer patterns.

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value: Dunelm's cushion and throw collection (quality, variety, affordability)

Best Premium Quality: M&S velvet cushions and cashmere-blend throws (luxury feel, fair pricing)

Best Luxury: The White Company faux fur throws and embroidered cushions (investment pieces)

Best Budget: The Range and Primark for affordable, cheerful festive soft furnishings

Best Traditional Style: Next tartan cushions and throws (classic Christmas aesthetics)

Best Modern Style: H&M Home and Zara Home boucle and knitted pieces (contemporary trends)

Best for Families: Dunelm machine-washable cushions and fleece throws (practical, affordable)

Best Investment: John Lewis boucle cushions and M&S cashmere-blend throws (quality and longevity)

Christmas throws and cushions offer the quickest, most affordable way to transform your living room for the festive season. Whether you invest in luxury velvet cushions that last a decade or embrace budget-friendly fun with Primark's festive characters, the key is choosing pieces that reflect your personal style and bring joy every time you see them.

Start with 2-3 key pieces this year, then build your collection over multiple Christmases. The most beautiful festive living rooms combine pieces collected over years—each with its own story and memory attached.

Happy decorating! 🎄

Last updated: December 2025. Prices and availability subject to change. This article contains product recommendations from trusted UK retailers. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.