When choosing a sofa, it’s easy to focus on fabric and colour, but one often-overlooked detail that can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your sofa is the cushion style. Whether you’re drawn to a more relaxed or refined aesthetic, understanding the differences between knife edge and box edge cushions – as well as the subtle effect of our different piped finishes – can help you make a more informed and personal design choice.
Knife Edge Cushions
Knife edge cushions offer a casual or relaxed aesthetic with a single seam, ideal for those seeking a contemporary and understated vibe in their home decor.
Best suited for:
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Sleek and simple design
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Modern and contemporary appeal
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More relaxed and informal interiors
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Box Edge Cushions
Box edge cushions come with two seams providing a more defined and formal appearance. This style adds a touch of tradition to any room, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a classic and sophisticated look.
Best suited for:
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Rooms with a more formal and structured appearance
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Traditional and elegant settings
Round vs Flat Piping
Once you've decided on your cushion shape, the next design choice to consider is whether you'd prefer round or flat piping. This refers to the seam detail that runs along the cushion edges, and while it may seem minor, it can affect the overall visual language of the sofa.
Round Piping
Our round piping finish features a tight, rounded cord inserted into the seam of the cushion. It adds subtle structure and definition, and is typically associated with a more formal or traditional look. It can be seen on sofas like the Barton, where the cushion edges and base appear more tailored and sculptural. Having this finish makes your sofa feel neater and more tidy as the piped finish is very compact.
Flat Piping
A welted finish, by contrast, is flatter and extends about 1cm beyond the cushion, offering a more relaxed and contemporary appearance. This is the standard finish you’ll see on many of our sofa styles, including the Coco, where the cushions and base have a more laid-back feel with less visible edge definition.
Soft Edge - No Piping
Some of our sofas, such as the Isobel, are designed with no piping or welting at all as standard, giving them an especially minimal and clean look. This finish removes any extra edge detail, resulting in a very tidy and understated appearance. It’s ideal for customers who prefer a simple, modern aesthetic where the shape and fabric take centre stage without additional trimming.
Best suited for:
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Minimalist interiors
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A clean and contemporary aesthetic
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Those who prefer an unfussy, seamless finish
Oxford Border
Our knife edge cushions can be made with a pillow-case style trim, evoking feelings of deep comfort. The distinctive Oxford border is designed with a wide, flat fabric flange stitched around the perimeter of the cushions. This finish adds a touch of unstructured elegance, softening the overall silhouette while creating a cozy, inviting look. It’s ideal for customers who appreciate subtle, classic detailing and want a comfortable, lived-in aesthetic that feels both effortless and luxurious.
Best suited for:
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Relaxed or classic country interiors
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A comfortable, lived-in, yet elegant aesthetic
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Those who prefer a softer silhouette with subtle textural detailing

Customising Your Sofa
A variety of cushion styles are available across many of our made-to-order sofas, and finishes can be tailored to suit your preferences. For example, if you love the shape of the Coco sofa but want it to feel more formal, you can opt for a box edge cushion with a piped finish. Conversely, if you’re looking for something clean and relaxed, a knife edge cushion with flat piping might be ideal.
As always, the best option will come down to your personal taste, how you use your space, and the overall atmosphere you want to create.
If you’d like further guidance on cushion styles or finishes, please feel free to get in touch with our team at sofas@sophieconran.com.



