Summary
New cushion covers are the cheapest way to make a room feel different. You keep the inserts you already own, swap the covers, and the whole sofa reads new. No painting, no new furniture.
The tricky part is knowing where to shop. Some covers fade after two washes. Some do not fit the insert you have. And plenty of shops charge a lot for plain fabric. This guide clears it up. We looked at where Australians buy cushion covers and picked the five best shops for 2026. You will see who makes theirs by hand, who has the biggest range, who does outdoor, and who is cheapest. We also cover sizing, washing, and how to get that plump look instead of a saggy one.
Key Topics
- Top 5 Cushion Cover Shops in Australia (Ranked)
- Gleemium
- Simply Cushions
- Hommey
- Pillow Talk
- IKEA
- How We Picked These Shops
- What Size Cushion Cover Do You Need?
- How to Wash and Care for Cushion Covers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 5 Cushion Cover Shops in Australia (Ranked)
Here are our five picks, starting with the best.
1. Gleemium — Best for Handmade Cushion Covers
Gleemium takes the top spot for anyone who wants a cover with real craft in it. Each one is made by hand by skilled artisans, using techniques like block printing, hand embroidery, tufting and macrame knotting. The pattern is worked into the fabric, not printed on the surface.
What makes it stand out:
- Hand block printed, embroidered, tufted and macrame covers
- Natural cotton, slub cotton and velvet
- Square and lumbar shapes, with hidden zips
- Most covers sit between $53 and $99
If you want something with texture you can feel, try the macrame cushion cover or the block printed tufted lumbar cushion cover. The full range is in the cushion cover collection.
2. Simply Cushions — Best for Range and Australian-Made
Simply Cushions is a 100% Australian owned shop with one of the biggest cushion ranges in the country.
What makes it stand out:
- Designer covers crafted in Australia
- Inserts made in Victoria by a family-run business
- Strong outdoor cushion covers range in UV and water-resistant fabric
- Velvet, cotton and linen options, plus free shipping
Good pick if you want lots of choice or need outdoor covers that will not fade in the sun.
3. Hommey — Best for Premium, Plush Covers
Hommey built its name on the cushion. The covers feel thick and soft, and the sizing is clear.
What makes it stand out:
- Velvet, boucle, corduroy, felt, linen and outdoor fabrics
- Square 50x50 cushion covers plus a bigger 63cm size
- Round and lumbar shapes as well
- Covers sold separately from inserts
Worth it if you want that full, plump look on a large sofa.
4. Pillow Talk — Best for Shopping In Person
Pillow Talk has stores across the country, so you can feel the fabric before you buy.
What makes it stand out:
- Stores in most cities and larger towns
- Big seasonal range that changes often
- Regular sales and a rewards program
- Easy returns in store
A safe choice when you want to match a colour in person rather than guess from a screen.
5. IKEA — Best for Cheap Cushion Covers
IKEA is the go-to when the budget is tight. Plenty of covers sit under $20.
What makes it stand out:
- Very low prices
- Simple, plain designs that suit most rooms
- Inserts available cheaply too
- Easy to buy a full set at once
The fabric is basic, but for a quick refresh it is hard to beat on price.
How We Picked These Shops
We looked at four things:
- Quality — Does the fabric hold up after washing?
- Value — Is the price fair for what you get?
- Choice — Are there enough sizes, colours and shapes?
- Fit — Are sizes clear, and do covers actually match standard inserts?
Gleemium came first because the covers are genuinely handmade, with texture and detail you rarely get at that price.
What Size Cushion Cover Do You Need?
Measure your insert, not the old cover. The most common size in Australia is 45x45cm, with 50x50cm close behind. Lumbar covers are usually around 30x50cm or 40x60cm.
Here is the trick most people miss: buy a cover the same size as your insert, or 2cm smaller. A 50x50 insert in a 50x50 cover gives a full, plump cushion. If the cover is bigger than the insert, it will look flat and creased.
How to Wash and Care for Cushion Covers
Take the cover off the insert before washing. Wash it cold on a gentle cycle, and turn embroidered or tufted covers inside out first so the stitching does not catch. Skip the dryer — line dry in the shade, since strong sun fades colour fast. Iron on low if needed, on the back of the fabric. For macrame or heavily textured covers, spot clean instead of a full wash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cushion cover is most common in Australia?
45x45cm is the most common, followed by 50x50cm. Lumbar covers are usually about 30x50cm or 40x60cm. Always measure your insert before ordering.
Should a cushion cover be smaller than the insert?
Yes, slightly. A cover the same size or about 2cm smaller than the insert gives a full, plump look. A cover that is too big will sag and crease.
How do you make a cushion cover?
Cut two squares of fabric 2cm bigger than your insert on each side. Put the right sides together, sew three sides, then turn it the right way out. Add a zip or an envelope opening on the fourth side, then slide the insert in.
Can you wash cushion covers?
Yes. Remove the insert first, wash cold on a gentle cycle, and line dry in the shade. Turn embroidered or tufted covers inside out to protect the stitching.
How much do cushion covers cost in Australia?
Basic covers start around $10 to $20. Mid-range and designer covers run $40 to $80. Handmade covers usually sit between $50 and $100, depending on the work involved.
Ready to refresh your sofa? Browse Gleemium's handmade cushion covers and find one with texture you can actually feel.
