Designers are accessorizing their couches with this style of couch pillow

A curated selection of broken check pillows

(Image credit: Future)

published 15 October 2023

I've been noticing the 'broken check' pattern trending for a while now and I love the look. It's a clever way of adding interest to the classic checkerboard pattern, with checks either stretched and elongated or played around with to create something that looks a little different from the norm.

'The 'broken check' look is currently trending because it offers a fresh take on the classic check pattern,' says Michal Silver, Creative Director of Christopher Farr Cloth. 'It introduces a playful, imperfect twist to the traditional design, making it more dynamic and contemporary.' It's a great way to accessorize your sofa in a modern way. Here are 9 I've found from my favorite home decor websites so you can get the look at home.

9 'broken check' couch pillows to buy now

Irregular checkerboard bolster

Material: 60 percent viscose, 30 percent wool, 10 percent cotton
Dimensions: 5" x 20"
Price: $98

We're also enjoying the bolster pillow look at the moment, so this design combines two trends with the classic monochrome check modernized and stretched to feel a little more contemporary and cool.

Nicole Curtis checked couch pillow

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 3" x 18" x 18"
Price: $31.67

I love how this pillow incorporates texture into the pattern, with raised tufts of fabric that add even more interest to the inversed checkerboard pattern.

Linen check pillow

Material: Linen
Dimensions: Throw: 18" x 18", Lumbar: 12" x 24", Bolster: 12" x 48", Euro: 26" x 26"
Price: $109.99

Another checked variation, this time the color is what gives this classic design a modern makeover. Blues and oranges mean this design would look great on a sofa upholstered fully in a warm or cool colored fabric.

Olive checkerboard pillow

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 30cm x 50cm
Price: $67

Wide pink and olive checks give this pillow a modern twist, and I love the green frill and pink piping work for extra drama. It's the ultimate accent pillow that steals the show in your living room.

Disco checkerboard pillow

Material: Wool
Dimensions: 16" x 16"
Price: $59

Lavender is a color we've seen a lot of this year, and combined with this a stretched-checked aesthetic it has a 70s look about it that feels very on-trend.

Brown checkerboard pillow

Material: 50 percent jute, 50 percent cotton
Price: $42

This design has a little more of a subtle checked pattern but works so well with the jute fabric to bring a bit of a rustic feel to your living room sofa.

Gwen velvet pillow

Material: Cotton and velvet
Dimension: 16" x 24"
Price: $220

Pink and red are one of my favorite color combinations, mainly because it's so unexpected and people are so reluctant to pair these together for fear of a color clash. But the clash is what makes it so bold. This is a wonderful example of the two colors working together.

Checkered throw pillow

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 18" x 18"
Price: $88.91

This has a graphic feel to it, and is a playful throw pillow option in cheerful orange to bring a ray of sunshine to your living room.

Gracie oaks throw square pillow

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 18'' x 18''
Price: $22.99

This bargain find from Wayfair is a little more of a classic checkerboard, with irregular squares subtly throwing the pattern off-balance. Pair with a dusky blue sofa for a harmonious scheme.

This irregular check, or 'broken check' couch pillow trend is alluring for a number of reasons. The irregularity in the pattern adds character and charm to what is otherwise quite a traditional-looking fabric, making it a standout choice for those looking to add a unique touch to their interiors.

'Checks have been an interior staple for years, with the new trend of broken checks aiming to modernize the classic design,' adds Clare Leith, brand manager of textile brand, Kirkby Design.

Checks have always been a versatile design, and we are seeing more bold and bright colors coming into the fold, such as cobalt blues and warm yellows. 'There’s been a shift towards pattern clashing and creating joyful interiors, you could use a check for statement upholstery, or equally as pops of pattern as a cushion,' says Claire.

How to style the look

A 'broken checked' pillow from the Jocasta collection at Studio Ashby

'Layering cushions with the pattern with other textured cushions or throws can create depth and visual interest,' adds Michal Silver, creative director at Christopher Farr Cloth, which has a Lost and Found collection that fits the 'broken check' look brilliantly.

'Combining a variety of textures and patterns can enhance the 'broken check' effect. 'Play with different colors of cushions to create an eclectic and inviting atmosphere. The green, indigo, lemon, ruby, natural, and denim colors of our Lost and Found fabric options allow for diverse combinations that can suit various interior styles.'

Consider incorporating decor items, such as vases or artwork, that pick up colors from the cushions too. This will help tie the room together and create a cohesive look.

When it comes to how many throw pillows you should have on a couch, don't go overboard and stick to an odd number. Two in one color that contrasts against your sofa upholstery, complemented with one accent pillow - like the broken check look - will work nicely.

Former content editor at Livingetc.com, Oonagh is an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. She has written a mix of everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces, as well as having frequently been featured in the monthly print magazine. She is the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors.