January 1, 2025 at 5:25 AM PST
An extra pillow or two can make your bed, couch, or chair feel cozy. But the beauty of throw pillows is that they also function as stylish decor. Like an accent chair in a living room or a sculptural piece of art on a bookshelf, they can infuse your room with personality. Think of it as a way to showcase your personal design aesthetic. From rustic textiles to bold colors or classic patterns, throw pillows are an essential part of interior design.
Still, when it comes to finding inspiration and styling, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There are lots of different styles, shapes, and sizes of pillows to choose from. While it can be tempting to load up your sofa or bed with an assortment of cushions, it’s important to opt for style over quantity. This means starting with a vision and being intentional about how and where you place each piece.
If you’ve ever felt the pang of frustration that comes with shopping for and styling throw pillows, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn the designer tips for using throw pillows to accentuate your furniture and inspiring ways to use them in your home.
Before you can begin shopping for and styling your new throw pillows, you’ll need to first decide how many you need. While it’s true that different aesthetics and styles require different numbers of pillows, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. The first thing to consider will be the size of the furniture. Loveseats and small sofas typically need two to three pillows, while full-size sofas work best with a range of two to six. If you have a large sectional, you’ll need more pillows, somewhere between six and 11, for a cohesive look.
Like the number of pillows used, selecting the right size and shape can make or break the final look. Of course, pillows can come in an array of shapes and sizes, but the most common shapes are a square and a rectangle.
Standard-sized pillows are square in shape and range in size from 16” to 21″. They are medium in size, which makes them ideal for layering on a large couch or for creating the centerpiece on a loveseat.
Larger square pillows, known as oversized pillows, are another common style. These pillows range from 22” to 24″ and are best used as the foundation for layering. On larger sofas or sectionals, they’re often placed against the back or in the corner for a fuller look.
Lumbar cushions are the most noteworthy rectangle shape and are typically used to add depth and style to the furniture. These pillows can come in various sizes; however, 14” x 20” and 16” x 24” are the most common.
With the technical details out of the way, it’s time to get creative. If you’ve spent any amount of time wandering the aisles of HomeGoods, you know that there are tons of colors and patterns available. Instead of choosing the first bold print you see, think about the final picture of the look you want to create. You can draw inspiration from the other elements in the room and build on the color palettes you’ve already created. Or you can opt for a contrasting palette that complements the colors of the furniture.
As for prints, mixing and matching is always fun. But remember to keep things grounded. Choose a color or theme that connects each print, or stick to classic combinations. This will ensure that everything looks cohesive and chic.
On the Bed
@kelseykooima happy saturday! trying a new pillow combination and I think this one will be here to stay for a while 🤩 #neutralbedroom #apartmentbedroom #neutralhomedecor #neutralhomeaesthetic #amazonhome #homedecor
On a Sectional
@sheisjayeli Out with the old and in with the new. Upgrading my old throw pillow covers to ones from IKEA and im obsessed. #apartmentdecor #couchdecor #throwpillowcovers #eclecticdecor #eclectichome #eclectic #ikea
On a Large Couch
@ballarddesigns One sofa = endless throw pillow possibilities! 🛋️ #ballarddesigns #interiordesign #sofa #throwpillows #designertips
On a Loveseat
@alicerosebuttery Our newest addition to the living room is this gorgey striped loveseat from @Dunelm! I feel like this room is finally complete now we have this to add some more seating! AD – gifted item. #dunelm #dunelmloveseat #dunelmfinds #dunelmuk #livingroomideas #loveseat #armchair #livingspace #cosylivingspace #cosyarmchair
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