How To Style Pillows On A Couch?
The pillows on your sofa play an important role in creating a welcoming living room. Styling them well isn’t as hard as you think.
Interior designers have a few tips to help you get started on putting together a chic pillow collection. We’ve rounded up five favorite ways to style your throw pillows.
Mix It Up
A good mix of throw pillows can add a fresh, updated look to any room. Adding multiple colors, shapes, and prints is one of the most affordable and easy ways to change your interior decor.
Pillows can also be a great way to introduce textures into a space and are an ideal way to transition from season to season. However, knowing how to style your pillows can be hard when you’re unsure what to use or which ones will work best in your space.
To Help You Decide How To Mix And Match Your Pillows, Here Are Five Tips To Keep In Mind:
Mix It Up By Color
When choosing a palette for your throw pillow combinations, try to keep them consistent with the existing colors in the room. This will ensure that your design feels cohesive and will make the space more polished.
Go Bold
If you want a statement on your couch, go for a bright and vibrant color. For example, a blue and green palette will be a great way to add a pop of color to your space.
Patterns
As with colors, patterns can be a great way to create interest on your sofa. You can choose from both organic and geometric patterns. Generally, you’ll want at least one organic pattern, like florals or paisleys, and at least one geometric pattern, like stripes or checks.
Odd Numbers
Opt for odd numbers of pillows if you want to create a modern, artsy, or eclectic look on your sofa. Three, five, or even seven pillows on a larger couch will contribute to this aesthetic.
Using odd numbers will also help you avoid going overboard when styling your pillows. Generally, interior designers recommend using a maximum of five pillows on an average-sized sofa and three on a smaller one.
Go Bold
Whether you are styling a sectional sofa or a single couch, pillows play an important role in the overall look of your living room. They add warmth and comfort while bringing your design aesthetic into the space.
You have many options regarding color, pattern, texture, and size when it comes to how to style pillows on a couch. Fortunately, a few simple rules will help you create an elegant and cohesive look that is both functional and visually pleasing.
First, go for one consistent color palette. You want to select your pillow covers in the same hue or complementary shades to get the best impact.
Next, try adding patterns to your decor without overwhelming the room. If you love a specific pattern, use it on a few pillows and mix it with other fabrics in your color scheme to make a cohesive, interesting, and balanced look.
Another option is to try a more eclectic, modern look by mixing up the size and shape of your pillows. For instance, if you have two square throw pillows, try placing a slightly smaller rectangle or round pillow on the opposite side of the large ones.
Finally, don’t be afraid to go bold regarding texture. Texture is a huge trend in home design right now, and it’s a great way to create a visually interesting look that’s comfortable and inviting.
For example, if you have a brown couch, try using a couple of pillows in textured charcoal to keep the look interesting. This beautiful color combination will feel sophisticated and cozy all at once!
Go Symmetrical
One of the most attractive and functional ways to style pillows on a couch is with symmetry. Symmetry is a natural way to make the arrangement look organized and polished. It also helps keep the design feeling consistent throughout your room.
If you want to go symmetrical when styling pillows on a couch, you can choose a base color or pattern and add a few different elements around it. This can be as simple as putting a single large print on the front and one smaller/busy one on the back seat or as complex as choosing a few different patterns to fill the sofa.
When choosing patterns for your symmetrical arrangement, it’s important to consider scale. For example, a large organic botanical pillow should be the base, with a medium-sized geometric pattern on the next pillow and a small-scaled organic or geometric pattern on the last.
This strategy is a good option for those who prefer a more casual look since it keeps the arrangement looking balanced and doesn’t have a busy feel. It’s also a good option for those who want to stick to a more neutral palette, as it prevents colors from competing.
Another easy and inexpensive way to create a symmetrical throw pillow display is to pick two similar-sized accent pillows and arrange them on either side of the couch. This will give the impression of a mirror image while still leaving plenty of space for your other pillows to fill in.
Remember that tactile contrast is key when selecting textures for your symmetrical arrangement. For example, adding textured pillows to smooth leather or silk upholstery can add warmth and help you achieve a softer, more refined look. Texture can also convey specific decorating styles, such as boho chic or vintage.
Add Texture
When styling pillows on a couch, the best way to create visual interest is to add texture. Texture can come from various materials and fabrics, such as cotton, velvet, faux fur, leather, and chenille.
Adding texture to your decor is a great way to add visual interest and depth to your space without going overboard. It’s also a stylish and comfortable way to make your space feel cozy and luxurious.
The right pillow textures can bring warmth and personality to a room while complementing the fabric on other decor elements. For example, suppose you have a neutral sofa decorated with classic geometric prints like scale and chevron. In that case, a patterned faux fur throw pillow can add visual interest and a touch of fun to the space.
A contrasting color can also add texture to your decor. Choose a color opposite your couch’s dominant hue, black and white or burgundy and green, for added visual interest and balance.
Another way to add texture is to mix different fabrics. For example, you can mix a cotton or linen toss pillow with a silk one or a soft faux fur with a plush wool or corduroy fabric.
If you’re trying to add a little extra flair to your living room, try adding a shaggy fur or faux fur throw pillow. It’s a versatile fabric that can work with various interior design styles and is the perfect touch for any blank corner or entryway.
Choosing decorative pillows that compliment your existing decor will ensure that your living room looks cohesive and intentionally styled. This way, your furniture will feel like an extension of the rest of the room rather than a haphazard collection of random things.
Don’t Go Overboard
Styling pillows on a couch may seem like just one of those small parts of decorating, but they can make a huge difference in your home’s overall look and feel. And with a little guidance, you can easily transform your seating areas into the living room of your dreams.
The key to styling pillows on your sofa is to keep things simple. This means picking fewer colors and patterns and choosing different shapes and sizes to avoid looking too plain or bland.
Designer Maggie Griffin likes to use five pillows on a long sofa, and she says to mix patterned and solid pieces for the best effect. She suggests starting with a pair of solids, then a punchy pattern like a floral or chinois toile, and finally, a neutral pattern in the middle.
She advises choosing a variety of textures as well, including faux fur, leather, chunky knit wools, velvet, or linen to add interest and depth. These fabrics all have a different feel when you touch them, which can make a big difference in the overall look of your decorative pillow.
And while it may be tempting to swap out your sofa throws at the start of a new season, Lott says it’s better to stick with tried and true fabrics and styles you love. She explains that this allows you to change the fabric but still stay in your home’s color story.
Adding too many decorative pillows on a sofa can look overstuffed and chaotic, but it’s unnecessary. Instead, leave a few extra inches of space between your throw pillows to allow breathing room. And be sure to buy a pillow insert at least 2″ larger than the pillow cover you’ll place on top of it. This will give you a more plump and comfortable look.
