Throw pillows are a quick and easy way to spice up your couch with personality and charm. Here are our tips for how to arrange pillows on a couch.
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An easy method to create a well-designed pillow look is to start with two large matching pillows on each end of your couch. The pillows can be in a solid color or a fun print. These pillows set the tone for your whole couch arrangement. Is there such a thing as too many throw pillows?
Are patterns and layering designs not your thing? They’re not necessary for a good design—one simple color for all the pillows still keeps things interesting, without a pattern in sight. Choose a color lighter or darker than the couch fabric to create contrast.
Once you’ve got your pillow base, create another pillow layer in a different fabric and a smaller size. You can use two matching cushions for a formal look or two that don’t match for a more eclectic effect.
A combination of different size pillows will make the arrangement cozy and interesting. Use larger pillows in the back and smaller pillows layered on top. Just don’t go too big or too small, which can throw off the scale and visual balance of the sofa.
Mixing pillow textures is an easy way to achieve a more elevated look for your throw pillows. For this type of arrangement, more is more: two or three different textures. A cohesive design idea (ex: bohemian, pastels, global) prevents the couch from looking like a big mess.
Break away from standard squares on the sofa. A collection of lumbar style pillows feels modern and laid-back but still put-together. Plus, these pillows are great for your back!
Select one consistent color palette and stick with it throughout your design. You will get the most impact if all of your pillows are either in the same shade range or complimentary colors or shades. Need an easy formula for mixing pillows? Gaze at your room’s color scheme and choose the color you like most for an accent.
It’s fun to include odd shaped pillows in a couch arrangement. A couple pillows in a fun color, a weird shape (like the yellow knotted one above), or a textured pillow in faux fur or velvet. The unexpected shape provides a custom look, just like these other 100 cheap decor ideas that look expensive.
Instead of investing in all new pillows every time you need a refresh, you can simply swap out the pillow covers. (Pillow covers also make washing pillows easier.) Change the pillow covers regularly to keep up with seasons, holidays and even your mood without doing major living room makeover.
The colors and patterns of your throw pillows should coordinate with the rest of the room decor. A good rule of thumb, is to choose one element of the room to be your inspiration piece for the room’s color scheme, like an area rug or artwork. Then pull colors from that piece for your throw pillows. When mixing throw pillow patterns, pay attention to scale. Large patterns and small patterns pair well together; whereas too many of the same scale of pattern can look cluttered and unbalanced.
Throw pillows are meant to be moved around for comfort, so don’t stress too much about throw pillows being perfectly placed at all times. Fluff pillows as needed and place them securely in the corners of the sofa. You can also drape a throw blanket underneath your pillow arrangement for added stability.
