Throw pillows are a lot of fun to style if you know what you’re doing, but they can be a nightmare if you don’t. The good news is, there is more than one way to create polished pillow arrangements and we’re willing to share our secrets so that you can get the effect you’re looking for at home.
As throw pillows aren’t a permanent fixture, they are the perfect decorative element to switch around when you are feeling bored with your decor or when the season changes. Without a lot of money or time, you can refresh the look of a room with decorative pillows from our Charleston furniture stores that bring excitement to your sofa.
What Size Pillows Should I Get?
The first thing to consider is the size of your pillows, which will depend on your furniture. Your pillows should be in proportion to your sofa, chair, or bed. Too big and they will make your furniture look cramped; too small and they won’t make much of an impact or be functional.
You should aim to use two to three different sizes of pillows. 18” or 20” square pillows are the norm for regular sofas, so this is a good reference point to start from and work up or down depending on the size of your furniture.
How Many Pillows Do I Need?
You want your room to look symmetrical, but not too perfect. Having at least five pillows for a regular-sized sofa is ideal as it will allow you to have two sets with one middle pillow. You can also do six pillows, as shown, if they have a wide color and pattern variation.
The more pillows you have, the more creative with styling you can be. However, you don’t want to have too many pillows or it will be uncomfortable for guests who want to sit down.
Choosing Your Pillow Colors
When you are choosing the colors and patterns for your pillows, the easiest method is to stick to one color palette. This will avoid any clashing. If you already have a lot of color in your room, then you should stick to more subtle, neutral tones for your pillows.
Otherwise, it can be impactful to use your pillows as a strong accent color in the room. For example, try various shades of orange on a cream sofa, as pictured.
Experimenting with Prints and Textures
You can add more intrigue to your room through the incorporation of prints and textures. A good rule of thumb is to have one set of pillows in a solid color, one set that has a large print and one pillow that has a smaller print. Choosing the patterned pillows before your solids is easier than the other way around. Stripes are always a great choice, like our Askew Pillows.
Don’t forget about textures. Pillows are also a great way to add some texture to your room. Try using a pillow with an unusual texture, like faux fur or velvet for a plush effect.
Layering Your Pillows
Finally, the styling! How can you make your pillows look like they have been placed by a designer from one of our Charleston furniture stores? When it comes to arranging your pillows, layer them with the largest on the outside of the sofa and the smallest, like a lumbar or bolster at the center.
It often looks better to separate the patterned pillows with a set of solids in between, unless the patterns are very complementary.
Shop Luxury Pillows at Our Furniture Stores in Charleston, SC
While the throw pillows on your sofa don’t seem like a huge part of the decor, pillows can be the tie that binds together the rest of your room. At all three of our Charleston furniture stores, we have a large selection of upholstery for you to select your pillow fabrics. We’re more than happy to help you re-cover your existing pillows or choose new cushions altogether. Stop by today to get started.
Shop The Look
Sahati Bolster
Crafted in thin layers of cotton voile and a contrasting reverse of cotton chambray, only the soft fabric brushes against your skin, not the stitches themselves. Just for fun, we added pompoms.
Kandira Throw Pillow
Crafted with 100% linen and 95% feather/5% down, these patterned throw pillows are a bold statement for any room with options in Blues, Sky, and Greige.
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Graffito Pillow
Crafted with cotton, linen, and 95% feather/5% down, these patterned throw pillows are a bold statement for any room with options in Beige/Ivory, Onyx/Beige, and Salmon/Cream.
