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How to Style Couch Pillows: Throw Pillow Styling Tips

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Mar 8, 2022 • 2 min read

Decorative throw pillows are an easy way to give your living room a makeover. Learn how to style couch pillows to complement your interior design style.

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What Are Couch Pillows?

Throw pillows are decorative pieces of home decor that add comfort, utility, and visual interest to a loveseat or sofa. Throw pillow sizes vary, but standard sizes tend to be in the range of twelve twenty-four inches across. Throw pillows typically consist of a pillow insert and pillow cover. Some pillow covers can be removed so that you can easily clean them or swap them out for a new pillow cover.

How to Style Pillows on a Couch

Consider these simple tips for styling throw pillows on your couch.

  1. 1. Layer pillows of different sizes. Choosing the right pillows for your sofa starts by choosing the right size. For a standard sofa, twenty-inch square throw pillows are a good place to start. If your couch has a low back, sixteen- or eighteen-inch pillows should do the trick. Consider placing matching pillows at both ends of the sofa, then arrange pillows of progressively smaller sizes in front. Place a lumbar pillow in the middle of the sofa to tie it all together. If you have a sectional sofa, place the largest pillows in the corner.
  2. 2. Keep colored pillows within a cohesive color palette. Colorful sofa pillows are a great way to add a pop of color to any space. Whether you prefer bold colors or neutral colors, keep all the pillows within the same color scheme for a cohesive look. It's a good idea to choose your pillow colors based on the wall color of your space. Solid colors provide a good base for patterns. Consider placing a solid pillow behind a smaller pillow with a bold pattern.
  3. 3. Mix different textiles. When choosing sofa pillows, consider mixing and matching textiles to add visual interest. Velvet, silk, chenille, and faux fur pillows add an elegant flourish and will pair well with cotton, polyester, linen, or leather pillows.
  4. 4. Play around with pillow patterns. From plaid and polka dots to classic stripes and floral prints, there are nearly endless pillow patterns. Choose one or two accent pillows with a striking pattern to add visual interest. A classic throw pillow idea is to pair solid pillows that feature one color with striped pillows of a contrasting color.
  5. 5. Choose an odd number of pillows. Interior designers often create pillow arrangements in odd numbers. This simple design tip can make your sofa look lively without looking overly designed. A group of three is the magic number for a loveseat, but a larger couch could use up to five or seven throw pillows.

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