A Guide to Decorating with Throw Pillows

Nothing says cozy and comfy like a sofa or bed full of throw pillows! Pillows dress up a room just as accessories dress up an outfit. As the seasons change, it is fun to pull on a fun and whimsical pillow cover to suite. Pillows add layers, texture, warmth and character to a room. I prefer to have pillow covers so that I can easily remove them to wash and press. In this short guide, I will demonstrate how easy and fun decorating with throw pillows can be.

Layering

When decorating with throw pillows, size and amount matter. On a bed for example, larger king size pillows should be the largest pillows on the bed and be placed farthest to the headboard of the bed. The large pillows can also camouflage the pillows that are used for sleeping on. These king size pillows act as the backdrop for the rest of the arrangement. Odd numbers of pillows are preferred for any arrangement.

A similar principle is true when arranging pillows on a sofa. The largest pillows should flank the outer corners of the sofa. The largest pillows should be no smaller than 20″. I prefer square pillows for most of my arrangements.

Textures

Adding texture is important in any home decor plan and it make for a great pillow arrangement as well. A knitted, richly textured fabric (velvet) or fur fabric (mohair) for a pillow adds dimension and variety. These blue velvet throw pillows compliment the blue in the throw rug and bring a richness to the sofa arrangement.

Styles

One of my favorite styles of pillow is an all over printed pattern. This could be floral, repeat pattern, whimsical pattern or brocade. It is important to draw colours from the room and ask yourself if you are going to have the patterned pillow year round or just for select seasons. My area rug is very busy and colourful so I like to pull colours from the rug rather than throw a busy multi coloured pillow into the mix.

A newer and well loved style of pillow is the quote or saying pillow. It speaks to your values and interests and is a great neutral especially if it is in a basic black script with a white background. Script pillows can speak to any style depending on the font chosen. These ones for the bedroom are classic and feminine. These Hello Handsome and Hello Beautiful Pillow Covers make a great wedding or anniversary gift.

This Love Pillow from Song of Solomon makes a great gift for your love in addition to a wedding gift.

My favorite way of decorating with throw pillows is to incorporate an artwork pillow. This style of pillow becomes the one that can be switched the most often with the seasons. I have designed many specifically for the changing seasons. I love to bring nature inside especially with bird decor. Here are two watercolour art bird pillows that are appropriate year round but the Bluebird pillow cover is lovely for spring and the Chickadee pillow cover is perfect for winter.

While using the colours in your home, you can bring fall into your space. This Pumpkin Pillow is a great fresh yet autumn addition. You can have this Pumpkin 5 x 7 Art Print FREE by going to the Free Printable Page.

When the Christmas holidays come, I love winter themed pillows such as this Deer Pillow Cover, Wreath Pillow Cover and this great vintage Red Truck Pillow! This one is lovely one to add to any Christmas decor.

I hope you have enjoyed this mini tutorial on decorating with throw pillows. May you be inspired to create your own cozy living area for each season with your favorite throw pillows. If you like what you have read, please share the love with a comment or a pin. Thank you!