Pillows are the secret weapon of interior design. They can instantly transform a room, adding color, texture, and personality while tying a space together. But there’s more to styling pillows than simply tossing them on your sofa or bed. Follow these five expert tips to style pillows like a professional interior designer and elevate your home decor.
1. Play with Pillow Sizes and Shapes
To create depth and visual interest, vary the sizes and shapes of your pillows. Mixing large square pillows, medium-sized cushions, and smaller lumbar or round pillows adds layers and dimension to your design.
Here are some go-to combinations:
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For a sofa, use two 24” pillows at the back, two 20” pillows in front, and finish with a lumbar pillow in the center.
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For a bed, layer Euro 26x26 shams at the back, standard 20x20 pillows in the middle, and a decorative 12x20 lumbar pillow at the front.
Pro Tip: For a polished look, always use pillow inserts that are 2" larger than the pillow cover to create a plush, full appearance.
2. Embrace Texture and Fabric Combinations
Mixing textures is a foolproof way to make your pillow arrangement stand out. Pair materials like velvet, linen, leather, faux fur, and chunky knits for a look that’s rich and inviting.
For example:
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Add velvet pillows to a linen sofa for a touch of luxury.
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Use textured pillows for cozy, wintery vibes.
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Incorporate woven or fringed designs for a boho or rustic touch.
Testing fabric combinations beforehand can save you from mismatched textures. Order fabric swatches to see how materials feel and look in your space.
3. Master the Color Palette
The right color scheme ties everything together. Start by pulling colors from your room’s decor—like a rug, artwork, or wall color—to create a cohesive look.
Here are a few styling strategies:
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Use neutral tones for a timeless, sophisticated look.
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Pair bold patterns with solid colors to balance busy prints.
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Incorporate seasonal pops of color, like burnt orange for fall or pastel hues for spring.
If you’re unsure about color combinations, stick to the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color.
4. Experiment with Pillow Arrangements
Arranging pillows is an art. The number and placement of pillows can vary depending on your furniture and design goals:
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On a Sofa: Try a symmetrical arrangement with two larger 24x24 pillows at each corner, one medium-sized 20x20 pillow in front, and a 12x20 lumbar pillow to anchor the center.
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On a Bed: Layer 26x26 Euro shams at the back, standard 20x20 pillows in the middle, and one 12x24 or two 12x18 decorative pillows in front.
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On a Chair or Bench: A single bold or textured 20x20 pillow can make a statement.
Play around with asymmetrical designs for a more casual, lived-in look. The key is balance—too many pillows can overwhelm the space, while too few can feel sparse.
5. Refresh with Seasonal and Trendy Updates
Pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your decor. Swap them out seasonally or to follow current design trends:
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For Summer: Choose light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton in soft shades.
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For Winter: Opt for cozy, textured materials in natural, warm, earthy tones.
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On Trend: Keep an eye out for bold prints, abstract patterns, or textured details like tassels and woven styles.
Switching pillow covers is a cost-effective way to refresh your look without investing in entirely new decor.
By playing with sizes, textures, colors, arrangements, and seasonal updates, you can style pillows like a pro and transform your space with ease. Whether you’re looking for a cozy vibe or a sleek, modern look, the right pillow styling can make all the difference.
Ready to elevate your decor? Explore our designer pillow collection and order your fabric swatches today to start your styling journey!
