Everybody has decorative pillows in their homes, and everyone has questions. So let’s chat today about decorative throw pillows, and how to best accent a space.
To many pieces of furniture, a decorative pillow is like the cherry on top. These accent pillows can bring added color, pattern, and texture to a room. So let’s start by answering some questions that everyone has about making good choices when shopping for these accessory heroes.
How many throw pillows should you have?
When I talk about decorating, I always like to insert the caveat that it’s important to decorate for you and the things you love. So let’s talk practicalities about quantity first, and then we can get further into the weeds as we go.
When buying sofa throw pillows, I realize it’s easy to go a little nuts. But realistically, the furniture is for sitting and the pillow should be just that, an accent. So, for a chair, armed dining chair or otherwise, one pillow is more than enough.
For a smaller couch or loveseat, 3 is a good number. A larger couch requires more. Depending on the size, 5 could be a good number for a long sofa, where a sectional could handle many more, like up to 8, depending on the span of the cushions.
Beds are a different story, because they may already have sleeping pillows, along with another set for back support. But speaking purely of decorative pillows, 3 is a good number for a king or queen mattress, depending on how they are styled. Twins can handle 1-2 decorative pillows.
I’m so glad you’re here
If you love to decorate your home, and create a unique space full of personal style OR if you are interested in learning how, then you are in the right place!
Let’s talk about home decor, vintage, how-to’s, and all the home inspiration to help you make your space a true reflection of YOU and your personal style!
We can solve design problems together. I’ll be sharing resources, tips, inspiration, and some ways I’ve learned to navigate thru the homemaking life.
Hey, Jill here. I’m excited to share my passion for design, vintage, and all things home. I look forward to hearing your questions and comments.
How many pillows is too many?
I have literally heard so many hilarious stories about people going crazy with their decorating throw pillows. And there could be much to debate on this topic. Let me just say, remember decorative throw pillows should essentially be a finishing touch.
That being said, I do understand how exciting and fun they are to buy. Especially when Pottery Barn comes out with their new arrivals, you can get a little giddy. But not every accent pillow you own needs to be placed on the couch, bed, or all over every surface you own.
This is where restraint comes in handy. If you have a place that you can store your decorative pillows or shams so that they can be switched out seasonally, then by all means, snatch up the best sellers before they are gone. But there really is an issue of “too much of a good thing”.
As a rule of thumb: you should still be able to sit on the furniture without moving the pillows.
What are the common sizes of decorative pillows?
Decorative throw pillows come in a variety of sizes, starting with squares of 16″ – 24″. The largest squares are considered euro pillows and start at 26″ square. I have seen them a bit larger, but mostly those are custom sizes.
A rectangle lumbar pillow standard size is usually 12″ high, with varying lengths from 20″ all the way to 36″ long. Larger rectangle pillows are the standard bed size, with even larger ones called body pillows. These range in size and are usually custom.
Most round accent pillows are anywhere from 18″-24″ in diameter. And of course, when custom made, any of these sizes can vary to whatever you want them to be, only being limited on how you want to best fill them.
What are best sizes for my home decor?
The size of decorative throw pillows you need depends entirely on the size and scale of your furniture. Most people shop for square pillows from 18″-24″. The size and styling of your pillows will also depend upon the decorating style that your home is.
If you want to have throw pillows that you can swap out seasonally, it is best to stick within the standard sizes so you can do that efficiently.
What shapes are common for decorative pillows?
Decorative pillows come in all shapes and sizes. When shopping, you will easily find squares and rectangles. But don’t forget about accent pillows that are round, or bolsters, as they add another purpose and dimension to your space.
What should my pillows be filled with?
This is an important subject, as it really speaks to how the pillow looks and how comfortable it is to cozy up to. My favorite fill is a feather and down mix (usually 90/10 or 80/20). The feather will give it stability, while the down provides softness.
There are down alternatives available, if you’re allergic to feathers. Also, a polyester fill is often used for accent pillows that need to keep a certain shape (like a flower) but most decorative throw pillows will benefit from having the down/feather mix.
How to choose the best size for my furniture?
Sizes should always be chosen based on your furniture dimensions. A too small pillow on a larger sofa will look lost and pointless, while the opposite is also true.
Most sofas can have a 24″ pillow as the largest one, and then down from there. A 22″ square is a good starting point. Remember, can you still sit in the space, even if the pillow was still there? This is also true for the grouping of pillows as a whole.
How to arrange throw pillows
Decorative pillows can really improve the look and comfort of furniture. Layer sizes for visual interest, placing the largest in the back. A variety of highs and lows, along with visual widths will add the most interest to furniture.
Group in pairs or in odd numbers. If you put together a grouping that you like, look at it again and ask yourself, “Could someone sit down on the furniture without moving the pillows?” Let this guide you to make the best choice for your space.
How full should throw pillows be?
Throw pillows should always be stuffed with an insert that is a few inches larger than the sham. You don’t want any saggy pillow shams, as this does absolutely nothing to highlight a beautiful fabric that it might be made with.
If stuffing a pillow with synthetic fill, it should be stuffed to hold the shape of the accent pillow, without becoming too hard when hugged.
A word about buying vintage:
“I never buy vintage or used pillows unless I can wash them and/or replace the insert. This means that they need to be zippered or I can easily pick apart a seam to remove and replace the pillow form inside. These things are a breeding ground for bed bugs, dust mites, and more, and ain’t nobody got time for that!”
Shams versus stable pillow and why the difference matters
To me, the best throw pillows are the ones that are zippered shams that can be easily switched out and changed as needed. Not only is this a super economical way to have many decorative options to choose from, as shams are so much easy to store versus a full pillow. But this makes it very convenient to wash the outer sham, and keep your pillows fresh.
If you have family members who love to nap on the couch, this is especially important. Frankly, many humans drool while they sleep or their natural face oils can rapidly discolor the fabric of any pillow.
How do you make a pillow look expensive?
Pillows are like anything else, you get what you pay for. However, there are lots of places to buy pillows that look higher end than their price tag!
Even an economical pillow sham will look better with a down feather insert. So the best course of action is to purchase great pillow inserts, then shop around for a variety of shams that can be switched out whenever you want a quick update.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog may also contain other affiliate links for your convenience.
Why do people put a dent in throw pillows?
This is such a controversial topic for something as incidental as accent pillows. I’m sure you’ve all seen this, also known as “the karate chop”. Why do people get so worked up about it?
I once posted a picture on social media with a pillow that had the chop look and asked, “do you like the chop or no?” One person commented that the picture made them want to throw up! Excuse me? That had me howling with laughter! Never have I ever wanted to barf at the site of a decorative pillow on a couch. Maybe if it was covered in blood or barf, or something else that was actually disgusting, that might warrant that reaction. But seriously?
SHOP THE POST
First off, why is it done? For beautiful high end pillows, many designers do it to highlight the effects of a gorgeous fabric. It gives the pillow added dimension where the light could catch and show the beauties of the fabric. Others do it for visual interest in structure.
Whatever the reason that would cause you to do it, feel free to make your home yours without commentary from people who don’t matter to you.
Patterns and textures
If you are a pillow lover and like many, always try to include some with natural materials to keep groupings interesting. In a room, decorative accents will add texture and layers to a space, but fabrics will do that as well.
Mix textures (think furs, wool, and wovens) and patterns to create visual appeal. If you tend to be a minimalist, this is especially important because you will want fewer items to make a statement, without adding more for a variety.
Budget friendly places to find the best pillows
- Home Goods – look for down-filled options with zippers
- Pottery Barn/Pottery Barn Outlet – look for sham covers
- Hobby Lobby – good for seasonal accent pillows
- Target – look for unique details and patterns seasonally
How to best mix and match patterns and colors?
A variety of patterns and colors will provide the visual interest that a layered room needs. Here are a few tips for mixing and matching:
- Choose colors that complement the rest of your room
- Mix and match patterns: florals, ginghams, geometrics, stripes, plaids
- Use patterns to create a focal point
- Don’t forget heavily textured options: embroidered, fur, woven, wools, velvet
Where should I decorate with decorative pillows?
Decorative pillows can provide comfort anywhere you might need a little extra support when sitting. Obviously sofas, beds, and chairs are the most common, but don’t forget about outdoor seating as well. A place like outdoor dining sets provide seating to linger when the weather is good, so make those areas decorative and comfortable as well.
When throw pillows are adding interest in the decor, place them on benches, chairs, and even stacked on the floor or in a basket so they are available for everyone to get cozy in a crowd.
Experiment with your decorating style
Pillows are a great way to add something that you may want to try out without a big commitment. Whether it be bold colors, mixing patterns, adding textures, doing so within the confines of a pillow arrangement is a great way to experiment with stepping up your look.
Throw pillows can do a lot for a space, and because of their size, can be a budget friendly option. Of course, once you start to notice their decor power in a room, you may want to step it up to the next level and lean into creating a space that really shows your personal style.
For more inspiration and things to think about, follow me on these platforms.
Pinterest | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | LTK
You are quite welcome, my friend!
Dude! You are literally my favorite. And you have the best taste in throw pillows. Thanks for the helpful tips! xoxo
Yes you do! It is always something that seems so gross to me, so now I have some guidelines when I shop!
Great tips! I love the tip on vintage pillows. I’ve never thought about washing and replacing the insert. I always pass them by, regardless of how pretty they are. Now I have options!😂