Creative Ways to Use Throw Pillows in Your Home

How to choose the fabric for pillows?

Cushions come in a variety of fabrics, some textured and some smooth.  Below are a few different types of fabrics to look for:

Use this fabric when you want to create a beachy, breezy summer vibe.  Ocean blues, sandy beige, and white linen pillows look amazing Coastal and nautical environments. Perfect if you live on the beach or want to feel that way.

Faux fur is a popular throw pillow fabric that adds a fun, textured accent.  Light white, light pink and light blue faux fur pillows complement each other glamorous and shabby chic furnishing styles Well.  Set these furry pillows against solid colors to create a balance between a sleek background and a textured accent.

Velvet, especially in jewel tones, adds an elevated feeling to your environment.  This stuff is Ideal for cool winter months because of its depth and warmth;  However, if you add to an overall glamorous decorating style, velvet can easily complement your space all year round.

Cotton is a great choice for everyday fabrics – it is phenomenal casual, easy to clean and durable. This type of tissue is a quick favorite for busy homes that could use a pragmatic approach to the establishment.  If your home has a lot of children and pets, then cotton is the way to go when you go for throw pillows.

How do you choose the right pillow sizes?

You can keep your decor consistent and traditional by using standard shapes, or you can achieve a more dynamic feel by varying different shapes and sizes.  Below are some of the most popular shapes that you can choose from:

This is the most common shape for throw pillows.  You can find them primarily in 16 “, 18”, and 20 “- but you can find other sizes too. For a more traditional look, choose two larger pillows that nestle in the corners of the couch and a smaller set of pillows around them against the bigger ones.

Round pillows are great for blurring sharp lines.  Pair these with square and rectangular pillows to add curves to an otherwise straight, rigid environment.

Use this rectangular shape to offset larger square pillows.  These fit perfectly as a central sofa cushion or in pairs against larger square cushions in the corners of your couch.

Pillows have a cylindrical shape that serves as a mobile armrest or as a backrest when you are sitting in bed.  These are best used in the bedroom, on your bed, along with your favorite blanket.

How to choose pillow colors

• Use the existing environment as a guide.

Take a look around the room and pick a color that you would like to emphasize.  If you have a coastal theme, you can drag from a blue color palette to create a cohesive arrangement.

• Play with complementary colors.

Following the example above, if you go for a blue color for your pillows, use sandy oranges and yellows to complement the color scheme.  To discover complementary colors for the decor in your home, simply look at a color wheel and pick colors that are opposite each other.

• Discover analog colors.

Analog colors sit next to each other in the color wheel.  They offer a delicate pop of color when used together.

How do I choose the material for my throw pillows?

There are three main types of throw pillow insert materials.  They include:

Foam is the denseest option for insert materials and is great if you want your throw pillows to keep their shape.  This material is ideal for support cushions such as upholstery and lumbar variants.

Polyester is your budget-friendly feedstock.  Wrap it tightly to make sure your pillows hold their shape, but don’t expect it to be very supportive.  Use this filler if your throw pillows are primarily used as decorative accents.

Down is the softest insert material that has a long lifespan and is easy to get back into shape.  Expect your down pillows to be extra cozy.  Therefore, place them where they are often used.  Also, expect to spend more on this material.

How do you combine throw pillows?

• Use one main color with different textures and patterns.

If you want to use a specific color that will go with your decor, try adding texture to your selection.  For example, if you enjoy a vintage farmhouse feel and neutral color palette, you can include those a white and gray synthetic twill pillow with a dark gray linen pillow and a white pillow with gray italic letters (Your family name maybe?).

• Use bold, solid colors to calm a busy space.

Interior design styles like Bohemian and Scandinavian incorporate a mix of textures and prints that can make a room look messy if not properly balanced.  Use strong, single-colored pillows as a compensating element for rooms that need a little more cohesion.

• Go subtle with analog colors.

If you want to work in color but don’t want to make a loud statement, choose analog colors when combining pillows.  Choose for a warm, vibrant, and inviting color palette Red, pink and oranges.  If you prefer to feel more relaxed, go for Purples and blues.

Where do you put pillows on a couch?

First, put your largest pillows in each corner of the couch.  Then add your medium sized pillows and work your way inward towards the center.  Complete the look with your central accent pillow to combine the colors, sizes, and textures for a balanced final arrangement.

Now that you have a trusted guide, get out there and pack your pillows like a pro!