How-To Guide: Selecting Throw Pillows
Once you’ve selected your rug, furniture, paint colors and wall art, the throw pillows may seem like an afterthought. However, an appropriately sized throw pillow in the right color scheme and pattern can be just what the room needs to elevate the appearance and make it feel complete. If your throw pillows never seem to look right, use this guide for everything you need to know about throw pillows.
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Select the color palette
While throw pillows are an element where you can take creative liberties, it’s still important to select pillows within a determined color scheme. In addition, the selection of pillows should share the same color scheme and complement the rest of the room.
Choose the combination of prints
There are several formulas for selecting the combination of throw pillows.
Option 1: One organic print (such as flowers or loose stripes), one geometric print (such as houndstooth or hexagon) and one solid.
Option 2: One simple or small print (such as a simple stripe or plaid), one busy or large print (such as a botanical scene) and one solid.
The pillow with the largest or busiest print can be positioned in the front. Updating the pillow scheme for different times of the year can keep your room feeling seasonally appropriate and current.
Size the pillows correctly
The rooms that feel the most visually cohesive often have the correct scale. One element that should be scaled correctly is the throw pillows. The size of the pillows should complement the sofa or chair on which they are positioned. Too large can feel overwhelming, while too small feels awkward. For a standard sofa, 20-inch pillows are sufficient, while a larger sectional should have 22 or 24-inch pillows. If it’s a sofa with a low back, you may prefer 18-inch pillows, so they don’t stand too high on the sofa.
The largest pillows should be positioned on the outside of the sofa, and smaller-sized pillows should be situated closer to the middle of the sofa.
Select the correct number of pillows
As with most groupings, odd numbers work best. For a standard six-foot sofa, you’ll need five to seven pillows. However, if you have a love seat, three pillows will suffice. Symmetry is easiest on the eye, while uneven groupings can make the space feel more interesting.
It’s also important not to go overboard when you’re adding pillows. Too many pillows on a sofa or chair will make it difficult to sit, and your guests may not know what to do with the excess pillows.
Choosing the right insert
It’s likely you’ve never thought twice about the pillow insert. However, the secret to full, large pillows is using an insert slightly larger than the pillowcase. For example, if you have a 22-inch cover, use a 24-inch insert.
While seemingly minor, thoughtfully selected throw pillows can add the finishing touches to a room that will make it feel complete and expertly designed.
If you’re looking to refresh your throw pillows but don’t know where to start, let’s work together. Learn more about different home design packages here.
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