How to Mix and Match Throw Pillows

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Are you one of those who stand in front of a sea of throw pillows, feeling overwhelmed by the choices and unsure of where to begin?

I get it—choosing the right patterns, sizes, and colors for throw pillows can be confusing. And sometimes what looks great in our minds doesn’t quite work in reality. But hey, that’s all part of the fun!

Throw pillows: those small, seemingly insignificant accents that possess the power to transform a room from drab to fab in an instant.

We’ve all been there, standing in the store aisle, clutching a pillow that seemed perfect, only to find it clashes horribly with our decor at home.

But fear not! Mastering the art of mixing and matching throw pillows is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding.

How to Mix and Match Pillows Like a Pro

Think of throw pillows as the jewelry of your couch or bed—each one adding its own touch of color, texture, and personality to your space.

And the best part? They’re affordable, versatile, and, best of all, easily swappable, allowing you to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect fit.

While the prospect of mixing patterns may evoke memories of grandma’s house, rest assured that when done right, patterns can breathe life into your room, adding visual interest and depth.

I have been through the trial and error process myself and am here to share my secrets on how to mix throw pillows like a designer! With a bit of experimentation and some handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere in your home.

So go ahead, pick up that throw pillow that speaks to you, and let’s embark on an adventure—one pillow at a time.

Color Selection

The foundation of successful throw pillow styling lies in selecting the right color palette. Think of your home as a beautiful painting, and throw pillows as the colorful brushstrokes that tie everything together.

Begin by drawing inspiration from your existing decor elements such as rugs, furniture, and artwork. Pulling colors from these elements ensures a cohesive and harmonious look throughout the space.

Your choice of colors sets the tone and mood of your living space. Whether you prefer soft neutrals, vibrant hues, or earthy tones, the key is to maintain balance and visual interest in your color scheme.

This ensures your pillows blend seamlessly with the rest of your decor.

→ TIP:

Stick to a main color, add a splash of accent color, and balance it out with a neutral shade for a foolproof color scheme.

This approach adds depth and cohesion to your throw pillow arrangement, allowing for effortless mixing and matching across different patterns and textures.

Play with Patterns to Up Your Pillow Game

Once you’ve established your color palette, it’s time to dig into the world of pattern mixing.

Patterns can be intimidating, but they’re also a fun way to add personality to your space. The secret here lies in striking the perfect balance between geometric, organic, and textured patterns.

Let’s break down the essential components of pattern mixing to elevate your throw pillow game.

Geometric
Organic
Textured/solid fabrics

Geometric Patterns add structure and visual interest to your throw pillow arrangement. From classic stripes to contemporary chevron designs, geometric patterns come in various shapes and sizes, making them a great option for mixing and matching.

Organic Patterns embrace the beauty of nature with organic patterns such as florals, botanicals, and abstract designs. They bring a sense of whimsy and style to your throw pillow collection, infusing your space with warmth and liveliness.

Textured/Solid Fabrics, these are not patterns per say but they play a very crucial role in adding depth and dimension to your throw pillow arrangement.

Opt for solid fabrics in rich textures like velvet, linen, or faux fur to create visual contrast and tactile appeal. Additionally, textured patterns such as knits, embroidery, and fringe add an extra layer of visual interest to your pillows.

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Try a combination of bold, subtle, and textured patterns for an eye-catching look that’s still easy on the eyes.

Remember to Keep it simple while mixing different types of patterns – like stripes, florals, and textures.

Just make sure they share at least one color in common to keep things cohesive.

Think Shape and Size

It is not just about mixing patterns and Colors-Think about shape and scale when mixing and matching pillows.

For sizes, it’s like creating a rhythm. If all pillows are the same size, things might look a bit flat. So, mix it up! You can have a big pillow at the back, then a slightly smaller one in front, and maybe even a smaller, long pillow to add some variety.

As for shapes, there’s a bunch: square, rectangle (called lumbar), round, bolster, and even spherical ones. It’s like a pillow party! But don’t go crazy with all different shapes at once. Stick mostly to squares and rectangles, maybe throw in a round one if you like.

Oh, and one more thing: always get a pillow insert (the fluffy inside) that’s a bit bigger than the pillow cover (the fabric outside) for that full, comfy look.

Imagine having all the same pillows lined up – it’d be like a snooze fest! So, mix it, match it, and keep it interesting!

Now Add Texture

Texture is the unsung hero of throw pillow styling; it is like the secret ingredient that takes your decor from good to great. Adding depth, warmth, and tactile appeal to your living space. Each element contributes to the overall visual impact of your space.

To create visual contrast and sensory delight, think soft velvets, cozy knits, and fluffy faux fur – they not only look good but feel amazing too!

Incorporating textured and solid fabrics alongside patterned pillows enhances the overall richness and dimension of your decor.

Don’t be afraid to mix smooth and rough textures for a tactile experience that’s oh-so-inviting.

Styling Formula:

Solid + Texture + Pattern

Solid (linen, cotton, some velvet, some leather, etc.)

Texture (crochet, tassels, rough leather, sequin, fur, some velvet, macramé, etc.)

Patterns (floral design, geometric designs, etc.)

— Geometric + Organic + Textured

Start by selecting one pillow with a geometric pattern, such as stripes or chevron. Pair it with an organic pattern pillow featuring floral or botanical motifs.

Finally, introduce a textured or solid fabric pillow to add depth and variety to your arrangement. This formula ensures a harmonious balance of patterns and textures, creating a visually dynamic display.

— One Type + Same Type + Different Type

For a more straightforward approach, consider selecting pillows of the same type (e.g., geometric) but varying the scale and intensity of the patterns.

Pair larger-scale patterns with smaller-scale ones, ensuring visual interest without overwhelming the space. Introduce a different type of pattern, such as organic or textured, to add dimension and complexity to your arrangement.

Practical Tips for Pillow Arrangement

Achieving the perfect throw pillow arrangement requires careful consideration of size, scale, and placement. Follow these practical tips to curate a cohesive and visually stunning display of throw pillows in your home.

1 – Choosing Pillow Sizes: Consider the size and scale of your furniture when selecting throw pillow sizes. For sofas, opt for 20″-24″ pillows at the ends, complemented by smaller 18″-22″ pillows next to them. Add a small lumbar pillow in front for additional support and visual interest.

For beds, use 24″-26″ euro pillows as a base, accented by 22″-24″ pillows on either side and a long lumbar pillow in front.

2 – Invest in Quality Inserts: Invest in quality pillow inserts that are 2″ larger than the pillow covers for a fuller and a plush inviting look.

Choose pillows with zipper closures for easy removal and cleaning, allowing you to change inserts or covers as needed.

3 – Seasonal Considerations: While selecting throw pillows, opt for designs that transcend seasonal trends.

Instead of opting for specific holiday-themed pillows, choose timeless designs like cable knits or textured fabrics that can transition seamlessly throughout the year.

RECAP: Practical Tips for arranging throw Pillows

1. Match Pillow Sizes to Furniture: Ensure throw pillow sizes complement the scale of your furniture.

2. Invest in high quality pillow inserts.

3. Choose timeless designs over seasonal trends.

Where to Shop Beautiful Pillows

Thoughts and Rants.

When decorating, think about using colors like rust and olive for fall, green velvet for the holidays, and bright colors for spring and summer.

Pay attention to color, size, shape, texture, materials, fillers, and how you position things. Try to keep things different but still matching well. It might sound easy, but it takes practice! You’ll get better at it over time. Experiment in stores and online with mood boards.

What are some pillow combos you like? Let me know in the comments!

How to Mix and Match Throw Pillows

How to Mix and Match Pillows Like a Pro