A pile of pillows can transform a sofa from boring to beautiful and add both style and comfort to a room. But arranging sofa pillows to look their best is not the easiest task. Follow these guidelines to achieve pillow perfection.
Choose a color scheme first
Before buying pillows, decide on a color scheme that coordinates with both the sofa and the rest of the room. Start with the sofa’s color, then add two to four additional colors. To make the room cohesive, use colors found in other furnishings, window treatments and even artwork. Choose pillows in both solids and patterns from that color scheme. Don’t forget the throw pillows that came with your sofa.
How many sofa pillows?
An odd number of pillows generally makes for a more pleasing design than an even number. With traditionally decorated rooms, a symmetrical layout looks best, but otherwise, you don’t have to put the same number of pillows on either end of the sofa. Asymmetry can add interest.
From the biggest to the smallest
Experts advise putting your largest pillows at either end of a sofa and the smallest in the center. Twenty-four or twenty-two inches are good sizes for larger pillows.
Layering pillows add depth
Once your larger pillows are in place, add extras in smaller sizes. You can layer a 20-inch or smaller pillow in a contrasting pattern or color in front of a 24-inch. With a large, deep sofa, it’s fine to create layers that are three or four pillows deep, varying the pillows’ shapes and sizes. Add some solids to give the eye a place to rest. But remember that too many pillows can make a sofa difficult to use for its primary purpose: sitting!
Mix patterns, textures and shapes
You can mix several patterned pillows as long as the prints fit your pillow color scheme. Varying the prints’ sizes will make for a more attractive overall look. Don’t forget to vary textures. A leather or suede pillow can make a striking accent amid typical fabric pillows, as can a fringed or embroidered one. A lumbar or round pillow adds visual interest.
Pillows on a sectional
Attractively arranging pillows on a sectional sofa can be a challenge. Experts advise saving your largest pillow for the interior corner of your sectional, with smaller pillow arrangements on either end. Massing three to five pillows of different sizes in the sectional’s interior corner can be a good look.
Related – Mixing Patterns and Prints Like a Pro
