Throw Pillows 101
Throw pillows are my favorite way to personalize a space, along with adding warmth and texture. I have literally stood in the pillow aisle at Home Goods for a solid 20 minutes because I want them all. There are SO many beautiful pillows out there, & it can get a little overwhelming for some when it comes to choosing the right ones for your space. Therefore, I've put together this little guide for those who feel a little lost in hopes that you won't have to wander the pillow aisle, aimlessly, as I have before ;)
(These steps mainly apply to sofas, but most of the guidelines could apply to a bed or sectional, as well.)
Go on a journey with me, a pillow filled journey full of soft fabrics and down stuffing. Ok, now let's pretend we are in the pillow aisle at your favorite store...
Step1- Theme: Choose what style you're going for. This isn't a hard and fast "rule;" however, it generally helps to choose an overall theme for your space. It will give you an idea what kind of pillows you're looking for (fabrics, colors, designs, textures, etc.). For instance, if my living room is more traditional with a focus on a single color, let's say turquoise, I might look for neutral pillows that have turquoise accents. Or, if my style was more eclectic with several different colors, I might look for pillows that were more bold and carried those prominent color themes throughout.
Step 2 - Size: Now that we know our theme, let's focus on size. The larger pillows are going to go at the back with the smallest at the front. Now, depending on what style you're going for, you will get a better understanding whether you want two of the same pillow to put on either side of the couch or if you want none to match at all. A good rule of thumb is to have 2-3 pillows on each side of the couch, so try and find a 2 large, 2 medium, and 2 small. Or if you prefer a minimalist styling, just look aim for the same ratio of large: medium :small with fewer pillows.
Step 3 - Texture: This concept is more subtle, but it helps to add dimension and cohesiveness when choosing from a variety of fabrics and designs. Texture is defined as, "the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance." When choosing pillows look for variance in texture. I will use my 'Traditional' pillows as an example. The back pillow has a medium sized gold pattern, the next a larger, more obvious pattern, & the front a smaller, knit pattern. It's the same concept as size, you have large to medium to small with texture, as well. Also, other than prints, the fabric itself is texture as well. For example, my "Mix & Match" pillows vary in more than color and size. I have a leather pillow, a fur pillow, two woven pillows, a knit pillow, and a pillow with tassel trim. These are all different textures.
Step 4 - Color: Color is entirely preference in design, as are most things. However, there are certain guidelines that can be helpful. Throwing in a solid color among heavier patterns can add dimension and interest. Carrying color throughout a space makes it feel more uniform, while adding bold pops of color adds variation. Also, adding metalics next to more matte colored fabrics is really fun, as well
Now! You can successfully navigate the pillow aisle with the best of them! I hope this was helpful. Are their other areas of design you would like a guide to? Let me know in the comments!
Traditional:
Mix & Match:
Minimalist:
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