If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I love throw pillows! And this is the perfect time of year to freshen up your spaces by introducing a new mix of throw pillows to your home.
Adding in various patterns, tones , colors, and textures with pillows makes it easy to transition your bedroom and living room from season to season.
If you’d like to learn how to combine pillows on a bed or couch in the easiest possible way, today I’m sharing a few simple guidelines to help you mix and match pillow combinations for a cohesive, balanced look.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar coffee table
First, how many throw pillows should you use on a couch or sectional?
For a sofa, most interior designers recommend using a maximum of three pillows in each corner, for a total of six pillows.
For a sectional, add an additional three pillows in the center corner, for a maximum of nine pillows.
However, for an extra-large sectional, you can easily add as many as six pillows in each corner.
How many throw pillows should you use on a bed?
I recommend a maximum of five pillows for a queen size bed, or six throw pillows for a king size bed.
Feel free to lower that number to achieve the look you’re going for. I also love the look of one long lumbar throw pillow on a bed.
House of Jade – rear pillows – similar middle pillow – lumbar pillow
How to mix and match throw pillows on a bed or sofa
- On a couch or sofa, begin with a foundation of one 24″ square pillow in each corner. For a sectional, add an additional 24″ pillow in the center corner.
- For a queen-size bed, start with a foundation of two 24″ square pillows. If you have a king-size bed, you might want to use three 24″ square throw pillows instead of two.
- This is a great spot to incorporate a pillow with a printed fabric, such as a floral, fleur de lis, or leaf pattern. If you’re not a fan of organic prints, you can also go with a solid color or something with a subtle stripe or pattern.
- Next, add one 20″ or 22″ square pillow in each corner of the sofa or sectional. For a bed, add two 20″ or 22″ square pillows in front of the foundational pillows.
- This is a great place to use pillows with a geometric pattern, such as stripes, diamonds, or repeating patterns.
- Finish off your pillow combination with one rectangular lumbar pillow in front. Here, you can use a pattern that contrasts with the other two pillows–it can be either a larger or smaller print or a pillow in an interesting weave or texture.
Pure Salt Interior Design – similar coffee table
Mixing Pillow Colors and Patterns
The colors you use for your pillow combinations should be pulled from the other colors in the room.
Try not to use too many colors, though. Three colors, drawn from the surrounding area, such as the walls, headboard, rug, artwork, or bedding, will create a nice, cohesive look.
Finally, don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures — mixing and matching is what gives a pillow combo your own personal look!
To give you some ideas for mixing and matching pillows in different patterns and colors, here are a few pillow combinations I put together:
click on any pillow for details
Beautiful Mix & Match Throw Pillows for the Bedroom and Living Room
The following throw pillows are made for mixing and matching — and best of all, they work with any decorating style and in any season!
Here are a few favorite places to find beautiful, well-made pillows, inserts, and pillow covers:
Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
For more decorating ideas, here are a few popular posts from the blog:
Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite
Modern Living Room Design Ideas
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas
How to Choose a Design Style that Feels Right for You
Guest Bedroom Ideas: 8 Essentials to Create an Inviting Guest Room
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