How to Mix & Match Pillows on a Sofa
Style your sofa like a pro.
Throw pillows provide the perfect finishing touch for your sofa by adding color, pattern, and panache. Choices of throw pillows are seemingly endless, but by following a few simple rules, you'll be able to mix and match pillows on a sofa with confidence.
Choose a Color Scheme
(Shop This Image: beige sofas, light wood toned coffee tables, blue and beige throw pillows, tripod floor lamps with white shades, beige accent chairs, and live plants)
Start your quest for pillow perfection by choosing a color scheme. Tried-and-true schemes include:
- Monochromatic: Various shades from the same color family.
- Analogous: Colors from adjacent families on the color wheel.
- Complementary: Colors across from each other on the color wheel.
- Triad: Three colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel.
Take a cue from the items already in the room to determine your color scheme. Repeat the same colors from an area rug, wall art, accessories, or the sofa itself. Add in a neutral color or two, such as black, white, gray, or taupe, and you're good to go. Instead of matching your sofa color, you can opt to use pillows that contrast with it. If you have a cream-colored sofa, for instance, a good choice would be pillows in navy and gold.
Expertly Combine Patterns & Solids
(Shop This Image: white sofas, yellow and pink throw pillows, throw blankets, and green curtains)
Use your color scheme to help you combine patterned and solid pillows. A good choice would be to have two solid pillows in complementary colors and then add in a third pillow that uses both colors. Combining patterned pillows is a great decorative look, but how can you be sure they won't clash? Your best bet is to vary the scale. As an example, combine a large-scale floral with a small-scale geometric. Or pair up an allover pattern with a structured stripe. Use patterned prints that are compatible with your room's decorating style. In a formal living room, traditional florals work well. In a casual family room, a better choice would be a fun, bold mix of geometrics.
(Shop This Image: brown leather sofas, live plants, dark wood coffee tables, gray throw pillows, floor lamps with glass shades, and black and white wall art)
Add visual interest to your pillow grouping by combining textures. Some examples include suede, velvet, chenille, faux fur, and shag. Texture will help you convey a specific decorating style. If you love boho-chic, for instance, a great pillow choice would be a brightly colored geometric with a raised texture and tasseled corners.
(Shop This Image: white sectionals, gray and silver throw pillows, round, black metal wall mirrors, black geometric area rugs, bronze, arched floor lamps)
Throw pillows come in many shapes besides square. Add in a rectangular (lumbar), cylindrical (bolster), or round pillow to heighten visual interest. You may want to use a contrasting pattern or texture to make the uniquely shaped pillow stand out. Always remember to stay within your color scheme.
Including multiple sizes also will make your pillow grouping more interesting. When using multiple sizes, start by placing the largest pillows on the outer edges of the sofa. Then work your way inward with smaller pillows. Use pillows that are proportional to the size of your sofa. A 16-inch square pillow would get lost in a large sofa or sectional. Instead, go with a large size of 22 or 24 inches.
(Shop This Image: beige sofas, gray and silver throw pillows, throw blankets, yellow and gold area rugs, wall art, and gold decorative objects)
Decide whether you want your pillow placement to be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Again, your chosen style may dictate that choice. Symmetrical works well in traditional settings, with the pillow grouping on the right side of the sofa matching the grouping on the left. Asymmetrical groupings – with variations in placement from one side of the sofa to the other – work better in more modern or casual settings.
Update as Desired
(Shop This Image: gray sofas, white throw pillows, tapered candles, metal and glass coffee tables, tripod floor lamps, and blue abstract wall art)
A great thing about throw pillows is how easy they are to update. A change of season, a change of paint color, or even a change of mood is reason enough to swap out your pillows. Try buying a pillow insert and multiple pillow covers to make swapping easy,
Now that you know some rules, you'll know how to mix and match pillows on a sofa with ease.
Written by Diane Franklin
