Want to become a pro at putting together throw pillow combinations?
In this guide, I share exactly how to get the perfect throw pillow combinations every time.
How to Style Throw Pillow Combinations
Throw pillows are a great way to transform a room. They add color, texture, and personality to your space. However, pairing throw pillows and choosing the right size can be daunting.
In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how to choose the perfect pillow combinations, the best way to arrange them, and how to make them look full and fluffy just like a seasoned professional. Let’s dive in!
Choose a Theme/ Color Scheme
A theme or color scheme will help guide your choices and create a cohesive look throughout the room. Some themes can be coastal, modern, organic, or bohemian.
You can also start with a color scheme. If you have a neutral space, throw pillows are a great opportunity to add in some color and patterns. You can also pull accent colors from your area rug or a piece of your favorite art.
Seasonal
Switching out your throw pillows for different seasons is a great way to refresh and update your home decor throughout the year. By rotating your throw pillows seasonally, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects the changing seasons and enhances the overall look and feel of your space.
Choose throw pillows in colors, patterns, and textures that are representative of the current season. Think chunky knits for winter, florals for spring, light linen for summer, and earthy tones for fall.
Mix & Match
The perfect throw pillow combinations have a mix of solid, geometric patterns, and organic prints. Experiment with different combinations until you find a mix that complements your decor and personal style.
Choose A Solid
When it comes to solid color throw pillows I always look for texture. This could be a tassle, fringe, or textured pattern. They add dimension and balance out the patterns in the other pillows. I like to choose neutral solids and typically in a larger size. This allows the solid pillow to be a backdrop for the smaller pillows with a print or pattern.
Choose A Organic Print
Organic print throw pillows typically feature designs inspired by nature, such as botanical patterns, floral patterns, or other natural elements. The color palette of organic print throw pillows is usually soft, subtle, and earthy, reflecting the colors found in nature. They are perfect for layering with solids and geometric patterns.
Choose A Geometric Pattern
A geometric pattern throw pillow features designs and patterns that are based on geometric shapes, such as lines, grids, and repetition. These patterns often create a bold, modern, and visually striking look. They are the perfect balance to the natural designs of an organic print.
Print ScaLE
One other thing to consider is print and pattern size. To create a balanced throw pillow combination you want to do a mix of small and large scale prints and patterns.
Pillow Size & Placement
As you are mixing and matching throw pillows you want to think about size and groupings. Below I have answered the most common questions for the number of throw pillows needed and provided guides for what a perfect combination of pillow sizes looks like.
This is a fail-proof formula and should make selecting your pillow sizes and groupings a breeze.
How many throw pillows should be on a Sofa?
This is going to depend on the size of your sofa, but generally, I like to do at least two pillows in each corner of the sofa the largest pillow being in the back. That can look like a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a 20″ pillow or a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a lumbar.
If you have additional depth or length you can do three pillows in each corner. That can look like a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with two 20″ pillow or a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a 20″ pillow and a lumbar.
How many throw pillows should be on an armchair?
For an armchair, you can do one to two pillows depending on the size. See the guide below for sizing options.
How many throw pillows should be on a Sectional?
For a sectional, I like to style three groupings: one on each end, and one in the corner of the sectional. Depending on the size of the sectional this can look like groups of two to three pillows.
Groups of two would look like a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a 20″ pillow or a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a lumbar. Groups of three would look like a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with two 20″ pillow or a 22″ or 24″ pillow paired with a 20″ pillow and a lumbar.
How many pillows should be on a full or queen bed?
A full or queen-size bed should have two 26″ or 24″ in front and a 20″ or lumbar in the front.
How many pillows should be on a King Bed?
A king-size bed should have three 26″ or 24″ in front, two 20″, and an oversized lumbar in the front.
Getting the Perfect Fluff
Even if you have the most beautiful curated combination of throw pillows if they don’t have the right fluff they are not going to look good. This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of creating professional-looking throw pillow combinations.
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Here are three ways to achieve that perfect fluff:
1. Pillow Covers
Choosing pillows with a zipper is a MUST. The best way to go is to buy pillow covers but as long as the pillow has a zipper you can make it work.
Pillow covers also make it really easy and affordable to switch out your throw pillows. You can purchase affordable covers and switch out your decor for way less than buying new pillows every season.
2. Choose the Right Insert
The reason why we need a pillow with a zipper is because the insert can make or break the appearance and comfort of a throw pillow. Most throw pillows that come with an insert are made out of a polyester fill. They are often flat and can not be fluffed or reshaped. If you buy a pillow with a zipper you can remove these inserts and replace them with a better option.
The best insert for a full fluffy look is a feather-down or a premium-down alternative. They hold their shape and are perfectly choppable.
When choosing the size of your insert you always want to size up one from your pillow cover size! This is going to give you that full fluffy look.
Favorite Inserts: Premium Faux Down Insert, Down Feather Pillow Inserts
3. Karate Chop
The last step in making your throw pillow combinations look their best is the famous pillow karate chop.
Use the “karate chop” method by grabbing your pillow with both hands at the top corners. Shake the pillow to redistribute the filling evenly flipping it upside down to get everything even. Tap the sides of your pillow to make the middle nice and full. Grab the pillow by the top corners and place it in the desired location. With a straight firm hand give it a chop right in the middle of the pillow.
This technique helps to redistribute the filling and create a uniform and plush appearance.
Curated Throw Pillow Combinations
Looking to take the guesswork out of selecting the perfect pairings? I have created affordable curated pillow combinations for a few different styles. You can find the perfect mix-and-match pairings for neutral, cottage core, modern coastal, and organic earthy modern below!
Still not sure? Let me create the perfect pillow combinations for your home. Contact me at [email protected] to inquire about our design services.
Neutral Throw Pillow Combinations
First Combination
Second Combination
Third Combination
Fourth Combination
Cottage Core Throw Pillow Combinations
First Combination
Second Combination
Third Combination
Woven Green Block Print Pillow
Fourth Combination
Modern Coastal Throw Pillow Combinations
First Combination
Second Combination
Third Combination
Fourth Combination
Organic Earthy Modern Throw Pillow Combinations
First Combination
Second Combination
Third Combination
Fourth Combination
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The Best Neutral Throw Pillows From Amazon
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Colleen says
Thanks for the pillow post. This was such a good guide!!
michealadianedesigns says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I am glad it was helpful.
Interior designer Ahmedabad says
Thanks for this fantastic guide on throw pillow combinations! As an interior designer, I appreciate how you demonstrated different ways to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures. It’s amazing how a few well-chosen pillows can transform the look and feel of a room. Your suggestion to combine solid colors with bold prints is spot-on, and I can’t wait to apply it in my own projects.