How Do You Mix Throw Pillows?

Mixing throw pillows effectively transforms your living space, adding comfort, style, and personality. The key lies in creating a cohesive yet dynamic arrangement by thoughtfully combining colors, textures, patterns, and sizes.

To successfully mix throw pillows, start by choosing three main colors to pull out and distribute evenly through the room. This approach, as suggested by design principles, ensures your selections maintain a cohesive feeling. If you prefer a monochromatic look, opt for a palette that sticks closely to varying shades within a single color family.

Here's a breakdown of how to mix throw pillows for a designer-quality look:

1. Master Your Color Scheme

The foundation of mixing throw pillows is a well-defined color strategy.

• Select 3 Core Colors: As a primary guideline, pick three main colors from your existing decor (e.g., an area rug, artwork, or furniture). These will serve as your guiding palette.
  • Primary Color: Often the dominant color of your sofa or a significant accent.
  • Secondary Color: A complementary or contrasting color that adds interest.
  • Accent Color: A bolder or brighter hue used sparingly to create pops of visual excitement.
• Distribute Evenly: Once chosen, spread these colors throughout your pillow arrangement to create balance and flow.
• Consider Monochromatic: For a serene and sophisticated feel, opt for different shades, tints, and tones of a single color. This creates depth without relying on multiple hues.

2. Embrace Diverse Textures

Texture is crucial for adding warmth and dimension, making your pillow arrangement feel luxurious and inviting.

• Vary Materials: Combine smooth, soft, and rough textures.
  • Smooth: Silk, velvet, satin
  • Soft: Faux fur, wool, knit
  • Rough/Natural: Linen, jute, cotton canvas
• Tactile Appeal: Mixing textures encourages touch and makes the space feel more layered and comfortable. For example, pair a plush velvet pillow with a chunky knit one.

3. Play with Patterns and Solids

Mixing patterns requires a thoughtful approach to avoid a chaotic look. The goal is to create visual interest without overwhelming the eye.

• Rule of Three (or More):
  • One Large-Scale Pattern: This acts as your anchor, drawing the eye.
  • One Medium-Scale Pattern: A complementary pattern that doesn't compete with the large one (e.g., a geometric or floral).
  • One Small-Scale Pattern or Solid: A subtle pattern (like a tiny stripe or dot) or a solid color that ties the other two together.
• Vary Pattern Types: Don't use similar patterns; mix florals with geometrics, stripes, or abstract designs.
• Use Solids as Breakers: Solid-colored pillows are essential for giving the eye a resting place and balancing out busier patterns. They can also introduce a new texture or highlight a color from your patterned pillows.

4. Mix Sizes and Shapes

Varying the dimensions and forms of your pillows adds depth and makes the arrangement look less rigid.

• Standard Sizes: Most common sizes are 20x20 inches or 18x18 inches. Start with these as your base.
• Layer with Smaller Sizes: Add smaller square pillows (e.g., 16x16 inches) in front of larger ones.
• Introduce Lumbar and Round Pillows: These elongated or circular shapes break up the square monotony and provide ergonomic support.
• Arrangement Examples:
  • Sofa: Typically, an odd number (3 or 5) works best. Start with two larger pillows at the corners, add two medium-sized ones, and finish with a lumbar or round pillow in the center.
  • Armchair: One large square pillow, or a lumbar pillow, often suffices.

5. Consider Quantity and Arrangement

The number of pillows depends on the size of your furniture and the desired aesthetic.

• Less is More (Often): Avoid overcrowding. A few well-chosen pillows look better than too many.
• For Sofas:
  • Standard Sofa: 3-5 pillows
  • Sectional Sofa: 5-7 pillows, distributed along the sections.
• For Armchairs: 1-2 pillows.
• Layering: Place larger pillows at the back and layer smaller ones, lumbers, or round pillows in front.

Quick Mixing Guide

By following these guidelines, you can effortlessly mix and match throw pillows to enhance your home's decor, creating a space that feels curated, comfortable, and chic.