How to mix and match throw pillows like a boss.
Do people say like a boss anymore? Am I old? We actually get a lot of questions concerning where we source all of our throw pillows. My answer is everywhere. The key is, knowing how to mix them so well, it looks like a professional picked them for you. Or maybe just the very best magically selected combo, that makes your home look like a movie set. Because you can. And today, we’re here to talk about our very best tips for how to mix and match throw pillows like a boss.
You’ll see a variety of examples of spaces here today, from bedding to sofas, all the way to dining and the great outdoors. So we hope this helps you realize, you can definitely apply these rules just about anywhere, to make it work for your space.
They say that pillows are the grown woman equivalent to stuffed animals. Maybe. {I did have a propensity towards hoarding them when I was little, and I do love a comfy area.} All the color and liveliness that a good throw pillow can bring to a space, doesn’t hurt either.
Pillows are the best insta-accent, to add warmth and character just about anywhere. I think that the goal is to make it look collected over time, while also being intentional about what you bring into your space.
Have a plan
The biggest mistake we see, is people scooping up a pillow when they’re out and about, with zero intention in their space. They also stand in the store, and try to make it work visually, with other pillows from one source. This can be hard and overwhelming. We get it.
We also know it happens. You fall in love and you just have to have it. But we’d like to argue that an easier way to do it, is to have a plan in place that you can work around. {If you absolutely have to have that piece, bring it home but then work a plan around it. All before you marry it and take the tags off, btw.}
Our best tip: Our favorite thing is to make a secret Pinterest board, and “shop” for pillows {or any other accessory we plan to bring into the space}. This way we have a vision, and know how multiple prints and ideas will work together, and where. It’s an easy way to see at a glance the way the elements play together, and make sure that they work, before making that commitment.
Think through your design
We say this a lot, but think through your design, and the way that the pieces and colors within each pillow, play together. This speaks to the space, rather than letting it be dictated by poorly chosen collected pillows when you’re not sure what to do with them…
Contrast:
Is an important role to play between dark vs light colors, or geometric vs organic shapes. This is always a great go-to when in doubt. So think it through. How do they relate to other patterns in the space? How can you make them work together? A striped pillow may work great with organic shapes in a rug, as seen above.
A great combination to start with when in doubt: 1 organic shape + 1 geometric + 1 textured pillow {link them together with color}
Your textured pillow can be solid velvet, or macrame on top of another layer… so many options!
Color:
Neutral is often a default option, because people aren’t sure how to tie them together. {It’s great if you like neutrals. Just make sure you’re not opting out due to uncertainty.} It helps to think about how the colors you’re bringing in each element, tie nicely together. Maybe a little bit of purple from one pillow, can tie in nicely with the one on the other end of the sofa. Think through how you can use colors in a smart, creative way when it comes to your pieces.
Scale:
Don’t be afraid to play with scale. Think about where the pillows will be placed {more on that below} and how you can play with various sizes within the space.
Can a smaller pillow be paired with a slightly larger one, so that the patterns can easily be seen, working together? It’s fun to play with the different sizes and combos, together. Everything doesn’t have to be the standard square.
Placement
Clearly, this isn’t a hard and fast one, but if it helps to start here, by all means use it. Once you’ve committed to a look, make sure you’re not over buying.
Here are a few things we like adhere to when it comes to choosing pillows for a space and the combos used.
Stick to pairs of pillows, or single use on a sofa. So maybe two on one end, and one on the other. For extra long sofas, these can be a little more liberal {see my photos above}.
Make them symmetrical on beds. You can see here how it’s fun to layer, and then unify them in the center with a single pillow.
When it comes to sectional sofas, or odd sizes, consider a lumbar pillow to mix it up. They make for great, simple accents.
Do what you love
We say all those things above, and then we must add this: Don’t let “rules” stifle you. We’ve always been rule breakers at heart. Bring your home to life in ways that work for you, and you can’t help but love it.
Don’t forget the little areas
Bonus. No, not every single surface needs to have a pillow. But it’s fun to bring in accents for easy color and comfort where you can. Can that window seat use a pillow to hide storage and add comfort? Does it bring in some fun color? Just something else to consider when it comes to areas of the home.
We hope this little post helps you get started in the world of pillows, if you’re curious about what to do, or just looking to edit and revise what you have!
As always, let us know if you have any questions. We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
Angelia Harris says
As much as I love pillows they can also frustrate me! I’m going to mixing and matching my throw pillows like a Boss now!!:} My favorite takeaway is using two pillows to one end of the couch and one pillow on the opposite end.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you for dropping by, Angelia – I hope these were helpful. ;}