I’ve heard some design tastemakers proclaim that throw pillows are superfluous. Respectfully, I disagree — I’m firmly in the pro throw pillow camp.
Every bed, sofa, and cozy chair is elevated with a grouping of stylish throw pillows. In fact, they might just be the easiest way to zhuzh up a space. The right mix of pillows can breathe new life into a tired sofa (I’d know, I did that myself — see below). They’re also the best bang for your buck. A few throw pillows is a much more reasonably priced way to introduce gorgeous designer patterns and colors than putting up fancy wallpaper or reupholstering furniture.
The best throw pillow pairings follow a merry mix and match approach. Understandably, the thought of figuring out which ones to choose might be a little intimidating. I promise you can do it (here are some tips for how) or just go with one of these pairings below, inspired by rooms from some of my favorite designers (and my own!).
Most of these pillows are found on Etsy, my hands down favorite place to source them. It gives you the ability to customize pillows (pick dimensions, trimmings, and more) and access to designer fabrics without having to order a whole bolt and find a seamstress to make them. Check out my favorite Etsy shops to buy custom throw pillows here.
This grouping of floral, check, toile and textured solids is elegant yet also has a relaxed nonchalance. These classic patterns feel like they should go together, but the fresh blue and green color palette further creates harmony. Arrange the pillows symmetrically with a mix of squares and oblong for a more formal space like a living room or opt for squares in varying sizes for a casual seating arrangement.
Intricate pattern on pattern, opulent materials, and bold, unexpected colors are signatures of the haute bohemian aesthetic that epitomizes this pairing. The detailed florals and bold stripes in a color palette of warm pinks and oranges are made for those wanting to take a maximalist leap. Best arranged with florals on top of stripes in a symmetrical layout. Pink sofa optional.
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There’s a soft romance and cottage-y feel to earthy block prints, ticking stripes, and vintage floral in warm neutrals, specifically shades of brown and pink. The pillows look as though they’ve been collected over time and organically thrown together. To keep the look unfussy and natural, go for a mix of square and oblong that don’t look like they were all bought at once and loosely arrange them letting them fall where they may.
This pairing rests on strong colors and contrasts that can transform a plain old white sofa. The red, white, and blue pairing packs a punch. The bolder ikat and suzani pillows are balanced by the stripes and small print. This is my sofa, so I can tell you, I arrange the pillows in a symmetrical fashion, but they’re almost always moved around and look just as good.
For more inspiration and throw pillow pairing ideas, check out my throw pillow styling guide. I’ve also rounded up the best decorative throw pillows across 9 categories — from classic florals to trusty stripes — and where to buy them.
Which pairing is most you? Drop it in the comments — I'd love to know which sofa I'm coming to style.
Check out past editions of Get the Look (at Home) series:
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