How Many Decorative Pillows Do I Use? And How to Mix and Match Sizes and Styles? A Simple Guide to Get You Started.

So how do you determine how many pillows to use when decorating? In this article, we’ll focus on the living and family room where the number of pillows will depend on the size and type of seating you have. For a loveseat or 2-seat sofa, you can use 2, maybe 4 pillows. For a couch or 3-seat sofa, 4 pillows are ideal, maybe even 6 depending on the sizes. With a sectional, you can use 6 pillows or even get a bit wild and use even more, say 8 to10 depending on how large your sectional is. To fill up the areas of a sectional so it looks nice and full use a mix of comfortable and decorative pillows. And for lounge chairs, you can use 1 or 2 pillows, but you’ll want to make sure you use the right size to fit the proportion of you lounge chair. As for beds such a king or queen size, you might want to try 4 to 6+ pillows.

 

Choosing the right size and shape of the pillows can be challenging and fun at the same time. You might find yourself with a lot of extra pillows while you find that stunning and cohesive look. We recommend a mix of multiple square pillows or square and rectangular/lumbar pillows or in some unique and funky cases different shapes if you have very specific theme. As for size, pillows should be large enough to make a statement but not too big that they overwhelm the seating. We suggest using 20” to 24” inch square pillows for sofas and sectionals. You can try layering a smaller size in front of a larger size but try not to make the difference too large. Use 18” to 22” inch square pillows for lounge chairs. With rectangular or lumbar pillows 20” x 12” or 22” x 14” inches can be used for added variety and style. Place them in front of square pillows or as a stand-alone on lounge chairs. For king and queen size beds, two large 20” square pillows on each side and anchored by two even larger 24” pillows will create an impressive and inviting feel. Close it off with two rectangular pillows on each side that match the width.

 

In addition to size and shape, picking the right fabric and pattern will help create interest and provide texture. For example, use velvet solid-colored pillows to anchor the seating, then add a cotton-linen or tweed patterned pillows in complementary colors. Alternatively, you can use patterned pillows to add interest and texture to a solid-colored sofa or sectional. We recommend experimenting by using a mix of textures such as velvet, linen, and cotton to create visual interest. However, be sure to coordinate the colors and patterns of the pillows with the overall color scheme of your room.

 

Lastly, try adding a statement pillow to add a pop of color or a bold design element. This pillow could be larger than the other pillows and should draw the eye towards the seating. In addition, symmetry is pleasing to the eye, so try using an even number of pillows on sofas, sectionals and beds. This helps to create a balanced and harmonious look. Single pillows are fine for chairs.

 

In terms of style, the best types of styles to match are solid on solids, patterns with solids, and mixed patterns. It's also important to keep the overall color scheme of the room in mind when selecting decorative pillows. Choose pillows that complement the existing furniture and decor in the room. Make the hunt for the perfect set of decorative pillows fun! While you’re at it, you might end up with a great collection of designs and styles that you can switch in and out for different occasions and seasons of the year.