By: Jacey Larsen

Utilizing throw pillows in your living areas can be the perfect addition to any design. There are numerous options for pillow sizing, patterns, colors, and textures creating endless possibilities to choose from. Using these arrangement tips can help bring together style and comfort in your home and put the finishing touch on any seating arrangement.

CREATE YOUR ARRANGEMENT FROM BIGGEST TO SMALLEST

When building a decorative pillow design that involves layering, always start with your largest size to create a base for your arrangement. These base pillows should be square, and about 4”-6” larger in size than the next smallest pillow so they can still be seen when stacked. It is best if each pillow layered after the base is at least 4” in size, but if you are interested in a more uniform design, it is ok to layer pillows of the same dimensions. Just make sure to set them at least 6” apart so they can both be seen.

LAYERING IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY

If you prefer a simpler look for your decorative pillow arrangement, it is more than alright to stray away from layering. When working with pillows that are bolder in color, texture, and pattern, less is more.

DON’T OVERCROWD YOUR SEATING

Your pillow arrangement should add flair to your living area, but not so much to the point that your seating areas are not functional or comfortable. For larger couches, the sweet spot for pillows is between 5-7. For smaller love seats or chairs, it is between 2-3.

BALANCE AND ODD NUMBERS ARE KEY

When it comes to creating your pillow arrangement, it is important to know beforehand what kind of look you want for your design. If you are striving for an abstract style, it is best to stick with an asymmetrical composition. This can be done by putting pillows on only one side of your couch/loveseat or by layering your pillows differently on each side. If you want to create a balanced configuration, choose a symmetrical design. Both sides of your couch should mirror each other and create unity. Most decorative pillow compositions are seen to have an odd number of pillows. This is because odd numbers look more natural in a design and create more interest to the eye

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX TEXTURES AND PATTERNS

The main idea behind a pillow composition for your seating areas is to add extra style and appeal. This is best seen in designs where ideas are mixed and matched, and the designer is not afraid to break away from the basics. Experimenting with different textures and patterns can help you to find the arrangement that fits best in your home.