How to decorate with throw pillows - a general guide for selecting decorative throw pillow size and quantity.  Includes tips for the perfect throw pillow arrangement.

By Puffy Pillow Productions

Welcome!  This guide will help you decorate the following areas with throw pillows:

• Sofa
• Chair
• Bed
• Floor
• What else can I do with throw pillows?

_________________________________________________________

For the Sofa

A contemporary living room with three pillows placed side be side

First, you should establish the "feel" you would like to present in your room:

• The more luxurious and lush side of the spectrum would require more throw pillows. This works for most elegant, traditional, and shabby floral decors.
• The more modern, "clean-line" rooms typically only require a few decorative pillows. Most often, these are placed side by side (in odd numbers). If your couch or sofa is broken up into separate cushions, it is recommended that a pillow or pillows be placed on each seating space as pictured above.
• A traditional room usually has a structured asymmetry in the sofa pillows. That is, if a line was drawn through the center of the couch (cutting the sofa in half) both sides of the couch would look exactly the same. If there is one pillow to the left arm of the couch, there is also one to the right. If there is an arrangement of pillows in the center, there are two or three to the back, possibly two in front (space permitting), and a lumbar or bolster in the front.
• A country-styled room may have a few odd pillows tossed about...one on a rocker, a few on the couch, and perhaps a few on the floor.

From there, you can select size:

Measure from the seating to the top of your couch or sofa.  Note what amount of space an 18" pillow would require when compared to that of a smaller pillow (say 12") and determine your best size from there. If you are creating a grouping, you would most likely want larger pillows in the back and smaller or even lumbar pillows in the front.

_________________________________________________________

On the Floor

Two large neutral floor pillows serve as additional seating for a coffee table

Nothing invokes a "cozier" feel than a floor pillow! Both functional and decorative, the more you bring into a room, the more "loungy" the feel. Floor pillows may also be used to break up large expanses of tile, carpeting, or wood when you don't want to use a rug. As with most decorating elements, it is best to stick to odd numbers. You may have one pillow standing alone, or three stacked on top of each other. Of course, this is just a general guideline and you know whether the design or needs for your room call for one, two, or five floor pillows.

Floor pillows may range in size from 18" square to 32" square. We do recommend that you stay away from fine fabrics that may catch on clothing zippers or even earrings and snag, or those that require special cleaning. Try to obtain floor pillows with removable covers so that you may easily remove and wash the outer covering.  Using floor pillows with removable covers also allows you to change looks both quickly and inexpensively. 

_________________________________________________________

On a Chair

Wider pillow paired with oversized seating

For narrow or smaller sized chairs, we recommend smaller sized throw pillows (10" to 14" square or rectangular lumbar pillows). Larger or fuller chairs may require larger sized pillows in order to look proportionate. So that you do not overwhelm your piece of furniture, again we recommend using a tape measure or ruler and measuring both the back and seat of your furniture. Note what amount of space an 18" pillow would require when compared to that of a smaller pillow (say 12") and determine your best size from there.

A throw draped over the large end of a chaise with a pillow positioned on top and to the side is also a very classy look.

_________________________________________________________

For the Bed

Euros, bed pillows, and decorative pillow layers

For a designer look with pillows aim for layers of different sizes and shapes:

The back layer uses euros, or European pillows in a 26 x 26 inch size. These are placed against a headboard or wall. They may be placed directly next to each other or placed where the edges of one overlap its neighbor. Depending upon the size of your bed you may want 2-4 euros (queen beds use 2-3, king beds require 4).

The second layer is made up of your regular bed pillows that you use nightly. These are 24 x 18 inches and are placed standing up against the back euros. Typically, two are used in this layout, but additional pillows may be stacked up in front of each other. These may be covered in bed shams or you can even use a simple piece of fabric wrapped over the pillows which may be pulled off at night and replaced in the morning...no stuffing and unstuffing shams.  Plus, nobody will know they are not "properly" covered.

The third layer is where the fun comes in using decorative pillows! While your first two layers may be a neutral palette, this is the layer to bring in that extra pop of color or incorporate new patterns and designs that may otherwise appear "too busy" on the shams or euros. Place a few decorative pillows at casual and interesting angles and watch how your room is transformed!

The optional fourth layer is made up of a simple lumbar or bolster pillow centered in front of the previous three layers. This may also be of contrasting color and design. Let your imagination run wild!

_________________________________________________________

Other Great Uses

• On a boat
• In a recreational vehicle
• As a gift or tucked into a gift basket
• On a side table
• A trio of pillows in a decorative basket is a great look. Mix it up!
• Soften up a fireplace
• On an outside patio, eating area, or garden room
• For your pet
• Tummy pillows during surgery

_________________________________________________________

Everyone at Puffy Pillow Productions hopes that you have sincerely enjoyed this guide and can find some use for the information contained herein.  Please contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions.