PILLOW TALK - How To Style Pillows On Your Modern Couch.

We’re breaking it down and showing you how to select the perfect pillow partners for your modern sofa. This deceptively simple look is a cinch to pull off with our insider tips and tricks on size, color, pattern, texture and layering.

 

Size Matters

To keep things looking just right, consider the size of your couch.  Throw pillows should complement your couch, not overwhelm it.  This does seem like a goldilocks moment, pillows that are too big can overwhelm your room’s decor. But if they’re too small, they’ll look out of place. For that ‘just right’ look start with a 20” square throw pillow. If your look is more modern, keep in mind that some couches in this style tend to have a lower back. Consider an 18” pillow as a starting point. Mix and match the sizes, and perhaps add a few 22” and 24” pillows, or lumbar pillows in a 12” x 20” format too.

 


Speaking of size, arrange your pillows from largest to smallest. Place the larger pillows at the far corners of your couch with the smaller pillows on the inside.  This creates an optical illusion that draws the eye towards the middle of the couch and creates a comfy space to sit.  Larger 22” or 24″ throw pillows won’t get in the way and small 12” × 20″ pillows won’t take up too much space. 


How many are too many? Interior Designers unite, an odd number usually looks best. With a small-scale couch, three is the magic number. But for a more standard 6-foot couch five-seven pillows should do the trick.

 

Color Theory

To bring your room’s design together, pull different colors from other sources in the space like wall color, rugs and curtains.  From this select an anchor color, and look for pillows in this shade.  If you’re borrowing the Gatheraus style, select throw pillows in a solid color and add interest with texture, scale or carefully selected prints.


What colors work well together? To make quick work of finding colors that look amazing together use a  color wheel. To pack a punch, opt for contrasting combinations by selecting colors on opposite sides of the color wheel.  For a more harmonious look, choose two shades near each other on the color wheel.

 

Pattern Partners

How on earth do you find a combination of prints that work together?  Borrow this Designer’s trick, try one small print, one large print, and one solid. The throw pillows shouldn’t all be the same size.  Your largest pillow should include either the largest print or a solid color. The largest pillow will set the tone for your design.

 

Yes Please, To Tonnes Of Texture 

Color and pattern are great, but we adore pillows with texture especially when we are working with a more muted color palette. They add depth, interest, and that elusive laid-back luxe look. Natural fibers reign supreme here; think tonnes of chunky wool, cashmere, leather velvet, or linens.  We think texture never looked so good. Take a peek below and shop our fave pillow picks for texture done right. 

 

BORROW OUR STYLE - SHOP OUR PILLOW PICKS


GATHERAUS - where your dream home décor comes to life with endless style inspiration. Scroll and click those links below and watch your living space go from drab to fab in a snap.
 
 


Photo Image Credits 1 . 2 . 3 . 4. 5

Author - Bridget McIver

An Interior Designer by training, armed with an eye for the unexpected, Bridget shares advice, inspiration, and a curated line-up of effortlessly chic products to make everything in our lives more beautiful. A tastemaker with an impeccable sense to help you create a pared-back aesthetic for your home.

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