Refresh Your Room with Pillows!
Want to give your living room a fresh new look without spending a fortune or buying all new furniture? One of my favorite home styling tricks is decorating with beautiful throw pillows!
It’s amazing how something as simple as adding or changing a few decorative pillows can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Pillows add color, pattern, texture, warmth, and personality—and they’re one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your home!
Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite designer tips for styling decorative pillows like a pro!
1. Start with Color
Choose two or three coordinating colors that complement your existing furniture, rugs, artwork, and accessories. This helps create a cohesive, pulled-together look. For a fresh look, consider changing your pillows for the seasons!
2. Mix Patterns and Solids
The secret to mixing patterns is varying the scale! Try combining one large-scale pattern, one smaller-scale pattern, and a coordinating solid.
3. Vary the Sizes
Layer larger pillows (24 inches) in the back with smaller pillows (18–20 inches) in front. This adds depth and gives your sofa a professionally styled appearance. (Tip-Fewer, larger pillows are always better than lots of small pillows!)
4. Add Texture
For a sophisticated look, mix different textured fabrics like linen, velvet, cotton, and woven textiles. Even when using a neutral color palette, varying textures adds warmth and interest.
5. Invest in Quality Inserts
Beautiful pillow covers deserve quality inserts! I recommend down-feather or high-quality down-alternative inserts for a full, luxurious look. For most pillow covers, choose an insert approximately two inches larger than the cover.
6. Decorate with Odd Numbers
Arranging pillows in groups of three or five often creates a relaxed, balanced look. For a more formal appearance, try symmetrical arrangements.
7. Add a Lumbar Pillow
A pretty rectangular lumbar pillow makes the perfect finishing touch! Use one in the center of a sofa, on an accent chair, or layered in front of your bed pillows.
8. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Skip the matching pillow sets! Instead, mix complementary colors, patterns, and textures for a more interesting, collected look.
9. Change with the Seasons
One of the easiest ways to update your living room seasonally is by swapping pillow covers. Think linens and lighter colors for spring and summer, and cozy textures and warmer tones for fall and winter.
10. Don’t Overdo It!
Remember, with pillows, less is often more! A few thoughtfully selected pillows will make a bigger impact than a sofa overflowing with little ones. And always leave plenty of room for people to sit comfortably!
Bonus Tip: Use Pillow Covers!
Instead of purchasing all-new pillows, look for decorative pillow covers with zippers. They’re often more affordable, take up less storage space, and make seasonal decorating a breeze!
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference!
Creating a beautifully finished home doesn’t have to involve expensive renovations or all-new furniture. Sometimes, it’s the simplest finishing touches that make the biggest difference! Decorative pillows are just one of the many ways you can transform a furnished house into a beautifully finished home.
Ready to Refresh Your Living Room?
CLICK HERE to download my FREE Room Refresh Guide for more simple, affordable home styling ideas to help you create a beautiful, comfortable, and inviting space you’ll love.
And if your living room is furnished but still feels unfinished, I’d love to help CLICK HERE to learn more about my HOME STYLING SERVICE!
