Pillows

All You Need To Know About Throw Pillows

Whether your new bedroom set needs a finishing touch or you want to refresh your living room space, throw pillows can make a world of difference. With the right couch throw pillows, tailor your new furniture to fit your style and add a touch of vibrancy to the entire room.

With thousands of colors, prints, fills, and fabrics to choose from, how do you narrow down the throw pillows that’ll work best in your space? We’ve put together some guidelines to help you find that perfect pillow.

What are throw pillows and why should you use them?

Throw pillows, or decorative pillows, can be made from a wide range of fabrics—including cotton, linen, silk, leather, microfiber, suede, chenille, and velvet. You can also find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and embellishments, such as tassels and piped edges.

Normally paired with sofas, sectionals, or accent chairs, throw pillows can be used creatively on beds, couches, chairs, and even floors. These pillows serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. From a functional perspective, couch pillows may provide back, neck, and head support.

From an aesthetic perspective, decorative pillows add color and texture to a room. Throw pillows are versatile: they can suit any personal design preference. Add richly colored and embellished pillows for an elevated look, or go for a more laid-back style by mixing and matching pillows in muted colors and soft fabrics.

Throw pillow types and sizes

Throw pillows for couches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For the most dynamic look, vary the shape and size of the sofa pillows you choose for a single piece of furniture.

• Square: Square throw pillows are the most common type. They typically come in 16-, 18-, or 20-inch versions, but can be found in larger or smaller sizes. If you like to change up the look of your decor frequently, stick to square throw pillows in standard sizes. That’s because they’re the easiest to find replacement pillow covers.
• Lumbar: Lumbar throw pillows have an oblong, rectangular shape. Lumbar pillows are highly functional, as they are primarily designed to provide back support. They also provide depth and texture to your furniture, making them equally excellent as decorative accents. Lumbar pillows stand out when offsetting square pillows or decorating an armchair.
• Round: Round throw pillows are rare in comparison to their square counterparts. Because of this, they offer a refreshing balance to decor , surprising the eye in a pleasing way. Round throw pillows can be a beautiful option when used in contrast with the straight lines of square and rectangular pillows.
• Bolster: As the name suggests, cylinder-shaped bolster pillows are meant to prop up your arms or back when seated. They’re most commonly used on beds, but also appear glamorous when added to living room decor .

Throw pillow decor ideas

Still uncertain as to what choice of decorative pillows for couches will best suit your living room design? Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

Go for Bold

If your room decor is vibrant with patterns, block coloring in a throw pillow can enhance the bold and colorful design without causing it to appear busy or cluttered. For example, if your living room features a vintage-inspired patterned sofa, a solid colored throw pillow that complements the tones of the pattern will add unity and vibrancy to your bold look.

Add Texture

If the color tone of your room design is minimalistic and neutral, adding textured throw pillows can add interest without distracting from your design. Pillows with woven fabrics or raw fibers in muted tones lend depth and a sense of earthiness to the room's aesthetic.

Mix It Up

Can’t choose between the colorful round throw pillows or the square pillows with printed stripes? Instead of choosing just one style and buying multiple identical pillows, consider a collection of pillows that complement and contrast each other. Bring together decorative pillows with different styles and shapes, and create a look with personality and imagination.

Worried about cluttering the modern look of your room with different pillow designs? Try using the same simple design but different shapes.

Keep Calm with Analogous Colors

If you like color but want a group of pillows for couch that aren’t too loud, select colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (called analogous colors). These colors have tones in common but are different, which makes for a color palette that’s quieter and more sophisticated.

Throw pillows can completely change the look of your space. They can update a room for the season or tie together a disparate color scheme. Shop our selection today to find the perfect match for your style.