The name “Throw pillow” tends to be misleading. When you set out to choose pillows for your sofa, the name seems to imply that this purchase is as simple as tossing a pillow. You may envision that you can simply enter a shop, point out the perfect pillow, return home and throw it on your sofa.
However, you may be puzzled to discover that the pillow you loved at the shop does not have the expected effect on your sofa and living room.
I want to share with you my five winning rules that have guided successfully for years in making the perfect selection of Throw Pillows from my clients. I hope that by sharing these rules, you will be able to make the right choice and successfully upgrade your sofa and living room.
1. Stay Within Existing Color Palette
My first rule is to carefully observe the entire space where you want the Throw Pillows to be, and not just the sofa. Look at the existing colors in the environment like rugs, wall color, and even curtains in order to build a cohesive color palette. Try and identify up to three or four dominant colors, to help you choose the color of the Throw Pillows.
For example, If you have blue in your carpet, you don’t need to purchase the exact shade of blue for the pillow. This is because the sofa stands between the Throw Pillows and the carpet, and the human eye travels between these elements and naturally completes the small color gap creating a complete composition.
2.Texture
If you decide on solid or natural colors for your Throw Pillows you can create special interest by using unique textures, such as velvet, linen, metallic, macrame, pom-poms, tassels, or weaving variations. Varying textures introduce visual interest while keeping a cohesive look.
Take into consideration that the textures need to work with the “theme“ of your living-room space. In a “modern” looking space, I generally recommend that all Throw Pillows be the same size and color range. However, in rural or eclectic spaces, it is possible to variate in color, sizes, and patterns.
3. Vary Patterns and Scale
A Pattern commonly refers to a design element that is repeated over and over again. In Throw Pillows, patterns are divided into two main groups: Organic and Geometric.
An Organic pattern is commonly composed of a repetition of flowers, botanicals, or abstracts. Geometric patterns include stripes, checks, and other modern shapes.
I highly recommend using patterns that already exist in your space and not mix patterns within the same group. Mixing patterns within the same group may create an unbalanced feeling. Combining a floral pillow, along with a striped and a solid, is a classic combination that works well.
You may also choose the same pattern in three different scales allowing one pattern to dominate.
4. Vary Sizes and Shapes
Different sizes of pillows can make an amazing composition. A winning formula is using a big square pillow, medium square, and a lumbar all in the same set. Even if all of your pillows are square buy them in different sizes just to add more interest to your space.
5. Balance
Throw Pillows are a great place to experiment in colors, boundaries, and mix-and-match of shades and patterns, However, it is imperative not to get carried away and exaggerate with the quantity of Throw Pillows on the same sofa.
The quantity depends on the size of the sofa, however, in most cases it will be between three to seven pillows - not more.
When you organize the Throw Pillows on the sofa, spread them on each side and be mindful to leave adequate space in the middle to sit comfortably.
Finally, spread the colors you have chosen along with the couch. This will help you balance your space.
To Sum Things Up….
Choosing the right Throw Pillows may give you a false feeling of simplicity. However, this is an act of design, and as such it should be carefully planned, dedicating time and thought to choose each pillow, texture, and where and how to place it on the sofa.
Like sweets, Throw Pillows bring a positive and fresh boost of energy to your living room space. It is not expensive as long as you purchase high-quality fillings for the pillows, that way you can easily change the cover each time you feel the space needs a new look.
A good combination of several pillows can do wonders even for the most mundane sofa and it will add color, life, and spirit to your living room design.
Good luck!
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