One of the quickest and least expensive ways to change up the look of your room is with new throw pillows. Why would you need an interior designer if all you have to do is go out and buy a few inexpensive throw pillows to toss on your couch?
Truth be told, it is not always that easy. I know some people have wonderful color and style sense and can probably accomplish this on their own. However, there are also those who know they can easily get overwhelmed with patterns and colors. It is the same with furniture and decorative pillows. Make the wrong choice, and you will find yourself doing another return to the store.
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts of selecting decorative throw pillows for your home. Of course, you can always contact me to discuss options. In the end, the services of an interior designer can help beautify your home without it costing a small fortune. The right custom throw pillows or the specified Pantone color number system can take your home to the next level. There are also other decorating touches that an interior designer can add that will transform your room in ways you never imagined.
Throw Pillow Selection Do’s and Don’ts
Here is the first thing you need to know before you head out to the store and buy some new throw pillows – the selection is seemingly endless. It is easy to get lost in a sea of pillows that will have you second-guessing yourself – all the way to the register and beyond. Just when you think you made the right selection, you get home, and nothing seems to match.
Here is what you need to remember about buying throw pillows:
Throw Pillow Do’s:
- Choose the right size pillows for your sofa. Aside from being decorative, sofa pillows are also there to serve a purpose. You want your pillows to add comfort to your seating. Large throw pillows can make it difficult to sit comfortably on your sofa. If you have a firm sofa, you will want softer pillows. If your sofa is very soft, getting firm accent pillows will provide stability when sitting.
- Select your color palette with care. Keep your throw pillows in the same shade or select complementary shades for a cohesive look.
- Do not mix too many patterns, but it is good to mix tone on tone textures. While you do want some variances in your pillows, overdoing it can backfire and create a look that distracts from the beauty of your room.
- Follow this formula: Mix tone on tone textures or solids in different sizes or 1 solid, 1 busy print, 1 small print. A large or busy print works best on large couch pillows (think large = large). A small print, stripes, or plaids work best for small pillows. Use your medium pillow to bridge the two others. Remember to place larger pillows at the end of the couch, and the smallest ones to the center.
Throw Pillow Don’ts:
- Do not put so many throw pillows on your sofa that you have nowhere to sit. Guests sometimes feel uncomfortable moving around pillows in someone else’s home. Instead, they will perch uneasily on the edge of the sofa. The purpose of a couch pillow is to add comfort while being visually attractive.
- Do not give in to temptation and buy cheap throw pillows – the quality of material and inserts matter.
- Do not forget to tie your throw pillows together with one color. Even if there is only a tiny amount of your primary color in the fabric, it will still bring a cohesive look.
- Do not be afraid to go bold and make an exclamation point in your home. If your room and furniture are all white, cream, or beige, it is okay to bring a bright, bold color into the room with accent pillows.
Final Points of Interest about Throw Pillows
Here are some final recommendations when looking at buying throw pillows:
- Stick with solid colors if your room has a lot of patterns.
- Pair a simple stripe with a solid pillow for a classic look.
- If you have throw pillow covers that you like and need to get inserts, choose a slightly bigger insert for a fuller pillow.
- Odd number pillow pairings create a more modern look; even pairings are more traditional.
- It is ok to mix shapes, such as oblongs and squares, or squares and circles. Just remember that although you may be drawn to a particular shape, it may not look good on your style of furniture.
Remember, your throw pillows should complement your sofa (or chair). Choose your sizes, patterns, fabrics, textures, and shapes carefully.
HK Interiors is here to help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Contact us at 954-401-8542 for more information.