How to Choose the Perfect Throw Pillows: A Complete Guide

Thro w pillows are a simple yet impactful way to transform any room, adding colour, texture, and personality to your space. Looking to refresh your living room, bedroom, or patio? The perfect throw pillows can tie your decor together and add a touch of style. With so many sizes, shapes, fabrics, and colours available, how do you choose the ideal ones for your home?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to select throw pillows that suit your style, offer comfort, and bring a visually pleasing look to your home. From understanding the basics of pillow inserts to exploring the latest trends in patterns and textures, here’s how you can find the perfect pillows for your home decor.

1. Why Throw Pillows Matter in Home Decor

Throw pillows are often considered the finishing touch in a room’s design. While they may seem small, they can make a significant difference in how a space looks and feels. Here’s why they matter:

Add Colour and Contrast: Throw pillows are a great way to introduce bold colours or complement existing tones in your space without making permanent changes, like painting a wall.
Create Texture: By mixing and matching materials like velvet, linen, cotton, or wool, throw pillows can add depth and interest to your furniture.
Enhance Comfort: Beyond aesthetics, throw pillows provide comfort and support, making your sofa, bed, or chair cozier.
Versatile and Affordable: Unlike large furniture pieces, throw pillows are relatively inexpensive and easy to switch out seasonally, allowing you to refresh your decor without a major overhaul.

2. Start with the Right Pillow Inserts

Before diving into the world of colours, patterns, and fabrics, it’s important to focus on the foundation: the pillow insert. This is what gives your throw pillows their shape, feel, and structure. Here are the most common types of pillow inserts:

Down/Feather Inserts: These are filled with a combination of down and feathers, offering a plush, soft feel. Best for pillows you want to sink into, but they may come at a higher price and require regular fluffing to stay in shape.
Polyester Inserts: These are a budget-friendly option and provide a firmer feel. They’re great for pillows that are more decorative but won’t be used for comfort as often.
Memory Foam Inserts: If you’re looking for pillows that provide firm support, memory foam is a good choice. However, they can feel less plush and may not be the best for a relaxed, cozy look.
Down Alternative Inserts: For those allergic to down or looking for a cruelty-free option, down alternative inserts mimic the soft, fluffy feel of down without using animal products.

For a plump, plush appearance, choose pillow inserts that are slightly larger than your covers. If you have an 18×18-inch pillow cover, try a 20×20-inch insert to create a more luxurious and firm look. .

3. Choosing the Right Pillow Size and Shape

Throw pillows come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and choosing the right ones depends on both your aesthetic preferences and the size of your furniture. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common sizes and how to use them:

Square Pillows (16×16 to 24×24 inches): These are the most traditional and versatile pillow shapes, commonly found on sofas and beds. Larger square pillows (22×22 or 24×24 inches) can anchor a grouping of smaller pillows, while smaller ones (16×16 or 18×18 inches) are perfect for layering.
Lumbar Pillows (12×20 to 14×36 inches): These rectangular pillows are great for adding support to your lower back or for providing a sleek, modern look. Lumbar pillows work well on armchairs, at the centre of a pillow arrangement, or on beds.
Bolster Pillows: Cylindrical bolster pillows are ideal for providing arm or neck support. They’re often used on beds or benches for a more formal or traditional look.
Oversized Pillows: Larger pillows (26×26 inches or more) are perfect for floor seating or creating a statement look on a bed or large sectional sofa.

For a standard-sized sofa, try mixing two large square pillows (22×22 or 24×24 inches) with one lumbar or smaller square pillow for a balanced arrangement.

4. Selecting the Perfect Fabric and Texture

The fabric of your throw pillows can drastically affect the overall vibe of your space. Different materials can either create a relaxed, cozy atmosphere or add a touch of luxury. Here are some popular fabric options:

Cotton: Lightweight and breathable, cotton is a popular choice for throw pillows in casual or summer settings. It’s easy to clean and available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Linen: Linen pillows are ideal for achieving a breezy, laid-back look. They’re great for warmer climates as they are naturally cooling.
Velvet: If you’re looking for something more luxurious, velvet offers a plush texture that can instantly elevate a room’s elegance. It’s perfect for formal living rooms or bedrooms.
Leather or Faux Leather: These materials bring a sleek, modern look to your decor. Leather pillows are durable and easy to clean, making them great for high-traffic areas.
Wool or Knit: Cozy up with wool or knit pillows during the colder months. These materials offer warmth and texture, making them ideal for winter decor.

5. Choosing Colours and Patterns

The colour and pattern of your throw pillows can either blend seamlessly with your existing decor or make a bold statement. Here’s how to choose the right ones:

Match Your Palette: Start by considering the colour scheme of the room where the pillows will be placed. Look at the colours in your furniture, rugs, and wall art, and choose pillows that either match or complement those hues.
Introduce Contrasts: If your room is filled with neutral tones, throw pillows in bold or contrasting colours can bring energy and interest to the space. Think about adding jewel tones, pastels, or even black and white for a striking look.
Play with Patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, but stick to a cohesive colour palette. Try pairing one large-scale pattern with a smaller, more subtle print, and add a solid-colour pillow to balance things out.

For example, if you have a solid grey sofa, consider adding pillows in a mix of soft blush, deep teal, and a geometric or floral pattern to create visual interest.

6. How Many Throw Pillows Should You Use?

The number of throw pillows you should use depends on the furniture piece and the overall look you want to achieve. Here’s a general guide:

Sofa: For a standard-sized sofa, three to five pillows is a good rule of thumb. Larger sectionals can handle more, while loveseats typically need fewer.
Bed: On a queen or king-sized bed, two large Euro shams, two standard pillows, and a lumbar or decorative throw pillow in the centre create a balanced look.
Armchair: One lumbar pillow or a smaller square pillow is usually sufficient for a single armchair.

7. Seasonal Changes and Trends

One of the best things about throw pillows is how easy they are to swap out as seasons change or trends come and go. For example:

Spring and Summer: Opt for lighter fabrics like cotton or linen, and introduce brighter colours or playful patterns to match the season’s vibrant energy.
Autumn and Winter: Swap out your lightweight pillows for cozier materials like velvet or wool in richer, deeper colours like burnt orange, mustard yellow, or forest green.

Following trends can be fun, but it’s also important to choose pillows that reflect your personal style. Stripes, florals, and solid prints are evergreen styles that always work well with trendy pieces, giving a balanced look.

8. Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are an easy and versatile way to change the look and feel of any room in your home. By selecting the right size, shape, fabric, colour, and number of pillows, you can create a balanced and inviting space that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re going for a minimalist, modern, or eclectic look, there’s a throw pillow combination out there for every home.

Unsure where to begin? Choose a cohesive colour theme, add textural variety for interest, and have fun arranging pillows in different ways. Throw pillows serve both comfort and style, so don’t hesitate to get creative!