How to Mix & Match Throw Pillows on a Sofa

When it comes to sprucing up your living room, learning how to mix and match pillows on a sofa can be a game changer! Throw pillows are an affordable and effortless way to refresh your space, giving it a whole new look each season without breaking the bank.

Decorating should always reflect your personal taste and style, but if you’re looking for a bit of guidance on how to mix and match pillows on a sofa like a pro, I’ve got some tips and tricks that will make your pillows pop every time!

Start with a Colour Scheme

Kick off your pillow adventure by selecting one pillow that you absolutely adore. This will be your inspiration piece. Maybe it’s a beautifully patterned pillow you found at a store, or perhaps it’s a DIY project with fabric you love. Use this as your jumping-off point to choose a color palette and coordinate other pillows. Need help sewing your own pillows? Check out my easy pillow sewing (and no-sew) tutorials right here.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of artwork or even an area rug as your throw pillow colour scheme inspiration!

Color Scheme Ideas:

• Neutral tones like white, cream, beige and brown for a transitional, calming effect
• Various shades of blue and white for a soft, coastal look
• Shades of blue, green, purple and white for a soft but colourful look (these colours are near eachother on the color wheel, so they’ll have a more soothing effect)
• Complementary shades of deep red and forest green paired with cream for a festive pop of color

The No-Fail Mix: Organic Pattern + Geometric Pattern + Textured Solid

Here’s a foolproof formula for mixing pillows: combine an organic pattern with a geometric pattern and a textured solid. Picture a large floral-patterned pillow (organic pattern) paired with a small plaid pillow (geometric pattern) and a solid color pillow with a fun trim (textured solid). This combo always works! Pull colors from your organic pattern and carry those hues into your other pillows for a cohesive look that wins every time.

Adding a variety of textures to your pillow combinations will keep your couch looking interesting and inviting. Throw pillows with beautiful textures include faux fur pillows, velvets, corduroy, and textured linens. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about good interior design over the last couple decades, it’s that TEXTURE is key!

Vary the Pattern Scale

Mixing different patterns is all about balance. If you have a large-scale floral pillow, pair it with a small-scale plaid or stripe. Conversely, if your floral pillow has a small pattern, a larger striped pillow will complement it beautifully. Contrasting pattern scales create visual interest and harmony. Pattern mixing is a wonderful way to add some personality into your space!

Use Repetition to Tie Everything Together

To create a cohesive look, use identical pillows at either end of your sofa. This repetition ties your decor together. Don’t worry if the rest of your pillows are different – this variety adds depth and character to your arrangement.

You can also use the rule of repetition by repeating the colours in your pillows at least 3 times throughout your entire space. For example, if you’re using the colour purple in your throw pillow, include some purple flowers and tones of purple in the artwork in your room. Ensuring your accent colors repeat a few times in your room will keep your decor looking cohesive.

Vary Pillow Sizes, but Keep Them Generous

Playing with different sizes of pillows adds texture and interest to your sofa. However, avoid going too small; pillows over 20 inches wide tend to look more substantial and stylish. Experiment with rectangular lumbar pillows, round pillows, and layering smaller pillows in front of larger pillows for a dynamic look. The amount of pillow combos you can try are endless and it’s fun to play with different looks!

In addition to my 20 inch rule, I also like to ensure I’m using feather or down inserts in my pillow covers. This keeps the pillows looking nice & fluffy, and you can “chop” them slightly on the top for that high-end look.

How Many Pillows Should You Have on a Couch?

The number of pillows you style on your sofa is a matter of preference, and it’s also dependent on the style of couch. A deeper couch like the one I have in the above photo can handle more pillows because they offer the function of back support. A shallower couch may only need a few.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 throw cushions on your sofa: 2 large square pillows at either end, and one medium sized lumber shaped pillow to layer over one of the square pillows. However, you can have as many as 6-7 accent pillows on your couch if you have a deep couch and want a cozy, maximalist look.

Generally, an even number of pillows (2, 4, 6 etc) will look more formal, and odd numbers of pillows (3, 6, 9 etc) will look more relaxed.

For more visual inspiration, check out my YouTube video on how to mix and match throw pillows!

I hope these simple guidelines help you confidently mix and match pillows on your sofa, transforming your home decor effortlessly. Have fun shopping and decorating!