One of the most common questions I hear is “How do I style pillows on my couch?” It can seem a bit daunting when you are trying to choose from what seems like infinite pillow patterns, insert options, fabrics and sizes. So let’s dive into some simple formulas for styling throw pillows and where to find beautiful pillow options for every budget. There are so many ways you can mix and match throw pillows, but these are my go-to design tips that keep it simple!
Square pillows are just what the name implies…square lol!
Lumbar pillows are rectangular. They are called lumbar pillows as they offer support in the lumbar area (lower back).
There are of course also round and custom-shaped pillows, which can be fun if you love boho style or you are decorating a kid’s room. But for traditional spaces, I stick to square and lumbar!
Square pillows are usually 24″, 22″, 20″, 18″ or 16″ square. My favourite 2 sizes to use are 22″ and 20″. I find that anything less than a 20″ pillow starts to look a bit underwhelming, especially on a large sofa.
Some common lumbar pillow sizes are 12″x20″, 12″x24″, 14″x20″, 15″x32″ and extra-long 16″x42″. My favourite size to use on sofas is a smaller size in combination with square pillows. The extra-long lumbar pillows are a favourite on loveseats or settees.
Should you buy feather or faux fill pillow inserts?
Feather pillows can have a nice luxe feel, but they aren’t always the best choice. If you are allergic to feathers, or you have concerns about how feathers are sourced, there are some really great polyester-filled pillow inserts that are just as comfy!
The feather pillows from Ikea were slightly better looking than the polyester fill, but I found that the feathers started to escape and they got poky pretty quickly. I ended up donating or selling all of my inexpensive inserts and have been slowly replacing them with high-quality ones over time. I’m so much happier with the result!
How do you choose an insert size for a throw pillow cover?
As a general rule, you want to buy an insert that is one size larger than your pillow cover to make sure you end up with a nice plush cushion. For example, for a 20″ square pillow you may want to try a 22″ square insert.