Y’all, I finally got a new couch in the living room!! I’m excited to show you the progress I’ve made, but I didn’t get photos taken this weekend. I have 2 little projects to finish and then I’ll do another progress post. A new couch has me thinking about new throw pillows. I needed to replace the pillows I had as part of the “purge the orange” movement, but was waiting until I had the couch to buy any. While I’ve been shopping, I’ve been thinking about what I look for in a pillow. So today I’m sharing some of my tips for decorating with throw pillows!

Tips for Decorating with Throw Pillows

Throw pillows can add so much to a space. They are such a fun and easy way to play with color and texture. It’s amazing how just switching up the pillows in a room can make it feel new again. But a poorly chosen pillow can also make the room feel “off”, so lets talk about tips for choosing a great pillow!

Quality Inserts

One of the first things you should be considering is the insert. It’s tempting to run into a local big box store, find the cutest, cheapest, trendiest pillow you can find and call it a day. I really like for my throw pillows to serve a function too, so I’ve learned to make sure that the insert is actually comfortable. Will you want to prop it up behind your back on the couch? Is it so thin you don’t know it’s there? Is it actually too small and is really just a pretty thing to look at?

There are several options for the fill of pillow inserts, but I won’t go into too much detail. For sure I love a good down filled insert, but you can usually tell just by squeezing the pillow if the insert will hold it’s shape over time, regardless of whether it is down or not. I’ve found that price does not always determine quality in throw pillows. I’ve purchased pillows from Target that I love and still have their shape years later, and I also have one that went flat fast. Same goes for HomeGoods. Later on in this post I’ll share some of my favorite sources, but you can find good pillows at a great price!

Consider a Cover

If you are someone who changes their pillows out with the seasons, pillows can get a little out of control! Not only does the cost add up over time (even if you’re shopping affordable pillows!), but where do you store them when they aren’t in use? I’ve come to really love the idea of buying new covers instead of an entire pillow, and that’s what I’m shopping for in my living room.

Not only do I have some pillows with removable covers that need updated, I also have some pillows that I just don’t like the print anymore. I can’t remove the cover on those, but I can put a new cover over the top! Of course you can’t control if the store offers the pillow you love in just a cover, but remember that a new cover is an option that will save you storage space and money.

Pattern, Texture, Scale, Color

Throw pillows can be mixed in endless ways. And there are definitely different styles for how it’s done. I’ve seen some really amazing couches where every single pillow is different. I think it looks so great but the lack of symmetry would make me crazy! Another person might think my arrangement is too matchy-matchy. Pillows are personal, so have fun the with arrangement!

Here are a few tips if you’re just not sure where to start:

Depending on how much pattern you already have in the room, consider using 2-3 different patterns (floral, stripes, geometric, for example).
Use different scales for the patterns (small floral, medium stripe, large geometric).
Sometimes a room feels off because it’s lacking texture. Consider linen, velvet, canvas, burlap, cable knit, or faux fur.
Don’t be afraid to use 2-3 colors! Pull from your rug if you have one, or repeat colors from the art in the room. Or consider mixing vibrant colors with more muted ones.

Favorite Pillow Resources

Below is a list of stores that I check out when I’m shopping for new pillows. There is a range of price points, but I’ve had good luck at the more affordable ones too!

Target – I prefer to go in store to shop so I can feel the pillows, but this floral looks amazing, and I love tassels right now.
HomeGoods – Doesn’t offer online shopping, but they always have a great selection of colors and textures.
Crate and Barrel – I have 5 pillows in my cart right now, but this one and this one are my favorite! (their down alternative insert is great!)
Birchlane – really cool texture on this one, and this cable knit looks so comfy!
West Elm – the texture on this one is amazing, and I LOVE this pattern! (both are covers!)
One King’s Lane – this black and white has me wishing I had a room to put it in!
Etsy – Etsy has thousands of pillows, you could spend hours browsing! I found 3 shops that I really want to buy from, Cathy’s Custom Pillows, Sweet Citrus Home, and Twisted Bobbin Designs.
Caitlin Wilson – any of her beautiful pillows would make me very happy, but I think this one is my favorite!

Thanks for reading!! What are your best tips for throw pillows? Share in the comments!

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