The Do's and Don't's of Decorating with Couch Throw Pillows

It is safe to say that throw pillows are now considered an integral part of most modern living rooms. Once thought of as irritating accessories that got in the way, they have continued to grow in popularity and are now used by interior designers to accentuate existing aesthetic choices.

However, despite their simplicity and versatility, they can still be divisive when used incorrectly, and there are still certain unspoken rules regarding pillow etiquette.

That is why we've put together this handy guide detailing how to get the most out of your decorative pillows while also highlighting a few things you should look to avoid.

What are throw pillows?

The term 'throw pillow' comes from the fact that they aren't usually part of any pre-assembled furniture set. Instead, they are 'thrown' onto couches, sofas, and beds as an addition to what is already there. They are also often referred to as scatter cushions.

They also differ from standard pillows in that they are designed to be aesthetically pleasing rather than functional. Though they can match the size of sofa or bed pillows, they aren't usually intended to be slept on. Pillow covers can also be made from less comfortable textures, so they are not always the best item on which to rest your head.

Benefits of throw pillows

As mentioned above, throw pillows are not always the optimal choice for getting a good night's sleep. However, there are several other benefits and reasons why you should look to decorate your living room or bedroom with these charming accessories.

Comfort

Depending on the material and plushness, throw pillows can still be a comfortable addition to your sofa. Many high-quality textures, such as velvet, are pleasant to the touch, and generously filled pillows like the Fatboy King Pillow in soft velvet can be extremely comfortable.

Aesthetic

Thanks to the enormous range of textures, colors, and sizes they come in, throw pillows can add visual appeal and a cohesive look to any aesthetic. Vibrant sofa pillows draw attention to certain parts of a living room, while soft, serene linen shades such as our Gemma decorative pillow in charcoal or mineral help create a more tranquil mood.

Gemma Decorative Pillowby Area · See productAiayu Cushionby Fritz Hansen · See productBarriere Pillowby Skagerak by Fritz Hansen · See productRAY Cushionby Pappelina · See product

Health

Throw pillows come in all shapes and sizes, including lumbar shapes that tuck into the small of your back. A long, rectangular pillow such as the Fritz Hansen AJ Cushion in its 22″ × 14.2″ size fills the gap between you and the sofa back, supporting the natural curve of your spine for a more comfortable seat.

Cost-Effectiveness

For the impact that they can have on a room, throw pillows can often be very cost-effective design accessories. As with most decor items, this can vary widely depending on the brand and material, but there is no doubt that throw pillows will be available no matter what budget you are working with.

Decorating with Throw Pillows - Things to Consider

Now that you have an understanding of why they are such a great addition to a living space or bedroom, it's time to take a look at what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to maximizing the impact of your throw cushions.

How many pillows on a couch?

Often a subject of heated debate, the ideal number of pillows for your couch depends on a number of factors, such as the pillow size and the length of the couch. There is no magic number to this - you are free to have as many cushions as you wish. However, when you reach the point of your guests having to put them on the floor just to sit down, it may indicate that you have too many pillows.

As a general rule, a two-seated sofa or couch should have three pillows, while for the more extended three-seated variety, you could potentially go up to five or more. Interior designers often recommend having an odd number of pillows as this is considered a more modern look and can remove stilted symmetry from your designs.

Layering your pillows

If you are looking to implement a higher number of pillows, you should opt to mix and match their sizes. Similarly to the previous point, a universal size may create a slightly bland, uniform look.

Having multiple pillows, with the smaller varieties resting in front of the larger ones, can create quite a striking look. The largest pillow cushions should be placed in the corners of the sofa.

Avoid diverse colors and textures

A great benefit to throw pillows can become a hindrance in that sometimes there is too much choice. It can be tempting to pick a selection of the best throw pillows in the hope that they look good together.

As with all design choices, the throw pillows you select need some form of careful consideration. Even if they all look great individually, pillow colors that don't complement each other or textures that clash will not create the aesthetic you are after.

Instead, stick to one color scheme already present in your room, and keep the fabrics and textures consistent. A family of pillows in the same fabric, such as Fatboy’s recycled velvet pillows in different shapes, makes this easy:

King Indoor Pillowby Fatboy · See productRoyal Velvet Accent Pillowby Fatboy · See productPuff Rolster Recycled Velvet Pillowby Fatboy · See productRecycled Cord Pill Pillowby Fatboy · See product

Be bold and creative

There is a difference between selecting pillows that clash and being bold in your choices. If your room already has a range of feisty colors and patterns, you will want your throw pillows to emulate this. Many throw pillow cover patterns are very elaborate and will instantly draw the eye of your guests if used correctly.

To avoid overloading the senses with an abundance of color, try incorporating a couple of neutral pillows into the setup to retain some balance to the overall aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

There is no hard and fast rule that you need to stick to when it comes to throw pillows. Their beauty is their versatility and how easy they are to remove if they no longer suit your purpose or preference. You don't necessarily have to get rid of the pillow - separate pillow covers provide more scope for design choices and aesthetics.

At Viesso, we pride ourselves on our diverse collection of accessories and products designed to suit homes of all sizes. As with all our collections, each piece we curate has been manufactured by creators who share our vision and principles of sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

If you would like some help choosing what’s best for your home, or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also browse our full collection of accent pillows and throws.