If you’re looking to update a room in your home, selecting the right decorative pillows can enliven a space and herald to a new season or a fresh style.
“Soft textiles, such as pillows, add so much dimension to a space,” says Lea Johnson of Creekwoodhill. “They’re an easy way to pepper in personality, hints of color, and pattern.”
Destiny Boyd, in-home design consultant with Calico, likens decorative pillows to what she calls the “Little Black Dress Effect.”
“Picture yourself out shopping for that perfect little party number and trying it on in the dressing room. It's just a black dress.” says Boyd. “It is truly the accessories you pair with it that make that little black dress and ensemble! The same effect can be applied to your home in small (often neglected) accessories such as pillows.”
Customizing Decorative Pillows
Homeowners who are looking for an extra-special touch can work with designers and consultants to add details that make pillows one-of-a-kind.
“Fringes, trims, tapes, and contrasting backs—those details are what truly give you that custom look,” says Boyd. “They say to your guests that you thought about every single detail and selection, right down to the very last stitch. Details like that make your house a home.”
How to Mix and Match Throw Pillows
“Much like drapery, pillows are the jewelry and finishing touch to every room,” says Kelly Page, lifestyle blogger at BlueGrayGal. “When you have custom pillows, you can bring in gorgeous details to make the space yours.”
Boyd recommends alternating pillows with texture and pattern to keep the look interesting and inviting. “Your spaces crave texture, color, and detail,” she says.
Getting the balance right is key to nailing that magazine-worthy look. “If not done correctly, too many large prints can be overwhelming to the eye,” says Heinz. “Conversely, a space devoid of any patterned pillows can feel incomplete.”
How to Decorate a Bed with Pillows
“Sometimes less is more. I like to keep beds simple when it comes to pillows,” says Heinz, who recommends finishing the bed with two sleeping pillows, two Euro shams that are 26x26 inches, and a decorative pillow in front.
Decorative Pillow Sizes
Choosing the perfect decorative pillow for your space starts by identifying the right pillow sizes. Designs can fall flat if the sizing is too small or too large for a piece of furniture or a particular room.
“Scale is especially important when it comes to sizing pillows,” says Heintz.
According to Heintz, the following decorative pillow sizes are most common:
- 16x16 inches
- 18x18 inches
- 12x24 inches
- 20x20 inches
Tips for Decorative Pillow Inserts
“There is a polyfill that gives it a very plumped look if it's a room that needs structure,” says Page. “Or you could do a soft insert for a relaxed, cozy feel.”
“This allows for soft pillows that have a great shape and can easily be fluffed up.”
How to Clean Decorative Pillows
“Think of them like your fanciest dress,” says Page. “You wouldn't throw it in the laundry with towels, would you?”
“A good cleaner will be able to bring your pillows back to life,” says Heinz. “The best way to make sure it is done right is keep a fabric sample with the material content on the back and show this to the cleaner.”
Calico can help you create the custom decorative pillows to complement your room. Choose from more than 5,000 fabric options, including stain-resistant performance fabrics.