Time to Throw Out the Throws?

Throw pillows, not the item you typically think of when you think of interior design. The fact of the matter is that throw pillows are a part of interior design. They can take a bare and empty room and make it appear more finished and elegant.  Throw pillows are essential pieces to your bedroom and living room décor, but they also have a place in almost every room in your house. Read on for tips and tricks on how and where to use them in your own home.

Odd over Even

An old trick of the trade is to do things in odd numbers: three pendent lamps, five throw pillows, flower bunches with seven sprigs.  It is more appealing to the eye to see odd numbers, and for design purposes, it makes the space more artistic and more complete. This “odd” rule applies to most everything in design, and especially to accent pieces: when considering adding throw pillows to your room, opt for an odd number. Use one pillow for a single chair. Use three or five pillows for a standard size sofa, use more if you have an elongated set. For bedroom benches under the window, at the foot of the bed, or for reading nooks in the corner, plan to use five or seven pillows.

Size Matters 

An average sofa is typically between 82″-90″ in length and 32″-37″ in height; the size of the throw pillows matter in comparison to the cushions. Oftentimes, when you purchase a sofa you inherit two standard 20″ x 20″ throw pillows. However, your additional pillows (since it’s best to have an odd number) should vary in size. Opt for 18″ x 18″ pillows for standard size sofas. If you prefer the more modern, clean look, then chances are your seat backs in the sofa are lower; thus, you will want smaller throw pillows closer to 16″ x 16”. If you like a more comfortable or lounge feel, choose the typical 20″ x 20” pillows or oversized 24″x 24” pillows.  Not only do you have the option to play with square sizes, but round and rectangular pillows may also work well in your space. Rectangular pillows work well for both modern and oversized sofas, especially those in large rooms. Round pillows work wonders in rooms that are more eccentric, modern, or unique. If making a comfortable reading space in a nook or under a window is the goal, opt for oversized throws. For accenting dining chairs, smaller, rectangular pillows work best.

Filling Station 

Typically, the pillows that come with your sofa will be made of a synthetic, all-purpose blend unless you order otherwise. The cheaper pillows usually found at department and discount stores also will contain this material or foam. While these fills are great for keeping their shape and lasting through years of wear and tear, they are far from being the most comfortable.  If a comfortable and plush pillow is your main goal, search for pillows filled with down or feathers. While these pillows are enjoyably comfortable, they also class up a room in an instant.

Seasonal Changes 

If you love decorating for the seasons, but after years of dragging out the boxes you’ve tired of the ordeal, then throw pillows will become your new favorite holiday décor. During the winter months, decorate with seasonally inspired throws in creams, greens and reds. For spring, change to throws with vibrant floral hues or pastel designs. In the summer, coastal themed or cool blues and greens are a favorite.  Go with stars with red and white stripes for the 4^th of July. Come fall, throws can again be changed to match the season in golds and rustic red tones.

Variety is your Friend 

Much like odd numbers, variety in your throw pillows will appeal to the eye. Mix and match varying colors, shapes, and textures when searching for your perfect pieces. For a living room sofa, play with solid colored pillows: pillows with embellishments, patterns, textures, and pillows with varying shapes. The same variety can be used for nooks and crannies in your house where you aim to use pillows for comfort. The key to variety is to look for throws that contrast with your furniture but also tie in to other accessories or colors used in the overall room. Your pillow scheme does not have to match colors or tones precisely, but it is best to coordinate them on some level. For example, if you have chairs in a mahogany hue and a sofa in cream, then search for mahogany embellished pillows for your sofa and cream colored hues for your chairs. Or add a patterned cream, mahogany, and orange pillow to your set.

Whatever your goal with pillows may be, we recommend browsing through our showroom or to visit one of our many furniture manufacturers’ websites for inspiration.