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Decorating with pillows is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room. The right combination can transform a sofa or bed and bring in the look and feel of each season. I usually reach for a mix of floral, geometric and solid pillows that I can mix and match for a stylish, cohesive look.
Here is exactly how I pair them, with my own pillow combination and sizes, plus solid, floral and geometric pillow covers linked below the photos, so just swipe through to shop!
My Pillow Combination (and Sizes)
This is the exact mix on my sofa: 22″ square pillows at the back, 20″ pillows in front of them and 14×20″ lumbars in the middle. Tip: size up one for inserts (a 22″ cover gets a 24″ insert) so they look full. Lumbar inserts stay true to size.
Understanding the Basics
- Floral pillows bring a touch of nature indoors. They range from delicate, subtle patterns to bold prints and add softness and elegance.
- Geometric pillows use shapes like squares, lines and checks to add structure, modern energy and visual interest.
- Solid pillows are the staple. They tie the patterns together and ground the whole arrangement.
Start with a Solid Foundation
Begin with solid pillows as your base. Choose colors that work with your existing decor. Neutrals like beige, cream, gray and white are versatile and blend with any pattern.
Introduce Floral Elements
- Color coordination: make sure the floral includes colors that are in your solid pillows, so nothing clashes.
- Balance: don’t overwhelm the space. One or two florals mixed with solids feels balanced.
- Scale: pair a larger floral print with a smaller, more intricate pattern for depth.
Add Geometric Flair
- Contrast: a crisp check or stripe looks beautiful next to a soft, flowing floral.
- Color matching: make sure each geometric shares at least one color with your floral and solid pillows.
- Placement: put geometric pillows at the ends or in the center of the arrangement to draw the eye.
Create a Cohesive Look
- Use odd numbers. Three, five or seven pillows look more natural on most sofas and beds.
- Layer sizes. Start with the largest pillows at the back and work forward to smaller ones. I use 22″, 20″ and a lumbar.
- Mix textures. Combine linen solids, woven checks and printed florals for depth.
Shop the Rest of My Living Room
Pillow pairing is all about balancing color, pattern and texture, so don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts! See more of my pillow combinations in my 5 tips for pairing pillows, see how I style a quilt on a bed in three ways to style a quilt, and shop everything in my home on my Shop Our Home page.