Designers have a secret weapon…I am talking, of course, about throw pillows.

There’s always controversy about throw pillows…are they necessary? If so, how many is too many?  

It seems there are two camps of people; those who think throw pillows are a waste or a nuisance and those who think they are they perfect finish for a room. 

I am in the latter camp - I think rooms look unfinished and naked without them.  But it is important to get them right. Not too many, not too few and definitely not too small and ditzy.

They are a perfect way to use a special fabric or trim, and they are often an opportunity to tie everything together and sprinkle accent colors and patterns like fairy dust. 

They can be whimsical and personality filled - I’ve occasionally succumbed to ones with witty or amusing phrases (no more that one per room, though, please!).

And they can be sentimental - At various times I’ve had special needlework, heritage lacework, and vintage rugs all made into pillows for clients.

I feel that including budget for pillows for any sitting room or bedroom space is essential. People often spend a fortune on new furniture and then don’t do the finishing touches - that last 10% that makes the room inviting and wonder why it doesn’t feel complete.

Imagine this large white sectional without the throw pillows...the whole room would just fall flat! We used a mix of sizes, prints and luscious textures that add polish and a beautiful finish to the room.

Throw pillows can be basic or include some artistic features, and pillows that will be used successfully together are a master class in mixing patterns.

Statement pillows 

For a bedroom we are currently working on, the final touch will be a single giant bolster pillow fashioned from a small vintage rug from the homeowners collection.  

A single pillow is easy to move at night, thus eliminating any objections of it being a nuisance. And the size of this one makes a perfect statement to finish the bed in this grandly scaled  room.

These two gorgeous pillows finish a sofa in a very classic seating area in a primary suite.  The appliquéd fabric was an indulgence, but is the perfect statement with all the patterns and colors in the space, and the loop fringe is the ideal finish to the weight of the fabric.

Pillow details

This assortment of windowseat pillows features different trims, contrast welts, and covered buttons.  

Pillows can be finished very simply with a knife edge - this is generally the most contemporary look. These knife edge pillows in a highpoint market showroom make up in texture what they lack in detailing

They can have a classic finish of contrast-welt or self-welt (piping that contrasts with the pillow material or is of the same fabric as the pillow) like the ones shown here.

Or they can be edged in a small flat flanged trim like the one shown below. The flange on these is pleated around the corners. For a more tailored look, flange trim can be mitered at the corners.

Wider flanged edges (like are often found on bed pillow shams) may need some stiffener like buckram interlining so they don’t flop about.

There are zillions of gorgeous trims that can be used to finish pillow edges for a unique point of view  - pleated ribbon trims, tassel trim, fringe trims, tapes and cording.

In addition to, or instead of treating the seams at the edges, we also sometimes create designs on the face of the pillow using elaborate tape trims, layered ribbon trims, buttons, or a mix of solid fabrics to create a pattern. 

The inspiring ones below were spotted in another highpoint market showroom.

Pillow shapes and sizes

For most seating applications, I like to use a mix of 20” square and 18” square pillows with an oblong pillow or two added for variety and layering.

For bedrooms, I might use a mix of euro shams at 26” square, standard or king pillows, and some combination of bolsters, neck rolls or smaller square pillows - it depends on the size of the bed and the style of the room.

Designing pillows is an art all in itself, and so is arranging them.  Planning the arrangement ahead is important so that the fabric choices are deployed appropriately.

This gorgeous set of fabrics is at the workroom right now to become pillows in a current living room refresh project!

Once the pillow covers are made, be sure to use the right fill.  For most pillows, I like to have zippered covers made and use feather and down fillers.  PRO TIP: fillers should measure at least 2” larger in each dimension than the covers for a sumptuous appearance.  

THIS post has illustrations with examples of the number of pillows to use on sofas, sectionals and loveseats.

THIS post has illustrations of pillows for dressing beds of different sizes.

Throw pillows can make the difference between an ordinary room and a welcoming and gracious one, so please take advantage of this easy way to create the perfect room!