What’s the best sectional pillow arrangement? What size & type of pillow inserts should you use? Get ready for Pillows 101 with all the details on choosing and arranging throw pillows!
One of the simplest ways to instantly upgrade you living or family room is to swap out your throw pillows. While choosing the right pillow fabric for your space is key, it’s just as important that you choose the right size, pillow insert, and arrangement. I’ve put together my five best tips for doing just that so you’ll be a throw pillow pro 🙂 (post includes some affiliate links – see my full disclosure statement {here}):
1. Size Up on Your Pillow Inserts
Use pillow inserts that are 2″ larger than the size of your pillow covers. So if you have 20″ square pillow covers, use 22″ square inserts. For 24″ pillows, use 26″ inserts, etc. The bigger insert size will transform your pillows from all lazy and slouchy to plump and pretty like the ones on {our family room} sectional:
and these in our guest bedroom:
2. Upgrading Your Inserts Makes a Huge Difference
Not all pillow inserts are created equal. I’m ok with cheap polyester inserts if they’re in pillows that are purely decorative like the gray velvet pillows on the bed in {our master bedroom}:
(Pillows on bed: Euro sham fabric (gray geometric) | Gray velvet pillows (similar) | Floral lumbar pillow)
Polyester inserts actually do a nice job of keeping pillows full and upright so they’re perfect for the I-just-need-to-look-pretty job. But most of the pillows in your house need to do more than just to look nice, they’re there to be used and polyester inserts are far from cuddle-worthy. For throw pillows on sofas and chairs, down/feather filled is the way to go. They’re so much more plush and they have a much heavier, luxe weight than polyester. Plus they chop a whole lot better (more on that in a minute). My favorites inserts are 25% down/75% feathers but they’re pretty pricey. It’s totally fine to save a few bucks and get less expensive ones that are 5% down/95% feathers – they’re great too (I recommend both {these ComfyDown inserts} and {these inserts}). You can also raid the HomeGoods clearance section for pillows with nice inserts (just totally disregard what the pillow cover looks like) and get some steals!
What if you’re allergic to feathers? I haven’t ever tried them but several people have told me that they love {these down alternative pillows}. Also, {these Pillowflex synthetic down inserts} get great reviews.
One last little tidbit – just because I don’t like polyester inserts in my sofa pillows, it doesn’t mean that I don’t ever buy pillows that come with them. Just make sure that they have a zipper so you can swap out the insert for a better quality one. I rotate my pillows with the seasons so I always have extra inserts on hand and don’t mind at all if I find a polyester-filled one I love because I’ve got a down insert stash on hand to do an easy swap.
3. This Pillow Arrangement is a Winner for Sofas & Sectionals
Groups of pillows on a sofa or sectional look best when they have a layered look which you get from using different pillow sizes. There’s no one this-is-the-only-right-way arrangement but I’ll share what works well for me. For a sofa, I usually use two 22″ pillows on the ends with two 20″ pillows in front of them. For a sectional, I use that same combination on the ends and in the corner I simply add a lumbar pillow into the mix: (image is pinnable if you want to save it for reference!)
Some people like to have more pillows than this on a sectional but I don’t like having so many that I keep having to take pillows off my couch to use it and then put them back on afterwards. I’m lazy that way. Plus, you know me – I kinda keep things tailored and to a minimum.
4. Chop Your Pillows… or Don’t
Ahh… the age old chop or not chop question 🙂 . This is totally a personal preference thing – no right or wrong answers here. Me? I don’t chop my bed pillows but do chop my square couch pillows. So mine look like this:
whereas without giving them a little chop they’d look like this:
(Pillows: Gray and white floral/dragon pillows, Cream with black dots pillow)
Which look do you guys like best?
5. Find Killer Pillows at These Go-To Shops
My favorite source to buy pillows from is Etsy – there’s a HUGE selection and you can find everything from the best designer fabrics all the way down to super inexpensive ones. And for someone like me who doesn’t make her own pillows (truly, I’ve GOT to tackle becoming a better sewer!) it’s cheaper to buy an Etsy pillow than to buy the fabric and pay someone to sew the pillow. These are a few of my favorite Etsy shops for pillows:
Other stores that I have good luck with for pillows are Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily, and Anthropologie. These are a few of my current favorites (scroll and click/tap to shop!):
I think that’s enough pillow talk for today – if you have any other burning pillow questions that I didn’t address, throw them out there in the comments! If your pillow cover stash is starting to get a bit out of control, check out {this post} on the simple way I store my extra pillow covers and inserts!
XOXO,
Kris,
Just want to let you know that my husband used his new grill brush the other night (the one you recommended for guy gifts) and he held it up and asked “who gave me this for a Christmas?” I reminded him that it came from me and he said “best brush I ever had”!!
Oh I love that!! Hopefully I can come up with some good stuff next Christmas too so you can keep your winner gift trend going! 🙂
I agree wholeheartedly on down inserts in your pillows/cushions. I like that sink in feeling, not the “what’s in my back?” feeling.
I don’t rabbit ear mine anymore. For awhile, every picture you saw in magazines, Pinterest, catalogues and on blogs were rabbit ears. The look got overused, so I went back to leaving mine with the natural curve of a good down filled throw pillow. So, I prefer your last pic.
Thanks for weighing in Joanna! Yes, I agree it was definitely a “thing” to chop them for awhile there.
Great post. My problem is that I’ve mastered the insert portion, but where can I find affordable pillow covers?
Sherry, I just added a little bit more info to the end of my post to address your question because it’s a good one! I love Etsy!! They have all price points and some amazing fabrics – I linked to some favorites at the end of my post!
Great post on pillows Kris!
I sew a ton of pillows and have become a pillow snob myself. I always tell customers that the extra money spent on 25/75 blend is an investment that will last forever.
Also, the ticking or outside cover of insert is important so the duck feathers don’t leak thru. I am going to share your column on my Facebook page.
~another pillow snob.
Yes, you are so right Lisa – the outside cover can make or break a good down pillow – it’s no fun getting stuck with feathers left and right!
You mentioned… {these synthetic down inserts} …
I ordered the 36″ long Pillowflex insert about a year ago and LOVE it.
That’s so good to know! Thanks for sharing!
Your tips are always so informative! I have also bought some great pillows from Etsy and loved them! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Shelley
Thanks Shelley – hope you enjoy yours too – it’s been so beautiful out!!
Kris,
This is helpful information. I have stepped up my game with throw pillows. I’m happy to know that Etsy has a great selection of pillow covers. I confess, while I could probably sew my own, I prefer to buy them already made. I have a good local source for the pillow inserts and they sell the lesser polyester versions as well as the down. It was good advice to buy the poly for decoration only pillows saving the cozy feather/down for comfort.
I love the way your sectional looks with the pillows you’ve selected.
xo,
Karen
Thanks Karen! Warning – shopping for pillows on Etsy can be super addicting!! :}
Thanks for sourcing the inserts – I’ve had a heck of a time finding good ones! Also, I love the step-by-step on arranging pillows on a sectional! Do you have a favorite Etsy vendor?
I’m glad you found it helpful! PillowTimeGirls, PopoColor, and WillaSkyeHome are a few of my faves!
great post! I am a chopper on the sofa but not on the bed…too funny…I think the 90/10 down pillows are fine. I am usually too cheap to spring for the 75/25!
Ha! Great minds… I’ve always done the 90/10 until I got a pair of 75/25 and now I’m addicted – lol!
I’m in love with this sectional sofa! Can you share where you got it from? I believe my 2 year search for the perfect couch may finally be over!
Hi Jessica! Our sectional is from Lee Industries – there’s a link to the exact style and info and the name of the fabric I chose at the end of this post under the Source List: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/2016/11/one-room-challenge-family-room-reveal.html We love it!
In the section about arranging pillows, you mention that you place a 22 inch pillow behind a 20 inch pillow. Earlier in the post, you say that for a 22 inch cover, you use a 24 inch insert, etc. When you are arranging the pillows, which size insert are you using and which size cover? Thanks!
Hi Kit,
I typically use a 22inch pillow cover (with a 24″ insert) plus a 20″ pillow cover (with a 22″ insert). Hope that helps clarify!
What about inserts for bed pillow shams? Everything I buy ends up being way too small.
Linda I have the same problem – I usually use two pillows that are on the flatter side – it makes the shams nice and full!
Can you mix a paisley print pillow and polka dot pillow?
Thanks in advance.
Absolutely! I’d likely throw a solid pillow in the mix too!
Two sofas facing each other on each side of a fireplace, do the throw pillows have to match exactly on each sofa?
That’s totally personal preference but for me, no they wouldn’t have to match but the style/colors would need to coordinate.
How would you lay out the pillows if one seat was separated from the others in your sectional? The far left seat on mine has a single seat separated with an arm rest/cup holder and I’m not sure how to ‘balance’ it out :/
I’m having a hard time getting a visual of this but for unique situations like yours, you usually just have to play around with different pillow options until you find one that works – there’s really no tried and true formula. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Hi there, off topic,however, where did u get the acrylic table from?
There’s a direct link to my acrylic table and my other family room furnishings and accessories in this post: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/one-room-challenge-family-room-reveal/
Nice article!
I prefer slouchy throw pillows to plump ones, maybe because they look more relaxed and inviting.
I completely agree with you on the feather inserts though; polyester fills can make the pillows fall over too easily, and as another commenter mentioned, they can be uncomfortable too.
Hi there!
This post was so helpful! I have a very large (oversized, really) sectional with a chaise end. I think I need one more pillow
In each section so it looks more balanced. How would you incorporate that? Add A smaller print on each end and maybe another solid in the middle? All new colors and prints? We also have an accent chair (solid color) in the room and can’t figure out if the pillow
Should match one on the sectional or just coordinate?
Thanks so much for the amazing design and decor advice!
Gwen I think your plan sounds perfect – add another patterned pillow on each end and a solid in the middle – another option would be to add pillows that have some great texture in either one color or subtle colors. For your accent chair, you can do either – if you choose a different one than one that’s on your sectional, just make sure it coordinates well with the rest. Hope that helps a little but I think you were already on the right track!
HELP!!!
OMG after searching I cannot find my problem addressed anywhere, so thought I’d ask you. You seem to be in the know about all things “pillow”. Just got a new L shaped sectional couch and while I love it, I hate the pillows! There are 6 in all, 21″ square, and all are VERY HARD, I mean I think you could break a window with them! I do like the color , half are a subtle pretty print, the other half are a navy windowpane pattern. The navy colored ones are quite scratchy.
These things are brand new, I hate to waste them and buy all new ones! I sew all the time BUT before I rip into these, I cannot decide what to do.
1 Open an end and try to remove half of whatever is in there? (It could be concrete though…) And then resew… (I am not sure that this stuffing is the kind you could take out and refluff, it feels HARD…did I mention that?)
2 Cut off all the fabric and remake smaller pillow covers to slip over old throws. (which are rather flat now) I hate losing the cording, which would be a PIA to try to save.
These things more or less take up the seating space of the entire couch and will half to be on the floor if we want to sit there.
Suggestions?
You are hysterical! I would try to take out ALL of the hard stuff that’s inside and put new down inserts in (use 22″ inserts) and sew them back up!
Thx for the reply. I think that may be the only viable solution.
Hi… I was just wondering where that white throw with the Pom poms is from? I love it
Thank you!!
Sorry for the late reply – it was a HomeGoods find!
Nice post. I have a large leather sectional, that came with 2 25” leather pillows….I just made 2 23” silk. Plaid, looks awesome….to make this asymmetrical…..what size rectangle would you recommend. Was thinking 16” x 25”. All pillows have down fill….thank you, looking forward to your recommendation.
Debbie that sounds about right to me!!
Thanks for the info
I love pillows! I’ve had really good luck purchasing high quality covers at estate sales and they were used on the guest bed so just like new! I’m like you, keep a lot of down inserts to rotate the covers. You can change the mood of the whole room by changing out the pillows.
I’m jealous that you have such a great source with the estate sales in your area! Here in CT, all of the estate sales I go to have ugly granny pillows!
I have looked online for what size pillow to use on a standard size white wicker rocker with a bottom cushion. I have not found anything for single chairs, just couches and beds. What would you recommend?
I typically use a 22″ pillow for an upholstered chair or rocker!
I LOVE this article! It was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I needed a formula and that is just what you provided. I have a question. When you refer to the pillow sizes you recommend, is that the insert size or the cover size. I get that I need to buy inserts 2 inches bigger. Thanks so much!!!
It’s the cover size!
Hi Kris
Love the article. Did I miss the link of where you purchase your 25/75 feather and down inserts? Thank you.
Pat
Hi Pat, I actually buy those locally at a store called Banksville Fabrics. I think they have an online site too!
What size pillows should be used for a window seat that’s 15.5” by 70”?
Thank you!
I don’t really have a formula for window seats and change mine up a lot but most often I have 24″ pillows on the end and some 22″ and 20″ ones scattered throughout the rest!
What do you suggest to put on a large white marble kitchen island ?
In your guide to sectional pillow sizes, are you referring to the insert size or the cover size?
The pillow cover size!
Could you provide a design for sectionals without arms. I have one that is 16 feet long, armless with 5 cushions. I usually use 2 -18” pillows for each cushion. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Sheryl
I haven’t ever used an armless sectional so don’t have personal experience to share on what worked best for me but I’d like try trios of pillows on each of the ends and in the corner just like you would on an armed sectional.
Kris, I LOVE your blog!! I’m so glad I found it. Your advice has already helped me so much – and your site is so easy to use. I love your decorating style and that you provide sources to find your favorite things. It’s really nice that you not only share higher ticket items – but also great finds that are a bargain. Thank you for all the tips! I look forward to every post and your site is so easy to use. Thank you!!!! 🙂
I just love the blues and greys. Your linen sectional is the the perfect colour for those blues. The punch of colour with the posies. Perfect.
Oh my goodness you made my day! My family and friends call me “the pillow queen”.
Thanks for always sharing such good content! Keep fluffing!!