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 your throw pillows!
Happy weekend my friends! I’m popping in for a few minutes to share a couple of simple tips for how to choose and arrange your throw pillows. Yep, I’m all about addressing the hard-hitting issues of life here on Driven by Decor :). But come on, who doesn’t like a little pillow talk – those comfy little guys can totally take a room from ho-hum to amazing! 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. Here are my five tips for doing just that (post includes some affiliate links – see my full disclosure statement {here}):
#1 What size pillow inserts should I use?
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 proud like the ones on {our family room} sectional:
(Gray and white floral/dragon pillows found {here})
#2 What type of pillow insert is best?
Not all pillow inserts are created equal. I’m totally ok with cheap polyester inserts if they’re in pillows that are purely decorative like these pretty gray velvet pillows (mine are no longer available but {these} are similar) on the bed in {our master bedroom}:
(Pillows on bed: Euro sham fabric (gray geometric) | Cream standard shams | 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’ve used both {these inserts} and {these inserts} and liked them). 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 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 How should I arrange pillows on sofas & sectionals and what size should I use?
Groups of pillows on a bed or sofa 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. And sometimes when I’m feeling kinda crazy I’ll throw a rectangular lumbar pillow into the mix.
For a sectional, what’s worked best for me is this combination (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 To chop or not to chop?
Ahh… the age old chop or not chop question 🙂 . This is totally a personal preference thing – no right or wrong answers here. Me? I’m 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 Where do you find good pillows?
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. Other stores that I have luck with for pillows are Pottery Barn, Nordstrom, and HomeGoods. 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! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
XOXO,
Lynette says
February 25, 2017 at 8:48 pmKris,
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”!!
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:00 pmOh I love that!! Hopefully I can come up with some good stuff next Christmas too so you can keep your winner gift trend going! 🙂
Joanna says
February 25, 2017 at 8:56 pmI 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.
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:01 pmThanks for weighing in Joanna! Yes, I agree it was definitely a “thing” to chop them for awhile there.
Sherry J says
February 26, 2017 at 1:44 amGreat post. My problem is that I’ve mastered the insert portion, but where can I find affordable pillow covers?
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:03 pmSherry, 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!
Lisa says
February 26, 2017 at 8:44 amGreat 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.
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:03 pmYes, 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!
Susan says
February 26, 2017 at 9:57 amYou mentioned… {these synthetic down inserts} …
I ordered the 36″ long Pillowflex insert about a year ago and LOVE it.
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:04 pmThat’s so good to know! Thanks for sharing!
Calypso in the Country says
February 26, 2017 at 10:19 amYour tips are always so informative! I have also bought some great pillows from Etsy and loved them! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Shelley
Kris Jarrett says
February 26, 2017 at 3:04 pmThanks Shelley – hope you enjoy yours too – it’s been so beautiful out!!
Garden, Home and Party says
February 26, 2017 at 7:33 pmKris,
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
Kris Jarrett says
March 2, 2017 at 10:46 pmThanks Karen! Warning – shopping for pillows on Etsy can be super addicting!! :}
Life On Hill Street says
February 27, 2017 at 10:40 amThanks 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?
Kris Jarrett says
March 2, 2017 at 10:48 pmI’m glad you found it helpful! PillowTimeGirls, PopoColor, and WillaSkyeHome are a few of my faves!
cindy hattersley says
February 27, 2017 at 6:45 pmgreat 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!
Kris Jarrett says
March 2, 2017 at 10:50 pmHa! Great minds… I’ve always done the 90/10 until I got a pair of 75/25 and now I’m addicted – lol!
JessicaL says
April 19, 2017 at 11:53 pmI’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!
Kris Jarrett says
April 26, 2017 at 8:56 pmHi 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!
Kit Sawers says
November 25, 2017 at 6:19 pmIn 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!
Kris Jarrett says
December 12, 2017 at 10:00 pmHi 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!
Linda says
January 3, 2018 at 2:33 amWhat about inserts for bed pillow shams? Everything I buy ends up being way too small.
Kris Jarrett says
January 15, 2018 at 10:30 pmLinda I have the same problem – I usually use two pillows that are on the flatter side – it makes the shams nice and full!
ALLYSON NOVELLANO says
January 4, 2018 at 8:58 amCan you mix a paisley print pillow and polka dot pillow?
Thanks in advance.
Kris Jarrett says
January 15, 2018 at 10:25 pmAbsolutely! I’d likely throw a solid pillow in the mix too!
K says
February 7, 2018 at 6:27 amTwo sofas facing each other on each side of a fireplace, do the throw pillows have to match exactly on each sofa?
Kris Jarrett says
February 23, 2018 at 10:32 amThat’s totally personal preference but for me, no they wouldn’t have to match but the style/colors would need to coordinate.
Kristen says
February 17, 2018 at 10:39 amHow 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 :/
Kris Jarrett says
February 23, 2018 at 10:07 amI’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!
Elena says
February 19, 2018 at 1:15 amHi there, off topic,however, where did u get the acrylic table from?
Kris Jarrett says
February 23, 2018 at 10:05 amThere’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/
Jhonea says
March 1, 2018 at 7:37 amNice 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.
Gwen says
June 21, 2018 at 10:55 amHi 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!
Kris Jarrett says
July 26, 2018 at 11:00 pmGwen 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!
Gerry Meier says
July 11, 2018 at 11:29 amHELP!!!
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?
Kris Jarrett says
July 26, 2018 at 11:54 pmYou 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!
Gerry says
July 27, 2018 at 8:12 amThx for the reply. I think that may be the only viable solution.
Nikki says
July 22, 2018 at 12:27 amHi… I was just wondering where that white throw with the Pom poms is from? I love it
Thank you!!
Kris Jarrett says
September 9, 2018 at 11:00 pmSorry for the late reply – it was a HomeGoods find!
Debbie says
September 4, 2018 at 12:58 amNice 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.
Kris Jarrett says
September 10, 2018 at 12:41 amDebbie that sounds about right to me!!
Jessica says
November 9, 2018 at 2:11 pmThanks for the info
Jill says
December 22, 2018 at 6:18 pmI 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.
Kris Jarrett says
January 2, 2019 at 1:07 pmI’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!
Lynn Myrvang says
March 19, 2019 at 1:45 amI 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?
Kris Jarrett says
March 24, 2019 at 11:34 pmI typically use a 22″ pillow for an upholstered chair or rocker!
Karen says
March 31, 2019 at 11:33 amI 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!!!
Kris Jarrett says
May 28, 2019 at 8:49 pmIt’s the cover size!
Pat says
April 14, 2019 at 4:51 pmHi Kris
Love the article. Did I miss the link of where you purchase your 25/75 feather and down inserts? Thank you.
Pat
Kris Jarrett says
May 28, 2019 at 8:10 pmHi Pat, I actually buy those locally at a store called Banksville Fabrics. I think they have an online site too!
Coleen says
August 2, 2019 at 4:53 pmWhat size pillows should be used for a window seat that’s 15.5” by 70”?
Thank you!
Kris Jarrett says
August 14, 2019 at 9:55 amI 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!
Susan Leifer says
October 24, 2019 at 8:13 amWhat do you suggest to put on a large white marble kitchen island ?
Ashley says
January 18, 2020 at 11:13 amIn your guide to sectional pillow sizes, are you referring to the insert size or the cover size?
Kris Jarrett says
January 20, 2020 at 12:05 pmThe pillow cover size!
Sheryl Algee Home says
January 20, 2020 at 2:38 pmCould 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
Kris Jarrett says
January 28, 2020 at 12:53 pmI 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.