One of the most budget-friendly ways to update the look of your living room is with a few new throw pillows. But once you start pillow shopping, it’s actually pretty easy to get stuck on which ones to choose. If you get throw pillow paralysis wondering what size throw pillows to get, how to arrange throw pillows on your couch, and which pillow inserts are best, this post’s for you!
I’ve put together my tips for shopping for and arranging throw pillows so you can choose the sizes, styles, and arrangement of pillows that give you the perfect stylish update! Let’s get to it… (post includes some affiliate links – see my full disclosure statement {here}):
Pillow Arrangements for Couches & Sectionals
Throw pillows on a couch 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.
On most couches, I use a 22″ pillow + a 20″ pillow on each end. For couches that are bulkier and/or have higher back cushions, you can size up and use a combination of a 24″ pillow + a 22″ pillow on each end. The key is to use throw pillows of varying sizes with the larger sizes in the back and smaller sizes layered on top.
You could also throw some lumbar pillows into the mix! If you have an especially long couch, a combination of a 22″ pillow + 20″ pillow + lumbar pillow on each end is a great combination.
What about a sectional? I typically use the same combinations as with couches, choosing a 22″ + 20″ or 24″ + 22″ pillow combo on each end and then a trio of pillows of varying sizes in the corner of the sectional such as a 22″ pillow + 20″ pillow + lumbar pillow:
If you have an especially large sectional, you could add a few more pillows to the mix but I prefer to fill any empty-looking space with a throw blanket or two draped over the back of it. You don’t want to use so many throw pillows that you’re always having to remove some before finding a comfortable spot to sit.
Solids vs. Patterns
What if you’re not sure whether to choose solids or patterns or a mix? There are no rules here but a simple combination that works well is to use 1-2 solid colors, one large-scale pattern, and one small-scale pattern (often a geometric) for the throw pillows on each furniture piece.
The Best Pillow Inserts
This tip is key! You want your throw pillows to look nice and full which is done by choosing 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:
Also, the TYPE of pillow insert makes a difference. All pillow inserts are definitely not created equal! Steer clear of polyester pillow inserts and instead choose a down/feather combination or a down-alternative insert. Down inserts are so much more plush and comfortable to sink into and have a much heavier, luxe weight than polyester. Plus you can “chop” them a whole lot better too (more on that in a minute).
My favorite sink-into-them inserts are 25% down/75% feathers but they’re really pricey so I don’t have many of these. Most of my pillow inserts are combination of 5% down/95% feathers (I specifically recommend {these ComfyDown inserts}).
What if you’re allergic to feathers? I haven’t ever tried them, but {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.
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)
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Which look do you guys like best?
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.
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,
Elena says
Hi there, off topic,however, where did u get the acrylic table from?
Kris Jarrett says
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/
Kristen says
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 :/
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Khaila says
You always have the answers to all my questions. As I was reading I said ‘but where and how do I store all of these’ and lo and behold you have a post on that! Lol. Thanks for being so detailed!
K says
Two sofas facing each other on each side of a fireplace, do the throw pillows have to match exactly on each sofa?
Kris Jarrett says
That’s totally personal preference but for me, no they wouldn’t have to match but the style/colors would need to coordinate.
ALLYSON NOVELLANO says
Can you mix a paisley print pillow and polka dot pillow?
Thanks in advance.
Kris Jarrett says
Absolutely! I’d likely throw a solid pillow in the mix too!
Linda says
What about inserts for bed pillow shams? Everything I buy ends up being way too small.
Kris Jarrett says
Linda I have the same problem – I usually use two pillows that are on the flatter side – it makes the shams nice and full!
Kit Sawers says
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!
Kris Jarrett says
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!
JessicaL says
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!
Kris Jarrett says
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!
cindy hattersley says
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!
Kris Jarrett says
Ha! Great minds… I’ve always done the 90/10 until I got a pair of 75/25 and now I’m addicted – lol!
Life On Hill Street says
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?
Kris Jarrett says
I’m glad you found it helpful! PillowTimeGirls, PopoColor, and WillaSkyeHome are a few of my faves!
Garden, Home and Party says
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
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Karen! Warning – shopping for pillows on Etsy can be super addicting!! :}
Calypso in the Country says
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
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Shelley – hope you enjoy yours too – it’s been so beautiful out!!
Susan says
You mentioned… {these synthetic down inserts} …
I ordered the 36″ long Pillowflex insert about a year ago and LOVE it.
Kris Jarrett says
That’s so good to know! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
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.
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Sherry J says
Great post. My problem is that I’ve mastered the insert portion, but where can I find affordable pillow covers?
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Joanna says
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.
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks for weighing in Joanna! Yes, I agree it was definitely a “thing” to chop them for awhile there.
Lynette says
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”!!
Kris Jarrett says
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! 🙂