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,
Janet Cameron says
What size pillows can I put on both ends of a 72” church pew in my hall entry way?
Betty says
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!!
J.Bailey says
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.
Jeannine Casey says
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!!!! 🙂
Sheryl Algee Home says
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
Kris Jarrett says
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.
Ashley says
In your guide to sectional pillow sizes, are you referring to the insert size or the cover size?
Kris Jarrett says
The pillow cover size!
Susan Leifer says
What do you suggest to put on a large white marble kitchen island ?
Coleen says
What size pillows should be used for a window seat that’s 15.5” by 70”?
Thank you!
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Pat says
Hi 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
Hi Pat, I actually buy those locally at a store called Banksville Fabrics. I think they have an online site too!
Karen says
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!!!
Kris Jarrett says
It’s the cover size!
Jill says
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.
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Lynn Myrvang says
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?
Kris Jarrett says
I typically use a 22″ pillow for an upholstered chair or rocker!
Debbie says
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.
Kris Jarrett says
Debbie that sounds about right to me!!
Jessica says
Thanks for the info
Nikki says
Hi… I was just wondering where that white throw with the Pom poms is from? I love it
Thank you!!
Kris Jarrett says
Sorry for the late reply – it was a HomeGoods find!
Gerry Meier says
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?
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Gerry says
Thx for the reply. I think that may be the only viable solution.
Gwen says
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!
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Jhonea says
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.