How to Arrange Pillows on a Sofa
Easy tips for artful arrangements.
Throw pillows are one of our favorite ways to elevate a living room sofa. They're inexpensive, so you can change them out seasonally or whenever the mood strikes. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and pattern options, so there's truly something for everybody. And they add a layer of comfort to your couch, so you'll be able to catch up with friends – or catch up on shows – in a soft, cozy space.
If you find yourself wondering how many pillows go on a couch or how to arrange pillows on a couch, keep reading below for some of our best kept pillow-arranging secrets.
How Many Pillows Go on a Couch?
If you've wondered how many pillows go on a sofa or aren't sure which pillows go where, we've simplified it below.
An odd number of pillows looks the most natural and creates an inviting feeling. When decorating for smaller sofas and loveseats, we recommend three pillows. For large sofas and sectionals, we recommend five pillows. Of course, there is no wrong number of pillows for your arrangement, and the most important thing is to do what works best for you.
How to Arrange Pillows on a Sofa
Try the 1-2-3 Method
The simplest way to get a pillow arrangement right is to follow the 1-2-3 method. Aside from the pillows that come with the sofa, you'll start by decorating with two large neutral pillows. Start from the outside and work your way in. It'll be easier to get a good feel for your pillows if you start with the ends of your sofa and work toward the middle. Opt for a texture that complements the material of your sofa's fabric. In the photo above, we'd consider the beige-and-black striped pillows as this first layer.
Next, add two more pillows to the couch either in the same size as your first pillows or a little smaller. Choose a different color from the first pillows to set them apart, like the orange linen pillows shown above. Look to your area rug or wall art decor for color inspiration.
Finally, add a wild card! Choose one final pillow in a smaller size than the others that has a statement texture or pattern. We love the lumbar pillow shown above but also recommend a faux fur or beaded pillow for extra texture in your arrangement. It's helpful to place the largest pillows on the outside. Small pillows can get lost behind larger ones if they're placed in reverse order.
If you own a sofa in a statement color, like the gorgeous olive sofa pictured above, keep your pillow color palette neutral and limited. We suggest sticking to three colors or less. This gives you the chance to get creative with textures. A plaid pillow made from soft wool is perfect for cozying up on this fall. A jute pillow is on the lighter side of the spectrum and ideal for keeping cool on summer evenings. Velvet pillows create added texture because of their soft, multidimensional sheen, and they're great to have in your living room around all year long.
Want to have fun with patterns? The key is to choose pillows in a similar size and color palette, then let the patterns take the spotlight. We love the variations of striped pillows featured above. The thin-lined amber pillow grounds the thick buttery-yellow-striped pillow. The playful pop of the navy blue damask pillow adds a unique touch. Because of the limited decor color palette, these patterns each get the attention they deserve. When mixing patterns, be sure to opt for a variety of differently sized patterns, this way no pattern has to compete with another one.
If neutrals are your thing, create a soothing pile of pillows in a soft, solid color like ivory or light gray. By sticking to a one-color palette, you can pile on as many pillows as you want without feeling overwhelmed. A neutral toned pillow pile creates the perfect spot on your sectional for a movie night. And it makes laundry day a breeze – simply toss all machine-washable pillow covers into the wash at the same time.
We love getting creative with pillow arrangements because they're a lot easier to mix-and-match than furniture or wall art. And if you don't love the arrangement you come up with, just slide the pillows off the couch and start over.
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