How To Arrange Throw Pillows On A Sofa

Learn how to arrange throw pillows on a sofa and take your living room from drab to fab with just a few tweaks!

In this post, I’m breaking down how to arrange throw pillows on a sofa to give you a guideline and some of my favorite tips to achieve a sophisticated and elevated look.

Plus, I’ve curated a list of the prettiest pillows you can get right now to inspire your decor-lover’s heart!

It’s no secret that the right throw pillow assortment can completely transform the look of your sofa. A well-curated collection of pillows can add texture, color, and pattern to a room, giving it a whole new vibe.
I have found that it is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to update your living room when you’re welcoming a new season or just want a fresh look.
So if you’re wondering how do you decorate a sofa with pillows, read on and get ready to be inspired!

Sofa Styling: How To Arrange Throw Pillows

Use a Color Palette

Decorating your sofa with throw pillows is an art form, and choosing the perfect color palette is the key to making it all work seamlessly.

To nail a beautiful color palette, you need to make sure you select hues that not only complement each other and your sofa but also your entire room’s decor.

To do this, first, look around your space and identify the dominant colors that are already in your home decor. This will give you a starting point for selecting throw pillows in colors that will complement the space.
You’ll be able to weave in a connecting thread across your home that, no matter how subtle, will create a harmonious flow throughout your space.

Using cool or warm neutrals as a base and then adding a couple of complementary accent colors is a simple but smart way to go about it.

If you want to make a chic statement, you can also opt for a throw pillow ensemble in a monochromatic color scheme by choosing shades of the same color. Different shades of blue, for example, are one of the prettiest ways to do the monochrome look.

 

Mix Sizes & Shapes

Next to a harmonious color scheme, a nice variety of sizes and shapes is key for a pretty arrangement. Using different shapes and sizes is what will create that coveted layered effect in your throw pillow arrangement.

But when arranging throw pillows on a sofa balance is key. A couple of different pillow sizes can work wonders, but avoid going overboard with too many sizes and shapes, as this can create a cluttered look.

Two large throw pillows and one smaller one are enough to play with your throw pillow arrangement. You can then incorporate a lumbar or bolster pillow as accents and add a throw blanket to tie the look together.

Pick The Right Materials

Remember that although we want a lovely pillow arrangement that boosts our decor, we also need to keep comfort and practicality in mind. 

While the color and shape of your throw pillows are important, the quality of the insert is just as important in creating the perfectly styled sofa.

The right insert can make all the difference in achieving a plush, comfortable, and visually appealing pillow.

There’re many insert materials to choose from, but my favorites are down and feather inserts. By far, these are the comfiest and softest I’ve come across. But polyester and foam inserts are not far behind in the comfort department. Polyester also has the added benefit of having hypoallergenic options, which is a huge plus for those allergic or sensitive to feathers.

How To Arrange Throw Pillows

In styling your throw pillows, consider whether to go symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Symmetrical arrangements are ideal for rooms where you want a more formal and streamlined decor style, while asymmetrical arrangements work best if you want something elevated but with a more laid-back feel.

To achieve a symmetrical look, arrange your pillows in pairs on either end of the sofa, with a larger pillow in the center. As I did on my 80-inch sofa:

For an asymmetrical arrangement, mix and match different sizes and shapes of pillows and place them in a more free-form arrangement. I love using the rule of three as a guide to play with my pillows, as you can see in this picture:

On my smaller sofa, I placed one large pillow at the end of the sofa next to a smaller pillow with a colorful pattern, for a pop of color.

Rather than adding another throw pillow to this arrangement, I opted to fill up the gap with a throw blanket and add some texture to the space. Keep in mind this is a small sofa. If you go for this pillow layout on a larger sofa, include pillows on the opposite end to create balance.

Foolproof Formulas to Arrange Throw Pillows on a Sofa

Formula 1: The Classic Look

This formula works great for larger sofas with a lot of space to cover, such as big sectionals.
To get arrange throw pillows this way, start with three square pillows in a solid color or a subtle pattern on either end of the sofa. Add two smaller pillows with a complementary pattern and finish the look with a lumbar pillow in the center.

Formula 2: The Eclectic Look

This ensemble works for a casual and more relaxed decor style.
To get this look, place three square pillows on one end of the sofa and two other pillows on the other end. Then, place a small accent throw pillow for a fun pop of color. You can go for a small rectangular pillow with a very eye-catching pattern or a rich-colored round throw pillow. To tie the look off, add a throw blanket below or next to the accent small pillow.

Formula 3: The Layered Look

This simple layered way to arrange throw pillows is a really pretty look and is super easy to get right, no matter your sofa or decor style! 

You’ll want to start with a very neutral and simple backdrop. For example, use four large-sized square white pillows. Then, place one medium-sized patterned pillow on each end of the sofa and then break up the symmetry by placing one solid-colored pillow next to one of the patterned pillows. 
Instead of adding another pillow on the other end, drape a throw blanket over the armrest, just like in this example.  

More Throw Pillow Formulas

Finishing Touches

Let’s talk about the chop… For those who don’t know, the “chop” is a technique to fluff up your pillows that creates a fold right in the center. It may seem like a simple detail. But it truly elevates the result, giving your pillow arrangement a more sophisticated finishing touch.

I love to chop my pillows, but not all of them. For the chop to work, you need to consider the size and material of the pillow along with the look you’re trying to achieve.

To do the “chop” hold the pillow in the center and give it a sharp “chop” with your hand to create a crease. As a finishing touch, fold the edges of the pillow inwards to create a crisp finish.

Shop My Favorite Throw Pillow Finds!

floral blue and green pillow | tropical blue and green pillow | cream and light blue lumbar pillow | ivory and grey textured lumbar pillow | floral embroidered lumbar pillow | striped handwoven chenille lumbar pillow | faux natural fiber lumbar pillow | light blue floral throw pillow | velvet round throw pillow | toile linen pillow | throw pillow in seaspray | throw pillow in ecru | taupe velvet like pillow

Here are some other articles you might enjoy!

• How to Use the Rule of Three in Decorating (The Easy Way)
• How to Choose the Right Color Palette for Your Home
• Real-Life Living Room Layouts That Actually Work!