creating inspired spaces
Style Guide: Styling Pillows in Your Living Room
June 18, 2021
We love pillows around here
We’re always finding an excuse to bring more home. We know it can be tough to find the perfect combination sometimes, so today we’re going to walk you through how to master throw pillows using our tips
Before We Start
Which size pillows go where?
Chair: Single lumbar, 20” pillow, or 22” pillow
Sofa: 20”-22” pillow in the back, layer in smaller pillows in front.
Step 1
Choose Your Colour Palette
The first step is to create a color palette. You can begin by referencing the colour of your furniture. Simple neutrals and materials like linen are great base pieces that allow you to add in bolder hues, textures and patterns ahead. Try not to use more than five colours.
Step 2
Start With The Right Size! (Reference Above)
This is super important, you don’t want the scale of the pillow to be too big or too small for your furniture. Start with your largest size in the back always, then layer in your other sizes according to colour, texture and pattern.
Step 3
Work With Your Patterns and Textures
We love mixing these elements so it elevates the combination of pillows and looks more cohesive. If you use all one colour, texture, or pattern it could look dull. You can match on both sides of your sofa or mix it all up with different prints and patterns for more visual interest!
Step 4
Keep Contrast in Mind
The goal is to mix each pillow so that there is balance and they compliment each other. You can do this by contrasting elements like colour, texture, pattern, and size so you don’t have all of the same thing.
Step 5
Add a Throw!
We love adding in a throw at the end to pull it all together, and give that extra touch that may have been missing. Voila! Your sofa is now styled, now you have an excuse to bring that extra pillow you love home.
1. Define Your Zones
Even in a small space, defining separate areas for different functions can make the room feel more organized and spacious. Use rugs, furniture placement, or shelving to create a sense of division. For example, a small studio apartment can still have a designated living, sleeping, and work area with the right layout and thoughtful placement.
2. Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs
Bulky furniture that sits directly on the floor can make a room feel heavy and crowded. Instead, opt for furniture with exposed legs, such as mid-century modern sofas, chairs, and tables. This creates an airy, open feeling and gives the illusion of more floor space.
3. Use Light, Neutral Colors
Lighter shades—like soft whites, beiges, and pastels—help reflect light and make a room feel larger and brighter. If you love color, incorporate it through decor, textiles, or accent walls rather than overwhelming the space with dark tones.
4. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture
In a small space, every piece of furniture should earn its keep! Consider investing in items like a storage ottoman, a fold-out desk, or a daybed that doubles as a sofa. Look for dining tables with extendable leaves, beds with built-in drawers, or nesting tables that can be tucked away when not in use.
5. Maximize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, go up! Use tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage, or floating shelves to free up valuable square footage. Floor-to-ceiling shelving or cabinets not only provide ample storage but also draw the eye upward, making the ceiling feel higher.
6. Use Large-Scale Art
It might seem counterintuitive, but incorporating large-scale artwork can make a small room feel bigger. A large painting or statement mirror creates a focal point that expands the visual boundaries of the space, making it feel more open and less cluttered.
7. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick for making spaces feel larger. Position a mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and instantly brighten the room. Consider using glossy or glass finishes on furniture to create a similar effect.
8. Keep Clutter to a Minimum
Nothing shrinks a space faster than clutter. Be mindful of what you bring into the room and invest in stylish storage solutions. Baskets, decorative boxes, and wall-mounted organizers can help keep things tidy while maintaining your design aesthetic.
9. Choose a Statement Light Fixture
Good lighting can transform a small space. Instead of multiple small lamps, opt for a single statement light fixture, like a sculptural pendant or a sleek chandelier. Wall sconces and recessed lighting are also great options for freeing up valuable surface space.
10. Use Sheer or Minimal Window Treatments
Heavy drapes can overwhelm a small room. Instead, go for sheer curtains, light linen panels, or even no window coverings at all if privacy isn’t a concern. This allows more natural light to flood the space, making it feel brighter and more expansive.
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