Pillow decisions

Because we work with so many amazing designer fabrics for drapery, we can't help but have some pillow decisions to make too.

The other day I was thinking of how I wanted to change up some pillows on my couch, so in my notes I wrote down "pillow decisions". Sounds silly, but its true.

Save yourself some time and think about what you want before going shopping or meeting with your designer or decorator.

Pillows are a great way to bring some life to your living or family room. Decorative fabrics come in a variety of patterns. Bold graphics and small prints are readily available.

What's the best way to display your pillows and how many are too many? Keep odd numbers of pillows in mind. Too many, is when your family complains that there's nowhere to sit. 

Also keep in mind that the form you use inside the pillow goes a long way in giving you the full, gorgeous look. Down or feather filled pillow forms are best. There are some good hypoallergenic pillow forms available that give you a similar look.

Keep a few basic things in mind. There aren't any hard and fast rules, but if you use some of these samples below, you're much more likely to be successful.

Here are some great ideas for figuring out how to display decorative pillows on your couch. 

eclectic living room design by other metros interior designer Caitlin Wilson

Think symmetrical. Think 5 or 3. This is a great example of how 3 patterns (no solids) work well together. It looks like the bold floral was picked first and then the fun orange (simple) and semi-solid blue were picked from it. Rule: Find a print you love and pick the colours from it.

traditional living room design by atlanta interior designer Niki Papadopoulos

Think solid. In this monochromatic scheme, again, 5 pillows in this picture. 2 in solids and 3 in patterns. Rule: pick the main room/couch colour as the solid and add a graphic print with the same colour.

eclectic living room design by little rock interior designer Tobi Fairley

Think complementary. The solid white couch with the solid orange pillows allow for the fun graphic of the blue pillows. Rule: pick your colours based on their complement. (Orange and blue, purple and yellow, green and red.) The 3 colours in this page jump out. White is about 60% of the room, orange is 30% and blue 10%, good rule to follow. The yellow flowers keep the space from being too matchy.

modern home office design by boston interior designer Kristen Rivoli Interior Design

Think fun. 3 separate colours and patterns. Rule: pick pillow colours from the colours in the carpet. Area carpets that have pattern are a great way to liven up your space. 

contemporary family room design by san francisco interior designer Amoroso Design

Think embellishment. Sizes are varied. Trim is added, all the colours in the drapery, roman shade, couch and ottoman are in the pillows. Rule: Add variety to your pillows by adding piping to a solid pillow and trim for interest.

contemporary bedroom design by sacramento interior designer Kerrie L. Kelly

Think colour. The yellow keeps this space from being boring or cold. 3 pillows, different sizes. Add a pillow with words on it. The thing to keep in mind with 3 different pillows is that they have some relationship to each other. Rule: Add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral or bland space. The black and white theme tie the 2 pillows together and the yellow and grey pillow piped in black ties them altogether. The yellow pillow is pulled from the art work. 

If you're working alone, have some fun and try different options. If you're working with a designer or decorator, let them know what you like and they'll help you pull it together.

Some of our favourite designer fabric companies are Robert Allen, Kravet and Maxwell.