We’ve all been there — you’re in the midst of picking out the perfect accessories to match your boho-chic decor when you start to question your design skills. How much is too much? Where am I going to put everything? Have I overdone it?
Not only do these thoughts make us question our judgment, but they also impair our creativity.
But don’t fret! We’re here to guide you on your throw pillow journey, so you can decorate with confidence.
We’ll answer all your questions from “Do couches need throw pillows?” to “How many throw pillows on a loveseat is too many?” Plus, we’ll give you all of our secrets on creating the perfect pillow arrangement.
Whether you’re unsure about pillow size, pillow shapes, or mixing throw pillow patterns, we’re here to help transform your leather couch or accent chair from simple to stunning.
Is there such a thing as too many pillows on a couch? We hate to break it to you, but there may be.
While everyone loves a living room sofa adorned with decorative throw pillows, it is possible to go overboard. If you have so many couch pillows that your guests can’t sit down, it can be a sign to dial it down a bit.
Don’t get us wrong — a sectional sofa covered in a ton of your favorite pillows may be fun and cozy, but it’s not all that practical.
From a design perspective, too many sofa pillows may feel overwhelming. If your couch is crowded with a ton of pillows in a bold color palette and a mix of patterns, it can be a lot. In fact, it can make your entire space seem chaotic.
On top of that, your accent pillow can lose its charm if it’s competing with too many others. And that pop of color you added just won’t stand out!
With that said, throw pillows are one of the best practical ways to spruce up your area. Cushion arrangements are simple but punchy decorations that give you a chance to add your personal flair. Plus, they’re oh-so-cozy and welcoming.
So, yes, while it is possible to overdo it, chances are you won’t. And as long as you love your space, it’s a sign you’re on the right track.
After choosing all your favorite pillows, the next question is: where do you put them? Here’s how to achieve that gorgeous, magazine-worthy sofa decor.
A standard decorating rule — and the general rule of thumb for all art — is to do everything in groups of three. Whether you’re placing pieces of furniture, hanging picture frames, or choosing a variety of textures for your pillow covers, threes reign supreme.
Still, how many pillows on a couch you need depends on the size and type of furniture. For example, you may not have room to fit three square pillows on your favorite chair, while three oversize pillows on a larger sofa may be far too few.
In cases where threes just don’t ring true, aim for odd numbers instead.
Are you considering decorating a specific piece of furniture? Here are the best numbers of pillows for any seating you may have in your living room.
The ideal number of pillows for your sofa depends mainly on its size. You’ll want to make sure both corners have a complimentary pillow, so consider two to be the minimum. However, a nice pop of color goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to toss in a decorative cushion to boost the awe-factor of your sofa.
For most three-seat sofas, five pillows are often a safe number. Still, go for more or less based on what feels right in your space. You know it best!
And a pro tip: if things start looking clunky, try swapping some out for smaller or differently shaped pillows.
Sectionals have a lot of surface area, which gives you a lot of room to work with. When it comes to these couches, you’ll have an extra corner to think about, so don’t forget about that L-shaped edge!
Most sectionals have a naturally welcoming feeling, so embrace that aspect by adding even more fun and cozy pillows. With these larger couches, less isn’t always more. Don’t be afraid to try out seven or nine cushions as a starting point.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play around with accent pieces, maintain a theme, or contrast funkiness with simplicity.
Chairs are the easiest seats to decorate. All they need is one pillow. That’s it.
A little goes a long way when working with a small space, and anything more can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
Feel free to choose a pillow that may not work elsewhere in the room, like a round cushion or a pillow cover with a unique texture. Make that lone cushion count!
It’s easier than it seems to make a dreamy sofa pillow arrangement. There are a few rules of thumb in the designer world that you may want to consider, but then let your creativity shine. This is your masterpiece!
Always think in odd numbers when doing any type of decorating — especially with pillows. While it is possible to have too many cushions, as long as it looks great to you, stick with it! And don’t be afraid to play with color, texture, and pattern. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to decorate your sofa. Trust your artistic instincts!
