If you have been reading this blog long you know I love a collected look in my home and my wardrobe. A collected look creates the appearance of being gathered over time even if it hasn’t. It has personality, interest, and history. Creating a personal and inviting home involves attention to detail, and one easy way to achieve a collected look is by incorporating pillows in different patterns and styles. Pillows not only add comfort but can add seasonal color without changing your entire look. I am a self-confessed pillow addict. Let’s chat about 8 No Fail Tips to Creatively Mix and Match Throw Pillows for a Collected Look.
You too can master the art of balancing different elements, color schemes and textures to create a cohesive collected space that reflects your unique personality with these tips.
8 No Fail Tips to Creatively Mix and Match Throw Pillows for a Collected Look
Start With a Neutral Base
Patterned Sofas are enjoying a renaissance, but I like to start with a Neutral Base: Choose a solid-colored sofa or bedding as your canvas. Neutral tones such as whites, grays, greens or beiges provide a timeless backdrop, allowing patterned pillows to stand out. My sofas in the great room are a light paper bag color, and my sofa in the den is white.
Mix Patterns in Different Scales
Experiment with patterns of varying scales to add visual interest. Combine large-scale patterns with smaller, more intricate designs. For example, pair a bold geometric print with a delicate floral pattern. This contrast creates a harmonious balance and prevents the space from feeling too busy.
Here is the winter version of my kitchen banquette
Stick to a Color Palette
While mixing patterns, maintain a cohesive scheme to tie everything together. Select a few key colors that complement each other and incorporate them across different pillows. Incorporate your wall color or colors in your rugs or accessories. This approach ensures a unified look while still allowing for a collected look. Here the pillows echo the colors in the oil painting for a cohesive color scheme. The small scale blue pillow reflects the water, the gold velvet and the brown stripe repeat the colors of the landscape and other accessories in the room.
Incorporate Different Pillow Textures
Add depth to your collected look by incorporating pillows with different textures. Consider using materials like velvet, linen, or leather fabrics. The tactile contrast enhances the overall aesthetic and makes the space more visually engaging.
Play with Pillow Sizes and Shapes
Experimenting with various pillow sizes and shapes adds dimension to your decor. Combine standard square pillows with lumbar or bolster pillows for a dynamic arrangement. This mix not only provides comfort but also adds an eclectic touch to your seating areas.
In my living room in my Chualar home I had a mix of 22″, 20″, 18″ and 16 X24″ lumbar pillows for Spring. You can find sources and read my post Simple Ways to Refresh your Living Room for Spring here.
The same sofa with a simpler arrangement with a pop of color, two large red matching pillows and one black lumbar for fall. I used these pillows this winter in my current home. These pillows were custom made. You can find this design in other colors on Etsy here.
The neutral couch with a winte black and white color story with a faux fur pillow, one of a kind carpet pillow and velvet ikat patterned pillow.
Be Creative with Placement
Strategically place pillows to create a curated appearance. I like to have odd numbers of pillows. Instead of arranging them symmetrically, opt for a slightly asymmetrical layout. Play with layers to achieve an “effortlessly” collected look that reflects your personality. Below our fixer upper decked out for Christmas. You can find the pillow sources in my post A Collected Christmas Home Tour You Will Love.
Here is a group of pillows in my great room last Spring. They are all linen. I like to keep my pillows lighter in texture for Spring and Summer. You can find the orange linen pillow on Etsy here, the blue pillow is sold out, the mustard block print can be found here. Filling Spaces is a great source for pillows and I order from them often. You can find more pillow sources for this area in my post Nine Simple Ways to Refresh your Home for Spring, and How to Make your Home Spring Ready.
Consider Seasonal Transitions
Don’t be afraid to update your pillow collection seasonally to keep your home decor fresh and interesting. Swap out lighter, airy patterns for warmer, cozier options in the fall and winter. This allows you to embrace seasonal trends without a complete redo.
Here is my den cozied up for winter. You can read my post
This is my den in dressed for summer. The only changes were lighter pillow covers and changing out a few accessories. You can read my post Five Simple Ways to Refresh your Family Room for Summer here as well as all the sources.
SHOP MY DEN
Personalize with Unique Finds
Add a personal touch by incorporating unique and one-of-a-kind pillows. Look for handmade or vintage options that showcase your individual style. These statement pieces not only contribute to the collected look but also make your home distinctly yours. The cowrie shell pillow below adds an ethnic element to the pillows in my former home. It was a one of a kind found on Etsy several years ago. The brown pillow can be found on Amazon here.
I added vintage suzani pillows to Summer’s room in our former home for interest. You can find all the sources for this room in my post Five Ways to Make a Guestroom Baby Friendly.
I recently stumbled by accident upon a company on Amazon called Fabritual. You are going to love this tip. If you like linen or cotton block print pillows their prices cannot be beat. I am ordering a few for myself for Spring. I own two of these pillow covers and recently added them to my banquette.
Achieving a collected look with pillows in different patterns can be a creative and enjoyable process. By carefully curating a mix of patterns, colors, textures, and shapes, you can transform your home into a stylish and inviting haven. Embrace the art of pillow arranging, and let your home reflect your unique personality.
Further reading:
The Collected Look How to Get it
How to Get a Fresh Collected Look in Your Home
Thank you for reading 8 No Fail Tips to Creatively Mix and Match Throw Pillows for a Collected Look. I so appreciate you being here.
Hi. I just discovered your blog. It is full of great information. I love the display paddle featured in numerous photos. You use it to display items on the ottoman and coffee tables. Do you remember where you found it at?
I use a clear plastic “cube” turned over a stack of decorative pillows. I alternate pillows accordingly as both an attractive conversation piece and a storage unit. Others I store under an end table with a long cloth covering.
I agree, just buy pillow covers.
Thanks Ann!!
Your pillow game is strong! xo
Hi Juliet
As you know! You have seen the stacks!
Awesome post…you know this is right up my alley!
Hi Mary Ann
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Always enjoy your posts. It is time to change the covers on my cushions to brighten the late winter scene. I have had great luck using Pottery Barn napkins as pillow covers. The linen versions are particularly good especially if they have a wide hem. Linen tea towels also are a good source for seasonal patterns. Many years ago I used a pair of PB cloth place mats with a winter pattern to make lumbar pillows for arm chairs. Just opened a seam and popped a pillow form in. Speaking of pillow inserts, any suggestions for good ones?
Hi Sharon
Great tips!
P.S
I have not found any good sources online. I have to be honest. I order mine from a wholesaler.
Hi Cindy. This post never came thru in my emails. I just happen to go on your site and saw this post.
Hello Cindy,
Although I have already signed up to received emails from you, I am still receiving the pop-up asking me to sign up every time I open your blog.
Thank you for all of your help and advice! I’m completely taken in. I have followed your fashion tips as I convert from professional office attire to retirement. Thank you!
Love this and thanks for the pillow resource Filling Spaces – really beautiful patterns.
Hi Cindy. Thanks for such a good post on throw pillows. As always, I got a lot out of it. I have search for the post on performance fabrics and I was wondering if you can suggest a source for redoing my sofa.. I live on the central coast as well as you so was hoping for some names. Thanks, Cindy, for all your wonderful posts!
Hi Laurie
I do not have a local source. I have sourced mine through the design center. I like Perennials, Sunbrella, Revolution, Crypton and many others. I have often found yardage on eBay as well. Any upholsterer can get them as wel.
Thanks Cindy! I appreciate you.
Can you tell us where the throw came from in the next to the last photo (photo with cowrie shell pillow)? I think I had it saved for a while, and I recently lost the link.
Thank you!
Hi
Yes here is the link https://rstyle.me/+FrQp8PV5Yzy5N2uSPmWN3A
Your ideas are very helpful but pls tell me how you keep sofas that are white or an otherwise light colored neutral fabric clean Likewise when they have spots or spills how do you handle that? Thx
I have an old fashioned cleaning method that a designer gave me. When he was growing up there was not a lot of money so they cleaned the upholstered furniture themselves. One cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Use white terry cloth washcloth, wring out water and wipe down. Of course try in an inconspicuous spot first. Really works well. Cheryl
All of my sofas are performance fabrics. Everything wipes right up. I don’t think I have a stain on a single piece of furniture in my home.
How do u store your pillows. I have so many
I forget what I have
I don’t buy new pillows only covers so they are easy to store.
I also have a collection of pillows, I like to change them seasonally. I do have some pillow covers, but have also purchased less expensive ones at Target and the like.
I have three large laundry baskets, and room for them on the top shelf of my guest room closet. I gather like color/season pillows and stack sideways, while compacting each one. I probably have 12 or so, in addition to the three I selected when we purchased our sectional sofa.
If any of your collection zip open, you have a great option to just store those covers!
love your tips as always Cindy.
Hi Nancy
Thanks pal!!
And, I appreciate you being here, I love pillows and there are so many to choose from Your articles always make me rearrange a few things 🙂
Hi Lynne Anne
I am so happy to hear that!
I have always admired the pillows you choose for your rooms. I have two facing loveseats. How many pillows should I put on each and should they be duplicated on each sofa. Matching seems trite but six different pillows sounds chaotic. Thanks for your great advice – I love your decorating style.
I had two facing loveseats in my former home. I always did the pillows the same. In my great room I have a loveseat and a sofa. The pillows are similar minus the extras that are necessary for the larger version.