Throw pillows are an addition to a sofa most of us just can’t resist. They may be more modestly sized elements of a room’s design, but they can make an impact all the same.
There definitely is an art to selecting the best throw pillows and arranging them, however. Style them well and they’ll elevate the living room rather than simply adding an accent of color.
And who better to ask for the best styling tips than interior designers who know all the secrets to making throw pillows look more expensive? We got into the specifics about choosing the right sizes, shapes, and fabrics, along with their knowledge of how to place them in order to make them look their best.
1. Always upgrade the cushions that come with the couch
Some sofas come with matching pillows, but to make a sofa look more expensive, upgrade.
‘The first thing I do if a sofa comes with throw pillows in the same fabric as the sofa is to remove the covers and replace them with new ones in complementary colors and textures,’ says Rebecca Ward of Sacramento-based Rebecca Ward Design.
Don’t feel you have to use the same number that were supplied. ‘Odd numbers are a designer’s secret,’ says Rebecca. ‘I like seven pillows on sectionals, five on sofas, and three on loveseats.’
2. Layer sizes and shapes
For a high-end look, don’t opt for a single size or shape of pillow. ‘Layer with varied sizes and shapes,’ says Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs.
‘Start with larger, square pillows (around 22 to 24 inches) at the back and layer in smaller lumbar or rectangular pillows in front. This creates a full, layered look that instantly feels curated and sophisticated.’
The Joanna Gaines collection available at Wayfair is a steal to get her farmhouse look for a great price and there are plenty of throw pillows to choose from. They are perfect for layering up textures for a laid-back but expensive look.
Velvet and fringe is a super luxe combo. Just throw a couple of these on your couch and it will instantly look elevated. There are a few colors to choose from, but this muted limey green is giving cool bar vibes without being too bold.
This set of 2 terracotta-brown pillow covers are perhaps unexpectedly from Amazon. It's actually a great place for chic, yet affordable throw pillows. Much like fringing, a scalloped edge is a detail to look out for if you want your throw pillows to add something extra.
4. Factor in sofa depth
While we’re talking pillow size, be sure to take into account the depth of a sofa when choosing for an upscale look.
‘For a perfectly balanced look on a standard sofa, I love using a combination of 20 x 20 inches, 18 x 18 inches, and a lumbar pillow that’s 12 x 20 inches,’ says Tami O’Malley, owner and lead designer at Tami O’Malley Design.
‘If you’re working with an oversized or extra deep sofa or sectional, go for a combination of 22 x 22 inches, 20 x 20 inches, and a 14 x 20 inches lumbar pillow. This variety adds depth and visual interest, making your sofa feel more curated and inviting.’
5. Overstuff your inserts
The secret of a pillow that looks full and therefore more expensive? ‘We always like to select an overstuffed insert that’s 4 to 6 inches larger than your pillow cover size,’ says Victoria Holly of Los Angeles-based Victoria Holly Interiors.
‘For example, if your pillow cover is 20 x 20 inches, opt for a 24 x 24 inches or even 26 x 26 inches insert. This makes pillows look plush and fuller, especially if you're ordering inserts online where they can sometimes arrive less fluffy.’
6. Try the 'chop and fluff' technique
To make throw pillows look more expensive, follow the example of Tami O’Malley when getting pillows into their covers. ‘Make sure to pull the corners of the pillow into the cover snugly,’ she says. ‘Remove any tags that might show, and keep that zipper hidden for a seamless look.
‘Once you’ve got your pillow all fluffed and inserted, place it on the sofa and give the top a light karate chop. This creates a stylish indentation. Then, gently push back on the front face of the pillow for that perfect chop and fluff.’
7. Mix patterns confidently
Decorating with pattern when it comes to throw pillows demands a thoughtful approach. ‘Mix patterns of different scales,’ advises Janelle Patton, the lead designer at Lark Interiors. ‘When choosing patterns, incorporate a variety of sizes.’
But there’s more to putting together patterns on throw pillows than that. ‘Mix organic (free-form, softer) patterns with geometric patterns (stripes, plaids etc),’ says Janelle. ‘Combining different types of patterns can add depth to your space. Organic patterns, such as floral or abstract designs, can soften the look, while geometric patterns like stripes or plaids give a structured feel.’
8. Choose a tried and tested formula
For interior designer Julie Anne Burch pattern can provide a cue for a pillow color palette that has plenty of texture and interest.
‘On a sofa, start with a large solid pillow at the back, then a medium textured one, and finish with a smaller patterned pillow in front to add depth and interest,’ she suggests. ‘Begin with a favorite pattern and pull complementary colors from it to tie everything together beautifully.’
9. Pay close attention to undertones
There’s another dimension to pillow color that’s important to consider and that is the undertones. You don't want them to clash, even if you are keeping things simple and neutral.
‘When mixing patterns, pay close attention to the undertones, especially with whites and ivories,’ explains Victoria Holly. ‘A pillow with a white base will clash against one with an ivory base, so it’s essential to keep these tones consistent.’
10. Focus on fabric
To make throw pillows look better, there are some fabrics you should favor. Certain, more tactile fabrics will always make a set up look more expensive.
‘Choose materials that look and feel luxurious, like velvet, linen, silk, or faux fur,’ says Izabela Tokarski, founder and interior designer at Kabela & Co. ‘These textures tend to exude a high-end vibe. Natural fibers, like cotton-linen blends, can also add a touch of sophistication.’
11. Bring in texture and trims
Don’t overlook the details that can boost style. ‘Add texture like leather, a bouclé or a cool fringe trim,’ says Janelle Patton. ‘By using materials like leather or bouclé, or adding features such as fringe trims, you can enrich the overall aesthetic and make the space feel more dynamic and layered.’
Alex Bass, founder and CEO of art advisory and interior design studio Salon 21, agrees, ‘Pillows with trims have a luxe feel to them as another way to elevate your space.'
12. Don't ignore the small details
When you’re purchasing throw pillows, be sure of what you’re getting. There's a couple of small but significant things to look for to ensure your throw pillows look expensive.
As Victoria Holly notes, you usually want the same pattern to cover the whole pillow (unless it's a very obvious part of the design that front and back shouldn't match). She explains, ‘For a more cohesive and custom look, choose pillows with the same fabric on both sides, rather than a contrasting back. Additionally, hidden zippers at the base give a sleeker, more expensive look than buttons.’
On that note, arrange your throw pillows so you never see any zippers. This will be easier if you pick designers with the zipper running down the side of the pillow rather than along the back.
13. Give your inserts a refresh
Once you’ve selected throw pillows and arranged them, it’s important to keep them looking their best.
‘Ever notice how throw pillows become oddly shaped over time?’ asks Rebecca Ward. ‘Toss the poly insert into the dryer with a couple of tennis balls on the air-dry setting to fluff it back into shape. I always opt for down or faux-down fills to avoid this problem when possible.’
Making your throw pillows look more expensive can be the answer to making a whole living room look more expensive. And it's so simple to elevate these humble pieces of homeware. The designer tips focus on ensuring your pillows always look full and fluffy, layer up the textures and colors, and choose fabrics that are tactile.
