Today we’re tackling questions on “how to mix and match throw pillows!”

Do Throw Pillows Need to Match? 

Accessorizing with throw pillows is such an easy way to update your living room, family room, bedroom, or almost any area in your home.

It’s my favorite little upgrade when I ‘m looking to add an instant “pop.”

Basically, this is what I consider to be the ultimate zhush!

Here are some simple (and affordable) tips and tricks to mix and match decorative pillows that will make you look like a pro!

How to Mix and Match Throw Pillow Color

I love a good color scheme!

So much so, I snapped the image above on my last trip to Serena and Lily.

It’s such a great example of how to use a color scheme with your couch pillows.

In other words, by coordinating like colors but not overdoing it.

Color sets the tone for your design scheme and should always be the first step.

Choose a color palette that speaks to you and coordinates with the rest of your room.

If you’ve been dying to have a pop of red in the pillows, but that color doesn’t show up in the space, bring that color into the room as an accent.

However, don’t overthink it!

It could be as simple as a pop of red in fresh flowers or a work of art.

our finished attic – original post here

Wall paint color is Benjamin Moore OC-151, read more on this here.

Mix it up!

These days, you don’t have to have matching pillows.

In fact, it looks chicer and more professional if you don’t!

What you can do is match the color of your pillows to the walls and couch, for example, but use a different color pattern.

Varying textures in the pillow fabrics—rather than a variety of colors— also introduces a lot of visual interest while keeping a cohesive look.

When it comes to a solid color pillow, play with different materials like faux fur, velvet, linen, metallic, and macramé.

If you keep your color and pattern consistent, you can get creative with touch and feel.

A woven detail like a tassel or fringe or pom poms can also make things interesting, especially if you’re looking to add a fun pop of color.

Pillows with creative details will make for a great accent piece.

Personally, I love to mix up a bunch of neutral colors in my throw pillow patterns and textures.

accent pillows against our white pillows in our guest bedroom – original post here

Wall paint color is Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, read more on this here.

The rule of three.

Choose Three Colors

Odd numbers in general usually work best in interior design.

This includes an odd number of pillows…

Once you’ve chosen a color concept, pick three different colors from your room like the wall, rug, bedding or curtains.

If you select a variety of pillows in various patterns, the look will still be cohesive if they share the same accent color.

Incidentally if you want to go with a monotone palette, using all solid colors, mixing textures is a great way to keep things interesting.

our family room pillow combo- find out more about these square pillows and lumbar pillows here.

Wall paint color is Benjamin Moore Calm, read more on this here.

How to Mix and Match Throw Pillow Patterns

You can also mix and match three different patterns, as long as each design incorporates at least one of the colors in your scheme.

Patterns generally fall into two categories: organic and geometric pattern.

Organic patterns include florals, botanicals, and abstracts, while geometric patterns include checks, stripes, and other modern shapes.

Don’t shy away from a large scale pattern, these can look great!

It’s often simpler to choose your base pattern first, which is generally the largest pattern and the one that contains all three colors.

Then, the secondary patterns can include just one or two of the colors.

As an example, you can try mixing a striped pillow along with a geometric in a small scale pattern and a solid.

Combining a floral prints, along with a striped and a few solid pillows, is also a classic combination.

You might want to use a different size for the secondary set, I like smaller pillows for this look.

Conclusion.

Pillow mixing is a wonderfully inexpensive way to change the look of any room.

Remember, there really isn’t a single magic formula to mix and match throw pillows.

You can use these chic pillow ideas almost anywhere, even in your kitchen dining area!

I’ve seen some kitchen banquettes decked out in pillows of all different sizes and they look SO cozy and inviting.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to find a pillow combination you love.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures!

Pillow covers are such an affordable way to refresh a room.

With a little trial and error, you’ll ultimately be able to find just the right patterns, colors, and shapes that reflect your unique personality.

Finally, here’s a few great decorative pillow tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years…

Where to Find Mix and Match Throw Pillows

This Etsy seller has the most beautiful selection and will even help you choose what’s best for your situation.

Ordering your pillows all together in a set is one of the easiest ways to get a great mix and match look.

Serena and Lily is another great place to find beautiful pillows.

Just remember this very handy tip when ordering pillow covers (which, by the way- I wish I knew years ago!):

If you’re using poly – fill pillow inserts it should be about one inch larger than your pillow cover.

If you’re using a feather down pillow insert (my personal preference) it should be about two inches larger than the pillow cover.

Lastly, when in doubt with which throw pillow size to go for, a 20″ x 20″ size pillow is almost always going to look great.

Hope you found all these matching pillow tips helpful.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve implemented any of these ideas.

Better yet, send me some pictures, I’d love to see it.

Additional Throw Pillow Inspiration:

If you’re looking for even more ideas on how to style throw pillows, be sure to check out these other posts by clicking on each title below-

• Favorite Throw Pillows Under $50.
• How To Style Throw Pillows On A Couch.
• The Best Looking Throw Pillows For Your Home.

SHOP THE POST:

A few more things…

Design lovers! Have you joined our fun and VERY helpful design Facebook group?

In this group – members share photos with their design questions, decor tips and dilemmas from their own home.

We all chime in with our best advice!

This is a great group for getting those hard to find pieces and sources and also some fabulous FREE design advice.

If you have any other questions, please shoot me an email or leave it in the comments below.

Also, don’t miss this post on the top wallpaper trends, it’s a good one!

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