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How To Style Throw Pillows In Any Space

By Victoria Marchisello On

In any home that graces the pages of H&H and our social media feeds, it’s all about the details.

And throw pillows may be small, but they can make a massive impact. If you’re wondering how designers are so good at styling a collection of cushions, we’ve got you covered. From Sophisticated Scandinavian to Heritage Charm, scroll down to discover 10 tried-and-true formulas to layer your accent pillows!

Jewel Tones + Geometric Patterns + Crushed Velvet = Fashion-Forward

Amp up the drama on a pair of cream-colored couches by combining sumptuous emerald green with subtle stripes and abstract patterns. A light pink lumbar pillow acts like a palette cleanser.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Anne Hepfer

House & Home September 2020

Needlepoint Embroidery + Vintage Textiles + Equestrian Motifs = Heritage Charm

Create a sense of familiarity with historical details like in this seaside summer retreat. Timeless homespun and needlepoint throw pillows add comfort and nostalgia to a vintage-look sofa. And if you love horses, you should get one of these personalized horse throw pillows, as you can add the photo (or picture) of your horse, so they just look amazing. “We wanted our summer home to look as though it had been layered over time,” says Kenneth McRobbie of 31 Westgate.

  • Photographer Janet Kimber
  • Designer Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate

House & Home July/August 2020

Plush Plum + Pops of Pattern + Ivory Accents = All About Ombré

Achieve a gradient effect with your throw pillows by varying shades within the same hue, then mix in an unexpected pattern for even more style points. Finally, incorporate a neutral color that matches another element in the room (in this case, a statement chair) to bring the whole look together.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Gillian Gillies

House & Home October 2020

Zingy Hues + Mismatched Patterns + Eclectic Shapes = Energetic Maximalism

Bring excitement to your living room by combining funky colors and whimsical prints! The key to achieving this look? Pick a statement piece (like this zesty velvet sofa) and select a handful of contrasting hues to make it pop!

  • Photographer Sian Richards
  • Designer Emily Griffin

House & Home October 2019

Neutral Palette + Subtle Prints + Crisp Lines = Sophisticated Scandinavian

In this refined Scandi-style home, a statement caramel leather sofa pairs perfectly with greige and muted navy pillows for a simple yet sophisticated look. “We like to add visual interest by layering textures,” says designer Jenelle Erickson. “In this home, the finishes are very monochromatic, so this was crucial.”

  • Photographer Michelle Johnson, MJay Photography
  • Designer Jenelle Erickson & Stephanie Smith, SmithErickson Designs

Cool Blues + Nautical Stripes + Laid-back Fabrics = Classic Coastal

Bring the coastline to the comfort of your home, no matter where you are! To get that beach house vibe using throw pillows, stick to a soothing palette of bright whites, subtle grays, and soft blues and materials like linen and cotton.

  • Photographer Patrick Biller
  • Designer Tiffany Piotrowski

House & Home July 2019

Sunset Colors + Geometric Prints + Global Flair = Colorful Boho

Sometimes more is more! Designer Justina Blakeney layers plenty of throw pillows for added texture and depth. Bursts of orange boost happiness and bold patterns spark energy in the crisp white space.

  • Photographer Courtesy of Jungalow
  • Designer Justina Blakeney

Earth Tones + Touchable Textures + Classic Patterns = Earthy Modernism

Incorporate elements from nature with earth-toned pillows that create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom. Finish the look off with delicate lines for a modern touch.

  • Photographer Joel Klassen, Klassen Photography
  • Designer Aly Velji & Alison Connor, Aly Velji Designs

Country Style + Warm Tones + Abstract Character = Rural Comfort

For a relaxed vibe outside of the city, layer accent pillows of varying warm tones — like honey, crimson and sand. Add interest with abstract prints and landscape designs.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens
  • Designer Luke Havekes

House & Home September 2019

High-Contrast Palette + Simple Lines + Modern Aesthetic = Cozy Monochrome

In the this contemporary Muskoka cottage‘s living room, black and white pillows covered with bold dashes, zig zags and stripes create a city-cool feeling amongst the rustic landscape.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Lorraine Franklin; Architecture by Nelson Kwong & Neal Prabhu at nkArchitect

House & Home July/August 2020