Master the Art of Mixing and Matching Throw Pillows

Let’s chat about accent pillow combos, which might be the easiest (and most fun) way to spice up your living room or bedroom. I have some easy tips and ideas you’ll love, especially if you’re into giving your space a little refresh without breaking the bank. All of the pillows I’m featuring here are from Amazon.

How do you mix and match pillows without it looking like a hot mess? Don’t worry, folks; I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing my simple, no-fail pillow combo formula that can be repeated and tweaked to your liking! First, here are 4 steps for mixing and matching throw pillows like a pro.

Step 1: Choose one general color

Picking out a color scheme for your throw pillow mix can smooth the decorating process. I always like to kick things off by figuring out which pop of color I want to highlight or add to the room. Throw pillows are the perfect way to sprinkle some color into those neutral zones, switch up your vibe for the different seasons, or even spotlight other cool stuff in your space, like art or a snazzy rug.

Now, if you’re sitting there thinking, “But I don’t have a clue about my color scheme,” don’t worry. That patterned pillow you’re absolutely in love with? Perfect starting point. Dive into what makes that pillow your pick, snag those colors you’re digging, and let them lead the way for your pillow vibes.

Step 2: Use a variety of different sizes

Mixing different sizes adds depth and interest. A larger pillow paired with a smaller pillow and/or a lumbar shape can make your couch look straight out of a magazine. You can even try a round pillow here to break up all the square edges.

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Good size combos are 22×22 with an 18×18, 20×20 with a 16×16, or 20×20 with a 12×20 lumbar.

Step 3: Use Small and Large Pattern Prints Together

I like to put small and large prints together to keep things interesting. If you have a large floral print, pair it with a small pattern stripe and vice versa.

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Step 3: Choose Pattern Pillow First

I would first like to incorporate one central patterned pillow in my pillow scheme. This could be a floral, block print, geometric pattern, or a large or small print pattern pillow. Then, I pull the colors from this patterned pillow to set the tone for the rest of my pillow combo.

If your pattern pillow is neutral or black and white, you can pull in colors from the room for the rest of the pillows. And this pattern pillow doesn’t have to be the largest pillow of the bunch! This patterned pillow could be a lumbar, and it could be a smaller pillow. Anything goes here. If you start with your busier, patterned pillow first, it makes it much easier to pull in complementary pillows later on.

Step 4: Add in Complementary Pillow(s)

This is where the magic happens. Once you have picked out your color scheme and pattern pillow, you can use one or two complementary pillows to complete the set.

Although the rule of three is a popular concept in interior design, I’m partial to two pillow combos. Why? It’s easier and more affordable to combine pillows this way, and I don’t love the look of a couch or a bed full of pillows. It’s not practical. Think of complementary pillows as the wingmen of your pattern pillow.

My no Fail Pillow Combo Formula

My no-fail pillow combo pattern is easy to follow and tweak to your liking. First, let’s categorize our pillows into three main styles:

1. Organic: Florals, nature-inspired, block prints, organic shapes, whimsical designs – can be large or small pattern prints
2. Solid: One color, no pattern – Velvet, Boucle, Linen, Cotton (can have interest, like fringe, tassels, etc.)
3. Geometric: Shapes and stripes can be large or small “patterns.”

My two-pillow combo formula is simple: Combine two pillow styles in different sizes in the same or coordinating color scheme.

This means any of the following work together:

• Organic + Solid
• Organic + Geometric
• Geometric + Solid

To take it one step further, you could theoretically combine TWO of the same from the above 3 styles, as long as you are contrasting small and large pattern prints together.

• Large Print Organic + Small Print Organic
• Large Print Geometric (shapes) + Small Print Geometric (stripes)

What about 3 Pillow Combos?

If you are combining 3 pillows together, you can choose all three different pillow styles in different sizes.

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Don’t be afraid to experiment and switch things up until it feels just right. And the beauty of accent pillows? They’re not permanent. You can change them with the seasons or your mood, or just because it’s Tuesday, why not? Keep it stylish, but most importantly, make it yours.