Decorating Guides
Color Commitment Issues? Just Throw In a Pillow
You don't need to go big or permanent to go bold with color in your rooms; you only need to master the easy art of the toss
Admit it, you have commitment issues — at least when it comes to picking a color. Believe me when I say you're in the company of many.
Besides a can of paint, there is no easier or cheaper way to add color, pattern and texture throughout your home than with some brilliantly bold throw pillows. Sure, even they can seem daunting and at times get messy, but on a sofa, an accent chair or a bed, they're like a stunning piece of jewelry to complete an outfit.
Loading up on these gems doesn't have to be an expensive venture, either. You can find great budget-friendly pillows with a little hunting. You can also turn the look up a notch with customized pillows. Splurge on a yard or two of that fabric you absolutely love, and use it to make a few well-placed pillows. A trick: Use that expensive fabric on the front of the pillow only, and use an inexpensive fabric on the back, which no one will ever see.
Still stuck? Take a peek at these rooms, where throw pillows steal the show.
Besides a can of paint, there is no easier or cheaper way to add color, pattern and texture throughout your home than with some brilliantly bold throw pillows. Sure, even they can seem daunting and at times get messy, but on a sofa, an accent chair or a bed, they're like a stunning piece of jewelry to complete an outfit.
Loading up on these gems doesn't have to be an expensive venture, either. You can find great budget-friendly pillows with a little hunting. You can also turn the look up a notch with customized pillows. Splurge on a yard or two of that fabric you absolutely love, and use it to make a few well-placed pillows. A trick: Use that expensive fabric on the front of the pillow only, and use an inexpensive fabric on the back, which no one will ever see.
Still stuck? Take a peek at these rooms, where throw pillows steal the show.
The walls in this living room are demure in a soft pink, but the bold fuchsia and green pillows give the room some punch. Pink and green are complementary colors; in this case, the green also helps balance the layers of pink. To achieve the pillows' custom style, you could simply purchase inexpensive pillows in the colors of your choice and apply a few simple trim patterns.
The geometric shapes of these black and white pillows, next to the yellow throw, immediately turn this white sofa — which would have been lost against these very white walls — into a statement piece. Bold geometric shapes continue to be on trend, and this pattern serves as a great foil for the blue and white toile pillows.
Keep it alive with five — that's my rule of thumb when using throw pillows on sofas. Two on each corner and one in the middle are just enough for someone to get comfy. A sofa packed with more than five cushions can look messy and be difficult to sit on comfortably. In this space the beige walls get some great color from the rug, simple artwork and playful pillows.
The not-too-many-pillows rule applies to the bedroom too. Three to five throw pillows, next to regular sleeping pillows, are more than enough. The owner of this bedroom decided to live a little on the wild side by adding passionate orange shades and patterns. But note that there is restraint, and the bed isn't overflowing with pillows. The men in your life will appreciate this, too.
The pillow rules change a bit for sectionals and banquettes. These are often larger, so seven to nine pillows won't overwhelm the seating area. This oversize sectional gets pizzazz with these floral-inspired pillows. And these are not the florals you remember from Grandma's house — these are heavy on the color with bold imprints.
The accent chairs in your home need some love, too. Don't hesitate to give them some attention with a throw pillow or two. The vertical stripes on these pillows are a perfect backdrop for the patterned green pillows. Notice the mix of pillow shapes: an oblong next to a square.
Bold colors and various patterns, shapes and textures — these pillows cover it all. This is a great example of how mixing all of the above ideas can work. It's a fun and playful trend to try in your home this season and once again, it won't break the bank. This colorful collection of budget-friendly pillows adorns a white sofa in the home of Society Social founder Roxy Owens.
Colorful Throw Pillow Cover
Use pillow covers instead of purchasing and hoarding loads of pillows. Change them on a whim, for a special occasion or by season.
Throw Pillow Cover, Rainbow by The Red Pistachio
Affordable pillow covers like this will instantly add a playful and bold color statement to your home.
Colorful Suzani Throw Pillow
Don't be afraid to use pillows with bold prints. They make quite a statement — even when they're small.
Fuchsia Peak Pillow Cover by Mimosa Lane
These playful, budget-friendly pillows are sure to make any space feel fun.
Tell us: How do you like to use throw pillows? What are your tried and true rules?
Tell us: How do you like to use throw pillows? What are your tried and true rules?