How To Arrange Pillows On A Couch And Loveseat? Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a fresh new style for your sofa and loveseat? Pillows can be arranged randomly, and new or used objects can be mixed in with the centerpiece to create an interesting visual contrast. You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about the proper placement of throw pillows on a sofa and loveseat.

Don’t overanalyze the issue of how many cushions and stuffed animals to scatter around your sofa. That said, it is important to consider how many people will be consuming and sharing the resources. Here are some suggestions for how to best arrange the cushions on your sofa and loveseat.

Odd or Even?

It may seem like a no-brainer to just decide how many cushions and stuffed animals you want to scatter around your sofa and love seat, but is that really the case? The first consideration must be the size of the individual piece of furniture. If the space can only accommodate a small number of people, then each guest should be provided with a single, decent pillow. Pile your sofa and love seat with an asymmetrical amount of pillows.

One pillow for the whole family might be the most practical solution. Alternatively, if you stick to the standard guidelines for the number of people per sofa, then a loveseat would be ideal because you’d only need to provide two pillows instead of three.

Pillow Shape

Consider the overall style of your sofa and loveseat before settling on a pillow form. Pillows come in a wide variety of sizes, and picking the right one is essential. You wouldn’t want a small loveseat with a couple of huge pillows, and you wouldn’t want a large couch with a few small ones. It wouldn’t be aesthetically pleasing.

One possibility is to tailor the sofa and loveseat upholstery to match the fabric of the throw cushion. The next step is to find a pillow pattern that either complements the decor or adds to the vibrancy of the room. To what extent you want to do this is absolutely up to you. Pick your colors carefully!

Good Suggestions for Pillows

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors allow your sofa and love seat to mix in with your decor with ease. You can get away with less flashy pillowcases if you’re looking for that look. If you add some neutral hues to a room, you can use furniture of any color.

Gothic or Chiq

Pillows with a gothic or chiqq aesthetic will do the trick if you’re going for a more contemporary vibe. Pillows in vivid hues will draw the eye and give your sofa and love seat some personality. The use of vibrant hues has the effect of energizing and enlivening the space.

Different Size Pillow

I’m not referring about different sized pillows. However, what I mean is to consider using a few of smaller pillows in addition to the larger throw pillows. This would be a pleasant surprise for the whole family and a welcome change of pace.

Advanced Mode

If you feel like the advice you’ve received thus far is too simplistic, consider this your reward. Let’s put on our designer hats for a moment and see where we can make improvements. Similar to how one might wish to adorn oneself with various trinkets. Pillows are not just a fashion statement for your body, but also for your sofa or love seat.

The perfect shade, but only if it harmonizes with the rest of the room’s decor. Don’t go crazy with color if that will throw off the whole mood you’re trying for. If that is indeed your motivation, then by all means.

Don’t just imagine that a certain color or palette would look beautiful on the sofa and loveseat; instead, work it throughout the rest of the room as well. Look at the room as a whole, and you will see that I am wrong.

What kind of mood are you trying to create, something formal or more casual? If so, work in the pillows you’d actually use, making sure they complement the room rather than becoming unnecessary fluff after a few weeks or months.

Having a palette with a wide range of colors that may be used to reflect the changing of the seasons is beneficial. Don’t wear the same thing every day of the year; instead, switch things up by giving each season its own distinct look and feel.

One other piece of advice: invest in machine-washable cushions. This will come in handy whenever you decide to switch up your style; it will also serve as a reminder to keep washing your pillows throughout the year so that they always smell nice.

The Best Throw Pillows To Finish Any Room

Best Overall: Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillow, Set of 2

Polyfill stuffing; polyester exterior; 18 x 18 x 4 inches; 2.5 pound weight

To Describe Our Preferences

• This set comes with two pillows.
• General size norm
• Inserts and covers are machine washable.

Disliked Aspects

• Non-removable covers

Buyer Feedback: What are People Saying? Over 5,000 reviewers on Wayfair have given this item 4 stars or higher.

Find a throw cushion with a nice harmony of color, texture, and value to add to your collection. When considering all of these factors, we recommend the Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillow as the best option. This stylish and inexpensive pair of pillows is available in a wide range of colors, perfect for accenting any sofa or chair in your home.

Standard sofas and loveseats will be just fine with these 18-by-18-inch pillows. All of the pillows have a supportive polyester foam center. Covered in a polyester and microfiber combination, these pillows come in a wide selection of hues from neutral to bright (including red, yellow, and orange).

The coverings of these pillows are not removable, however washing them is a breeze. Both pillows can be cleaned by tossing them into the washer and dryer. You should allow more time for the inserts to dry.

Best Budget : Mainstays Solid Chenille Decorative Square Pillow

Dimensions: 18″ square, weight: 2.3 ounces, fabric content: Polyester chenille, and fill type: unspecified.

To Describe Our Preferences

• This set comes with two pillows.
• Budget-friendly
• Variegated color options
• Simple and elegant

Disliked Aspects

• It’s just necessary to clean in small areas.
• Sizing is universal.

To add some flair to a room without breaking the bank, decorative pillows are a terrific option. One reasonably priced option is the Mainstays Chenille Decorative Square Throw Pillow Set of 2.

The pillows come in 12 different colors, ranging from a bright yellow to a chocolate brown, so you may find one that goes with your existing furnishings. What’s the best part? Since they come as a pair, you can display them together on your sofa or bed, or divide them up amongst different rooms.

Best Outdoor: Arden Selections Leala Outdoor Throw Pillows

Weighs nothing; measures 16 by 5 inches; is made of polyester; is stuffed with more polyester; weight is unknown

To Describe Our Preferences

• Packaged as a pair
• Outdoor use, with resistance to the elements
• Protected from the sun’s rays so they won’t fade

Disliked Aspects

• They are smaller than regular decorative pillows but nonetheless quite comfy.

The two-pack of Arden Selections Leala Outdoor Throw Pillows will transform your patio into an extension of your living space. They’re 16 inches square, which is a little smaller than your standard decorative pillow, but their weatherproof construction makes them suitable for use anywhere outside.

There are more than a dozen different colors and patterns to choose from, and the fabric is water- and UV-resistant so that your pillows will last for years to come. Since the polyester fiber in the pillows might break down in the elements, the manufacturer suggests storing them inside while not in use.

Best Boho: Anthropologie All Roads Yucca Pillow

Unspecified weight | 18 × 18 inches | Cotton, viscose, acrylic | Polyester fill

To Describe Our Preferences

• Available in three distinct forms
• Color Scheme That Doesn’t Stand Out
• Patterned texture

Disliked Aspects

• It’s a dry-clean-only item.
• Expensive

The All Roads Yucca Pillow is the epitome of bohemian style with its varied textures and eccentric print. It comes in different colors and sizes (black, black and white, and neutral), and it has a hip asymmetrical design with tassels, looped yarn, and other natural textures.

Cotton, viscose, and acrylic come together to form this boho cushion, which is then stuffed with polyfill. The pillow’s rough construction necessitates dry cleaning in the event of soiling, but its one-of-a-kind style guarantees compliments wherever it is displayed.

Best Farmhouse: Better Homes & Gardens Button Square Decorative Throw Pillow

Weight: Unknown | Size: 20″ x 20″ | Fabric: Polyester | Stuffing: Cotton

To Describe Our Preferences

• This set comes with two pillows.
• Purposefully Reminiscent of a Farmhouse
• Multi-colored options are provided.
• Budget-friendly

Disliked Aspects

• It’s just necessary to clean in small areas.

These two throw pillows from Better Homes and Gardens are the perfect finishing touch for a farmhouse-inspired room. The 20×20-inch pillows have a horizontal band that is “fastened” with a lovely button design, giving them a country feel. In addition, they are offered in a range of muted colorways.

The covers are a cotton/polyester blend with a zipper, and the insert is a feather pillow for maximum softness. But remember that you should only do spot cleaning with these.

Best Oversized: AllModern Judy Textured Square Cotton Pillow Cover & Insert

Weight: 5 pounds | Size: 24 × 24 inches | Content: Polyester Fill

To Describe Our Preferences

• Adequate for large pieces of furniture
• Without bias
• Patterned texture
• The garment has a zippered front fastening.

Disliked Aspects

• It’s a dry-clean-only item.
• Expensive

You can’t go wrong with AllModern’s Judy Cotton Throw Pillow Cover & Insert, regardless of whether you have gigantic furniture or just want to mix and match different shapes and styles. The throw is neutral in color and has a tufted, abstract pattern that can serve as a fashionable and comfortable decorative accent.

The pillow’s dimensions of 24 by 24 inches make it far larger than its competitors. The neutral khaki tone, however, makes it simple to match with other accent pieces you may already own. The cover can be easily removed for washing because to its zippered design.

Best Lumbar: Lulu and Georgia Arlo Linen Long Lumbar Pillow

Dimensions (inches): 36 x 14 | Content (in ): Linen | Weight (in ): Unspecified

To Describe Our Preferences

• Multi-colored options are provided.
• Fluffy because it’s stuffed with down feathers
• Hidden fastener

Disliked Aspects

• It’s a dry-clean-only item.
• Expensive

The Lulu and Georgia Arlo Lumbar Pillow is an example of a lumbar pillow with a long, narrow shape that works well in any room of the house. The Arlo pattern measures 36 by 14 inches and is crafted from high-quality linen available in a range of neutral tones.

This pillow has a lot going for it: from the flange trim at the edge to the tonal stitching in the body, not to mention the down filling that gives it a soft, lofty feel. The removable inner cushion is accessible via an invisible zipper; nonetheless, dry cleaning is recommended in the event of soiling.

Best Leather: Strick & Bolton Lindi Leather 22-inch Throw Pillow

Size (inches): 22 | Content (in ): Feathers | Weight (in ):?

To Describe Our Preferences

• There’s a rainbow of options when it comes to color.
• Simple and elegant

Disliked Aspects

• Expensive
• The material is easily scratched.

The Lindi Leather Throw Pillow by Strick & Bolton is the best option if you’re looking for a genuinely elegant design. This pillow’s simple style makes it a great complement to a variety of decors, including rustic, modern, and industrial.

This cushion measures 22 by 22 inches and is available in a range of six different neutral tones, from a chestnut brown to an ivory. You will receive a handcrafted pillow in the color of your choice that features a distressed, embroidered design. What’s the best part? Just like your favorite leather jacket, this pillow will soften and improve with age.

Best Modern: Society6 Arch Balance Green Throw Pillow

Weight not specified; Dimensions not specified; Material Polyester twill; Fill Synthetic down

To Describe Our Preferences

• Intended for both indoor and outdoor settings
• Several sizes are readily available.
• Crafted using traditional methods of hand cutting and hand sewing

Disliked Aspects

• Depending on the complexity of the request, delivery of a custom item could take some time.

You can’t go wrong with the chic contemporary style of the Arch Balance Green Throw Pillow on your couch. It can be ordered as an outdoor pillow and comes in a variety of square sizes ranging from 16 to 24 inches.

The pillow features a green half circle and a series of looped black lines that are printed on a polyester twill fabric. It comes with a faux down pillow insert, and every order is individually cut and sewn by hand.

Best Set: A&B Home Tan and Black Pillows

The polyester twill pillowcase is screen printed with a design that consists of a half circle of green and a sequence of black lines that are looped. All orders are made to order and include a faux down cushion insert that is sewed and trimmed by hand.

To Describe Our Preferences

• This set comes with two pillows.
• Set of many colors
• Patterned texture

Disliked Aspects

• Expensive

Finding a complementary set of decorative pillows might be challenging. This is why it’s helpful to buy things in sets, like the A&B Tan and Black Pillow set. It’s a set of two cushions in contrasting yet complementing hues.

Two pillows, measuring 17.7 inches each, are included in the set. Although they’re distinct hues, the black and tan pillows would complement each other and whatever other decor you already have.

Best Round: Gold Flamingo Teen Imani Round Cotton Pillow Cover & Insert

Cotton velvet exterior; unspecified dimensions; polyester fill. Weight: 2 pounds.

To Describe Our Preferences

• There’s a rainbow of options when it comes to color.
• Simple and elegant
• Disposable cover

Disliked Aspects

• It’s a dry-clean-only item.
• Sizing is universal.
• Expensive

Adding pillows of various sizes and shapes to your sofa or bed is a simple yet striking method to update the look of your living quarters. Though square pillows are more common, round pillows like the Imani Round Cotton pattern from Gold Flamingo are still a good option. The velvety pillow case is made entirely of cotton and comes in no less than eight different colors. It’s a simpler style overall, but the tufted center and buttoned sides add a nice touch of refinement and coziness.

What to Look for in a Throw Pillow

Size

While 18×18-inch squares are the norm for decorative pillows, you may want something bigger (or smaller) depending on the scale of the furniture you’re accenting. Throw pillows come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from square to round to lumbar, and they may be stacked to create an eye-catching display.

Material

You can find throw pillows made of anything from standard cotton or polyester to more unusual materials like leather or velvet. You should give some thought to the ideal material for your purposes because of its feel, appearance, and maintenance requirements.

Cleaning Requirements

Throw pillows are prone to getting dirty if you have kids, dogs, or like to dine on the couch, so it’s better to choose those that can be washed in the washing machine. Some specialized pillows may only be cleaned by spot treatment or dry cleaning, making maintenance a major hassle.

FAQs

How do you wash throw pillows?

Toss pillows can be washed in a variety of ways, depending on their construction and the materials used to make them. If the cover of your decorative pillow can be removed, you should take it off and wash it in a manner appropriate for the type of fabric it is made of. Please ensure that the filling of your pillow may be washed if it is sewed shut. Machine-washable decorative pillows should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent the fill from becoming distorted. Some decorative pillows can be hand washed by immersing them in warm soapy water for a short time, rinsing in cool water, then gently pressing out the excess water before being dried. Any decorative pillow can be spot cleaned by hand with a moist cloth and a mixture of water and mild detergent, then let to air dry, and this works for many pillow materials as well as a gentle vacuuming with a hose attachment to remove surface dust and debris.

How many throw pillows do you put on a couch?

Throw pillows can be added in any quantity, from one to as many as will fit on your sofa, depending on your personal preference and the aesthetic of your space. Fewer cushions that provide character without dominating the style’s clean lines are ideal for a low-backed, fitted midcentury sofa. Overstuffed sofas with huge removable back and seat cushions may not require any throw pillows at all, or only one or two small pillows in contrasting fabric to give interest. Placement of a pair of pillows on a sofa is more conventional and elegant than placement of three or more pillows in a cluster (or 6, or 9, depending on the size of your sofa).

What size is a standard throw pillow?

You can find a wide range of sizes among throw pillows. Throw pillows come in a variety of sizes, with the standard squares measuring 18 or 20 inches. However, as sofas have grown in size, so have throw pillow options, and now you can get models measuring 22 or 24 inches as well. Decorative throw pillows are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including knotted designs and standard square and rectangular patterns.

Summary

The finest theme is the one you, the reader, come up with. Keep an open mind, though, and always be on the lookout for new colors, themes, and designs that would look wonderful on your sofa and loveseat throw pillows.