Decorative Pillows

Decorating with Pillows

Think of decorative pillows as your personal style wrapped up in a petite but potent package. For those with color phobias, pillows are a great to way to dip into the brave world of color. If you’re fond of a bold hue like red or yellow, start with a few vibrant throw pillows on a sofa or chair. The same principle applies to daring patterns like houndstooth, tartan plaid, or animal prints.

Many designers recommend buying large furniture pieces like sofas and loveseats in neutral tones and small scale patterns. With the major furnishings in place, decorative pillows can be layered to add color, pattern, or play up a theme. This makes the room’s design more versatile, since the pillows can be swiftly changed or updated at any time.

Another sensible tip for decorative pillows is to buy reversible designs. A lot of retail home décor stores offer pillows which have one fabric on the front and a different fabric on the back. Often times the fabric combination is a print mixed with a coordinating solid or stripe. This reversibility allows you to have two looks for the price of one – display a botanical pattern one day and a solid color the next day.

Cushiony Design

Decorative pillows are the perfect opportunity to use luxurious fabric and trim to dress up less expensive sofas, chairs, and bedding. The average 14-inch square pillow requires only about one-half yard of fabric. If you’ve had your eye on a gorgeous embroidered silk fabric that is $85 per yard, then consider making a couple pillows out of just one yard. Be sure to make the pillow covers removable for easier cleaning with the addition of a hidden zipper.

If you decide to make custom decorative pillows, seek out a local seamstress by looking for business cards at the neighborhood fabric store. For those who have sewing talent, pick up Christopher Lowell’s You Can Do It! Pillows Leaflet online or at your local Jo-Ann Fabric store.

Decorative pillows can be found in countless different shapes such as:

• Square
• Rectangle
• Round
• Neck roll
• Triangle
• Star
• Heart

Whether you buy decorative pillows at a retail store or have them custom-made, there are many options to consider:

• Beaded trim
• Braided rope trim
• Brush fringe
• Bullion fringe
• Buttons
• Cording or welt
• Eyelash fringe
• Feather trim
• Leather fringe
• Pillow forms (feathers, poly, or foam)
• Ruffles or flange
• Tassels

Decorative Pillow Resources

Horchow – Exquisite selection of decorative pillows.

Country Curtains – Pillows with whimsical and colorful designs.

Nina’s Pillow Designs - Decorative pillows for modern and contemporary rooms.

Peak Pillows – Unique designer pillows.

Smith+Noble – Design custom pillows using four diverse styles, countless fabrics, and over a dozen decorative trims.