Pillow Talk: Guide to Using Throw Pillows Like a Designer

Throw pillows are the secret ingredient of interior design. They’re affordable and incredibly impactful to use in a space. A well-placed pillow combo can transform your sofa, bed, or living area in a matter of minutes. You don’t need to be a professional to style pillows but you should know some of these key tips. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through how to choose the right sizes, colors, patterns, and arrangements and how to use our versatile pillow inserts to pull it all together. Let’s get into it!
 

Start with the Basics: It’s All About the Insert

Before you even get into picking out the covers, let’s talk inserts. A designer-worthy throw pillow starts with the right foundation.

Pro tip: Always choose an insert that’s 1–2 inches larger than the cover for a plump, full look. For example, if you’re using an 18x18 cover, use a 20x20 insert.

At Grand and Humble, we offer high-quality down and down-alternative inserts customizable to any size and shape, which will give you that perfect “chopped” designer look with plush support.
 

Color Palette and Patterns

One of the easiest ways to incorporate pillow styling to your space is by building a color palette. Try to stick to 2-3 colors by pulling them from your rug, art, wall color, or accent furniture. If your room is already mostly neutral, pillows are a great way to bring in brighter color accents or seasonal shades.

Here are a few color combos to inspire you:

• Warm Modern: Terracotta, ivory, and rust
   
• Coastal Calm: Soft blues, sand beige, and white
   
• Moody Luxe: Emerald green, black, and gold
   

Use your throw pillows to bring your palette to life! That could also mean playing with patterns, which can be intimidating, but makes a big impact when done right.

The key is to make sure the patterns share a common color so they feel cohesive. Also, vary the scale of your patterns, don’t use all small prints or all oversized ones.

Mix Sizes and Shapes for Depth

A pillow arrangement feels most dynamic when it includes multiple sizes and shapes. You don’t need to stick to just the basics, try out a round knife edge or a bolster to add dimension.

We offer custom throw pillows in every imaginable size and shape, perfect for layering like a stylist. 

Arrange Like a Pro

Once you’ve chosen your pillows, it’s all about placement:

• Sofas: Go symmetrical for a clean look (matching pairs on each side) or asymmetrical for a more relaxed, lived-in feel.
   
• Beds: Layer from back to front. Start with large sizes, then standard, and finish with small ones in the front.
   
• Chairs: Use a single eye-catching pillow for a simple style statement.

Use odd numbers for a more modern look and even numbers for a more traditional vibe.
 

Seasonal Swaps: An Easy Refresh

The best part about investing in high-quality throw pillow inserts is that it makes it super easy to switch styles for the seasons.

All you need to do is swap your covers for different color palettes and patterns based on the season or occasion. 

In the fall and winter, go for warm, cozy textures like velvet, boucle, or knit. Rich colors like rust, navy, and evergreen add seasonal warmth. In spring and summer, lighten things up with soft pastels or bold pops of color.

Ready to style your space like a pro? Explore our large collection of inserts and easily transform your space in no time!