Pillows are one of the easiest, most impactful accessories you can use to style a room. The right combination of throw pillow covers can make your sofa feel inviting, your bed look luxurious, or your living room feel vibrantly you. But mixing and matching them well takes a little thought. Here’s how to do it like a pro—plus highlighting what we offer at our store.
Choose a Color or Theme
Start with an anchor color or theme. Pick one dominant color or mood in the room to ground your pillow scheme. This might be a color already in the room (curtains, rug, art), or something you want to introduce. Decide on a style or theme: boho, coastal, contemporary, traditional, etc.
Cloth & Stitch makes this easy: you can browse “By Color,” “By Style,” or “By Pattern” on our site. For example, our Coastal style covers are great if you want a beachy, relaxed feel. Or choose from our Solid vs. Print filters when you want something more subtle versus statement.
Strike a Balance with Patterns & Solids
Aim for a balanced mix of patterns, solids, and texture. A designer approach usually includes one or two bold patterns to draw the eye and give personality, one or more solids or subtle textures to give the bold ones breathing room, and a touch of texture or material like velvet, linen, or embroidery for tactile contrast. Cloth & Stitch carries everything from geometrics to ikat to stripes, which pair beautifully with solid color covers or textured fabrics like embroidery or woven details that add richness and depth.
Size & Shape Variety
Think about variation in size, shape, and scale. Mixing standard square throw pillows (18–26") with lumbar or bolster pillows adds interest. Mixing pattern scales—big, medium, and small—keeps the look dynamic.
Simplify Your Selection with Color Rules
Color rules are your best friend. Many designers often follow a simple formula: two neutrals and one accent color. You might also lean into triadic or analogous color schemes (colors next to or evenly spaced on the color wheel). A pop of contrast can be especially striking in an otherwise soft scheme. Cloth & Stitch helps make this easy with neutral bases and bold printed accents.
Limit your palette but allow flexibility. Too many contrasts can feel chaotic. A good rule is to stick with three to four colors across 4–6 pillows depending on sofa size. Keep the balance between bold and soft, and allow one accent to carry the statement.
Consider Your Furniture and Room
Always consider the background and furniture. If your sofa is dark, a mix of light and dark pillows creates balance; if your bedding is busy, opt for simpler pillows. Lumbar pillows work beautifully on benches or beds, while larger squares shine on deep sofas. Cloth & Stitch even lets you filter by couch or bed to help you envision the setup.
Wrapping it All Up
For inspiration, here are a few quick pairings:
Bohemian Style: Combine solid neutral beige or grey, a bold ikat or geometric in rust or ochre, and a textured lumbar pillow.
Coastal Vibe: Mix navy and white stripes with sandy-toned solids and a sea-green accent.
Modern Minimalism: Solids with varied textures—sticking to white, grey, and a muted accent like sage or blush.
Before you buy, run through a quick checklist:
- Do the colors harmonize or contrast intentionally?
- Do you have at least one bold pillow, one or two solids, and a textured piece?
- Is there variety in size and shape?
- Does it look good layered against your furniture?
- Is the fabric practical for your lifestyle?
Mixing and matching pillow covers doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With a few designer tricks and resources like our wide range of covers, you can create a look that feels intentional, stylish, and uniquely yours.