It can sometimes feel daunting to decide on a style for a sofa like a designer. There are just too many options to choose from, shapes, textures, colors, and combinations of pillows, to name a few. The best way to ensure success, however, is to learn about a set of tried-and-true decorating principles. These principles remove the steps necessary to figure things out, allowing me to style any sofa with confidence, just like a designer. At the end of the day, the best way to quickly turn the personality of a room is with the use of pillows, making them a powerful decorating tool.

As a designer at Laurel & Blush, I have experience in making artisan textural pillows to enhance even the most common sofa. After years of learning and experimentation, I’ve found what works well, whether for a minimalist modern living room design and decor, or even for a cozy and layered space. I’ll share with you some foolproof formulas for pillows for styling any sofa.

Why Pillows Are More Important Than Most People Think?

Pillows go beyond being accent pieces; they are necessary for creating balance. The correct pillows can help with the flow of a room, determining the mood that is achieved, while an artfully arranged sofa can make the entire room seem balanced, beautiful, and put together. But, too many times, pillows get homeowners stuck between the size, color, and amount needed, and when this is done incorrectly, the sofa can end up looking incomplete, even chaotic.

I have advised numerous clients on how to strike the right balance between these two requirements. I remember one client with an absolutely beautiful sofa, but it seemed rather flat due to the absence of textured pillows. With the addition of appropriate pillows from Laurel & Blush, that sofa became the centerpiece of the room, perfectly designed, balancing both comfort and aesthetics.

Understanding the Foundation of a Designer Pillow Look

I would like to address three important features that must be considered before diving into specific pillow formulas for creating balanced sofa designs:

Shape

Varying shapes in pillows help to achieve movement. I enjoy placing square pillows with lumbar pillows, creating a rhythm on the sofa. The focal point of the sofa might be the anchor pillow, with smaller pillows layered around it.

Scale

This refers to the effects of the pillow’s scale based on the sofa’s size. If a sofa is large, it will require large pillow measurements for it to look balanced. A smaller sofa will look out of place with large pillow measurements.

Texture

Pillows are all about color and texture. It’s not just about throwing a bunch of colored pillows around. A sofa with great textures, like those from Laurel & Blush, makes a huge difference. Think boucle, linen, velvet, or cotton; each comes with its own stories to tell.

Pillow Formulas That Never Fail

After years of designing sofas, I have mastered the following formulas for pillows to get the designer look. Below are the five most often used formulas:

The Classic Three Pillow Formula

I love this simple and versatile pillow trick. I like to begin with one pillow that's an anchor in a certain color or texture, add one pillow in a pattern, and complete the look with a pillow in a texture. This look is perfect when done in a neutral color scheme and helps to add some personality to the room without overdoing it.

The Asymmetric Two Plus One Formula

If you are looking for longer sofa or room space design concepts that require the use of soft visual movements, I personally adore this asymmetric design. The design involves placing two pillows on one side of the sofa and one long lumbar on the opposite side. The best part about this design is how effortlessly it blends balance and visual movements.

The Four Pillow Balanced Grid Formula

This formula involves four pillows. For a more structured look, you can arrange your pillows according to the formula for four pillows. Two large base pillows are laid at the back, and two smaller pillows are stacked on top. It is a neat and balanced design that is ideal for formal sitting rooms or anywhere a touch of elegance is much needed. It is perfect for a “finished” look on a sofa.

The Designer Layered Texture Formula

Textures are my go-to tricks, and the key to this formula is mixing textures. I like to combine throw pillows made from a variety of textures: think bouclé, linen with wash, or cotton. This gives the sofa a dynamic look without making it look busy. The best pillows for mixing textures within the formula are the handmade line by Laurel & Blush because the textures add visual interest without stealing the scene.

The Statement Lumbar Formula

In some cases, it’s better to keep things simple, and this is where the phrase "lumbar" comes in. Instead of using multiple pillows, I like to place one large lumbar pillow that grabs everyone’s attention. This technique is particularly effective for sectionals that are deep, as well as for modern couches.

Choosing the Right Sizes of Pillows for Your Sofa

The scale of your pillows is imperative for creating a harmonious look. While the norm might be to use only small pillows on your sofa, for instance, using only those might end up giving the sofa a flat and meek look. For that reason, I always use a range of pillow sizes.

When it comes to regular sofas, I usually opt for a combination of 22x22 and 20x20 pillows. If it’s an accent sofa or sectional sofa, I choose bigger pillows such as 24x24 and sometimes use some long pillows for the lumbar area. The point is to ensure the pillows are not too small for the sofa because it will give the impression that the area is unfinished.

Selecting Colors and Patterns That Appear Purposeful

A pillow display is often improved by using the right colors and patterns. Here is how I go about it:

Start with One Anchor Color

When it comes to deciding on the coloring of the cushions, I like to start with the use of one anchoring color. This may relate back to the type of fabric on the sofa, and it can help to establish the mood in the room. My personal favorite anchoring colors include things like soft clay, sand, and earth tones.

Add Some Secondary Patterns

In order to add more interest, I use secondary colors or patterns. I have always been fascinated with geometric and organic pattern designs that give an artistic feel without overdoing it. This is demonstrated at Laurel & Blush, where our pillows showcase an excellent combination of subtle designs that work perfectly with solid-colored sofas.

Add a Hint of Accent

Accent colors can add a touch of sophistication to a given floral design. Consider a pop of rust, mustard, or teal to add some excitement to a boring arrangement. I advise my clients to add accent flowers carefully to accentuate the setting of a room.

Test in Daylight and Evening Light

Lighting conditions have an enormous effect on color. I always test throw pillows in daylight and evening lighting to make sure that they look well-balanced in all lighting conditions.

The Role of Texture in Professional Pillow Styling

Texture is as crucial for the professional styling of a sofa as a designer. Textured finishes give the sofa a layered look that looks sophisticated. I adore the look of pairing smooth fabrics such as velvet with textured fabrics such as boucle or cotton. This contrast adds so much to the space and prevents the space from being flat.

In my work at Laurel & Blush, texture is a consideration that always takes precedence in my designs because texture is what gives a home a polished, put-together appearance that exudes luxury but is also functional.

Placement Ideas Which Will Give Your Sofa the Appearance of Being Complete

The placement of pillows greatly matters in creating the desired design.

Fluffing and Shaping Without Overstuffing

Pillows should be attractively inviting and soft-looking, rather than stiff-looking. I like to fluff mine to keep them in a relaxed, lived-in appearance.

Placement at an Angle vs. Straight

If I want a more relaxed and casual look, I’ll place the pillows at an angle. If I want a cleaner and more structured look, I’ll keep them straight. It’s quite a simple trick to change the whole ambiance.

Layering Without Overcrowding

In smaller sofas, overcrowding is something you want to steer clear of. I choose to keep it simple with fewer pillows and make sure to give each one sufficient space to stand out.

My Favorite Pillow Pairing Options – Inspired by Laurel & Blush

Here are a few of my personal favorite pillow combinations that I often use to achieve designer looks:

• Neutral Tones with Rich Texture: Creamy boucle fabric mixed with soft clay linen creates an elegant yet inviting look.

• Earthly Modern Mix: Rust, olive, and sand offer a warm and rich look that does not feel heavy.

• Clean Two-Color Palette: Often, one primary color combined with an accent color is a popular way to provide a modern, clean look.

• Bold Texture Statement: Use one large patterned pillow and pair it with a neutral in a warmer tone to add balance to the space.
  

Conclusion: Tips on Making a Designer Sofa in Your Home

Designing a sofa like a designer is not daunting. With the proper formulas, textures, and placement strategies, a designer look can easily be created in the comfort of your own home. Remember, a pillow refresh is an effortless way to update your space without a hefty furniture investment. To bring your sofa into the designer category, pay attention to its form, scale, and texture. Here at Laurel & Blush, we offer a vision for interior design that’s more accessible, and our pillows offer a way to do exactly that to create your own beautiful and meaningful spaces, aka your own home. With these simple tips, you can add purpose and warmth to your space one pillow at a time.