Upgrade Your Decor with the Right-Size Pillow Inserts and Decorative Pillow Covers

Accessorizing with throw pillows is one of the best ways to make your living room, bedroom, dining room or sun room stylish. While comfort is one of the most important factors that create the right atmosphere in your living space, pillows shoulder a good deal of this burden. You can fill those comfy, stylish, high-quality decorative pillow covers coordinating well with your furniture and walls with pillows. 

However, there are so many affordable and beautiful pillows available, and it would be a shame to play it safe with just two or three solid-colored pillows. What’s worse is if you limit yourself to the cushion set that came with your couch. There are a lot of ways to play mix-and-match with the throw pillows, and sometimes, it takes more than a practiced eye. 

If you don’t have the time or inclination to experiment with decorative throw pillow covers or shop that much, you can go with pillow combos, rather than creating a cushion covers set from scratch. However, how do you buy the perfect pillow covers? This guide will help you with principles and techniques that can help you shop for the right cushion covers and inserts easily. 

How to Choose the Right Decorative Pillow Covers?

First things first, your pillows don’t have to match. You can step out of your comfort zone, and you can achieve a more professional and stylish look if your pillows do not match with one another but rather complement each other. 

Mixing and matching contrasting pillow styles might seem like a bold move, but when done right, it creates depth, balance, and a designer-curated look. The key lies in blending different elements, textures, patterns, shapes, and colors, to create a visually harmonious arrangement. 

The rule of three is the best formula that you can use to guide your choices. Here is how you can implement the rule of three to choose the decorative pillows for your room: 

1. Choose Three Colors 

First, choose three colors that will tell the story and follow the pillow selection. It is best to go with three different colors that are extracted from other sources in the room, like your bedding, curtains, wall color, or rug. Here are some color combinations that give a perfect look: 

Dark blue + deep red + pink  

Sage green + peacock blue + gold  

Teal + Burnt Orange + Cream

Dusty Rose + Charcoal Gray + Ivory

Emerald Green + Deep Plum + Champagne

Even if you choose a variety of pillows in different patterns, the pillows will still look cohesive if they share the same colors.

2. Select Three Patterns 

You can also mix and match three different patterns, as long as each one includes at least one color from your chosen three-color palette. Start by selecting a lead pattern—the largest and most prominent design—which should feature all three colors. Then, choose secondary patterns that incorporate one or two colors from the palette to create a cohesive and balanced look.

Choose patterns in three different scales, such that one can dominate, because you don’t want the patterns to compete with each other. It is all about complementing rather than overpowering.  Here are some ideas that you can try: 

One floral + one geometric + one solid color

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One Floral + One Geometric + One Chevron

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One Abstract Botanical Print + One Texture Quilted + One Geometric

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Your lead pattern should be the largest of the bunch, followed by a medium-sized print, like a stripe or small houndstooth.  The third pattern can be subtle, like a solid color with an interesting texture, a dotted Swiss, or a faint tone-on-tone pattern, like a damask stripe. 

3. Pick Three Sizes 

Following the rule of three in selecting the pillow sizes can help in creating design interest. The size groupings depend on the size of the furniture, but there are standard pillow sizes as per pillow shape that one should know: 

• Square Pillows: 16x16, 18x18, 20x20, 22x22, and 24x24 (all in inches)
• Round Pillows: Sizes same as square pillows 
• Lumbar Pillow: no consistent sizes, but the range is between 10x16 inches high and 18x22 inches. 

When implementing this rule in pillow sizes, ensure that each one varies by 2-inch increments. Like if you have selected a pillow with 20x20 inches, then the next one should be 22x22 inches. You can also play with different shapes, like round and lumbar pillows. 

Here are the examples of how this formula works: 

• 24-inch pillows + 22-inch pillows + lumbar
• 22-inch pillows + 20-inch pillows + lumbar
• 20-inch Pillows + 18-inch round + lumbar
• 22-inch pillows + 20-inch square and round pillows + lumbar

4. Think Three Textures 

While pattern and color mixing is important, the texture is an aspect that cannot be overlooked. Pick three textures that includes the element of contrast yet they complement each other. You can play with smooth and rough, soft and fuzzy. You can think about faux fur, velvet, linen, knit wools, and tasseled accents. 

Here’s a classic texture+pattern combination that you can always try: 

One large pattern + one small pattern + one solid texture

Understanding the Game of Color of Psychology 

Have you entered a room and instantly felt at ease or, on the contrary, felt a sudden burst of energy? This is the game of psychology of color, and interior designers believe that colors can dramatically affect mood, feelings, and emotions. Pablo Picasso once remarked that: 

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”

A bedroom painted in soft blue tones can evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation, while a vibrant red accent wall in a dining area may stimulate conversation and appetite. So, you can use psychology while choosing cushion covers that not only coordinate with your house but also signify what you want to show and feel. 

Focusing on different color options can change the entire vibe of your space. Let’s understand how: 

The Power of Neutrals: Calm and Elegance

Neutral shades consist of beige, cream, white, and grey shades, and they are shades that never go out of style. All of these colors go along perfectly well with comfort, so these shades are suitable for a place where you want to relax and unwind. Neutrals will also complement well with any interior decor framework, whether it is minimalist, mid-century, traditional, or ultra-modern style. 

Energizing Brights: Adding a Pop of Color

The energizing brights include shades of orange, red, and yellow, and these colors are said to be stimulative. The colors activate emotions like creativity, energy, and enthusiasm. You can opt for bright-colored cushion covers if you want to add a charm of cheerfulness to your dull room. Yellow cushion covers produce warmth and cheer, and red cushion covers bring more passion and excitement to the room.

However, play very strategically with the brights. Even a single accent, like a bold throw pillow or a  colorful piece of artwork, can transform the vibe. Too much of bright-colored pillows can make your space feel overwhelming. There should be a balance between bright colors and neutral tones to create a striking yet harmonious effect.

Cool Tones: Tranquility and Focus

Cool tones include blue, green, and purple, and they are associated with calmness, tranquillity, and concentration. These colors are suitable when you want to achieve a calm and comfortable vibe. Blues, greens, and purples evoke a sense of calm and clarity, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or any space where focus and relaxation are key. Blue inspires the feeling of calmness, and green brings with it a sign of freshness and energizes the room because it is connected with nature. 

Earthy Hues: Warmth and Comfort

Brown, terracotta, forest green, olive green and other similar colors form the earth palette, bringing bring a sense of grounding and warmth. These colors resonate with nature, and they can create a down-to-earth look, bringing a natural effect to your place. They work beautifully in living rooms or dining areas where you want people to feel comfortable lingering. Pair these colors with natural materials like wood, linen, and woven textures to create a space that feels effortlessly warm and lived-in.

How to Style the Cushion Pillows in Your Room?

Decorating the cushion pillows or throws pillows isn’t as easy as you think it is. Too few throw pillows can make your couch look drab, and too many of them and you won’t have a place to sit. Whether you're going for a cozy vibe or a polished look, well-placed cushions, quantity and quality-wise, can make all the difference. 

Let’s understand how you can arrange pillows in your living room and change the aesthetics of your room: 

Display a throw pillow (or 2) on a chair

If you have a chair in your home, whether it is your favorite one or a side chair that serves more decorative purposes, then you can throw a pillow or two on the chair. It will instantly upgrade the chair’s look and feel, making it beautiful and functional.  A single oversized pillow makes a bold statement, while a pair adds a layered, designer feel. Try mixing textures—think of a soft velvet pillow paired with a woven one for contrast.

Decorate an entry bench using throw pillows.

Your entryway sets the tone for your home, so don’t let that bench sit bare. Whether you use it as a drop zone for books or bags, it is a place that is used where you or the guests might sit to tie the shoelaces or pull-on boots. So, pillows can be used to bring cozy comfort to the entryway bench, and you can toss a couple of plush pillows on one side for a welcoming touch. It is recommended to play with colors that complement your wall art or rug to create a blended look. 

Bright up a window seat with throw pillows

A window seat without pillows is like a book without words. You can soften up the space by going for a mix of square and lumbar pillows to create a comfy nook-perfect look. Window seats and pattern mixing are both charming, so you can always go for decorative pillows with patterns as per your heart’s content. 

Toss two throw pillows in the corner of your sofa.

To create that warm, comfy, and cozy feeling in your living space, you can do better than the conventional one-pillow-per-corner on your sofa set. Avoid that solitary and lifeless look by setting two decorative pillows in each corner for a welcoming and lush vibe. You can combine one big and one small—at an angle to create a relaxed but intentional look. Also, if your sofa is neutral, use this as an opportunity to bring in seasonal colors or fun textures.

Arrange a throw pillow trio on your couch

Don’t worry about everything being symmetrical. Instead, you can follow the interior design rule of three. According to this principle, grouping items in three can create a visually appealing and balanced composition. So, you can try placing one pillow at one end and a pair of pillows on the other end. 

As a rule of thumb, leave enough room on the couch for seating. Too many pillows will make it difficult for your guests to sit comfortably. To arrange the pillows, you can start working from outside in. So, use the fluffiest and large pillows in the corners and gradually work your way from biggest to smallest as you get closer to the center of the sofa. 

Find the Perfect Size and Right Pillow Shape 

Ever bought a throw pillow only to realize it looks completely out of place? Too big, and it overwhelms the space. Too small, and it feels like an afterthought. The perfect size and shape of throw pillows balances aesthetics and functionality. The key to finding the perfect size pillow lies in matching the scale of your pillows to your furniture. So, here’s a table that will help you in finding the right-sized pillows for your furniture or purpose: 

For instance, for sofas, you can layer larger pillows (22-24 inches) at the back and smaller ones (18-20 inches) in front for depth. For window seats and beaches, a mix of lumbar and square pillows creates a relaxed, inviting look without taking up too much space. 

How to Find the Right-Size Pillow Inserts? 

Throw pillows are an assembly to add life and interest to your surroundings, while pillow inserts render a suitable balance between comfort, support, and style. It might be that the perfect insert size is hard to get, yet it is so important to ensure your pillows look their best, granting the maximum level of support and comfort. 

Generally speaking, an insert 1-2 inches larger than the pillow cover should be chosen. To make it easier, let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of measuring and selecting the perfect insert.

Method 1: Using a Retractable Device

A retractable measuring device is a flexible ruler that helps in measuring the dimensions of fabric or anything easily. So, if you have that in your home, then here’s how you can use it: 

Step 1. Take the pillow and choose one corner of it. 

Step 2. Use the retractable measuring tape and put the zero marking of the tape on the tip of that corner. The corner and zero marking should be coinciding and hold them. 

Step 3. Now, stretch the tape across the tip of the opposite corner and pull the other end firmly to get the right measure. 

Step 4. Look at the number and write it down. 

Length and width are equal for square throw pillows. If measured as 24 inches on one side, then the dimension of the decorative pillow insert is (24x24 inches). 

Repeat the procedure for each of the other sides to get their respective measurements for the pillow insert's length and width. This is in case you have rectangular or lumbar pillows. 

Method 2: Using a Ruler or Yardstick

Sometimes, you may not have a retractable device, so you can use the ruler or yardstick to get an accurate measurement of the pillow insert. Here’s how you can measure the pillow insert: 

Step 1. Take a piece of string and put one end of the string with a corner of the pillow. 

Step 2. Stretch the string across to the other end and mark where the string meets the edge. 

Step 3. Lay the marked piece of string flat against the rule or yardstick to determine the length. 

Ensure that you measure seam to seam firmly and do not squish the insert. Let the string lie naturally for precise reading. In this way, you will get accurate dimensions of the pillow insert and you can accordingly the right sized decorative pillow cases.

Other Decor Items That Can Be Used To Style Pillow Covers

Throw pillows are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating a beautifully styled space. Pairing them with complementary décor elements can enhance texture, depth, and overall aesthetic appeal. 

• Throws & Blankets: Drape a soft knit, faux fur, or linen throw over a sofa or bed to create a cozy, layered look.
• Rugs: Add a textured rug (jute, shag, or Persian) to anchor the space. 
• Coffee Table & Side Table Decor: Add decorative trays, books, or candles near the pillows and small vases with fresh or dried flowers on the table near the couch to add a natural touch.
• Wall Art & Mirrors: Hang art prints, framed photos, or statement mirrors that complement the pillow colors. 
• Decorative Baskets & Storage: Use woven baskets to store extra pillows and blankets to make the extras blend together with the room decor. 
• Candles & Lighting: Soft, warm lighting from table lamps, fairy lights, or lanterns and scented candles can create a cozy ambiance. 
• Greenery & Plants: Potted plants, succulents, or dried pampas grass can add life and a natural touch to the space.

The Bottom Line 

The little things frequently have the most influence when it comes to designing a cozy and welcoming house. The pillow insert is one such element. An appropriate insert for your pillow, often overlooked, can change the whole look and feel of your room, providing comfort and aesthetic value like no other. 

Searching for home furniture and pillows that look good yet are comfortable? At Maple Village Lane, we provide furniture for the complete furnishing of the house, which also includes a soft sofa and chair offering warmth with charming throw pillows. Give your house the makeover it deserves by browsing our collection right now!