When it comes to layering throw pillows, the rules are simple — balance, size, and overall composition are key.
First things first — I’m not the one saying mixing patterns is a no. Go figure, I actually love a good pattern mix — you just need to do it with intention.
Pattern Play — Keep It Balanced
Never shy away from mixing textures and patterns, but pay attention to how they work together. Think about:
✔️ Balance
✔️ Color palette
✔️ Visual weight
For example, a houndstooth pillow layered with a patterned pillow that has one or two colors? Gorgeous. But pairing that same houndstooth with bold stripes in three or more colors? That can get overwhelming fast — making the whole setup look busy and hard to visually digest.
Size Always Matters
Pillow layering is like styling an outfit — proportions count.
On the bed, start with your larger pillows in the back and work your way forward with smaller ones. If your large pillows have a busy pattern or texture, opt for solids or something with more negative space in front. Want to finish it off strong? A fun textured bolster always does the trick.
For the sofa, same concept — but swap the bolster for a sphere pillow to add dimension and keep it interesting.
#Pause
Layering pillows is all about balance — in size, style, and texture. The biggest mistake? Going too busy or too matchy. That’s when it starts to feel overstimulating.
The goal is to give the eye a moment to pause — to rest. That’s where balance, patterns, shapes, and sizes all come into play.