Craving a change for your room? Pillows are an easy solution to an updated look. These are a few design tricks to help you have pillows that pow. Consider the number, odd numbers always work best, so opt for one three or five rather than a pair. Or group the pillows into odd numbers, like shown on the sofa below, or when using them on a sectional. Pillow size is important, usually an 18 inch up to 25 inch pillow works best on sofas and offer enough area to show a print pattern or a graphic motif. Size is determined by the scale of the sofa. Adding visual interest can also be achieved by combing shapes, perhaps a round with a square.
A small rectangular or tube shape pillow is perfect for the size an accent chair. Use a limited amount of colors, repeating the color palette within the pillows and the room. Note how the geometric design used on the accent pillow compliments the color and pattern of the banding used on the drapery panels.
Fabric texture is also key, for this transitional look you would use a crisp, clean tightly woven fabrics. You want to have the pillows compliment the room rather than compete with it. What the pillow is filled with is also important. Most designers prefer a down filled or feather and down filled pillows. Although, these are usually the priciest pillows they offer a look of richness and comfort not achieved with the stiffer foam pillows. By layering a combination of colors, textures, patterns and shapes on your accent pillows you can give your room a instant make over.
by Susan Dorbeck