Throw Pillow
Key Characteristics
- ✓Typically 16 to 22 inches square
- ✓Primary tool for adding color and pattern to rooms
- ✓Removable covers for easy seasonal changes
- ✓Available in virtually every fabric and pattern
- ✓Effective for tying room elements together
- ✓Accessible decorating tool for any budget
Types & Variations
Common Materials
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use odd numbers of pillows on sofas, typically three or five, for a naturally balanced arrangement. Mix sizes with the largest at the back and smallest in front. Karate-chop the tops to create a relaxed, styled dent rather than leaving them perfectly puffed.
💡 Pro Tip
When mixing throw pillow patterns, follow the design rule of varying the scale: pair a large-scale pattern with a medium geometric and a small textural print. Keep all pillows within the same color family but in different shades and textures. This creates visual interest without the chaos of randomly mixed patterns.
Related Terms
Lumbar Pillow
A rectangular decorative pillow, typically measuring about 12 by 20 inches, designed to provide lower back support while adding a horizontal accent to seating arrangements.
Decorative Cushion
A soft, padded textile accessory used primarily for aesthetic purposes on seating and bedding, encompassing a broad range of shapes, fabrics, and embellishments.
Pillow Insert
The inner filling component of a decorative pillow, typically a fabric shell stuffed with down, polyester fiberfill, or foam, designed to be covered by a removable pillow cover.