ACCENT PILLOWS FOR YOUR HOME
Pillow talk is traditionally thought of as engaging in an intimate conversation in bed with a significant other.
But there’s another kind of pillow talk that can be sexy in a stylistic and aesthetic way: a discussion about accent/throw pillows, those puffy props and cushy headrests that adorn a couch, chair, bed, or another piece of furniture and add flair to a room.
“Accent pillows provide additional comfort and support to furnishings while bringing extra depth to the design of a room,” explains Ginger Lazovik, a Realtor on the Falk Ruvin Gallagher Team of Keller Williams Milwaukee.
When selecting accent pillows, it’s wise to carefully consider the size, softness, and style that will best mesh with your room and the furnishings it will be placed on.
“For example, a soft, oversized pillow may be perfect for a cozy reading nook, while a smaller, firmer pillow may be more suitable for a formal living room,” suggests Young Kim, head of design at Awning.com.
Interior designer Grace Baena says there’s a right and wrong way to choose and use accent pillows.
“For instance, using too many throw pillows can actually make it more awkward to sit on your couch or turn making your bed into an unnecessarily long chore,” she cautions.
In terms of pattern and color, it’s essential to ponder the existing color scheme and decor of the room or zone. Kim notes that, while it can be tempting to aim for bold, statement-making patterns, “it’s important to ensure that the pillows will complement and not clash with the rest of your space. Neutral colors, such as beige or gray, are often a safe choice, as they can easily be incorporated into any décor.”
Think about the scale and function of the pillows in the room. In a bedroom, for example, you can implement several larger pillows on a queen-sized bed and not overwhelm the space. But in a smaller room like a sun porch, opt for smaller pillows that don’t overwhelm the size of the furniture, advises Gallagher.
“Softer pillows should be used for comfort and to relax edges on stiff furniture. Firmer pillows work well for areas where additional support might be needed, like a deep sofa. And fringes, piping, and additional textures are beautiful but can take away from the comfort of a pillow; they are better left for pillows meant to be more decorative in nature,” Lazovik adds.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements to find the look that works best for you.
“Try placing a few small pillows in a cluster on your couch, or mix-and-match patterns and textures for added depth and dimension,” Kim suggests.
“Look at images of rooms similar to yours and take notes of pillows used in those rooms that catch your eye. The good news is that pillows swap out easily, see you don’t need to commit to a pillow long-term,” Lazovik says. “Try lots of pillows and take back what doesn’t work. Have fun and be adventurous.”