How to use decorative pillows in the living room

2. Flange Pillow

With this pillow style, you have a flat band or flange attached to the seam. For a decorative pillow design, you can opt for a printed base with a solid flange in one of the colours. Alternatively, you can get ones with a contrasting or a metallic band.

4. Box Pillow

These have flat sides all around to create a box shape. Box pillows come in a variety of dimensions and so are also used as cushions for chairs and sofas.

5. Decorative Bolster Pillow

Bolster pillows are cylindrical and are available in many sizes. They have two construction styles- flat ends or gathered ends tied up with a cord, string, etc.

You find decorative living room pillows in various shapes and sizes. Although square, rectangle and round decorative pillows are the most popular. What's increased their popularity is that you have endless options in terms of fabrics and embellishments as well.

Silk, Jute, linen, satin, cotton, velvet, faux fur etc., are some fabric options. Many are available in various patterns and styles, such as ikat, ajrakh, bandhej, brocade, block print, and so on. Apart from printed pillows, you can also have other details. Here are a few options to consider for customised and best pillows:

• Tassels
• Buttons
• Embroidery
• Appliques
• Sequins
• Beaded, braided or brushed fringes
• Ruffles
• Crocheted covers
• Quilted covers, etc.

How to Use Decorative Pillows in the Living Room

Now that you know all the possibilities to create custom designer pillows let's look at how you can arrange them in the living room to create a welcoming, snug and lively atmosphere.

Step 2: Mixing patterns can create vivacious looks. Pick three patterns that fit together, and start with a lead pattern. It is generally the biggest or boldest of all. To maintain conformity, ensure that the lead pattern has all three colours. The rest can be a mix of solids, two-toned patterns, etc. A few combinations you can try:

• Floral, stripes and solids
• Chevron, dotted and ikat
• Solids, plaids and florals

Step 3: Just as you'd vary the sizes and shapes of the pillows, change up the scale of the patterns. If all the designs you choose are in the same scale range, they'll fight for attention. For example, if the ikat you choose has large patterns, pair it with spaced-out chevron and small polka dots. Alternatively, you can skip a pattern and opt for a textured material such as ribbed, knit, velvet, etc.

4. Balanced layering

Control the urge to go all out. Editing is what gives interiors a curated look. When you're layering, ensure that the space taken up by the pillows is proportional to the furniture piece you're decorating. For example, a sectional sofa can comfortably hold three to four layers of pillows. In comparison, a loveseat or a chair may look better with only one or two layers.

Style tip: Experiment with asymmetry to make the seating stand out.

5. Use Pillows to Add Contrasting Details

Suppose you have a primarily neutral colour palette in the living room and want to add splashes of colour. In that case, decorative pillows for sofa, chairs and other seating are the way to go. Consider colour blocking if you're not too fond of patterns or prints. For example, primary tones look great against a grey couch. For a softer look, choose pastel tones against creamy whites.

6. Use Pillows to Create a Cohesive Look

Any consistent and cohesive design has repeating elements, be it maximalist styles such as eclectic and boho or minimalists such as mid-century modern or Japandi. Here are a few different ways to do it.

• If there are metallic accents in the room from lighting fixtures, hardware, art, etc., mirror them by choosing pillows with the same accents. Or you can opt for solid silver, brass, and gold decorative pillows.
• Opt for patterns present in other décor elements, such as rugs, curtains, accessories, etc.
• Pick pillows with floral designs in a living room with biophilic décor.

Style tip: In living rooms with soft and curvy lines, you can mimic these with pillows of varied shapes such as bolster or round decorative pillows.

7. Make Decorative Pillows the Focal Point

There are ample designs of decorative pillows for the sofa. Many have such creative makes that they're nothing short of a piece of art. Take for example, sequins, crochet, intricately embroidered ones, knot pillows and such. You can create a point of interest with the right pieces of sofa pillows and layer them. To ensure that the smaller accent pillows pop, add a few neutral pieces as the base.

8. Traditional vs Modern

An odd number of pillows lend a modern flair to the living room. You have the room to play around with asymmetry and create a more casual ambience for "hanging out". An even number of pillows have a more traditional look. You can make a symmetrical composition and a more formal environment with two, four or six pillows.

How can Beautiful Homes Help you Create a Perfect Living Room with Decorative Pillows?

With Beautiful Homes' interior design services, you get design and decor solutions best suited to your style and need. Our experts are well versed in the various design styles and are adept at multiple areas of interior design- furnishing, decor, lighting, etc. You will surely get a cosy living room that is cosy and reflects your personality.

Visit our website to browse through various product ranges and services we offer. You can also check out projects we have executed so far. You may book your 3D consultation call to understand everything that goes into achieving the best interior design.

For an in-person experience, walk into any of our stores across India. You'll find our home decor stores across Amritsar, Tumakuru, Raipur, Jaipur, New Delhi, Kochi, Karur, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and Nashik. In addition, we are in the process of opening up state-of-the-art stores across several cities.