Pillow Combination Ideas (& How to Mix & Match Like a Pro)

You can’t go wrong with neutrals. (No, really, you can’t.) Let the natural beauty of earth tones, like beige, grey and white, calm the room by pairing them all together on a similarly neutral sofa.

Mixing and matching is sometimes less about color and more about patterns. Solids + patterns adds depth and dimension. On a bed, style matching abstract patterns as a second layer, with a solid lumbar throw to pull the look together.

When combining pillows, there are three elements: color, pattern and material. You can style all three or focus on one. Leather with faux fur, chenille or velvet is a great way to showcase texture.

Large sofa pillows can be placed anywhere: bed, accent chair, daybed, sofa. Use them with smaller striped accent pillows for a classic style combination that feels light, fresh and calming.

Little details make pillow combinations pop. Layer pillows with tassels, fringe, piping and sequins next to plain cotton throw pillows.

A fun, underused pattern is plaid! Mix and match it with royal blue, aqua and periwinkle. The cozy associations of plaid, with tones of blue, makes the perfect calming aesthetic.

For a modern pillow layout, mix geometric patterns with solid cushions. Try diamond stitching or crochet squares; use solid velvet or linen to bring out the colors in the details.

Velvet pillows with pom poms, or velvet pillows + pillows with pom poms. (Or both!) Velvet, a sultry, sophisticated and rich material, exudes a vibe when contrasted with pom pom trims, a youthful, fun and whimsical detail.

When combining different patterns, stick to a singular color palette. If your sofa cushions are white, for example, make sure patterned stripe accents contain at least a few lines of the same white. In pillow design, you want your patterns to accentuate and pop – not clash and overwhelm. One palette is the best way to ensure a sofa, bed or chair aesthetic that flows.

The number-one rule of pillow combinations, though? Have fun! There isn’t a design accent more fun than throws; use the affordability to your advantage and splurge on bright colors to brighten your space and mood.