Unsure of how to mix and match your decorative pillows? A pillow expert breaks down her foolproof formula.

Pillows are an easy way to infuse some seasonal energy into your design without breaking the bank, but putting together pattern and colour combinations can be confusing for the average homeowner.

“It shouldn’t be daunting,’” says Lauren Briggs-Lawrance, the creative lead at Tonic Living, a family-owned pillow shop in Toronto, Ont. “Pillows are a fun way to add colour and pattern in a pretty low-investment way.”

Here’s how to easily pair pillows in your living room, bedroom, or any other comfy space.

Scale and colour palette 

Your first consideration is scale, says Briggs-Lawrance. 

If you’re styling a bed, for example, you’ll want to think about the size you’re working with. A king-sized bed can take on larger pillows and more layering while a queen or a double might need to be pared back.

In living spaces, “the actual seating itself will help dictate which pillows are used,” says Briggs-Lawrance. A pair of chairs in a conversational setting might benefit from a matching set of lumbar pillows, or you could create balance on a deep-set sectional with larger pillows. 

Next, you’ll want to think about your colour palette in conjunction with the rest of your design. “Generally, the colour of the pillows either complement or contrast in a complementary way,” says Briggs-Lawrance.

Your pillows can either add a burst of colour or pattern, or work with monochromatic layers. It overall comes down to your style—playing with tones and textures is a great option for a more subdued look, while a bolder design can work with stronger patterns and colours.

Photo courtesy of Tonic Living

How to pair your pillows

Once you’ve established the scale and colour palette you’re working with, it’s all about mixing different patterns, says Briggs-Lawrance. Depending on the size of your couch, though this could also apply to your bed, you can incorporate anywhere from three to five pillows. 

Start by selecting your anchor pillows. These symmetrical pillows—typically in a solid colour, simple stripe or bouclé—on the outer corners of your couch are the base of your design. 

“If you have certain pillows that serve as a foundation, like a mossy green or rusty brown, you can keep those as your anchors, then switch out the seasonal, patterned pillows without redoing your entire pillow-scape,” says Briggs-Lawrance.

Now you can have some fun with your pairings. Complement your anchors with an accent pattern or two in the same tone. Consider plaid, vibrant florals, or a bolder stripe. 

If you have the desire and space, you can add a third layer in the form of a lumbar pillow. These rectangular pillows give your design extra dimension. 

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