Ready for a refresh? Pillow Covers are a quick and easy fix! Mix and match to create the eye catching space crave!
It’s no secret that I have a pillow problem. It’s my favorite way to update every space of our home to achieve a completely different look or transition seasons. The options are endless! A wide array of pillow covers are more accessible than ever including custom, designer, and looks for less. Playing with pattern, texture, size, color and even personalization is fun, but can also be a little overwhelming.
I have learned a lot of tips through my 20+ years in design, going behind-the-scenes with magazine stylists, designers and more! These designer secrets will help you select pillow covers that are perfect for your living room, dining room, bedroom and more!
Pillow Covers
I love sinking into a soft pillow. Down, feather and quality down alternative pillow inserts have a lifespan of 5-10 years! Pillow covers eliminate the need to replace, offer a lot of flexibility and require very little space to store in a linen cabinet or linen closet between use.
Pillows purchased off shelves at the store usually use inexpensive synthetic materials that tend to clump, becoming increasingly uncomfortable over time. In addition to updating a space, pillow covers are an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to reduce waste! They are also family and pet friendly since they are easy to remove, clean and replace.
How to Mix and Match Pillow Covers
The secret to a great pillowscape is to mix and match. Play with color, texture and pattern to achieve a polished, professional look.
Like furniture, it may be easier to purchase a matching set or use pillows that came with your sofa, but a captivating pillowscape will take your space to the next level. I’ll show you how!
Choose a Color Palette
Select 2-3 colors that play well together. Within that color palette you choose various shades.
Play with Pattern
Patterns add visual interest and separation between pillows. They are a fun way to infuse personality and add a dramatic focal point. These are a few rules of thumb I use to successfully mix patterns:
- Use 2-3 patterns in a space
- Include at least 1, but preferably 2 colors from your color palette
- Blend large and small patterns, using larger patterns in the back or to the left and smaller or tighter patterns in the front.
Texture
Texture is lovely for layering. It adds depth and is a thoughtful way to integrate solid color, while making it feel special. A little texture has the ability to make a big impact on how a room looks and feels.
It can make a room feel light and fresh or warm and cozy. I lean into softer textures, like linen and cotton in Spring and Summer and heavier textures including knits and weaves, leathers, velvet, taffeta, etc in Fall and Winter.
Texture, like knots and embroidery, can also be integrated into a pattern like my favorite block print pillows!
Detail
Over the top or understated, it’s all in the details and pillow covers are no exception. They can take your pillow composition over the top!
Tassels, poms and scallops add a little whimsy. Embroidery, borders and fringe feel elevated and refined. Have fun with it!
Size
Pillow size adds dimension. Scale is important to maximize impact.
For Sofas
- Large pillows set the foundation. 22- 24″ pillows are ideal for sofas.
- Layer a slightly smaller pillow in front – 20 – 22″ / 1 size down.
- Add a lumbar pillow – 16×20″ or 12×21″ placed in front.
Using this size combination creates an aesthetically pleasing design triangle.
For Chairs
22″ pillows are the best fit for most chairs and are substantial enough to stand alone or layered with a lumbar pillow. A single lumbar pillow also works well.
For oversized chairs, I recommend using a 24″ pillow and pair with a pillow one size smaller or a lumbar pillow.
20 – 22″ pillows work well for dining chairs, adding a little detail and comfort without overwhelming them.
Outdoor Pillow Covers
Pillow covers finish an outdoor space and make it feel like an extension of your home. Omit pillows that come with furniture and add personality with pillows that play outside!
Outdoor pillow covers are practical. Most fabrics can be washed, bleached, hosed off and more! They are water, mildew, UV, and fade resistant. I love using outdoor rugs and fabrics indoors for family-friendly convenience. I integrate outdoor pillows both indoors and out. They are the perfect accent for a sunroom, porch, patio, pool and I even use them on our dock!
How to Make Pillow Covers Look and Feel Full
Tips designers and stylists use to make pillows picture perfect…
- Use high quality pillow inserts. I prefer down, down and feather blends or down alternative pillows. They are easy to fluff and moldable. For more details, learn more in my Pillow Insert guide.
- Use a pillow insert that is 2″ (or one size) larger than your pillow cover. A larger pillow fill edges and the fabric, giving it a smooth appearance and full, plump appearance. Oversized inserts prevent sagging corners and ripples in the fabric that can make pillows feel underwhelming
Where to Buy Pillow Covers
Accent pillow covers can widely vary in price. I’ve purchased some for as little as $4.95 and others, well…several hundred. Mixing high and low is one of my favorite tips to get a luxury look for less!
Difference Between a Pillow Cover, Pillowcase, and Sham
Pillow covers enclose inserts with a button or zipper and are often made with more intricate fabrics and decorative elements. They are used to accent sofas and chairs, and as a decorative pillow to polish off the perfect pillow combination.
A pillowcase is a loose cover that is open on one end intended for sleeping.
A pillow sham is a slightly more decorative pillow that matches bedding. It encloses the pillow insert in an envelope style, concealing it.
Amazon Storefront
Follow my Amazon Storefront to find more holiday looks for less.
More Inspiration
https://julieblanner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pillow-covers-4.jpg
2025-03-12 15:49:21
