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BUILDING A BETTER PILLOW COLLECTION

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BUILDING THE BEST PILLOW COLLECTION- Curate a pillow collection that works together and gives you tons of options!

You have come to the right place today! I have a post that will help you collect pillows to make the most fabulous arrangements on your sofa! Do you often look in magazines and sigh at how beautiful the sofas look with their gorgeously arranged pillows and say, “I wish I could do that?”. Well, YOU CAN!!!! It’s not magic and you do not need a degree from design school to have the prettiest pillow arrangements in your town! With a little thought and practice I’ll show you how to build the perfect pillow collection just for you! Let’s get started!

FEBRUARY 2017

Today is HOME STYLE SATURDAY! I hope your enjoy the pillow post today and the ones at the end of this post! A big thank you to Lory at Deignthusiam for putting this all together for us!

Home-Style-Saturdays

There are many ways to arrange pillows on a sofa, but for today we are going to concentrate on the most classic and the hands-down most eye appealing arrangement… THE FIVE PILLOW ARRANGEMENT.

It would be a great idea to head over to my post 5 NO FAIL TIPS FOR ARRANGING PILLOWS to see a primer on pillows and arranging them. I take a bare sofa and add a pillow at a time to show you how it’s done! I also give you lots of tips along the way! After you have read that post, come on back and read today’s.

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-green and black pillows-stonegableblog.com

 

Do you know what a “default setting” is? It’s a computer science term, but I’m using it as a safe, tried-and-true way to do something that works… every time! Let’s make a “default pillow setting” for our sofa.

Here is MY default pillow setting. There’s that perfect 5 pillow arrangement! Seriously, this IS the way to start!

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-default pillow setting-stonegableblog.com

 

This arrangement is comfortable and accents the rest of my room! If you come to my home, chances are you will see this pillow arrangement on my living room sofa. I love neutrals, whites and a good dose of black. It’s calm with a little drama around the edges! LOVE that!

So, to arrange pillows like a pro find a default setting. Chances are you will feel very comfortable with this 5 pillow arrangement! For certain it will not look like mine, but the arrangement will be the same. You will add you own personal style and a style you lean towards in that room. For this room, the arrangement is pretty traditional. I like that for my living room. My family room and sitting room sofas are a totally different story! Same pillow arrangement but very different feel.

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-neutral color with pop of black-stonegableblog.com

 

Now let’s talk pillows…

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-pillow sizes-stonegableblog.com 

Choose 2 large 24 inch pillows for the outside of your sofa. Choose 2 medium 18 0r 20 inch pillows to go next to them and a long 20 x 26 inch pillow to sit in the middle of the sofa! If creating a fabulous pillow arrangement for your sofa is sort new to you, keep your colors solid and it would be a great idea to keep pillows neutral.

This is where playing with pillows comes in. I can’t tell you how many times I have taken pillows back to the store, because they are not “just right”! You want to play with your pillows until they are “just right” for you. When this happens you have your DEFAULT PILLOW SETTING! Hurrah, I knew you could do it!!!!!!

From a default pillow setting you can take the next step… BUILDING A PILLOW COLLECTION!

Here’s what my “next step” looks like:

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-adding an accent color pillow-stonegableblog.com

 

I chose a color that would work with my living room and added it to the pillow arrangement. What I do on one side of the pillow arrangement, I do on the other!

Now let’s take it a little farther and build a whole pillow collection from green and blue and neutrals that work with my living room… oh, yes! Let’s get colorful!!!!

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-adding colored pillows-stonegableblog.com

 

The solid green pillows were turned around so the buttons are now on the back of the pillow! Great trick, huh?

With just a few pillows you have a collection of neutrals, greens and blues that can be used in so so many ways!

Here are just a few combo’s that tweak the 5 pillow look and use our pillow collections…

sofa-pillows-double-middle-pillows-stonegableblog.com_1-e1406947725448

sofa-pillows-striped-middel-pillow-stonegableblog.com_-e1406948485973

sofa-pillows-throw-in-greens-stonegableblog.com_

 

What’s next? Try another color or a seasonal motif that will go with your other pillows.  I’m thinking about adding a burnt dark salmon or aqua. I think these colors will work with what I already have!

How about you? Are you ready to take the plunge into the pillow pile? C’mon! I know you can do it!

Let’s review:

1. Find your DEFAULT PILLOW SETTING

2. Take your time and practice! Don’t be afraid to return pillows that are not “just right” for your taste and decor style!

3. Add another color or two. 

4. Mix and match

5. Tweak the 5 pillow arrangement and see what you can come up with!

6. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!!!

When you’ve got these steps mastered your pillow collection will look like a pro did it! 

NOW GO AND JUST DO IT! YOU KNOW IT WILL BE AMAZING!

Once you have your default pillow setting down… you can venture out and put 3 pillows in one corner of the sofa! SHOCKING! lol!

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-3 colorful pillows-stonegableblog.com

 

Let’ me know what you think… what neutral colors would you start with… what accent color would you use! LOVE to hear your thoughts!

MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN TO OUR NEW DECORATING PODCAST… DECORATING TIPS AND TRICKS! To listen click HERE. You can hear our first 3 podcast editions! Listen, laugh and learn with us about all things decorating!

2000x2000 Podcast image with frame

Now see what my HSS friends are blogging about…

home-style-saturdays-logo

Maison de Pax | Quick Tips for Winter Decorating

Miason de Pax | bookshelf styling tips-10

Savvy Southern Style | A Favorite Makeover

Savvy Southern Style

Shabbyfufu | 20 Festive Valentine’s Day Cupcakes

Shabbyfufu Valentine's Day Cupcakes

So Much Better With Age | Valentine’s Day Free Postcard Printable with Vellum Envelope

SMBWA valentines-day-postcard-printables

StoneGable | How to Build a Pillow Collection Like a Pro

HOW-TO-BUILD-A-PILLOW-COLLECTION-LIKE-A-PRO-easy-tips-for-gorgeous-pillow-arrangements-stonegableblog.com

Cedar Hill Farmhouse | Furry Home Decor

furry stuff

Designthusiasm | Home Office: Transforming the Study with French Style Furniture

Decorating the Study with French Style Furniture | Designthusiasm.com

 

PIN IT AND SAVE THE INSPIRATION!

 

You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I’m pinning every day HERE!

HOW TO BUILD A PILLOW COLLECTION LIKE A PRO-easy tips for gorgeous pillow arrangements-stonegableblog.com

 

 

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Comments

  2. I always get great ideas and inspirations from your posts. Right now I am loving calm and serene neutral colors in my home. I am using shades of taupe and cream with different patterns and textures while still following the default setting. I am told my Amazon Alexa can play podcasts, hopefully I can figure out how to use Alexa to listen to yours!

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  3. Love the color combinations you put together! Any recommendations for how to arrange on a sectional couch?

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  5. I LOVE your pillows!!! I think my all-time fave tip you have given (that I have read thus far on your posts), is to use the same inserts, but buy different covers! So great, in so many ways! 😉

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  8. Inspiring post as always. I recently (within the past year) discovered what an amazing accessory pillows are and I’ve been having pillow fun ever since … so of course I love when you talk pillows!! And with so many pillow options out there, you could talk pillows every day — and I wouldn’t mind!!

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  9. I never gave the color green much thought as an accent – aside from Christmas, of course. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new color!

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  10. Your pillow arrangements (5) was so perfect. So I have taken your comments to heart. I have been sewing new covers for my collection. Thanks for all of your great help.

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  11. Great pointers on arranging pillows! And the old rule to use an odd number in arranging still applies. Thank you!!

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  15. I love this! Pillows are such a simple way to add pops of color, drama and most importantly COMFORT to a room. I love mixing things up with my pillow arrangements. If I get tired of a throw pillow, I just make a new cover for it and I love it again! I love the 5-pillow arrangement too. It’s the perfect balance of pillows on the couch without getting too crowded.

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  16. Yvonne, I look foreward to reading your blog everyday . I have used many of your ideas over the years and have told my friends about you posts . May God bless you with many years of health and happiness .

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  17. I have always loved the way you decorate since I found your blog. The five pillow is the way to go to make an effortless look. It looks great and fresh. Your way of using different things for decorating makes every room look so wonderful. I love your blog and everything on it. I have been coming to your blog for most of my decorating needs and find ways to decorate that I have not thought of before. Thank you so much and keep up the good work for all the blog friends who need help.

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  21. I love the look of throw pillows but dislike having to remove them when company comes as we have furniture with short (instead of deep) seats, because we like to touch the floors when we sit. Consequently, the pillows look great but are in the way when we sit down. I usually throw them up on the top of the furniture. Ditto with the decorative pillows on the bed. At night, I have to stack up all those extra shams and pillows but I’m thankful I have them.

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  22. I am new to your blog. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Thanks for sharing how to store pillows (covers). I am a pillow addict. I have a bedroom closet stuffed with pillows. I will start shopping for covers instead. 🙂 I am curious….are those brass lamps in your living room?

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  25. Thank you for tips on the pillows and also I read a post you did last year about the pillow cases, that’s is an excellent idea!

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  31. Your pillows are gorgeous. Wish I knew where to find some bright fun pillows for the porch. We live on the river so some with fish would be nice. I enjoy your blog immensely.

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  35. Your instructions for arranging pillows was plain and simple. I get it now! ha Thank you for another lesson learned! Class dismissed, ha!

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  39. Love everything about your site. I read it daily and have tried several of your delicious recipes and decorating ideas. Please continue to send us your ideas.

    Reply

  47. Love the pillows. I use the green and white in my living room and kitchen in spring and summer. I keep my house neutral, then switch things up seasonally with pillows and accessories. Thanks for all of your beautiful photography and ideas.

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  49. I love your arrangements; colors and style; pillows have always been a headache for me..the problem is I have a leather sofa and loveseat and it is difficult for me to find harmony …but maybe you have answered my questions..someone told me that leather couches do not require pillows..what is your view on that one…I love your site so much..thank you

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  56. I follow your formula on my sofa – two big ones, two medium and the oblong one in the middle. I put the same two big and medium ones on my lovesseat. I’m not sure having them match exactly is the best way to do it. What would you suggest for a lovesseat in the same room?

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  57. Love pillow talk because I too have a love and obsession of pillows!!!!
    Don’t you love when pillows are different on both sides … The versatility … Is great!!!

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  58. I love how you decorated with these pillows. I especially love the greens. You alway make me want to get up and try to do something to my home when I click onto your site, because I know everything I see will make me turn green with envy. Your work throughout your home is amazing.

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  60. I, too, feel that I have a pillow addiction…..I have a King size bed and I just purchased two more pillows….so not I have two shams ( to match the bedspread of course), then two bolster pillows, then two 20 inch butterfly embroidery pillows and of course a lime green pillow to pull some color into the room and to blend with the floor rugs…..I love it….and the only problem is where to put them when time to go to bed 😉

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  62. Yvonne I’ve truly learned so much from your blog and tutorials. Everything from recipes, to how to make wreaths, to style tips for our home…..you’ve helped me out tremendously. Thank you so much and I pray that healing comes quickly and effortlessly in God’s power!
    Colleen

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  63. I love pillows for pizazz but I have so many and storage is an issue I now try to purchase only pillow covers.

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  66. I love your ideas so much wish I could bring you home with me for a day to get some ideas flowing for my awkward family room.
    Hope you’re well. Many blessings.

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  67. I have a neutral sectional sofa and love it. I change the pillows for the seasons or ‘just because’. Is there any thing you might suggest for the size difference. I love your style and have become quit a fan of your blog. I have found I love it even more than the MANY magazines I have stacked every where. I look forward to a more personal read in the morning. Thank you!

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  69. I’ve always loved pillows! Absolutely enjoyed seeing your pillow arrangements. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  71. Yvonne, what a beautiful selection of pillows! Thank you for sharing your tips today. You have been in my prayers, so here’s hoping you are feeling much better???

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  72. I’ve recently ‘happened’ upon your blog & I love it! Love the advice about pillows & everything else! I really like how you take the time to spell everything out for us (and I need this!) I’ve been spending hours on here just checking everything out!
    Thank you for all of your great advice & hope your foot/ankle is much better & you are soon up & around!

    Reply

  73. You have made me a believer! I love all of your pillows and ideas on how to use them!!! I sure hope you get better soon.!

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  74. I love pillows and the way they make a couch or chair look so fluffy and comfy! But I have kitties that get hair on everything and it’s just one more thing to try to keep un-furred. 🙂 I’ll just live vicariously through the blog world.

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  76. Love your ideas, I am with Susan, I hate when people sit down and squash the pillows, LOL, ??. Also a great way to store extras is to buy pillow covers at Hobby Lobby, just use the same pillows, and change the covers!!!! I love all of your combinations, but I love the
    Sunflower ones!!! Thanks for all of your ideas!!!

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  77. I love pillows too. My favorite pillow source is Pottery Barn. I have the inserts for the sizes I like and them buy the pillow covers. I just use a large hanger and fold the pillow covers in half and hang when not in use. This way I can change them out for every holiday and season. Thank you always offering such wonderful advice. Love your blog.

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  81. Loving your podcast and your pillows. Do you have any ideas on how to keep pillows from sliding on leather?

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  82. Like the rule of five. I always knew things looked better with uneven numbers but never thought about it for furniture. Thanks

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  87. I love pillows but don’t have storage space. Finding pillow covers not so easy except online, which makes it difficult to be sure of colors. Always love what your designs.

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  88. I just recently started reading your blog. I love your style. There is so much to learn! Love your ideas on pillows!

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  89. I am enjoying the podcasts with you, Anita, and Kelly! I really appreciate knowing where to go to find the exact or similar items that I see on blogs! Thanks for including that info.

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  91. I love your five pillow arrangement! I’ve already started with the middle long pillow. I’ve bought a pillow insert and so far have two different covers for it. Now I’m off to find the other pillows. Thanks!

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  92. Yes I love pillows too. I just hate when people sit down before I can move them. Sometimes they just squash them?

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  95. Love the pillow combination and colors. Your ideas and advice are always the best. Simple and beautiful. Thanks.

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  97. Lessons learned…Love the green pillow arrangement…my number of pillows is 7 (maybe too many )…I also was drawn to the coffee table and the window used as a tray. Going on the hunt for an old coffee table like that and giving it a white wash for the spring. Love all you do !!!

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  98. I love th pillows with the large button! It’s nice to change out pillows with the season but I have no room to store off-season!

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  103. I love pillows. And baskets. And black and white. And this year’s color Greenery. And your fabulous info on pillow collecting. I am always on the lookout for fresh ideas and I love the large-medium-long “rule”. Thanks as always! xx-hb

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  106. LOVE it! I am always and forever trying to figure out the pillow situation! This is really helpful!! Thanks!

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  108. I love pillows! I also enjoyed listening to your podcast. It was fun, informative, and entertaining. It was nice to put a voice with a face!

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  111. I have 2 large white sofas facing each other. I use 2 euro shams on each to anchor, then two 18″ pillows next to the euro pillows. I can use pre-made shams for the end pillows and smaller, custom pillow covers from online retailers and Etsy. It makes for lots of changes when I get bored, but is cheaper than a pair of new slipcovers.

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  112. Fun and useful pillow info! But the thing that I was drawn to most was the coffee table arrangement using the window and covered books! WOW. Am gonna copy that stat!!

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  113. I have the same arrangement of 5
    on my couch.Your green against the
    neutral couch is striking and fresh
    for spring.

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  115. I have a pillow addictjon too! My problem is where to store them. My solution is to reuse the same pillows over and over. I just change the look by using covers. I’ vs found some really nice cover with zippers,good quality ,on line for each season. This free up space and makes my addiction much more affordable.

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  117. It helps to have a great pillow stash too, you always have such pretty pillows! I love the blue and green pillows!

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  118. I guess the best way to have pillows if you don’t have a place to store seasonals and/or color changes is to buy pillows with zippers, making it easier to change and to do it more frequent. Unless you can make your own pillow covers!

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  120. Hi Yvonne – I think I’m “missing something” – I thought that the monthly reader appreciation winner was posted on your Facebook page (although I wish it was announced on your blog) anyway I still can’t find it on the Stonegable Facebook page. What am I doing wrong? Thanks and again thanks for sharing your home and great ideas with us – love the podcast too. (I tried to use the contact me feature , but I kept getting an error -something about the “captcha” not sure what that is.)

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  121. I am always struggling with pillow arrangements. I am trying to build up more pillows so I can mix them up. Your ideas help me to understand placement, so I will try this.

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  124. Love your insight with pillows and I love how they can change a room. Thank you again for your amazing creative thoughts.

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