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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
Now let’s talk pillows…
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:
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!!!!
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…
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!
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!
Now see what my HSS friends are blogging about…
Maison de Pax | Quick Tips for Winter Decorating
Savvy Southern Style | A Favorite Makeover
Shabbyfufu | 20 Festive Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
So Much Better With Age | Valentine’s Day Free Postcard Printable with Vellum Envelope
StoneGable | How to Build a Pillow Collection Like a Pro
Cedar Hill Farmhouse | Furry Home Decor
Designthusiasm | Home Office: Transforming the Study with French Style Furniture
You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I’m pinning every day HERE!
Can you make some suggestions about how to pillow a curved leather sectional?
Here’s a really good post for styling a sectional. Hope this helps!http://blog.caitlinwilson.com/design-101-lesson-3-sectional-styling/
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!
Love the color combinations you put together! Any recommendations for how to arrange on a sectional couch?
We will be tackling that on an upcoming podcast.
You know decorating! Beautiful!
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! 😉
I love all the pillows!!! Such a great blog!!! I look forward to seeing it everyday!
Thank you for the great pillow tips. I try to keep these in mind when arranging pillows on my couches.
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!!
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!
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.
Great pointers on arranging pillows! And the old rule to use an odd number in arranging still applies. Thank you!!
Thanks for another chance at winning the giveaway!
Thats it. I’m going pillow shopping. Can’t believe the difference pillows can make. Thanks.
Thank you for inspiration on pillow decorating. Love it!
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.
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 .
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.
Love the pops of green. So spring-like, and I’m so ready for spring!
terrific ideas
Great ideas!
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.
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?
Hi Patti, Welcome to the StoneGable family!
Great ideas!!
Love this month of February!! Love all the hearts and red colors!!
Love the pillows, I have the black and beige flowered ones, and I am looking for some green ones now.
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!
I always get great inspiration for projects when visiting here. Thanks!
I like the green and the blue. I want some new pillows.
I love your design tips!
I love your pillow ideas! I really admire your amazing variety!
I find so much inspiration here. Thnkas!
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.
I love the green pillows and green candles !
Really like the pillow look…..
Thanks for the offer, love the pillow post
Your instructions for arranging pillows was plain and simple. I get it now! ha Thank you for another lesson learned! Class dismissed, ha!
You made your house so cozy it makes me want to move in.
Love your blog. Look forward to reading it daily! Love your home
I am inspired to make new pillow covers for Spring.
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.
Love the way you decorate and all your tips!
Love it
U have the best pillow collection, ❤️
Pillows just excite me !! Thanks for sharing your great ideas. You are the best!!
You make it so easy! Simple rules, yet so professional looking. Love your décor.
I love how pillows cozy-up a room and flesh out a color theme. Thanks for default arranging idea.
LOve your pillow tutorial. It really helps me figure it all out. Thank you so much!!!
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.
Yvonne.
You are our valentine!
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
I cannot make up my mind which pillow is my favorite. They are all so beautiful.
Marion
I love all those pillows. They are so colorful and cheery.
Joan
Love the pillows, especially the arrangements. Thanks for sharing you talent
Those pillows are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Marilyn
How about when your couch isn’t neutral? Do you have to stick to solids?
Love how you change the look with the pillows and rug.
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?
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!!!
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.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pillows!!! And I love your ideas, thank you!
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 😉
Love the green pillows with the black and cream! You are always my decorating inspiration.
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
I love pillows for pizazz but I have so many and storage is an issue I now try to purchase only pillow covers.
Pillow love is a great way to add detail and color to any setting.
Love your mirror picture frame your using as a tray. Where did you find it? Love
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.
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!
Loved the pillow arrangements . Just what I needed .
I’ve always loved pillows! Absolutely enjoyed seeing your pillow arrangements. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love your pillows! Thanks for all the helpful information.
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???
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!
Welcome to the StoneGable family, Ann
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.!
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.
you need to venture out to the Midwest and give this tiny farmhouse an assist!
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!!!
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.
LOVE THE information on pillows! They look Great. I will try to make mine look as good!!
Love the way you come up with simple changes to make a big difference on a room
enjoy your site and have used many of your ideas in my home
I’m so glad, Glennis!
Loving your podcast and your pillows. Do you have any ideas on how to keep pillows from sliding on leather?
Like the rule of five. I always knew things looked better with uneven numbers but never thought about it for furniture. Thanks
Thank you for this post! I struggle with my pillow placement.
BTW, love the Daisy pillow!
Thanks for simplifying pillow placement. I’m ready to give it a try on my window seat!
Great post, Yvonne! Glad to hear you are almost out of the chair!
Love your pillo/decorating ideas, I have used and love them! Keep new ideas coming.
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.
I just recently started reading your blog. I love your style. There is so much to learn! Love your ideas on pillows!
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.
Love the green and black
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!
Yes I love pillows too. I just hate when people sit down before I can move them. Sometimes they just squash them?
Love your fresh ideas! Hope you are feeling better…
Love, love, love the Sunflower pillows….
Love the pillow combination and colors. Your ideas and advice are always the best. Simple and beautiful. Thanks.
Thanks for the tips Yvonne. I have taken my share of pillows back to the store!!
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 !!!
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!
Where did you get the serving tray that looks like a window with frames?
Amazing, how much just tweaking pillows, can change the look of a room.
Can’t wait for spring weather and try some of your decorating tips.
Thanks for the info! Suggestions are great!
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
Simply ❤️
Love the podcasts
LOVE it! I am always and forever trying to figure out the pillow situation! This is really helpful!! Thanks!
Love the arrangement of the pillows and also love the color of green. Thanks for sharing.
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!
Love the podcasts! I enjoy all your posts.
Yea!
Good arrangement…not to many
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.
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!!
I have the same arrangement of 5
on my couch.Your green against the
neutral couch is striking and fresh
for spring.
Changing pillows can really change the look of a room. My problem is storage.
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.
PERFECT, Robin! Here’s a post of how I keep them…http://www.stonegableblog.com/practically-speaking-how-to-store-pillows/
I really love the sunflower pillow in your picture! Any idea where you purchased that one?
It helps to have a great pillow stash too, you always have such pretty pillows! I love the blue and green pillows!
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!
As I’ve heard said, “Now, ain’t that somethin’ !”
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.)
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.
What’s your advice when your sofa is a flower pattern? Than do all pillows need to be solid colors from the pattern in couch. I love how’re pillows looks.
You are so creative. Love all your choices. Thanks for sharing.
Love your insight with pillows and I love how they can change a room. Thank you again for your amazing creative thoughts.
Love this blog!!
Love 5 pillow tip rule and color combinations…