Pillow Styling 101 by Susie Robb

PILLOW STYLING 101

by Susie Robb

Did you know that throw pillows are the easiest, most inexpensive way to freshen up your décor? When you’re ready to add holiday flair, switch out your throw pillows. When you’re bored with your décor, switch out your throw pillows! You can change your textiles with the seasons or keep them year-round, but their colors and patterns have so much potential to add dimension and coziness to your space! A lot of my interior design clients will buy all the throw pillows but still feel like they can’t quite style them right. Well, I want to give you my tried and true tips to make the most out of these versatile accessories and get your pillows to look like they do in the magazines!

Go Big or Go Home!

You need to have at least two large pillows to serve as your foundation when you begin to layer accent pillows. I recommend size 22” x 22” as your base. The pillows you can stack in front of that can be 18”x18” and a smaller lumbar in front of that. However, if you try to start with smaller pillows in the back, you won’t be happy with the look.

Susie Robb for ELLA Inspires Magazine

Photo: Cortney Dani Photography

Mix Textures and Patterns

Consider combining a leather pillow with a faux fur pillow and a patterned pillow with a solid, linen pillow. Mixing materials will add depth to your décor. Pair plaids with florals and stripes with polka dots. Just be sure to use a solid pillow in there to tie it all together.

Susie Robb for ELLA Inspires Magazine

Photo: Cortney Dani Photography

Overstuff Your Pillows!

I always recommend buying pillow covers separate from your inserts because they store easily when you want to switch them out. You will need to buy inserts that are one size bigger than your pillow cover. This means a 22” x 22” insert for a 20” x 20” pillow cover. Just go up one size! You can find great pillow inserts on Amazon.

Susie Robb for ELLA Inspires Magazine

Photo: Cortney Dani Photography

It's All in the Details!

Pillows can make a statement. They can be a pop of color and added visual interest. When you’re layering pillows, you might include one with tassels, or maybe one with embroidery. You can also play with the pillow shape. This is especially true in a kid’s room.

The Final Check

Make sure the zippers are down. Hide the tags and zippers by placing those at the bottom. Fluff the pillows frequently by shaking the stuffing around and punching the filling back into the tops and corners. And don’t forget the Karate Chop! Pull the top corners of the pillow taut and then karate chop down the middle.

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Susie Robb is owner of décor shop From: Susie, and founder of the 626 Foundation, a nonprofit interior design firm that offers no cost services to families affected by tragedy.

We’ve collaborated with Texas-based designer, Laurel & Blush, to bring you pillow covers that are timeless and oh-so-chic!

Be sure to check out the new pillow collection online! www.shopfromsusie.com.