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How to Layer Decorative Pillows on a Sectional Sofa
Sectional sofas can sometimes be tricky to style. Based on our experience though, we've found that in most cases, three layers of pillows usually works really well.
Below is a look at a sectional that we recently helped transform and our tips to help you choose the best options for your own sofa.
LAYER 1
Start with a first layer of one pillow on each corner.
Fabric: Choose either a solid or a small scale print. For this sofa we went with the Les Touches Orange.
Size: Measure (or find out from the manufacturer) the seating height of your sofa and add 3 to 5 inches to that to get your optimal pillow size*. The seating height of this particular sofa is 16 inches, so the optimal pillow size is 19x19 to 21x21. We opted for the larger 21x21 size for a more luxurious look.
*Exception: if your sofa has a high back, don't go larger than 24x24.
LAYER 2
For the next layer, add another pillow on each corner.
Fabric: Choose a medium or large scale pattern. For this sofa we went with the two variations of the Hot House Spark - the one with the blue flower for the left and right corners of the sofa and the one with the orange flower for the middle corner.
Size: Go for pillows that are 1 to 3 inches smaller than the pillows in Layer 1. Here we went with 20x20 pillows (1 inch smaller).
LAYER 3
To finish it off, add a lumbar on the longest side of the sectional. If both sides are a similar length, place it in the middle corner.
Fabric: Choose a fabric that pulls out one of the colors in the other pillows and/or coordinates with other accessories in the room. Here we went with the Peacock Velvet, which pulls out some of the blue in the Hot House Spark and also coordinates with a lamp in a nearby side table.
Size: Opt for a pillow that's 10 to 14 inches tall and a similar width as the other pillows. We went with size 11x19.
That's it!
I hope you found this helpful. If you'd like styling and sizing recommendations for your specific sofa, we encourage you to sign up for a Mini Design Consult. You can learn more about that here.
FEATURED PILLOWS
Photos courtesy of Natalie Steen
Before and After: Four Inspiring Bedroom Transformations
Is it just me, or is there something really satisfying about seeing a good before and after? It's probably why all those HGTV makeover shows are so addictive! Below is a little round-up of four beautiful bedroom transformations that will inspire you to make over your own space.
Designer: Kristin Jackson
BEFORE...
...AFTER!
blue pillows, front to back: Pyne Hollyhock Indigo in size 22x22, Betwixt Indigo Blue in size 20x26, similar blue velvets
Designer: Naomi Stein
BEFORE...
...AFTER!
light pink patterned pillow on bed: Imperial Trellis Blush in size 15x25
Designer: Megan Pflug
BEFORE... 
...AFTER!
black and white geometric lumbar pillows on bed: Channels Ebony and Ivory in size 11x19
Designer: Megan Bachmann
BEFORE...
...AFTER!
ochre lumbar pillows: Golden Yellow Velvet in size 12x24
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photo credits: 1 - design by Naomi Stein, photography by Courtney Apple / 2 - design by Kristin Jackson / 3- design by Megan Pflug, photography by Manuel Rodriguez / 4- design by Megan Bachmann, photography by Vivian Johnson
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A White Bedroom That Isn't Plain
Two key things to note:
- There's a variety of textures, not everything is flat and smooth - notice the texture of the duvet vs. the rattan headboard vs. the linen lampshades.
- There's one standout pattern (the floral pillows in front) and a couple of subtler non-competing patterns (the wallpaper and the polka dotted sheet set)
Shop the Look:
Pyne Hollyhock Charcoal
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photos courtesy of Monika Hibbs
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Puppies & Pillows
As Seen in Style At Home Magazine
Recently we had the honor of seeing our pillows featured in the print magazine Style at Home, as part of a story showcasing the chic home of interior designer Sarah Walker. She had transformed the living room and other spaces within the main floor as part of the One Room Challenge. Below is a look:
I love how Sarah combined various patterns without making the space feel overwhelming by differing the scale and sticking to a consistent color palette.
The perfect coffee table accessories: a beautiful tray, a luxury candle, an organic element and fresh flowers.
The classic Leopard Velvet pillow (size 20x20) adds the perfect touch of animal print.
The metallic Kubus Argent pillows (size 20x20) on the two accent chairs are a luxurious accent.
The clear acrylic ghost chairs are a modern complement to the rustic wood table.
A colorful fresh floral arrangement makes a beautiful dining table centerpiece.
The magazine feature:
Shop the Look
Leopard Velvet / Kubus Argent / Channels Ebony & Ivory
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photographs of Sarah's home by Larry Arnal
A Cozy Bed Nook
Our Conga Line Moss & Aqua pillows in this super cozy bed nook by designer Jillian Harris, as featured in Style at Home Magazine. Looks like the perfect spot for a nap!
photo credit: Janis Nicolay
Shop the Look
Conga Line Moss & Aqua
Decorator Spotlight: Brooke Cariker Inabnett
Today I'm sharing with you a couple of favorites from the portfolio of the Dallas based decorating firm, The Interior Stylist. Owner Brooke Cariker Inabnett, creates sophisticated spaces with an emphasis on clean lines layered with modern, personalized touches.
For more, head on over to her website!
Shop the Look
Inside the Home of HGTV's Jillian Harris
I first become familiar with Jillian Harris via the addicting HGTV show Love It or List It, but I really fell in love with her aesthetic via her regular posts on instagram and her blog. I was so excited to see a tour of her Kelowna home. Here's a look:
Light and bright.
Our Leopard Linen pillow in her beautiful living room!
Chandeliers glam up the white kitchen.
Perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee.
For more of Jillian's home (including her cozy outdoor dining space that made it on the cover!), check out the May issue of Style at Home Magazine (available at newsstands as well as online via Zinio). Spot our Leopard Linen pillow on page 108!
p.s. Click here to see Jillian's living room styled up for the holidays with our Conga Line Moss and Aqua pillow.
photos by Janis Nicolay
Our Leopard Pillows in Domino Magazine
So grateful that our Leopard Velvet pillow is in the pages of a magazine I have absolutely loved since it came out years ago and really deepened my passion for decorating and design –Domino!! See it in the spread featuring my friend (and cover girl!) Paloma Contreras’s beautiful Texas home – in the guest bedroom and in the living room.
Perfect Pillow Pairing: Leopard + Channels
Love this pairing of our Leopard Velvet and Channels Ebony and Ivory pillows that Julia of Gal Meets Glam chose for her living room. A full tour of her beautiful San Francisco home is featured on Style Me Pretty Living this week.
photography by Monica Wang
Shop the Look
Leopard Velvet Channels Ebony and Ivory
