PILLOW SIZE AND LAYERING GUIDE FOR SOFAS
Unsure what size pillows would look best on your sofa? Check out our recommendations based on your sofa type below.
Regular Sofas
Regular sofas measure between 72-89 inches wide.
The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 20x20 and 22x22
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11x19, 11x21, 13x19, 13x21
QUANTITY AND LAYERING FOR REGULAR SOFAS
One to three layers of pillows works best on regular sized sofas. One layer will give you a clean no-fuss look, while three layers will allow you to mix textures, colors and patterns and give you a cozier feel. Use the largest size to anchor the ends and layer any smaller pillows in front.
The One Layer Option
Two 22" squares
If you go with a single layer, make it count. Choose a large size and a high-impact style that will add color and/or pattern.
The Two Layer Option
First Layer: two 22" square pillows
Second Layer: two 20" square pillows or one lumbar pillow
Have some fun mixing two different textures, colors or patterns.
The Three Layer Option
First Layer (back): two 22" square pillows
Second Layer (middle): two 20" square pillows
Third Layer (front): one 20" square pillow or one lumbar pillow
Try a mix of solids, a small scale pattern and a large scale pattern.
Small Sofas / Loveseats / Settees
Small sofas measure less than 72 inches wide.
The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 17x17, 18x18, and 20x20
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 10x18, 11x17, 11x19, and 13x19
QUANTITY AND LAYERING FOR SMALL SOFAS, LOVESEATS AND SETTEES
Sticking to one to two layers of pillows works best on smaller sized sofas.
The One Layer Option
Two 20" square pillows
The Two Layer Option
First Layer: two 20" or 17" square pillows
Second Layer: two 17" square pillows or one lumbar pillow
Long/Deep Sofas
Deep sofas have a seat depth of 26 inches or greater.
Long sofas measure 90 inches wide or greater.
The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 20x20, 22x22 and 24x24
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 13x21, 13x23, 13x25, 15x21, 15x23, and 15x25
QUANTITY AND LAYERING FOR LONG/DEEP SOFAS
With long and deep sofas, you can do up to four layers of pillows. Of course, if you're more of a minimalist, you can also keep it simple and opt for one layer.
The One Layer Option
Two 22" square pillows (or two 24" squares if it's really deep and has a high back)
The Two Layer Option
First Layer: two 22" or 24" square pillows
Second Layer: two 22" square pillows or one lumbar pillow
The Three Layer Option
First Layer: two 22" or 24" square pillows
Second Layer: two 20" or 22" square pillows
Third Layer: one lumbar pillow
The Four Layer Option
First Layer: two 24" square pillows
Second Layer: two 22" square pillows
Third Layer: two 22" or 20" square pillows
Fourth Layer: one lumbar pillow
Sectionals
The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 18x18, 20x20 and 22x22
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11x19, 11x21, 13x19, 13x21, 15x19, 15x21
QUANTITY AND LAYERING FOR SECTIONAL SOFAS
One to three layers of pillows works well on sectional sofas. One layer will give you a minimalist no-fuss look, while three layers will allow you to mix textures, colors and patterns and give you a cozier feel. Use the largest size to anchor the ends and layer any smaller pillows in front.
The One Layer Option
A 22" square pillow on each corner
The Two Layer Option
First Layer: a 22" square pillow on each corner
Second Layer: a 20" square pillow on each corner
The Three Layer Option
First Layer: a 22" square pillow on each corner
Second Layer: a 20" square pillow on each corner
Third Layer: a 20" square pillow on each corner or an 18x18 on each end and a lumbar in the middle
Low Back Sofas
If you have a low back sofa, add 5" to the inside height to calculate the largest optimal pillow size.