Pillow Size and Layering Guide for Sofas

Not sure what size pillows would look best on your sofa?  Follow our no-fail guide below. 

    REGULAR SOFAS

    Regular sofas measure between 72-89 inches wide. 

    The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 20x20 and 22x22 
    The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11" - 14" height  x  19" - 20" width
    Pyne Hollyhock and Channels pillows size 20x20
    living room of Maria Vizuete
    Left: Pale Pink with Greek Key pillow size 22x22
    living room designed by Jana Bek Design

    Right: Magenta Velvet 14x20 lumbar and Conga Line Blue in 20x20
    living room of Mackenzie Horan

    QUANTITY AND LAYERING
    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 - 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. 
    • single layer: two 22" squares 

    The Two Layer Option - Have some fun mixing two different textures, colors or patterns. 

    • Layer #1: two 22" square pillows
    • Layer #2: two 20" square pillows or one lumbar pillow

    The Three Layer Option - Try a mix of solids, a small scale pattern and a large scale pattern.

    • Layer #1: two 22" square pillows
    • Layer #2: two 20" square pillows
    • Layer #3: one 20" square pillows or one lumbar pillow


    SMALL SOFAS / LOVESEATS / SETTEES

    Small sofas measure less than 72 inches wide.

    The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 17" square - 20" square
    The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 10" - 13" height  x  17" - 19" width
    La Fiorentina Grey & Ivory pillows size 18x18
    interior design by ShopHouse
    Leopard Velvet pillows size 20x20 
    interior design by Ash Street Interiors 

    QUANTITY AND LAYERING
    Sticking to one to two layers of pillows works best on smaller sized sofas.  

    The One Layer Option

    • single layer: two 20" square pillows

    The Two Layer Option

    • Layer #1: two 20" or 17" square pillows
    • Layer #2: 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: 20" - 24"
      The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 13" - 15" height  x  20" - 26" width
      Left: Solid with Black Ribbon Border pillow size 22x22 
      interior design by Shannon Smith
      Right: Les Touches Blue  pillow size 24x24 
      interior design by Melody Gangi

      QUANTITY AND LAYERING
      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 

      • single layer: two 22" square pillows (or two 24" squares if it's really deep and has a high back)

      The Two Layer Option 

      • Layer #1: two 22" or 24" square pillows
      • Layer #2: two 22" square pillows or one lumbar pillow

      The Three Layer Option

      • Layer #1: two 22" or 24" square pillows
      • Layer #2: two 20" or 22" square pillows
      • Layer #3: one lumbar pillow

      The Four Layer Option 

      • Layer #1: two 24" square pillows
      • Layer #2: two 22" square pillows
      • Layer #3: two 22" or 20" square pillows
      • Layer #4: one lumbar pillow
      SECTIONALS

      The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 18" - 22"
      The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11" - 15" height  x  19" - 22" width
      Aga Purple pillow size 20x20 (middle) / Flame Velvet pillow size 20x20 (right)
       interior design by Maggie Stephens Interiors
      22x22 and 20x20 pillows on each corner + a lumbar in middle on this sectional with a higher back
      interior design by Kris Jarrett 
      QUANTITY AND LAYERING
         

      The One Layer Option 

      • single layer: a 22" square pillow on each corner

      The Two Layer Option 

      • Layer #1: a 22" square pillow on each corner
      • Layer #2: a 20" square pillow on each corner

      The Three Layer Option

      • Layer #1: a 22" square pillow on each corner 
      • Layer #2: a 20" square pillow on each corner
      • Layer #3: 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. 
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