How to Mix and Match Pillows and Find the Right Insert

Choose a Tri-Color Story

Odd numbers play a prominent role in interior design and décor. You can simplify your color selection by choosing three different shades pulled from elements like walls, curtains, and bedding in the room. As a result, your pillows will add a sense of belonging to these items, even if they’re all different.

If you prefer a monotone palette, use solid colors with mixed textures for visual interest. Alternatively, if your color story leans toward light neutral tones, consider adding pops of color with an accent pillow.

Mix Three Different Patterns

It’s important to achieve the right balance by choosing different pillow patterns. However, selecting too many patterns won’t lend a cohesive look and feel to your room. Designers suggest choosing up to three different patterns, each incorporating at least one shade from your color story.

Start with a lead pattern — the largest one containing all three shades of your color scheme. Then, pick two smaller patterns that include 1–2 colors from the same palette. Some pattern-mixing ideas include:

• One floral + one geometric + one solid color
• One chevron + one dotted + one knit texture
• One buffalo check + one floral + one vertical stripe

Use Different Textures to Add Layers

Choosing different textures and fabrics is essential to achieve a layered look. Play with combinations like rough and soft, smooth and fuzzy — whatever suits your data-style.

Think teddy curl fabric, faux fur, cozy knit wools, velvet, subtle silk fringe, bamboo linen, or tasseled accents. Mixing textures keeps your décor from appearing monotonous while adding creativity and warmth.

Mix Up Different Shapes & Sizes

Another creative way to add layers and visual interest is to combine decorative pillows of different shapes and sizes. It also prevents your sofa, couch, or bedding from looking too uniform.

Start with two larger pillows on each end of your sofa, then layer in smaller ones to make it look more natural. Mix shapes — circular, square, and lumbar pillows — for extra depth. Just remember to maintain functionality; you don’t want to lose all your sitting space to decoration!

Don’t Overdo It!

Too many shapes, shades, or patterns can make your sofa, bedding, or couch appear messy and overwhelming. Keep your arrangement balanced and purposeful — less is often more when styling throw pillows.

Tips to Find the Right Insert

Now that you know how to choose the best pillow cover, the next step is finding the right pillow insert. We recommend using inserts that are 2 inches larger than your pillowcase if they’re not overstuffed. This ensures your throw pillow looks plump and luxurious — smaller inserts can make pillowcases appear saggy.

Exceptions to this rule:

• For lumbar pillows or cases smaller than 18x18, choose inserts that are 1" larger.
• For extra-large pillows (24x24 or more), go 3–4" larger than the cover.
• Dense or small rectangular inserts (like 10x18) can match the cover size.

Type of Inserts

Here are the main types of pillow inserts you can choose from:

• Feather and Down: Fluffable, soft, and long-lasting. The higher the down content, the better the quality.
• Synthetic Spun Polyester: Affordable and easy to maintain, but can flatten or clump over time.
• Memory Foam: Contours to the head and neck for support. Retains some heat but is great for ergonomic use.
• Buckwheat: Filled with buckwheat hulls, offering natural firmness and breathability.

Final Tips

It’s perfectly fine to break the rules if your choices feel right for your space. For example, while odd numbers create a modern look, even numbers can offer a classic, traditional touch. Trust your instincts — your comfort and data-style come first.