Adding texture to a space is one of the easiest and most effective ways to elevate your home’s style. Texture not only makes your home feel cozier but also adds depth and dimension, making any room more visually interesting. One of the simplest ways to incorporate texture is by using pillows and throws, which are versatile, affordable, and functional.
Whether you want a warm, inviting vibe or a bold, modern aesthetic, here’s how you can use pillows and throws to add texture to your space.
1. Layer Different Fabrics for Visual Interest
One of the easiest ways to add texture is by layering pillows and throws made from a variety of materials. Different fabrics create a rich, dynamic look that instantly enhances your space.
Textures to Consider:
- Velvet: Luxurious and soft, velvet adds a sophisticated feel.
- Linen: Lightweight and breezy, linen creates a casual, airy vibe.
- Knits: Chunky knits or cable-knit pillows and throws bring warmth and coziness.
- Faux Fur: Plush and glamorous, faux fur adds a touch of luxury.
- Cotton: Smooth and versatile, cotton works well for everyday comfort.
Pro Tip: Mix contrasting textures, like pairing a sleek velvet pillow with a chunky knit throw, to create balance and dimension.
2. Play with Patterns and Prints
Patterns and prints are another way to bring texture into a room. They can give pillows and throws a tactile quality, even if the fabric itself is smooth.
Popular Patterns:
- Geometric: Bold lines and shapes work well for modern or minimalist spaces.
- Floral: Adds softness and works beautifully in bohemian or cottagecore interiors.
- Stripes: Classic and versatile, stripes create visual structure.
- Animal Prints: Leopard, zebra, or cheetah prints bring bold, textural flair.
- Abstract: Adds an artistic, contemporary touch.
Pro Tip: Combine patterns of different scales (e.g., large geometric shapes with small florals) for a dynamic look without overwhelming the space.
3. Mix Pillow Shapes and Sizes
Using pillows in different shapes and sizes creates depth and makes your seating areas or bed look more inviting.
How to Layer Pillows:
- Start with larger pillows (e.g., 22×22 inches) as the base layer.
- Add medium-sized pillows (e.g., 18×18 inches) in front of the larger ones.
- Finish with smaller accent pillows (e.g., lumbar or round pillows) for the final touch.
Pro Tip: Use oversized pillows for floor seating in casual, boho-inspired spaces or as statement pieces on a sofa.
4. Add Texture with Fringe, Tassels, and Pom-Poms
Decorative details like fringe, tassels, and pom-poms add playful texture to pillows and throws. They bring movement and a tactile element that makes your decor feel dynamic.
Ideas for Decorative Details:
- Choose a throw blanket with fringe along the edges for a boho or rustic vibe.
- Opt for pillows with tassels at the corners to add whimsy.
- Use pom-pom-edged throws for a fun, playful touch in kids’ rooms or eclectic spaces.
Pro Tip: Stick to neutral colors if you’re worried about overdoing the look—let the texture itself do the talking.
5. Use Layering Throws for Texture and Warmth
Throws aren’t just for warmth—they’re also perfect for adding texture and a lived-in feel to your space.
Ways to Layer Throws:
- Drape Over Sofas: Lay a throw across the arm or back of your sofa for a casual, cozy look.
- Layer Over Beds: Add a throw blanket at the foot of your bed or drape it diagonally for a touch of softness.
- Use in Baskets: Fold and display throws in a decorative basket near a sofa or chair for an inviting and functional decor element.
Pro Tip: Combine throws with varying textures, like a lightweight cotton throw layered over a chunky knit blanket.
6. Choose a Color Palette with Depth
Using a mix of complementary colors can also enhance the texture in your room. Even monochromatic schemes can feel textured when you incorporate tonal variations.
Color Ideas for Texture:
- Monochromatic: Use shades of the same color, like light gray, charcoal, and soft silver, in different textures (e.g., velvet, linen, and faux fur).
- Contrasting Colors: Pair warm and cool tones for contrast, such as a rust throw with navy blue pillows.
- Seasonal Colors: Swap out pillows and throws seasonally (e.g., warm jewel tones for fall and winter, light pastels for spring and summer).
Pro Tip: Neutral colors, when layered with different textures, can still feel dynamic and inviting.
7. Incorporate Natural Materials
Using pillows and throws made from natural materials like wool, cotton, and jute can add a rustic and organic feel to your space.
Examples of Natural Textures:
- Wool or alpaca throws for a cozy, mountain-lodge vibe.
- Cotton throws with waffle or honeycomb textures for a modern, breathable option.
- Jute or burlap pillow covers for a natural, earthy touch.
Pro Tip: Pair natural materials with indoor plants or wood furniture to complete the organic look.
8. Style for Seasonal Texture
Switching out your pillows and throws with the seasons keeps your space feeling fresh and inviting.
Seasonal Styling Tips:
- Spring/Summer: Use lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton in bright, airy colors or floral patterns.
- Fall/Winter: Opt for heavy knits, faux fur, or velvet in rich, warm tones like burgundy, mustard, or deep green.
Pro Tip: Store off-season pillows and throws in vacuum-sealed bags or baskets to keep them clean and out of the way.
9. Use Pillows and Throws to Define a Style
Pillows and throws are versatile enough to define the vibe of a space with minimal effort.
Styling Ideas by Aesthetic:
- Boho: Incorporate macramé pillows, tassels, and woven throws in earth tones.
- Modern: Opt for monochromatic pillows with clean lines and smooth textures like leather or linen.
- Scandi: Focus on minimalism with soft, neutral tones and cozy knit throws.
- Eclectic: Mix patterns, colors, and textures boldly for a vibrant, collected look.
Pro Tip: Let your pillows and throws tie together the overall aesthetic of your room by matching them with rugs or wall art.
10. Experiment with Arrangements
How you arrange your pillows and throws can greatly impact the overall feel of your space.
Arrangement Tips:
- Symmetry for Structure: Use matching pillows on both sides of the sofa for a clean, balanced look.
- Asymmetry for Relaxed Vibes: Mix and match pillows in different sizes and colors for a casual, lived-in feel.
- Mix on Chairs: Add a single accent pillow and drape a throw on the armrest of a chair for a cozy corner.
Pro Tip: Rearrange your pillows and throws occasionally to refresh the space without spending a dime.
FAQs
1. How many pillows should I use on a sofa?
A standard sofa typically looks best with 3–5 pillows. For a large sectional, go for 6–8 pillows to fill the space.
2. Can I mix patterns with texture?
Yes! Combine patterned pillows with solid textured ones to balance bold designs with tactile elements.
3. How can I style pillows and throws for a minimalist look?
Stick to neutral tones and simple textures like linen or cotton. Limit the number of pillows to 2–3 for a clutter-free aesthetic.
4. What’s the best way to store extra throws?
Use a decorative basket, storage ottoman, or a blanket ladder to keep extra throws accessible and stylishly stored.
5. Should my pillows match my throw blankets?
They don’t have to match exactly but should complement each other in color or texture to create a cohesive look.
6. How do I clean textured pillows and throws?
Most pillow covers can be machine-washed, but always check the care label. Spot-clean delicate textures like faux fur or knits.
7. How can I make my sofa look cozier with throws?
Layer one throw draped over the arm of the sofa and another folded neatly at the back for a warm, inviting vibe.
8. Can I use pillows and throws in other rooms?
Absolutely! Add throws to a bedroom bench or pillows to an entryway bench to carry texture throughout your home.
9. What’s the best size for throw pillows?
Standard throw pillows are 18×18 inches, but larger pillows (20×20 or 22×22 inches) make a bigger statement. Lumbar pillows (12×20 inches) add variety.
10. Can I DIY my own textured pillows and throws?
Yes! Sew your own covers using textured fabrics like velvet or knit, or add pom-poms, tassels, or fringe for a custom look.
By layering different fabrics, mixing patterns, and experimenting with colors, you can use pillows and throws to add texture, warmth, and personality to your space. These small additions can make a big impact, creating a cozy and visually appealing home. So, grab your pillows, toss on a throw, and watch your room come to life! 🌟✨