How To Mix Throw Pillows Like A Boss

Sometimes choosing the right patterns, sizes and colors can be downright confusing, in your mind they will look fantastic together but when you get them together it’s a whole other story!

So after years of trial and error and a lot of learning the hard way, I’m going to show you all of the secrets I’ve learned about How To Mix Throw Pillows Like A Boss!

When its time to update a space or if I am just looking to do a small refresh, throw pillows are always my go-to. Pillows can instantly change the entire look of a space and take you from one style to the next depending on your fabric choices.

Over the years I have received countless questions about how to mix throw pillow patterns and it is honestly not as hard as it seems.

This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience, this is at no extra cost to you. For information see my disclosures here. 

For the past few months I have been on a mission to completely tone down the look and feel of our home while giving it more of a modern farmhouse look so the first place I started was the master bedroom. This space has had several looks over the past year but this one is shaping up to be my favorite.

Breakin it Down

• Choose Large Scale: When I start the hunt for new pillows I always seem to find one I love more than the others, in this case, it was the Nell by Kaekoo, (they are currently out of stock but she restocks often so sign up for updates).  As you can see the Nell has a neutral color palette and  a large scale minimal pattern plus I love the extra punch of texture that comes from the super soft merino wool on the front.

• Choose Small Scale: Now that I have my large scale pattern throwing in something with a smaller scale pattern is next on the list. For this one, I chose the blue Lumbar Newport Cross Pillow. The small scale is the perfect mix and adds interest to the combination.

•  Choose One Solid: Next, its time to throw in one solid option. In this case, I chose a Cognac leather pillow we had in our living room. Having a solid throw pillow is important to not only ground the other pillows but also add interest to the collection.

• Variation is Important: Mixing pattern scales is one of the most important things to remember when choosing throw pillows. You never want all three pillows to have the same scale pattern. So if your favorite has a small scale pattern make sure the choices that follow are large scale and solid.

Keepin It In The Family

Another easy way to mix throw pillows is by using the same color throughout in varying patterns Basically a grouping of blue pillows with different patterns. Be sure you use the principles above when it comes to scale because you can quickly end up with a busy looking mess if you’re not.

Follow The Leader

Most of the time in groups of people there is that one dominant person, this person is typically the leader and then you have several people that bring out the best in that person and when you use this method it is really no different with pillows.

Insider Tip: This is one of the most common tricks in the book

Choosing a lead pattern is a great way to kick-start your throw pillow styling, typically this is one with several colors mixed in, for example, a floral pattern.

Once you have the main pattern picked out you can easily see the accent color in the fabric. This accent color will determine the color of your other two pairings.

A Collected Blend

The secret to creating a collected blend of pillows and there are several things to keep in mind when choosing this route.

•  Multicolored and Organic: think movement and inspired by nature such as a floral or Hmong print.
• Geometric: think grids, lines, repetitive patterns such as plaids and buffalo check.
• Texture: Add texture through fabrics like velvet, metallics, and furs. Which will add in much need warmth to the space.
• Varying scale: rather you go large or small be sure to mix up the scale to keep things from looking stale.

There are so many ways to mix throw pillows that the possibilities are really endless. Just follow one of the steps above and you will quickly turn into a throw pillow mixin boss!!!

When it comes to which option to choose it all boils down to personal preference.  For me, I love when there is a well-blended mix of pillows like the ones pictured, I think it adds more interest to the space and I love the collected feeling it gives.

Yes, doing it this way can be a little bit tricky because it’s less matchy-matchy but the more you put these principles into practice the better you will get at knowing which groupings look good together and which ones clash.

Below I have linked some of my favorite throw pillow options, just click the photo to shop the products directly. 

If you would like more decorating tips be sure to check out these posts!

9 Must Haves For A Well Styled Home

How To Decorate Like A Pro

How To Hang Curtains The Right Way