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Decorative pillows 101

  • Writer: Karen Post
    Karen Post
  • Apr 7
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 23


Who does not love pillows? They are comforting after a crazy day. The feel luxurious to touch and they can make a so so room, just stunning!


Here’s a complete guide to buying decorative pillows, covering sizes, styles, fabrics, placement, and cleaning care—everything you need to know to make stylish and practical choices for your home:


1. Decorative Pillow Sizes

Decorative pillows come in various shapes and sizes, each with a unique purpose and look. Here’s a breakdown:



Three beautiful pillows from Kevin O’Brien Studio
Three beautiful pillows from Kevin O’Brien Studio

💡 Pro Tips:

  • For a plush, designer look, use inserts that are 1–2” larger than the cover size.

  • Standard sofa: Use 20x20 or 22x22 pillows with a lumbar in front.

  • King bed: Layer with 3 Euro shams, 2 square pillows, and 1 lumbar.



2. Styles & Aesthetics


Vibrant plaid, woven checks, and richly embroidered florals and birds add sunshine to any space.
Vibrant plaid, woven checks, and richly embroidered florals and birds add sunshine to any space.

By Design Style:


Common Fabrics:

  • Velvet – Elegant, plush, luxurious; good for fall/winter.

  • Linen/Cotton – Breathable, crisp, and casual; ideal year-round.

  • Chenille – Soft with a subtle sheen.

  • Silk/Satin – Luxe but delicate; more formal settings.

  • Faux Fur – Cozy and textured; adds warmth and depth.

  • Outdoor Fabric (Sunbrella, etc.) – UV and moisture resistant.



3. Placement & Pairing


Open-concept living room with sofa and chairs adorned in coordinating cream, gray, and teal pillows, unifying the seating area. Design by Home Frosting.


Living Room:

  • Sofa: 2–3 large squares + 1–2 lumbars or small accents.

  • Sectional: Mix of 22x22s and 20x20s in corners, lumbar in center.

  • Accent Chair: 1 statement square or round pillow.


Bedroom:

  • Queen Bed: 2 Euros + 2 squares + 1 lumbar.

  • King Bed: 3 Euros + 2–3 squares + long lumbar.

  • Twin: 1 Euro or large square + 1 accent lumbar.


Elevated bedroom with layered white, beige, and teal pillows—mixing sizes and textures for a lux, cohesive look. Design by Home Frosting.
Elevated bedroom with layered white, beige, and teal pillows—mixing sizes and textures for a lux, cohesive look. Design by Home Frosting.

4. Cleaning & Care


Always read the care tag first—some fabrics are dry clean only.


General Cleaning Tips:

Maintenance Tips:

  • Fluff regularly to maintain shape and volume.

  • Use pillow protectors under the decorative cover for longevity.

  • Rotate and switch out seasonally for freshness and style updates.


5. Buying Tips


✔️ What to Look For:

  • Zipper closures for easy cover removal and washability.

  • High-quality inserts (down/feather for plushness, polyfill for allergy-friendly).

  • Double stitching to avoid fraying.

  • Removable covers so you can wash or switch them easily.


Where to buy the most beautiful pillows in Tampa.HF Fine Pillow and Book Bar is your local shop to find the best selection of pillows for décor, style and aesthetics.

 

We offer high-end designer pillows that bring quality and luxury to any room. We also have a good selection of mid-priced pillows starting at $25.00.

 

Whatever your desire, linen, leather, velvet, cotton from simple to glam, we’ve got you covered.



🧠 Quick FAQ:


Q: How many pillows are too many? A: Rule of thumb: odd numbers look better (3 or 5). Don’t overcrowd; make sure there’s still room to sit!

Q: How often should I wash decorative pillow covers?A: Every 3–6 months, more frequently if in high-use areas.

Q: Can I mix patterns? A: Yes! Use the "pattern mixing rule": one large-scale, one medium, one small (e.g., floral + stripe + dot) in a cohesive color palette.

 
 
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