This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
A sectional sofa is often the centerpiece of a living room, offering both comfort and ample seating. However, styling it with the right pillows can take your sectional from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you want to create a cozy, inviting space or add a touch of elegance, pillows are an easy way to enhance your sectional's look and feel.
In this article, we’ll share helpful tips on how to style a sectional sofa with pillows, including how to choose the right size, color, and arrangement to elevate your living room’s aesthetic.
Coming Up…
- Choose the Right Pillow Sizes
- Play with Colors and Patterns
- Layer Your Pillows for Depth
- Consider Pillow Placement
- Experiment with Color Schemes for Seasonal Updates
- Add Personal Touches
1. Choose the Right Pillow Sizes
The first step in styling your sectional sofa with pillows is selecting the right sizes. Pillows that are too small can look out of place, while pillows that are too large may overwhelm the space.
A mix of sizes generally works best to create a balanced and visually appealing look.
- Standard Pillows (18” x 18”): These are the most common size for sofas and provide the perfect amount of support when sitting. They’re great for a symmetrical, classic look.
- Large Pillows (20” x 20” or 22” x 22”): Larger pillows are ideal for adding drama to your sectional couch. Use them as statement pieces on the back or corners of the sectional to create a focal point.
- Throw Pillows (14” x 14” or 16” x 16”): Smaller pillows add texture and variety. They can be placed in the front or layered with larger pillows for added depth.
2. Play with Colors and Patterns
The color and pattern of your pillows are essential for creating the mood and style you want. Here are some tips on how to combine colors and patterns that will complement your sofa sectional:
- Complement or Contrast: Decide if you want your pillows to complement or contrast with your sectional. If your sectional is a neutral color (like gray, beige, or navy), you can opt for bold, bright pillows in contrasting colors (like mustard yellow, teal, or burgundy). If your sectional is already a vibrant color, consider using pillows in complementary shades or neutral tones to balance the look.
- Use Accent Colors: If you have accent colors in your room—such as in your curtains, rug, or wall art—bring those colors into your pillows. This creates a cohesive, unified look that ties the entire room together.
- Mix Patterns: Don't be afraid to mix patterns! If you have solid-colored pillows, consider adding a few patterned ones, such as stripes, florals, or geometric designs. Just make sure the colors in the patterns coordinate with the overall color scheme of the room.
- Texture Matters: Pillows come in various fabrics such as velvet, linen, cotton, and wool. Mixing different textures adds depth and interest to your sectional. For example, combining velvet pillows with linen or leather creates a sophisticated and layered look.
3. Layer Your Pillows for Depth
Layering pillows is one of the most effective ways to add visual interest and comfort to your stylish sectional. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one size or style—layering various pillows will create a luxurious, inviting look.
- Start with Larger Pillows: Begin by placing the largest pillows at the back of the sectional, propped up against the cushions. These provide support and structure to the arrangement.
- Add Medium-Sized Pillows: Next, add medium-sized pillows in front of the larger ones. You can mix colors, patterns, and textures here for variety. For example, pair a solid pillow with a patterned one for contrast.
- Finish with Smaller Pillows: Smaller pillows are great for the final layer. Place them in the front, either in the center or the corners of the sectional. Smaller pillows add a bit of whimsy and casual charm to the setup.
- Keep It Balanced: While layering pillows, maintain balance. Keep the arrangement symmetrical on either side of the sectional, or you can go asymmetrical for a more relaxed and modern look.
4. Consider Pillow Placement
Where you place the pillows on your sectional will have a big impact on the overall look. Placement is key to creating a functional and visually pleasing arrangement.
- Corners: Start by placing the largest pillows in the corners of the sectional. This draws the eye and creates a sense of balance, especially if the sectional has a chaise or other extended seating areas. If your sectional has a curved shape, place large pillows in the curved area to create a sense of flow.
- Backrests: Pillows placed against the backrests add a cozy and inviting touch. This is especially important if your sectional doesn’t have a built-in headrest or if you want extra support when sitting back.
- Front: Smaller pillows can be placed at the front of the sectional to create a layered, relaxed look. You can arrange them in the middle or spread them out, depending on the effect you want.
- Chaise Section: If your sectional includes a chaise lounge, consider adding one or two pillows to the chaise area. This can provide extra comfort when lounging and adds to the overall visual appeal.
5. Experiment with Color Themes for Seasonal Updates
Pillows are easy to swap out, making them the perfect accessory for changing up your room according to the seasons. Here’s how you can use pillows to create seasonal vibes:
- Spring and Summer: Opt for bright, light colors such as soft pastels, whites, and light blues. Floral or tropical prints work well in warmer months, as do lighter fabrics like linen or cotton.
- Fall and Winter: For cooler weather, go for deeper tones like burgundy, mustard, or dark green. Velvet or wool pillows can add warmth and texture to your sectional, while rich, earthy patterns complement fall and winter themes.
6. Add Personal Touches
Make your sectional pillows reflect your personality and style. Don’t be afraid to include unique patterns, colors, or even custom-made pillows.
Monogrammed pillows, pillows with quirky designs, or travel-inspired pieces can add a personal touch and make the space feel more inviting and cozy.
What’s Next?
Styling a sectional sofa with pillows is one of the easiest ways to transform your living room, creating a space that feels both comfortable and stylish. By playing with different sizes, colors, textures, and placements, you can design a look that complements your sectional and fits your room’s overall aesthetic.
Remember to keep the balance in mind—whether you opt for a symmetrical or more relaxed arrangement—and don’t hesitate to swap pillows seasonally to refresh the look of your room. With the right pillows, your sectional sofa will become the perfect, cozy centerpiece of your living space.
That being said, first you need to ensure that you have the right sectional sofa for you. If you’re looking for an upgrade, it may be time to shop for another.
If you’re looking for a new sectional sofa, visit your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store to check out our options!