How to Style Leather Throw Pillows on a Sofa

Whether your style leans rustic, farmhouse, Scandi minimalism, or bohemian, the right throw pillows can make your leather sofa feel like a designer showpiece.

Start with your room’s color scheme for inspiration. Then look for patterns and textures that complement the couch’s existing colors.

Texture adds visual interest, including faux fur, linen, and chunky knit wool. Also, try to incorporate varying pillow shapes as well, from standard squares to round and lumbar options.

Color

One of the most important things to consider when styling leather throw pillows on a sofa is color. You want to select colors that coordinate with the overall design of your space. A neutral palette is classic and timeless, while bolder hues can bring a bit of drama to the space. Brown leather pillows can add warmth and sophistication, while black leather pillows can add a sleek look to the room.

Throw pillow patterns also greatly affect how your sofa will look. Plaids and ginghams work well with rustic or industrial styles, while florals and tropical motifs are great for boho chic spaces. Classic geometric prints like chevron, quatrefoil, and scale also complement most interior design aesthetics.

In addition to the color of your throw pillows, you should also think about their texture. Smooth silk, linen, or woven pillows can look beautiful with tasseled and fuzzy accents. Mixing textures can create a more interesting and cohesive look, but limiting your choices to three different types of fabrics is important.

Generally, experts recommend selecting odd numbers of pillows to create a symmetrical appearance. This rule can be broken if you prefer an asymmetrical style, but a group of three is ideal for most sofas. Then, pair your larger pillows in the far corners and place a smaller pillow or lumbar pillow between them. Then, fill in the remaining spaces with your medium and small pillows to create a balanced look.

You should also pay attention to the size of your pillow inserts. Pillow inserts should be a little bigger than the pillow cover, so they will have a nice full shape. This is especially important for a couch with a high back because it will give the pillows a more sculptural appearance. Opt for down pillow inserts if you can because they’re a little heavier and will hold their shape better than polyester ones.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vast selection of throw pillows available, it may help to consult a professional designer. They can help you find the perfect pillows for your home and offer tips on how to style them.

Pattern

When it comes to picking out a pattern for your sofa pillows, the simpler, the better. Patterns tend to overwhelm large leather sofas, making the room too busy. It’s also important to choose a pattern that works well with your room’s color palette. The best way to determine this is by looking at other items of decor in the room, such as rugs or wall hangings.

Once you’ve determined a color story for your room, select a few accent pillows that work with this theme. This will help to tie the room together without being too matchy-matchy.

Remember to include different textures when selecting your pillows. Using a mix of smooth and rough textures, such as faux fur, chunky knit wools, and velvet, will add depth to the look. It’s also important to keep the number of textures used in balance, ideally no more than three.

Lastly, always choose a pillow insert that fits the size of your pillow cover. This will ensure that your pillows are full and not saggy or flat. Fortin recommends choosing down pillow inserts, which are heavier than synthetic options and are easier to fluff up for a great look. If you can’t find down pillow inserts at your local fabric store, a good place to look is at thrift stores or garage sales. They are often made of high-quality fabrics and can be found at a fraction of the cost of retail.

One of the most important things to remember when arranging sofa pillows is that odd numbers usually look modern and more artful than even ones. However, it’s okay to break this rule if you find that it looks more appealing to your eye. Just be sure to use an odd number of larger pillows rather than a jumble of smaller ones.

Texture

When styling throw pillows on your sofa, textural contrast can be a great way to add depth and visual interest. Look for pillows made from different materials, including cotton, linen, wool, velvet, and woven fabrics, to create a dynamic texture combination. In addition, a variety of pillow fills can help you achieve the perfect feel for your space – from super fluffy down to luxurious feathers.

Texture can also play a role in the style of your leather sofa, with some textures feeling more traditional and classic while others add a more casual or contemporary feel to your space. When selecting textural elements for your sofa, consider other accents in the room, such as the color of the walls, rugs, or curtains, to guide your selections. If you’re unsure where to start, consult a color wheel to find complementary colors, or opt for shades that pop against your couch for a striking contrast.

If you’re looking to make a statement with your pillows, opt for a bold pattern or bright color. This will help draw the eye away from imperfections or flaws in your leather sofa and elevate your decor scheme. For a more subtle approach, select a neutral shade that coordinates with the color of your sofa. Neutrals can be as impactful as bolder hues and create a warm and inviting space.

Another tip when selecting pillows is to keep in mind the size and scale of your leather sofa. Larger pillows like lumbars can help balance out the proportions of a larger sofa, while smaller pillow forms can add a more delicate touch to a sleek or modern design.

The final element to consider is the number of pillows you want to use on your sofa. If you choose to stick with the EHD rule of five, it’s important to vary patterns and implement pillow shapes and sizes (small, medium, and large) to avoid overcrowding your space.

Overall, there’s no right or wrong way to dress up your sofa with pillows — it all comes down to what looks good to you! Have fun with your pillow arrangement, and don’t be afraid to break the rules once in a while!

Size

Having a variety of pillow sizes is another way to create a more balanced look on your leather sofa. Larger pillows add more visual weight to your arrangement, while smaller ones help balance the larger pieces’ scale on either side. Pillows with a velvety texture are great for evoking a classic and luxurious aesthetic on any leather sofa, especially if you have kids or pets – the softness of this type of fabric will help withstand frequent cleanings.

You can also introduce texture into your sofa pillow selections by mixing fabrics. Smooth, sleek leather pairs well with softer wool or woven fabric, and you can also play with textures by combining smooth and frizzy or rough and soft materials. Just remember to stick with a maximum of three different textures in order to avoid overwhelming your leather sofa.

A good place to start your pillow selection process is at a local fabric shop, where you’ll often find designer fabrics like Scalamandre’s iconic zebra print or Chinoiserie from Schumacher, which come in a range of colors and patterns. You can also find some great finds at thrift stores and secondhand shops, where you may be able to score a vintage throw pillow that brings back a special memory or reflects your family’s unique personality.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up the color and pattern selections for a more eclectic and bolder look. You can also opt for a combination of neutrals and brights to create a fresh and fun style on your leather sofa. Just be sure to pair your colors with accents from other parts of the room to keep the design cohesive.

When it comes to the number of pillows you have on your sofa, odd numbers like three, five, or seven can look very stylish and arty. Using an even number, however, tends to feel more traditional and classic.

Regardless of your personal style, the most important thing is to have fun with it! Whether you follow the Rule of Three or a formula that works for you, it’s all about finding what feels right and creating a look that makes your space feel comfortable and inviting.