- Throw pillows have the potential to change the way you feel about a room. A handful of square or round throw pillows in a rainbow of colors can turn a plain, white couch from drab to dazzling. Pile pillows in a variety of shapes and sizes on an otherwise plainly made bed, and suddenly you've got a designer look. There's no limit to what you can do with throw pillows. All you need is a little imagination.
- When selecting throw pillows, size is one factor to take into account. The size of the pillow should be in proportion to the size of the furniture on which it'll be placed. You wouldn't want to put a large floor pillow on a small couch, nor would you want to place one small pillow at either end of a large couch. Several small pillows can serve as the equivalent of one large pillow. Mixing a variety of shapes and sizes is especially pleasing on a bed. Common bed pillows include European (large, square pillows); standard (the kind you sleep with); smaller square, rectangular, or round pillows; and neckrolls (cylindrically shaped pillows, similar in shape to a piece of taffy), which lend support when placed behind the neck.
- Color determines how much the pillow stands out in a room. A pillow in a matching color will blend seamlessly into a room's decor. Choosing pillows in complementary colors can provide pleasing accents to a room's primary color scheme. Contrasting colors stand out and make a bigger impact. Pillows can also feature different types of trim, fringe, tassels or ruffles to give them unique flair.
- Pillows come in a variety of fabrics. Sturdy fabrics like twill and denim are casual and long-wearing. More formal fabrics like velvet, brocade or velveteen add a touch of formal elegance but are difficult to clean. Pillows made from soft fabrics like velour, fleece or fur are fun and pleasing to the touch. The design of any given fabric also makes a difference in the look the pillow gives to a room. For example, large, bold, geometric prints lend a modern feel; small checks and calico prints have a homespun, country appeal; large, floral prints can create a romantic or cottage garden atmosphere; exotic prints can create a worldly look; and playful prints appeal to children.
- Not only are pillows decorative accessories, they can be functional. Strategically placed pillows lend softness to hard furniture, provide support where needed and greatly increase a home's comfort factor. Floor pillows, which are generally about 24 by 24 inches square, can turn an otherwise hard, bare floor into a gathering place and allow more seating for guests than your furniture might otherwise allow. Bed pillows are great for propping yourself up to read in bed, while pillows on a couch or chair can make these pieces of furniture all the more relaxing to snuggle into.
