Are you looking to make your living room more comfortable and stylish? One easy way to do this is by adding some trendy decorative pillows. These small items can make a big difference in how your room looks and feels. In this post, we’ll talk about 10 popular types of decorative pillows that can help make your living room cozy and inviting.
Why Use Decorative Pillows?
Before we get into the specific types of pillows, let’s talk about why decorative pillows are important. Pillows aren’t just for sleeping on. They can do a lot to change how a room looks and feels. Here are some reasons why decorative pillows are worth thinking about:
- They add color: Pillows can bring new colors into your room without you having to paint the walls or buy new furniture. This is great if you want to try out a new color scheme without spending too much money.
- They make things comfortable: Pillows aren’t just for looks. They also make your couch or chair more comfortable to sit on. This can make your living room a nicer place to relax.
- They’re easy to change: Unlike big pieces of furniture, pillows are easy to switch out when you want a new look. You can change them with the seasons or just when you feel like it.
- They show your style: The pillows you choose can say a lot about what you like. They’re a way to show off your personal taste in your home.
- They can tie a room together: If you have different colors or styles in your living room, the right pillows can help everything look like it belongs together.
Now that we know why decorative pillows are so great, let’s look at 10 trendy types that can make your living room more cozy.
1. Fuzzy Faux Fur Pillows
Faux fur pillows are very popular right now. They look like they’re made from animal fur, but they’re actually made from fake fur. This is good because no animals get hurt to make these pillows.
Faux fur pillows are great because they’re super soft to touch. When you sit on your couch and lean against one of these pillows, it feels like you’re hugging a teddy bear. This can make your living room feel very cozy and warm.
These pillows come in many different colors. You can find them in natural colors like brown, white, or gray. But you can also find them in fun colors like pink or blue. This means you can choose a faux fur pillow that matches the other colors in your living room.
One thing to think about with faux fur pillows is that they can shed a little bit. This means small pieces of the fake fur might come off on your clothes. But don’t worry, this usually only happens when the pillow is new. After a while, it will stop shedding.
Faux fur pillows look great in many types of living rooms. They work well in rooms with a modern look, but they also fit in with more traditional styles. If you have leather furniture, faux fur pillows can add a nice contrast in texture.
To take care of faux fur pillows, you should shake them out every now and then to keep them fluffy. You can also use a soft brush to gently comb the fur. This will help the pillow keep its soft, furry look.
When you’re shopping for faux fur pillows, feel them with your hand. The best ones will feel very soft and thick. Cheaper ones might feel thin or scratchy. It’s worth spending a little more to get a high-quality faux fur pillow that will look and feel good for a long time.
2. Textured Knit Pillows
Knit pillows are another trendy choice for cozy living rooms. These pillows look like they’re made from big, chunky yarn. They remind many people of warm sweaters or blankets.
Knit pillows add a lot of texture to your living room. Texture is important in decorating because it makes a room more interesting to look at. When everything in a room is smooth, it can look boring. But when you add different textures, like the bumpy surface of a knit pillow, it makes the room more lively.
One great thing about knit pillows is that they come in many different patterns. Some have simple designs with just one type of stitch. Others have more complex patterns with cables or other fancy knitting techniques. This means you can choose a knit pillow that’s as simple or as fancy as you like.
Knit pillows often come in neutral colors like white, gray, or beige. These colors are easy to match with other things in your living room. But you can also find knit pillows in brighter colors if you want to add a pop of color to your space.
These pillows are perfect for making your living room feel warm and inviting. They make people think of cozy nights by the fire or lazy weekend mornings. This can help your living room feel like a comfortable place to relax.
One thing to keep in mind with knit pillows is that they can stretch out over time. To help them keep their shape, you should fluff them up regularly. You can do this by squeezing the pillow gently all over.
When you’re buying knit pillows, look for ones made from natural fibers like cotton or wool. These materials feel nice and are good at keeping their shape. They’re also easier to clean than pillows made from synthetic materials.
Knit pillows look great on their own, but they also work well mixed with other types of pillows. For example, you could put a knit pillow next to a smooth velvet pillow. The contrast between the textures makes both pillows stand out more.
3. Bold Geometric Print Pillows
If you want to add some excitement to your living room, geometric print pillows are a great choice. These pillows have patterns made up of shapes like triangles, circles, or squares. The patterns can be simple or complex, but they always catch the eye.
Geometric print pillows are very trendy right now. They fit well with modern or contemporary style living rooms. But they can also work in more traditional rooms if you choose the right colors and patterns.
One of the best things about geometric print pillows is that they can add a lot of visual interest to your living room. Even if the rest of your room is fairly plain, a few geometric pillows can make it look more exciting and stylish.
These pillows come in all sorts of color combinations. You can find them in bold, bright colors that really stand out. Or you can choose more subtle colors that blend in with your other decor. Some geometric pillows use just two colors, while others might use many different colors in one pattern.
When you’re choosing geometric print pillows, think about the size of the pattern. Large patterns can make a big impact, but they might overwhelm a small space. Smaller patterns are more subtle and can work well in any size room.
One fun way to use geometric print pillows is to mix different patterns together. For example, you could have one pillow with large triangles and another with small circles. As long as the colors go well together, mixing patterns can look really cool.
Geometric print pillows can also help tie together different colors in your living room. Let’s say you have a blue couch and a yellow rug. A pillow with a pattern that includes both blue and yellow can help these colors look like they belong together.
When you’re shopping for geometric print pillows, pay attention to the material they’re made from. Cotton or linen pillows with printed patterns are easy to clean. If you want a more luxurious look, you might choose pillows with woven geometric patterns instead.
Remember that geometric patterns can sometimes make a room feel busy. If you have a lot going on in your living room already, you might want to stick to just one or two geometric pillows. But if your room is fairly simple, you can use more of these eye-catching pillows.
4. Velvet Throw Pillows
Velvet throw pillows are a classic choice that never really goes out of style. But they’re especially popular right now because they add a touch of luxury to any living room.
Velvet is a type of fabric that has a soft, fuzzy surface. When you touch velvet, it feels smooth one way and slightly rough the other way. This unique texture is part of what makes velvet pillows so special.
One of the best things about velvet pillows is how they look in different lights. Velvet has a slight shine to it, which means the color can look different depending on how the light hits it. This can make your living room look more interesting and dynamic.
Velvet pillows come in all sorts of colors. Deep, rich colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, or burgundy are very popular for velvet pillows. These dark colors really show off the shine of the velvet. But you can also find velvet pillows in lighter colors like blush pink or sky blue.
When you’re choosing velvet pillows, think about how they’ll look with your furniture. Velvet looks especially nice against leather or wooden furniture because of the contrast in textures. But it can also work well with fabric furniture.
One thing to keep in mind with velvet pillows is that they can show marks easily. If you run your hand across a velvet pillow, you might see the path your hand took. Some people really like this effect because it makes the pillow look lived-in and cozy. But if you prefer a neater look, you might need to smooth out your velvet pillows more often.
Velvet pillows can work in many different styles of living rooms. In a modern room, a few simple velvet pillows in bold colors can add a pop of interest. In a more traditional room, velvet pillows with tassels or fringe can add to the classic look.
When you’re shopping for velvet pillows, feel the fabric with your hand. Good quality velvet should feel soft and thick. Cheaper velvet might feel thin or scratchy. It’s worth spending a bit more to get velvet pillows that feel really nice to touch.
One fun way to use velvet pillows is to mix different shades of the same color. For example, you could have dark blue, medium blue, and light blue velvet pillows all together. This creates a rich, layered look that’s very trendy right now.
Remember that velvet can be a bit harder to clean than some other fabrics. If you have pets or small children, you might want to choose velvet pillows in darker colors that won’t show stains as easily. Or you could save your velvet pillows for a room that doesn’t get as much everyday use.
5. Embroidered Pillows
Embroidered pillows are a great way to add some handmade charm to your living room. These pillows have designs that are stitched onto the fabric, creating patterns or pictures that you can see and feel.
One of the best things about embroidered pillows is that they can tell a story. You can find pillows with all sorts of embroidered designs, from simple geometric patterns to detailed pictures of animals or flowers. This means you can choose pillows that reflect your interests or match the theme of your living room.
Embroidered pillows often have a folk art feel to them. This can make your living room feel more personal and lived-in. Even if you bought the pillow from a store, the embroidery makes it look like something that could have been made by hand.
When you’re choosing embroidered pillows, think about the colors in the embroidery. You can use these pillows to bring new colors into your living room. For example, if your room is mostly neutral colors, an embroidered pillow with bright thread could add a nice pop of color.
One trend right now is to mix different types of embroidery on different pillows. You might have one pillow with a big, bold embroidered design, and another with lots of small, delicate stitches. Putting these different styles together can create a really interesting look.
Embroidered pillows can work well in many different styles of living rooms. In a modern room, geometric embroidery can add some texture without looking too traditional. In a more bohemian-style room, pillows with colorful, detailed embroidery can add to the eclectic feel.
When you’re shopping for embroidered pillows, look closely at the quality of the stitching. Good embroidery should look neat and even. The threads should be securely attached to the fabric so they don’t come loose over time.
One thing to keep in mind with embroidered pillows is that they can be a bit delicate. The embroidery can snag on jewelry or rough fabrics. If you have pets with sharp claws, you might need to be extra careful with embroidered pillows.
A fun way to use embroidered pillows is to choose designs that change with the seasons. For example, you could have pillows with flower embroidery for spring and summer, and switch to pillows with leaf designs for fall. This is an easy way to update your living room throughout the year.
Remember that embroidered pillows don’t have to be super colorful or detailed. Simple embroidery in the same color as the pillow fabric can add subtle texture and interest. This can be a good choice if you want the handmade look of embroidery without adding too much color or pattern to your room.
6. Large Floor Pillows
Floor pillows are becoming more and more popular in cozy living rooms. These are big pillows that sit on the floor instead of on furniture. They’re great for adding extra seating and making your living room feel more relaxed and comfortable.
One of the best things about floor pillows is that they’re very versatile. You can move them around easily to create different seating arrangements. If you’re having friends over, you can pull out some floor pillows to make more space for people to sit. When you’re not using them, you can stack them in a corner or use them as a footrest.
Floor pillows come in many different sizes, but they’re usually quite big – often around 2 or 3 feet across. This means they’re big enough for an adult to sit on comfortably. Some floor pillows are flat, while others are more like big poufs that hold their shape better.
When you’re choosing floor pillows, think about how you’ll use them. If you plan to sit on them a lot, look for pillows that are thick and firm enough to provide good support. If you’ll mostly use them for decoration or as occasional extra seating, you might choose softer, squishier pillows.
Floor pillows can add a lot of color and texture to your living room. You can find them in all sorts of fabrics, from smooth cotton to nubby wool to shiny silk. This means you can choose floor pillows that match your other decor or that stand out as a feature on their own.
One trend right now is to use floor pillows to create a cozy reading nook in your living room. You could put a few big floor pillows in a corner near a bookshelf or a window. Add a soft throw blanket and a reading lamp, and you’ve got a perfect spot for curling up with a book.
Floor pillows are also great for making your living room more kid-friendly. Children often like to sit or lie on the floor, and having some big, soft pillows makes this more comfortable. Plus, floor pillows are safer than hard furniture if kids are playing and moving around a lot.
When you’re shopping for floor pillows, pay attention to how easy they are to clean. Since these pillows sit on the floor, they can get dirty more quickly than pillows on your couch. Look for pillows with removable covers that you can wash, or choose materials that are easy to spot clean.
One fun way to use floor pillows is to mix different shapes. You could have some round pillows, some square ones, and maybe even some in fun shapes like stars or flowers. This can create a playful, relaxed feeling in your living room.
Remember that floor pillows don’t have to match exactly. In fact, it can look really cool to have a mix of different colors and patterns. This eclectic look is very trendy right now and can make your living room feel more personal and interesting.
7. Macramé Pillows
Macramé pillows are a trendy choice that can add a bohemian touch to your living room. Macramé is a type of textile made by knotting cord or rope in patterns. It was very popular in the 1970s and is now having a big comeback in home decor.
One of the best things about macramé pillows is the interesting texture they add to a room. The knotted patterns create a 3D effect that’s very different from flat fabric pillows. This can make your living room feel more dynamic and visually interesting.
Macramé pillows often have a natural, handmade look. Even if they’re made by machine, the knotted designs give them a crafty feel. This can make your living room feel more personal and less mass-produced.
When you’re choosing macramé pillows, think about the color of the cord used to make them. Natural, un-dyed cotton cord is very popular and gives a neutral look that can work in many different color schemes. But you can also find macramé pillows made with colored cord if you want to add more color to your room.
One trend right now is to mix macramé pillows with other textures. For example, you could put a macramé pillow next to a smooth velvet pillow and a fuzzy faux fur pillow. This mix of textures can make your couch or chair look really interesting and inviting.
Macramé pillows can work well in many different styles of living rooms. In a bohemian-style room, they fit right in Macramé pillows can work well in many different styles of living rooms. In a bohemian-style room, they fit right in with other natural textures and handmade items. But they can also add a touch of softness and interest to a more modern room.
When you’re shopping for macramé pillows, look closely at the quality of the knotwork. Good macramé should have tight, even knots. The design should be symmetrical and well-balanced. Loose or uneven knots might mean the pillow won’t hold up well over time.
One thing to keep in mind with macramé pillows is that they can collect dust in the knotted areas. You might need to shake them out or vacuum them gently more often than you would with smooth fabric pillows. But many people think the unique look of macramé is worth this extra bit of care.
A fun way to use macramé pillows is to choose ones with fringe or tassels. These extra details can add even more texture and movement to your living room. Just be careful if you have pets or small children who might be tempted to play with the fringe.
Remember that macramé pillows don’t have to be just white or beige. While natural colors are popular, you can also find macramé pillows in bold colors or even multicolored designs. These can be a great way to add a pop of color to your living room while still keeping that handcrafted, boho feel.
8. Leather and Suede Pillows
Leather and suede pillows are a great way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your living room. These materials have a rich, smooth texture that feels great to touch and looks very stylish.
One of the best things about leather and suede pillows is how durable they are. Unlike some delicate fabrics, leather and suede can stand up to a lot of use without showing wear. This makes them a good choice if you have kids or pets, or if you just use your living room a lot.
Leather pillows often have a more modern, sleek look. They can work really well in contemporary living rooms or rooms with a bit of an industrial feel. Suede pillows, on the other hand, have a softer, more velvety texture. They can add warmth to a room and work well in both modern and traditional settings.
When you’re choosing leather or suede pillows, think about the color carefully. These materials often come in rich, earthy tones like brown, tan, or gray. These colors can add warmth to your living room and go well with many other colors. But you can also find leather and suede pillows in bold colors like red or blue if you want something that really stands out.
One trend right now is to mix different textures of leather and suede. You might have one pillow in smooth, shiny leather and another in soft, matte suede. This mix of textures can make your living room look more interesting and sophisticated.
Leather and suede pillows can be a bit more expensive than some other types of pillows. But many people think they’re worth the extra cost because they last so long and look so good. If you’re on a budget, you might consider getting just one or two leather or suede pillows and mixing them with less expensive pillows in other materials.
When you’re shopping for leather or suede pillows, feel the material with your hand. Good quality leather and suede should feel soft and smooth. If it feels stiff or plasticky, it might be fake leather, which won’t look as good or last as long.
One fun way to use leather or suede pillows is to choose ones with interesting details. You might find pillows with decorative stitching, buttons, or even fringe. These details can add extra visual interest to your living room.
Remember that real leather and suede need some special care. You’ll need to use specific cleaning products to keep them looking their best. But with proper care, these pillows can last for many years and even look better as they age.
9. Quilted Pillows
Quilted pillows are a great way to add some cozy, homey charm to your living room. These pillows have a top layer that’s made up of small pieces of fabric sewn together in patterns, with padding underneath to give them a soft, puffy look.
One of the best things about quilted pillows is the sense of comfort they bring to a room. The puffiness of the quilting makes these pillows look very soft and inviting. They can make your living room feel like a warm, welcoming place to relax.
Quilted pillows come in all sorts of patterns. Some have simple geometric designs, while others might have more complex patterns with flowers, animals, or other pictures. This means you can choose quilted pillows that match the style of your living room, whether it’s modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.
When you’re choosing quilted pillows, think about the colors in the quilting. You can use these pillows to tie together different colors in your living room. For example, if you have a blue couch and yellow curtains, you might choose a quilted pillow that has both blue and yellow in its pattern.
One trend right now is to mix different types of quilting on different pillows. You might have one pillow with big, simple squares and another with a more intricate pattern. Putting these different styles together can create a really interesting look on your couch or chair.
Quilted pillows can work well in many different styles of living rooms. In a country-style or farmhouse-style room, they fit right in with the cozy, homemade feel. But they can also add a touch of softness and comfort to a more modern room.
When you’re shopping for quilted pillows, look closely at the quality of the stitching. Good quilting should have even, straight lines. The pieces of fabric should be well-matched at the seams. Uneven stitching or mismatched seams might mean the pillow won’t hold up well over time.
One thing to keep in mind with quilted pillows is that they can be a bit bulky. If you have a small living room or a narrow couch, you might want to choose thinner quilted pillows or mix them with flatter pillows to save space.
A fun way to use quilted pillows is to choose ones that change with the seasons. You could have pillows with bright, floral quilting for spring and summer, and switch to pillows with cozy plaid or holiday-themed quilting for fall and winter. This is an easy way to update your living room throughout the year.
Remember that quilted pillows don’t have to look old-fashioned. While traditional patchwork quilts are beautiful, you can also find modern quilted pillows with bold, graphic designs. These can add a contemporary touch to your living room while still giving you that cozy quilted texture.
10. Metallic and Sequin Pillows
If you want to add some glamour and shine to your living room, metallic and sequin pillows are a great choice. These pillows catch the light and add a bit of sparkle to your space.
One of the best things about metallic and sequin pillows is how they can change the mood of a room. Even just one or two shiny pillows can make your living room feel more festive and special. They’re great for adding a touch of luxury without spending too much money.
Metallic pillows often have a smooth, shiny surface that looks like metal. You can find them in colors like gold, silver, bronze, or rose gold. Some metallic pillows have a solid color, while others might have a pattern printed in metallic ink.
Sequin pillows, on the other hand, are covered in small, shiny discs. These sequins can be all one color, or they might be different colors on each side so the pillow changes color when you brush your hand over it. This interactive quality can be really fun and add some playfulness to your living room.
When you’re choosing metallic or sequin pillows, think about how much shine you want in your room. A few shiny pillows can add just a touch of glamour. But if you want a really dramatic look, you could use several metallic or sequin pillows together.
One trend right now is to mix metallic pillows with more natural textures. For example, you might put a gold metallic pillow next to a rough linen pillow. This mix of shiny and natural textures can create a really interesting, balanced look.
Metallic and sequin pillows can work well in many different styles of living rooms. In a modern or glam-style room, they fit right in with other shiny, luxurious elements. But they can also add a fun touch of sparkle to a more casual room.
When you’re shopping for metallic or sequin pillows, pay attention to the quality of the fabric. Good metallic fabric should have a smooth, even shine. Sequins should be securely attached so they don’t fall off easily. Cheaper metallic fabrics might look plasticky, and poorly-made sequin pillows might shed sequins over time.
One thing to keep in mind with metallic and sequin pillows is that they’re often more for looks than for comfort. The shiny or sequined surface might not feel as soft to lean against as other types of pillows. You might want to use these pillows more as decorative accents than as everyday cushions.
A fun way to use metallic or sequin pillows is to bring them out for special occasions. You could keep a few stored away and add them to your living room when you’re having a party or during the holiday season. This can be an easy way to make your living room feel more festive.
Remember that a little sparkle can go a long way. You don’t need to fill your whole couch with shiny pillows. Often, just one or two metallic or sequin pillows mixed in with other, more subdued pillows can create a beautifully balanced look.
How to Mix and Match Your Decorative Pillows
Now that we’ve talked about 10 trendy types of decorative pillows, let’s discuss how to mix and match them in your living room. Creating a good pillow arrangement is like making art – there are some basic rules that can help, but in the end, it’s about what looks good to you.
Here are some tips for mixing and matching your decorative pillows:
- Use odd numbers: Designers often say that odd numbers of things look better than even numbers. Try arranging three or five pillows on your couch instead of two or four.
- Mix sizes: Using pillows of different sizes can create a more interesting look. You might have a few large pillows at the back, medium-sized ones in front of those, and maybe one or two small pillows in front.
- Combine different shapes: Most pillows are square, but mixing in some round or rectangular pillows can add visual interest.
- Play with texture: Try to include pillows with different textures. You might mix smooth velvet pillows with nubby knit ones, or combine sleek leather pillows with fluffy faux fur.
- Use a color scheme: Choose a color scheme and stick to it. This doesn’t mean all your pillows have to be the same color, but they should look good together. You might choose pillows in different shades of the same color, or pick colors that complement each other.
- Include a statement pillow: Consider having one pillow that really stands out. This could be a pillow with a bold pattern, an unusual texture, or a bright color.
- Think about your furniture: The color and style of your couch or chairs should guide your pillow choices. If you have a patterned couch, you might want to stick to solid-colored pillows. If your furniture is a solid color, patterned pillows can add some excitement.
- Consider the season: You might want to change your pillows with the seasons. Lighter colors and patterns can work well in spring and summer, while darker, richer colors might feel cozier in fall and winter.
- Don’t overcrowd: While pillows are great, too many can make your living room feel cluttered. Make sure there’s still plenty of room to sit comfortably.
- Break the rules sometimes: While these guidelines can be helpful, don’t be afraid to try something different. If you love how a certain combination of pillows looks, go for it!
Caring for Your Decorative Pillows
To keep your decorative pillows looking their best, it’s important to take good care of them. Here are some tips for pillow care:
- Read the care labels: Different materials need different types of care. Always check the label before cleaning your pillows.
- Fluff regularly: Give your pillows a good fluff every day or two. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the stuffing from getting packed down.
- Rotate your pillows: If you have pillows on your couch, try to rotate their positions regularly. This helps them wear evenly.
- Spot clean when needed: For small stains, try spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Be sure to test this on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
- Vacuum: For pillows with texture, like knit or faux fur pillows, vacuuming can help remove dust and keep them looking fresh.
- Wash or dry clean: Many pillow covers can be removed and washed. For pillows that can’t be machine washed, consider having them dry cleaned once or twice a year.
- Protect from sunlight: Strong sunlight can fade your pillows over time. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight, or rotate them so they fade evenly.
- Store carefully: If you switch out your pillows seasonally, store the unused ones in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers to protect them from dust and pests.
- Replace the inserts: Sometimes, the pillow cover still looks good but the insert has gotten flat or lumpy. You can often buy new inserts to refresh your pillows without having to replace the decorative covers.
- Air them out: Every so often, take your pillows outside on a sunny, breezy day and let them air out. This can help them smell fresh and remove any moisture that might have built up.
Conclusion
Decorative pillows are a fantastic way to make your living room more cozy and stylish. From fuzzy faux fur to shiny sequins, there are so many options to choose from. Remember, the best pillows for your living room are the ones that make you feel comfortable and happy when you see them.
Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of pillows. You might be surprised by how much changing your pillows can change the whole feel of your living room. And the great thing about pillows is that they’re easy to switch out if you want to try something new.
Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a cozy, traditional style, there are decorative pillows out there that can help you achieve the living room of your dreams. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun making your living room a place where you love to spend time!