Choosing the right throw pillow color for your home can seem overwhelming with so many options to consider. Throw pillows are an easy and affordable way to add pops of color, texture, and personality to any space. The key is choosing throw pillow colors that complement your existing decor. Follow these tips to select the perfect throw pillow colors for every room.
Analyze the Room’s Color Palette
Take a look at the main colors already present in the room you want to add throw pillows to. What is the color of the sofa or accent chair? Do you have colorful artwork on the walls? What color are the rug and other accessories? Make a list of the main hues in the space. Neutrals like white, black, gray, and brown are easy to match with almost any color. If your room uses a lot of bright, saturated colors, consider solid throw pillows in a more muted tone. For a mostly neutral room, bright and punchy throw pillows make a statement.
Choose Colors Within the Same Color Family
Picking throw pillow colors in the same color family as your existing decor creates a cohesive look. There are four main color families: warm, cool, neutral, and complementary. Warm hues like red, yellow, and orange liven up a space. Cool tones like blue, green, and violet have a calming effect. Neutrals like white, brown, black, and gray act as a clean backdrop. Complementary colors like blue and orange or purple and yellow strongly contrast. Choose throw pillows in colors within the dominant color family in your room.
Consider Color Psychology
Different colors evoke different moods and emotions, an important factor for throw pillows. Here is a quick overview of common color meanings:
- Red – Passion, excitement, intensity
- Orange – Energy, happiness, enthusiasm
- Yellow – Joy, optimism, intellect
- Green – Nature, health, renewal
- Blue – Calm, stability, loyalty
- Purple – Creativity, luxury, spirituality
- Pink – Love, femininity, innocence
- White – Cleanliness, purity, peacefulness
- Black – Power, sophistication, mystery
- Gray – Balance, calm, modesty
- Brown – Reliability, comfort, earthiness
Use color psychology to pick the tone you want to convey in a space. For example, use vibrant yellow throw pillows to create an upbeat mood in a living room.
Add Texture and Dimension
Varying textures and fabric patterns is key for a layered, luxe look. Mix and match solids, stripes, florals, geometrics, velvet, linen, chenille, wool, and more. Combine matte and shiny fabrics for depth. Use textured throw pillows to introduce captivating visual and tactile elements into a room. below is an example table showing different throw pillow textures to try.
| Texture | Description |
|---|---|
| Velvet | Plush and soft with a luxurious sheen |
| Chenille | Soft, fuzzy yarns creating a piled effect |
| Linen | Casual texture with visible slubs |
| Faux Fur | Long, shaggy fibers resemble real fur |
| Burlap | Coarse, natural jute fabric |
| Satin | Smooth, shiny surface with fluid drape |
Use Patterns Strategically
patterned throw pillows add eye-catching style to a room. However, it’s important not to go overboard with competing prints. Follow these tips for working patterns into your throw pillow color scheme:
- Limit patterns to one or two statement throw pillows
- Match the color palette of the pattern to your decor
- Anchor busy patterns with solid pillows
- Choose small-scale prints for boho eclectic rooms
- Use large-scale graphic prints sparingly
- Mix complementary patterns like florals and geometrics
Pay attention to scale and color story when combining patterned throw pillows. Place them thoughtfully rather than scattered randomly.
Create a Color Palette
Once you analyze your room’s existing color palette, research color meanings, and explore textures, compile a list of throw pillow colors to purchase. Limit your palette to 3-5 core colors for a cohesive look. Here are some example throw pillow color combos:
- Navy blue, light blue, ivory
- Blush pink, cream, black
- Red, yellow, orange
- Forest green, tan, brown
- Purple, lilac, silver
Having a color scheme in mind before shopping ensures your throw pillows work together. It also helps create balance within the room.
Consider Scale and Quantity
The size and number of throw pillows needs to suit the size of the space. Use this handy guide:
| Room Size | Throw Pillow Size | Number of Pillows |
|---|---|---|
| Small room or loveseat | 12″ to 18″ | 2 to 4 |
| Standard couch | 18″ to 22″ | 4 to 6 |
| Oversized couch or sectional | 22″ to 26″ | 6 to 10 |
| King or queen bed | 18″ to 36″ | 2 to 4 |
In general, use larger and more plentiful throw pillows on bigger furniture. Cluster pillows at the corners to soften hard edges.
Mix Styles and Shapes
For lots of visual interest, incorporate throw pillows in a variety of styles and shapes. Here are some options to consider:
- Rectangle – The classic throw pillow shape
- Square – Clean lines with a graphic vibe
- Round – Soft, cozy, and relaxed
- Bolster – Long cylindrical shape
- Lumbar – Extra support for lower back
Mixing shapes keeps a room from looking too matchy-matchy and adds charming style notes. Place round and square pillows by rectangular lumbar pillows on a sofa for an eclectic look.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect throw pillow colors involves assessing the room’s existing palette, selecting complementary hues, and playing with scale and texture. Keep color schemes cohesive with 3 to 5 core throw pillow colors tied to the overall decor. Mix and match patterns and shapes for visual intrigue. Most importantly, allow your personal style and the room’s purpose to guide your throw pillow color selections. With the right choices, throw pillows can instantly elevate any space.