A neutral-colored sofa is the perfect blank canvas – it’s clean, crisp, and classic. Left to its own devices, however, beige can sometimes equal boring. Luckily, decorative pillows provide an easy, quick, inexpensive way to give your room a makeover without breaking the bank. So whether you want to change out your pillows with the seasons or just when you change your mind, we’ve got you covered. Check out the five trends below to get started and to ensure your beige sofa is never blah.
Color Blocking Your Couch
Color blocking is an easy way to ease into choosing throw pillows for your couch. All you have to do is settle on a color scheme, and you’re off! It helps to stick with a pattern and a solid, but don’t be afraid to mix in different textures and natural fibers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing two bold colors, such as blue and orange, for a bright, bold statement on your neutral backdrop. Or pair complementary colors, such as yellow and gray, for an eye-catching display with a soothing aesthetic.
Pattern Mixing Like a Pro
Stick to the rule of three when it comes to pattern mixing your throw pillows – make sure to choose at least three patterns to play with. It’s also important to vary the scale to make things work – include a mix of small- and large-scale patterns. Thanks to their clean lines and repeating motifs, geometric patterns lend themselves well to pattern mixing, particularly when you stick to a monochromatic palette. Don’t be afraid to throw in a bright, bold pop of color, like a colorful coral throw pillow, to finish things off!
Layering Tonal Textures
Decorative pillows create an especially inviting backdrop when texture comes into play. Faux fur, fringe, natural fibers, and shimmering metallics are a great way to add texture and dimension to a neutral sofa. When you’re playing with texture, try to stick with decorative throw pillows in a tonal color – i.e. different shades of the same main color group – to keep things cohesive. You can add visual interest to your beige sofa and still keep it clean by layering textured throw pillows in other neutral colors, or opt for a luxurious color scheme like purple for elegant feminine appeal.
Sizing Up Your Space
Choosing pillows for your couch isn’t just about color and texture – size and quantity count too. For a large sofa, try placing two larger, solid-color pillows on the ends to bookend your display. Don’t be afraid to play around with different shapes and sizes. Larger square throw pillows play well with smaller pillows in a similar shape, as well as longer, more rectangular decorative pillows. To tie everything together, choose a patterned fabric for your smaller pillows with the same color as your larger, solid pillows.
Warm and Inviting – Southwestern Appeal
Warm, earthy shades give instant Southwestern appeal to a neutral sofa. Rich reds and fiery oranges help balance a more neutral background and bring a warm, cozy feel to any room. (Extra points for incorporating the classic Southwestern standby: turquoise!) Showcasing decorative pillows in rustic earth-toned colors, nature-inspired patterns, and a variety of pleasing textures make these plush accents attractive year-round.
