Beautiful decorative pillows for the sofa: making the right choice

Recommendations for the selection and use of decorative pillows in interior design

For each design of a sofa and other upholstered furniture, you need to choose the decor individually. You should also take into account the material with which the pillows are filled. When choosing a decorative element, you should follow several tips:

• Do not stick to the same color of pillows and sofa upholstery. For curvy sofas, round pillows with a designer border around the edges are suitable.
• You can choose a variety of fabrics; it is better if it is natural textiles without additional synthetic content.
• On a light-colored sofa, it is recommended to use plain pillows in a contrasting color. For example, bright yellow and light green models will look impressive with ash and light gray.
• It is better to choose decorative components in accordance with the style of upholstered furniture. It is desirable that they have appropriate features.
• The comfort of a home environment is emphasized by pillows with an interesting texture: large knitting, graceful wave-like embroidery and classic patterns using appliqué techniques.

Pillows with bright prints Source kulart.ru
Many options that are purchased separately often fit into any interior design. If you suddenly had to change it, you can get additional pillowcases. They are also easy to make yourself.

Designer pillows can be used in a variety of ways. They are easy to lay out in interesting patterns or simply fill the corners of sofas. Some pillows can be placed on the wide back of the sofa. Those models that come with the set often play the role of removable handrails.

To keep the design of the soft corner original, you can make a stack of pillows of the same shape and size. Multi-colored additions are often placed in a haphazard manner.

Pillows with a pillowcase with clasps are often placed in the middle of the sofa, back to front.

Material and filler: an important decision

If you have small children or pets, it is recommended to choose easy-to-clean pillows. In other cases, you can choose the material based on your taste preferences and financial capabilities. However, you should clarify the nuances of care when purchasing. This is the only way to protect the material from early wear.

The most popular are pillows with synthetic filling (Dacron, holofiber). They are less often purchased with natural materials (goose down, feathers).

Types of decorative pillows

Decorative sofa accessories may differ in shape, fabrics and filling. If flat models are suitable for laying on chairs, then they try to place volumetric options on soft corners: beds, sofas, recreation areas. As for fillers, the most popular and harmless are:

• Cotton wool. The material does not cause allergies and is inexpensive. It is very convenient to use this when you sew pillows yourself. This raw material has a significant drawback - it clumps and cannot be cleaned. In case of general cleaning, it is better to completely replace it.
• Sintepon. An airy material that is involved in the creation of not only decorative, but also sleeping pillows. This filler cannot be washed, but it can be treated with a disinfectant. If the padding polyester gets into clumps, they can be easily straightened out by hand.
• Down and feathers. Traditional filling option for pillows. It is very often used for decorative rollers and irregularly shaped models, as it is considered quite soft. But such a component is difficult to care for. May cause allergies in some people.
• Holofiber is a modern filler. It is similar in appearance to padding polyester, but differs in its individual composition. This type of litter is widely available and inexpensive. It has shock-absorbing properties and is able to restore the shape of the pillow.
• Herbs and buckwheat husk. Exclusively natural ingredients. Very useful for decorating sofas intended for relaxation. Suitable for those who suffer from sleep disturbances. The manufacturer produces such models in the form of bolsters or elongated pillows.

Less commonly, foam rubber and silicone granules are used as pillow filling.

Cushions with a stylish print Source www.amazon.com

On a note! When sewing covers for designer pillows yourself, you should use fabrics with a dense texture. These last much longer. Such canvases have a significant disadvantage - they are difficult to maintain. This is especially true for woolen fabrics, since if the washing mode is incorrectly selected, they tend to shrink.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.

Synthetic fillers in dummies

Most manufacturers use synthetic fillers for decorative pillows. There are many of these materials, they have certain features that need to be taken into account when choosing products. The most common options are:

• foam rubber,
• padding polyester,
• holofiber,
• synthetic fluff,
• struttofiber,
• polystyrene,
• silicone

Foam rubber is soft, elastic, and has a low cost. During use and frequent washing, the material begins to crumble. Synthetic winterizer has similar qualities. But this material is stronger. The disadvantage is the ability to sag over time. Durable, soft, warm holofiber perfectly retains its shape.

Holofiber retains its shape perfectly

Synthetic fluff perfectly imitates its natural bird counterpart. It does not require complex care and retains its properties for many years. Struttofiber is an imitation of natural wool. Polystyrene and silicone fillers in the form of numerous balls not only provide comfort, but also relieve stress and tension.

Polystyrene filling relieves stress

All synthetic fillers have several significant advantages. They are inexpensive, do not require complex maintenance, and have a long service life. In addition, such pillows do not harbor dust mites, which is important for people prone to allergies.

Designs of decorative pillows

The shape of the pillow is one of the main conditions when choosing models. The classic version is a square. Its dimensions are usually 40x40 cm. Such options are very suitable for the decorative design of deep sofas and armchairs.

Bright decor of pillows Source mrvov.ru/

When the modification of upholstered furniture does not meet general standards, then the pillows should be chosen accordingly. Options with parameters of 20x20 or 70x70 cm look great. Moreover, they can have unusual embroidery or applique of an ornament made of several layers.

Mustard colored pillow Source yzgge.p7.de/

Oversized or even miniature pillows are suitable for children's sofas. They can be in the shape of a cartoon character or a fairy tale. Also for these purposes, models of animals, birds, and toys are cut out.

Strict rectangular or round pillows are considered not the most popular. They are relevant only in cases where the interior has modern features and some of its details contain chaos and negligence.

Bright geometric print Source fabika.ru/

Hearts, polygons, flowers and other shapes are often found in decorative designs. They can even become a child's favorite toy. If the living room or room is decorated in a romantic style, then these shapes of pillows on the sofa will be very useful.

The influence of the shape of pillows on the character of the interior

Not only the shade and texture of products influence the interior. An essential factor is the shape of the decorative pillow. The variety of models in the modern assortment provides the opportunity to make a good choice, combine different shapes, achieving the ideal result. Decorative elements are a kind of highlight; their inclusion can change the character of the environment, providing it with individuality and originality.

When choosing, you can take into account the main features of the forms and successfully adjust the interior with their help. Focus on the character you want to give to the design:

• rigor, conservatism - square, flat, standard size;
• elegance, brevity - square, rectangular, rollers;
• romance, tenderness - round, flowers, hearts;
• originality, cheerfulness - rhombuses, pencils, triangles, animals, etc.

Floral print pillows will add romance and tenderness

You can combine forms, but maintain a sense of proportion and avoid overload.

When choosing forms, you need to focus on the main lines of furniture and various interior items to ensure harmony. For example, geometric pillows go well with classic cabinet furniture designs. For furniture with smooth, soft lines, oval and round, original models are chosen.

Decorative pillows for sofas in different styles

For a modern interior, it is better to choose bright pillow designs. They will complement the existing harmony and help focus attention on the soft corner, even if it is not in the center of the room.

• Scandinavian style. A very good decision. The outer material of such a pillow is characterized by an interesting texture and unusual ornament. Especially handmade in this style looks organic.
• Provence. In this style, pillows look very elegant and delicate. Their obligatory attribute is the presence of lace and ruffles, both on the base itself and in the form of edging.
• Loft. Colorful pillows on a plain sofa are very appropriate. Most often they have some kind of ornament. One composition may include shades such as orange, blue, red, ashy.
• Pop Art. A somewhat extravagant direction. In pillows of this style, various non-repeating motifs and imitation of paintings with spray paints are welcomed. Modern drawings and provocative inscriptions will very well dilute the atmosphere.
• Classic. It is distinguished by luxurious shapes and expensive appearance finishing. Individual design motifs are often present on pillow cases.
• Boho. Reminiscent of a rustic interior on an inconspicuous sofa-book, there are knitted pillows with embroidery. Sometimes such a decorative detail can resemble the look of a path or the colors of old rugs.
• Minimalism. Decorating a sofa in this style involves using a small number of pillows. They can be of different sizes. It is permissible to use models only of the correct geometric shape.

An extravagant and interesting interior can be achieved thanks to its competent design. “Bold” decor design is very interesting, especially for those cases when the room is small and practically empty of accessories.

Decorative pillows for the sofa Source provolp.ru

What could the drawing be like?

Decorative pillows with prints go well with monochrome furniture or plain upholstery with embossed patterns. Complex geometry, leopard print and glitter patterns on decorative pillows will perfectly complement the Art Nouveau style. For a modern design, choose pillows with repeating elements, such as stripes, zigzags, circles and diamonds in yellow, blue, red and brown. You can decorate a sofa in a Mediterranean or Provence style with pillows with floral prints, birds and unobtrusive patterns. Eco-friendly furniture is decorated with pillows with flowers and plants. Pillows with patterns in the form of frames and geometry are suitable for loft spaces.

It is recommended to choose pillows with patterns in contrast to plain models. Moreover, you can combine several accessories with ornaments at once. Wide stripes with large checks, polka dots and flowers, and zigzags with circles go well together. You should choose pillows in the same style, but in different colors. Designers advise decorating a sofa or chair by purchasing several pillows of one type of pattern and 1-2 with a different pattern.

Ideas for making designer pillows with your own hands

If you cannot find a suitable pillow in a furniture showroom, then you can create it yourself. In such cases, it is easy to translate all ideas and fantasies into textiles. Several useful ideas will definitely become relevant, both in modern and minimalist design directions.

Beautiful textile pillows Source yandex.ru

Sectional option

Such pillows are models consisting of several areas. A fabric or any other rigid partition is usually sewn between them. This gives the pillow comfortable, fluffy details.

Standard options

Classic pillow in the shape of a square. It is easy to make even without choosing special sizes. Hand-sewn models from old skirts and dresses will be very stylish. Floral patterns and repeating patterns will definitely highlight the upholstered furniture area.

Decor applique Source www.pinterest.com

Finish:

Tassels, embroidery, fringe, beads, sequins, shag, cords, lace and buttons - now the choice of finishes is simply huge, including for sofa cushions.

When choosing a finish, it is important to determine whether it will harmonize with the fabric. If you decorate the perimeters, say, with cords, then it is important to coordinate them with the interior of the room and select cords in the same style: art deco, modern, country, hi-tech.

What options should you avoid?

Some decorative options for sofas in the hall or living room may look ridiculous. To prevent this from happening, designers recommend:

• refrain from pillows that have the same texture as the sofa upholstery. Of course, this condition applies if the addition to the soft corner was not included in the kit.
• Avoid decorating with the same fabric as window curtains. Here it is not recommended to follow the same colors of all textile elements in the room.
• Do not use pillows and cases that are no different from each other. Even if the models are chosen in the same color scheme, each of them should differ in an additional element (flower, applique, ornament).

On a note! Several centuries ago, satin stitch embroidered pillows were used as wedding dowries. They could only be laid out on the sofa in a strict order (according to the drawing).

Excursion into history

Decorative sofa pillows were first used by Arab sultans and wealthy citizens. Such pillows were brightly colored and made of expensive silk fabric. Then the craftswomen covered the almost finished pillow with silver or gold embroidery. And only then the finished product ended up on the sofa. The wealth of the owner of the house was measured in the number of pillows in the interior.

It was quite cold in medieval castles. To avoid colds, sofa cushions were placed under the feet. Pillows were used in the same way during church services. This element of the interior was also necessary for horse riding - it was placed on the saddle.

In distant India, small pillows were used during love games. This is confirmed in the Indian love treatise (Kama Sutra).

Some smart tips for housewives

Having decided on the style, shapes and sizes of decorative sofa pillows, you can begin sewing and further combining options.

• For example, when organizing effective decoration on a sofa, it is worth arranging the pillows so that their shades do not cause disgust. Strongly toxic palette tones are extremely undesirable.
• Differences in texture are very welcome. The design will become original if you compare shiny, embroidered, piled, smooth products next to each other. They will have a positive effect on the entire style.
• The number of pillows may vary. If there is only one sofa and there are no soft furnishings besides it, then you can lay out 4-5 pillows. If there is a lot of furniture, then it is better to limit yourself to 2-3 pieces.

In fact, there are no strict requirements when decorating a sofa with pillows. Everyone creates the environment according to their own preferences.

Making your own pillows

Making a decorative pillow from scratch is not difficult; no special skill is required for this work. If you don’t have modeling skills or creative ideas about shapes and decoration, you can use ready-made options, which abound on the Internet. Making sofa cushions with your own hands involves three stages:

1. Sketch development.
2. Selection of consumables.
3. Making a pillow.

The preparatory stage is fundamental. It determines how convenient and beautiful the product will be, its compliance with its purpose and requirements. When developing a sketch, all nuances are taken into account.

You need to accurately determine the purpose, size, and configuration of the product. If these are classic sofa units, the dimensions are chosen taking into account the furniture on which they will be located. A good option for upholstered furniture are bolsters that provide comfort. Cushions for dining rooms, kitchens, are placed on chairs, corner sofas, stools, the dimensions must correspond to the seats.

Chair cushions provide comfort

If you want to give pillows original shapes, you need to take into account their influence on the character of the interior. You can make products in the form of flowers, hearts for romance, make figurines of animals, fairy-tale characters, if the pillows are intended for a children's room. The sketch accurately reflects the decor of the product. This will allow you to choose the right consumables and complete the job without delays.

An equally important step is the choice of textiles for the cover and fillings. Practical and aesthetic indicators depend on the material. The type of filler determines the degree of hardness, care conditions, and service life. The choice depends on the purpose of the product, specific use, interior style, and other factors.

The service life of the pillow depends on the material

A selection of unusual options

Some models may seem non-standard or pretentious. Many of them are suitable for a sofa that does not at all match the style of the interior. Design ideas often become the most unexpected.

Beautiful pillow toy Source www.pictame.com

Toy pillow in the shape of a cat. Suitable for hard and soft sofas. It looks harmonious with non-standard decorative textures and strict forms. Such a product may vary greatly in color, which is within the rules.

Versatile pillows with contrasting shades. A repeating pattern is used as an ornament. Such options make them quite voluminous and lush. They try to fill it with padding polyester. A strong rope border is made as a frame.

Bright decor for upholstered furniture Source shtory-karnizy.su/

Cushions with crocheted covers are suitable to complement light-colored small sofas. To make the models look fancy, pillowcases with patterned holes are placed on snow-white bed sheets.

Dimensions, textures, shapes of models

The traditional “dumka” has a square shape and small dimensions. This option has undeniable advantages. It is universal, suitable for any furniture, it can find a place on a sofa, couch, armchair. If you want not only to create comfort, but to provide the interior with an original, interesting look, you can choose a pillow:

• having a roller design;
• in the shape of a circle, triangle, oval;
• in the form of a plush animal.

Triangular pillows will give the interior an interesting look

The textures of these products are no less varied. Covers, pillowcases, and pillow upholstery are made from different materials, which determines the style, functionality, and aesthetic qualities. Textiles and leather are used to create products, weaving and knitting, and various decorative elements are used.

Sofa pillows in knitted covers

The range of models is quite large. This makes it possible to take into account the dimensions of the furniture, personal preferences, and the purpose of the pillows when choosing. In interior design, products of different sizes and configurations are often used to add originality and create maximum comfort.