Decorative pillows: various ways to decorate the interior and create comfortable seating areas

Anyone interested in interior design has probably noticed bright and original sofa pillows in model photos. They attract the eye and sometimes become the main decor, emphasizing the style and harmonizing the overall color scheme.

This is also a favorite item for needlewomen, because making a pillow with your own hands is not at all difficult, and there are hundreds of original ideas for reusing fabrics and threads when making pillows of various shapes and sizes.

At the same time, a pillow is the most “capricious” type of decor. If selected incorrectly and of poor quality, this product can create dissonance and become an unnecessary thing that you don’t want to throw away and don’t want to keep.

The first piece of advice is that if a pillow doesn’t suit your needs, it’s better to get rid of it right away; time is unlikely to correct the situation. And in order not to lead to this, you should tune in to a thoughtful and fastidious process of choosing a sofa cushion.

Decorative pillows: application options

Textile furnishings play a key role when arranging a soft corner, a play area, a boudoir in a woman’s bedroom or a lounge area on the balcony. When you see a scattering of fluffy pillows on the floor near the fireplace, you involuntarily feel the desire to forget about all pressing matters and sit in a softly decorated place near the hearth.

Decorative pillows are universal in purpose:

• used to decorate a sofa, leveling the excessive rigidity of the back;
• used to decorate the bed, creating a harmonious composition together with the typical color of the bedspread;

Use pillows to decorate your bed

• used as a headrest or leg support if you want to relax after a hard day;
• level out the strictly-looking geometric outlines of corner sofas and armchairs, creating comfort at the joints of furniture parts;

Decorative pillows will make relaxing on the sofa more comfortable

• soften the hard seats of metal, plastic or wooden chairs;
• participate in the arrangement of a car interior while creating amenities during sleep and rest. Soft support under your head and back is the best way to relieve tension and fatigue during long trips.

Variable textile furniture decorations are actively used in interior design, embodying the aesthetics of historical and modern design trends. Bright prints on pillowcases with ethnic motifs emphasize oriental style, floral motifs symbolize the dominance of Provence and shabby chic, geometric abstractions indicate modern urbanism.

Decorative pillows are actively used for interior decoration

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.

Types of decorative pillows

Due to their high popularity in interior design, decorative pillows are produced in collections and classified according to different criteria:

• sizes;
• forms;
• volumes;
• colors

Pillows of the same series in the interior

Soft accessories of the standard type have a square, round or rectangular shape. The sizes of textile products vary from 20 to 60 cm. Depending on the filling, decorative pillows can be flat or fluffy. Pillowcases are sewn from single-color and multi-color fabrics. The covers are decorated with narrative and intricate prints, all kinds of appliqués, ornate patterns, and ornaments to match furniture upholstery, wall or floor coverings.

Non-trivial models include creatively created textile products:

• in the form of a variety of animals, birds, insects, fruits, vegetables, confectionery, flowers;
• in the form of rollers and small poufs;
• in the form of various geometric shapes - triangle, rhombus, cylinder, trapezoid.

Decorative pillows of original shape

The bases of textile products are decorated with buttons, embroidery, compositions made of beads, rhinestones, satin ribbons, and weaving using the macrame technique. To frame them, ruffles, pleated ribbons, knitted and fabric openwork frills are used.

Original decorative pillows are actively used as a visual dominant of the interior when decorating accent areas. With their help, even a strictly designed, rational interior will acquire a colorful appearance with an atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

Decorative pillows will add color to the interior.

Know about filling

The filling for sofa cushions is different - both synthetic and natural. Synthetics will cost less. Artificial fillers are made from polyester, which does not cause allergies and is not suitable for dust mites to live and reproduce. Synthetic materials that are present inside items:

• synthetic winterizer - a cheap and short-lived filler used for economy class models;
• holofiber - its siliconized fibers retain their shape well and last a long time. Does not absorb odors and water and is not flammable;
• fiberlon - belongs to the category of breathable materials, easily restores its shape in a short time, and is durable. Produced in layers;
• comfort - a filler in the form of small elastic balls that allow things to take the required shape and comfortably support your back when you lean on it. Models with such filling are durable. This is the best filler for budget products;
• Holophane - the structure of the material is characterized by increased springiness. It is similar to down, but unlike natural filling, it is not at all difficult to wash at home.

The small product contains only a filler and a cover. Large sofa pillows also have a core made of foam rubber or latex, which is covered with a layer of filling and only then sewn into the cover. Products made with latex have an increased service life.

Natural filler is used in high-priced models that belong to the extra class. They contain bird fluff or horsehair, as well as wool or buckwheat husks. The disadvantage of such materials is that they are difficult to maintain. Dust mites, which cause allergies and bronchial asthma, settle in them.

Non-trivial layouts of decorative pillows

When choosing the optimal option for placing soft interior parts, you can stick to the traditional method of folding it around the perimeter of the sofa or parallel to the head of the bed. To create an extraordinary scenario for decorating the surrounding space, it is advisable to choose an interesting layout of pillows:

• place in rows items that are identical in shape but different in size;
• demonstrate the original outline of a decorative item against the background of soft accessories with the correct geometric frame;
• lay out small round pillows like a triangle of billiard balls;
• arrange rectangular textiles perpendicular to each other in the form of a cross;
• group by color, placing models with colorful pillowcases in the foreground;

Group pillows by color

• highlight pillows with prints by surrounding them with products with typical plain covers;
• form a small slide from models of different sizes;
• use black and white options for the domino layout.

Example of a monochrome pillow layout

It is difficult to create an expressive composition from several pillows. Established designers recommend stocking up on a large arsenal of decorative furniture decorations with harmoniously and contrastingly designed pillowcases. The abundance of textiles with different shapes, textures, and colors will allow you to endlessly experiment with interior design. With the help of compact and pompous-looking decorative pillows, it is easy to create a symmetrical composition, emphasizing the natural theme or graphic nature of the environment.

An abundance of colors will allow you to experiment endlessly

Dimensions of orthopedic models

There are many features to consider when purchasing orthopedic products. You should buy a pillow only according to individual parameters. Otherwise, you will not be able to get the desired effect - on the contrary, it is fraught with injury. It is recommended that you consult with a professional physician before purchasing. Only he will help you choose the right device based on individual characteristics.

Orthopedic accessories are produced according to the individual characteristics of the person for whom they are intended.

The role of soft accessories in the stylistic design of the interior

Decorative pillows serve as an aesthetic reference point for the stylistic direction that dominates the home. Any design concept can be clearly defined by demonstrating the characteristic features of the interior genre:

• The Eastern style is characterized by an abundance of multi-component ornaments and multi-colored patterns on fabrics. Dynamic-looking textile accessories with arabesques, seasques, paisley and other ethnic decor will instantly fill the space with sunny colors and oriental flavor.

Decorative pillows in oriental style

• Country, rustic, ethno, eco-style appeals to home decor with pillows that create the feeling of being in nature. It is important to choose pillowcases made from natural fabrics in natural colors - linen, cotton, chintz, burlap. It is rational to emphasize the charming simplicity of these interior genres with minimal decoration - embroidery of wild flowers, seashells, and plant patterns.

Country style pillows made from natural fabrics

• Modern design styles welcome an abundance of decorative pillows, synchronously echoing the decoration elements and decorations of the surrounding space. Compositions made from single-color pillows and similar Roman blinds look impressive. Glossy furniture facades can be complemented with textile accessories with covers decorated with shiny sequins, beads or rhinestones. If the room is dominated by graphic furnishings (paintings, panels, mats, interior stickers on the walls), then it is optimal to choose pillowcases with photo printing.

The color of the pillows echoes the color of Roman blinds

The styles of decorative pillows are so diverse that it is easy to choose a harmonious or contrasting soft filling for any interior. A large selection of textiles with removable pillowcases allows you to make changes to the familiar appearance of your interior every day.

Pillow decor ideas for decorating a children's room

Soft interior items are most appropriate to use to create a comfortable environment in a child’s room. Interesting and colorfully designed pillowcases on decorative pillows will instantly create a cheerful atmosphere. Their use has no age restrictions:

• To decorate a newborn's room, the idea of ​​decorating furniture items with pillows in the form of letters, symbolizing the name of the tiny inhabitant, is relevant.

Letter pillows for a child's room

• To fill the room where a preschool child lives, models in the form of cubes, puzzles, animals, fairy-tale or cartoon characters are optimal. They will skillfully perform not only the role of interior decoration, but will definitely become children’s favorite toys.

Original children's decorative pillows in the shape of animals

• To decorate schoolchildren's rooms, it is ideal to choose textiles that match their hobbies. Fluffy decorative interior details in the shape of a ball or punching bag will silently indicate the dominance of the young athlete. Soft products in the shape of a violin or with black and white decor similar to piano keys will reflect the musical hobby of the owner of the apartment.

Bright decorative pillows for a teenager's room

• When decorating a teenager's room, you need to take into account his preferences. For example, fans of travel will be delighted to decorate the bed with models with images of flags of different countries and ethnic motifs.

Stylish pillows with images of flags

It is reasonable to place decorative pillows in the interior of a children's room not only in the sleeping area, but also on hanging swings, in relaxation areas with multimedia equipment. This will allow you to quickly organize a gaming area or home theater.

Cases

The presence of a cushion cover for the sofa is mandatory. It is more convenient if it is removable. This greatly simplifies the process of caring for the product and allows you to wash its outer part if necessary.

Please note: Models with non-removable covers must be dry cleaned regularly.

The decor of the sofa cushion cover is varied. If desired, you can make a photo print on the fabric, embroider it with beads, stones, ribbons, or create an unusual design using applique.

There are pillowcases on sale with a variety of decorative solutions. Bright monochromatic or calm with a complex pattern, they will create the necessary mood and will fit well into various interiors.

Selection of decorative pillows for decorating the living room

Regardless of the stylistic basis, in almost any room the representative area for welcoming guests is decorated with a sofa or armchairs. To give the soft corner a special look, it is important to use exclusive-looking designer pillows with non-trivial decor:

• Decorated with colorful feathers, beads or pompoms. Multicolor chaos on the sofa will serve as accent details of the interior, charging those around you with a great mood.

Example of pillow decoration with pompoms

• Sewing a base from various scraps of fabric using the patchwork technique. It’s easy to make original pillowcases yourself from any waste items. Handcrafted pillowcases add a personal touch to the textile decor of a living room that embodies the romantic-looking shabby chic aesthetic.

Patchwork style pillows will make the interior more comfortable

• Making a cover from knitted items with large patterns or frayed denim items will reflect the trend of modern interior fashion.

Knitted decorative pillows will decorate a modern interior

• Originally dressed pillows in pillowcases with prints in the form of a shirt and tie or a dress with a neckline will create a creative, memorable look for the living room.

Shirt pillows

If there is a fireplace area in the hall, then it is important to decorate it with floor pillows. Next to the fiery firebox, models with covers made of natural and faux fur will look aesthetically pleasing. The impressive natural theme will be complemented by textile accessories in the form of forest and domestic animals.

We do it ourselves

You don’t have to buy everything in stores, because you can create interesting decor with pillows that you design yourself.

Looking at the beautiful decorative elements, you can see exactly “the one” and lose peace, not being able to find it and buy it. In this case, handicrafts are an excellent way out of the situation. With a little sewing or knitting skills, you can make your own pillow exactly the way you dreamed of.

Using improvised materials you can make amazing cushion covers

So, what can I offer in making your own pillows:

1. Patchwork or applique technique . This is a great opportunity to use even the smallest pieces of fabric to create an original cushion cover.
2. Sewing covers from unnecessary knitted items . If you have a knitted sweater that is lying idle in the closet and would be a shame to throw away, then you need to take advantage of this opportunity and sew an interesting cover for a decorative pillow. Show your imagination and you may end up with a real masterpiece.
3. Knitting . Do you like to knit? This is simply wonderful, because it doesn’t matter whether you prefer knitting needles or a crochet hook - a knitted cover will become an unusual decoration for your home.
4. Sewing from shirts . So, again about old things in the closet - this time I want to remind you about men's shirts. They can still be useful to you, but now for decorative purposes.

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

Given their versatility, it is necessary to pay close attention not only to the design, but also to the quality of production materials:

• Pillowcases should be made from durable natural fabric with high wear resistance.
• Synthetic padding (sintepon, holofiber) and natural padding can be used as a filler - fluff, wool, bamboo, buckwheat husks, eucalyptus fibers, cotton and even medicinal herbs. Textile attributes with a natural base will exquisitely decorate the interior, creating a favorable microclimate in the house.

Pillowcases should be made from durable natural fabric

To organically introduce soft textile decorations into a spatial composition, you need to know the rules of decor:

• Adhere to the stylistic unity and aesthetic tastes of others. For example, lovers of oriental culture will appreciate filling the interior with decorative pillows richly decorated with silver or gold threads, lush fringe or tassels. To create an oriental flavor, you need to furnish the room with sofas without backs and armrests, richly decorated with oversized pillows. Such an interior picture will easily turn any room into a luxurious apartment of a Sultan or Scheherazade.

Decorative pillows should be in harmony with the interior of the room

• As a floor decoration, it is important to use lush pillows-cushions and flat models with a diamond-shaped or square capitonné screed, visually reminiscent of pouf seats. They will create a kind of “pillow comfort”, inviting you to have a relaxation session near the hearth with a peaceful atmosphere or a tea party in the spirit of Eastern traditions.

The bolsters create “cushion comfort”

• The ability to sew, knit, embroider and other handicraft skills can be wisely used to create exclusive-looking interior details. To make original decorative pillows with your own hands, you need to draw inspiration and borrow ideas from skilled craftswomen. Any piece of fabric, old clothes, soft toys can be recut and turned into an exquisite textile interior decoration.

Make exclusive pillows with your own hands

The design of decorative pillows determines the mood of the environment. Colored accessories fill the monotonous background of the interior painting with cheerful rainbow colors. Plain models, together with the typical color scheme of curtains and carpets, create harmony in the interior, treated as a single space.

Soft decorative items with pronounced patterns and ornaments emphasize the leitmotifs of interior genres. Decorative pillows can not only shape your design style, but also instantly brighten up the surrounding space. Factory-made or hand-made textile decorations will create comfortable conditions for a good rest anywhere in an apartment, cottage or local area.

Choosing fabric

It is better to select fabric, taking into account the style of the interior. Expensive fabric textures, such as satin, silk, taffeta or jacquard, are suitable for decoration in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Empire or Classicism styles. Art Nouveau style is characterized by brilliance and splendor. Therefore, feel free to choose fabrics for pillows with lace, plush and llama fur filling. For a room in an Arabic or Moroccan style, pillows are made from silk threads, satin or velvet fabric. A living room in a modern eco style can be decorated with pillows made of natural cotton and linen. For a neo-modern interior, pillows made of fur in bright colors are suitable - they will add color, comfort and warmth to the room.

It is important to remember that you need to choose pillows from quality materials. In order to lie on the pillow softly and be able to comfortably place it under your back, the fillers should be made of synthetic materials, and the surface should be made of wool, cotton, leather, silk, mohair.

Photo gallery – decorative pillows