How to Create the Perfectly-Styled Sofa

Naturally, pillows and throws are the easiest way to give your new sofa an impeccable look of style and panache. However, with so many styles and combinations available on the market it can be hard to know where to begin. So, we thought we would break down the different aspects of styling your sofa: size, patterns, all the elements necessary for creating the perfect design for your new sofa.

The Empty Space

Whether you choose black, white, grey or navy, a neutral sofa colour is always the best option. This allows for a much greater variety of pillow styles and combinations. Although some sofas already come with a set of pillows, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to keep them. Interchange a couple of them out for a different colour. This will give your sofa a fresh, individualised look.

The general idea is that an uneven number of pillows gives a sofa the most inviting, natural arrangement: three pillows for small sofas; five or seven for larger ones.

Creating a Versatile Look at the Foundation

Begin by selecting a pair of neutral-tone pillows. They should be either 20 or 22 inch squares, as they feel incredibly comfortable on bigger sofas. Or, if you would like, you can choose the classic 18 inch squares, as they allow a highly versatile blank canvas for creating the complete design.

For foundation pillows, choose a material that provides an interesting contrast for your sofa. For example, linen, velvet and wool pillows go really well with a sleek cotton slipcover.

Pattern, Personality, Colour

This is where it starts to get really interesting. You can select a pair of square pillows, which may be a little smaller than the first layer or the same size, and choose a colour you think is perfect for the sofa. Try and find a colour that complements the surrounding hues of the room. Will it be a colour that complements the rug? Or, will it be one that is similar to the curtains or wallpaper colours?

The choice is yours, and this is a part of the process where you can really jazz up the completed design of the sofa.

The Stylish Incongruous

To add the finishing touches to your design, select a pillow of a slightly smaller size with a unique pattern or texture. This could be embroidery, metallics or even faux fur (if you’re feeling extra sassy). Choose whatever you feel looks best, but remember to choose a size and shape that won’t crowd the sofa. After all, the sofas end purpose (as well as to look fabulous) is for sitting, and you don’t want this impeded upon by crowding the sofa!

The Necessity Throw

A stylish sofa needs an equally elegant throw to complete and complement the look. It adds a final layer of texture as well as making it that extra bit more comfortable. A light quilted style with a neutral colour can complement a beautifully-styled sofa year-round.