What the hell is going on with pillows

a study of couch accessorizing

Sep 11, 2024

A hot take from designer Kaitlin Coffee has lived in my head for years now, wherein she vehemently opposes throw pillows. I can appreciate a strong opinion, especially when it’s grounded in moral outrage, as Kaitlin’s is. I am a Libra, after all. Read her recent interview here when you’re ready to question everything. While I agree with so many of Kaitlin’s points, re consumerism, trends, buying shit only to throw it out, I identify as…throw pillow-curious. I think decorating is less about absolutes and more about balancing play and intentionality. So where Kaitlin documents the beauty of no throw pillow, (see her “throw pillow” highlight on her instagram page) allow me to document the beauty of the intentional throw pillow, in search of personal truth. As always, I’d love to know where you fall on what is most certainly a spectrum.

-Linny

Concept 1: The Color Block

Refined, edited, and intentional, color blocking invites a pop of color in to contrast and delight, or compliment an existing pallet. I love it because it can make a surprisingly big impact with even one pillow as seen below! Also, it’s something you can swap out over time as your style evolves.

Concept 2: The Mix

I found the most examples of this because I wanted to see it done well. Laws of pattern mixing apply here - mix small scale patterns with large scale patterns, mix stripes with florals or geometrics to get some contrast, and play with color, as always, intentionally.

Concept 3: The Symmetry

Symmetry is kind of where my mind wants to go for couch styling - filling the space, but with order. I love what this look adds to each of these spaces. And of course you can mix color blocking an pattern mixing as demonstrated below:

Now for where to buy pillows! I do think pillows are a great accessory to swap out over time and be playful with, however, they can still be an investment. I tried to source the chicest mid-priced pillows I could find that don’t compromise on quality. If you have more budget - may I suggest going the custom route, and if you have less budget - may I suggest the hand-made route?! Let us know if you want more info on these roads less travelled.