Throw pillows are easily the best decorative element to add to your couch. They are not just functional but also an accent piece that adds flair to your furniture. But among the numerous types of pillows available in the market, choosing the most suitable one can be a little tricky!
But don’t worry! We are here to help you understand all types of throw pillows based on fabric, designs, patterns, and size in this ultimate guide! As a bonus, you’ll also find some cool tips and FAQs to help you pick the best pillow for your couch!
Throw Pillows Based on Fabric
1. Cotton Throw Pillows
Cotton pillows are the most common and widely popular choice because they are strong, soft, and breathable. And being absorbent, they can be your best friends in hot summers.
These pillows can be dyed into numerous colors, making them a dynamic, versatile option for various couch materials and styles. Moreover, cotton pillows look fantastic with minimal, boho, and abstract designs. But since cotton is a soft material, it can wear and shrink with repeated washings.
2. Faux Fur Pillows
Faux fur cushions add instant Hollywood glam to a couch. Mainly made of acrylic and polyester fiber-based synthetic fabrics, fur pillows have upraised fur that gives them a shaggy, soft, and cozy appearance.
These pillows are usually available in solid colors, but the ombre effects are becoming popular, too, providing a lively character to the space.
3. Silk Throw Pillows
A silk pillow fabric is a soft and sheen option to add a lustrous twist to your couch, With its satin texture, these pillows create a glowing decor and can make any basic sofa luxurious. You can use these pillows in jewel tones like emerald green, magenta, etc., for a Hollywood Glam look.
Moreover, this fabric oozes a royal, Scandinavian style when paired with metallic elements. But remember that silk is delicate, so these throw pillows must be handled and used with caution!
4. Linen Throw Pillows
Soft and sober, Linen throw pillows are hypoallergenic and versatile. They are similar to cotton but are more breathable and lighter and wick moisture. You can even decorate them on beds!
One advantage of choosing linen pillows is that they are appropriate for both summer and winter. And since linen is a strong material, these pillows are long-lasting with delicate cleaning!
5. Satin Throw Pillows
The satin fabric is so incredibly smooth that it gives out a light sheen. A satin throw pillow is a bright and flowy option that will add the needed shine and glam to your space! They are available in solid colors as well as in seamless patterns.
Also, satin pillows are solid and durable, do not easily wrinkle, and are extremely subtle on your skin, making them your safest bet and your best friend.
6. Velvet Throw Pillows
Velvet is a timeless fabric that can give a gorgeous high-end lavish, glam home interior. It is made of evenly cut fibers piled together. This dense pile of shiny threads gives this fabric its classic sheen!
A velvet throw pillow brings a charming, smooth appearance to almost all couches & sofas. However, these cushions can be challenging to clean and maintain as velvet is highly dust absorbent.
7. Leather Throw Pillows
Leather throw pillows give a heavy, sturdy look to the living room, adding a stark contrast and a profound character! Besides, these pillows are the most durable as they are stain-repellent and can be cleaned with a single quick swipe.
But leather pillows are not temperature flexible, as they become warm in summer and chilly in winter. So you might need to replace them with more comfortable throw pillows.
8. Wool Throw Pillows
Wool pillows will add an Instagramable character to your living space. Made of pure wool, these pillows provide warmth, texture, and a playful vibe to the couch. One of the special perks is that wool pillows will keep you dry in hot, humid weather and warm in cold weather.
Furthermore, these cushions allow natural air to flow, making them breathable and sweat-absorbent. Wool accent pillows are an excellent option for Bohemian style with a zing!
9. Sequin Throw Pillows
Sequin throw pillows are covered with shiny plastic discs that give a heavy, burnished texture. They are versatile as they can be matt or glossy and one-sided or reversible. These pillows are a quick tool to add a dramatized, modern, and unique effect to a living space.
But with all of the benefits comes a disadvantage: the plastic beads on sequin throw pillows can itch your skin and cause discomfort. So it’s best to add them as an accent pillow among other soft pillows.
10. Soft Plush Throw Pillows
A soft plush throw pillow insert is the softest, most squishy, and mushy fabric you can find. This is the fabric used in making soft toys, so you can expect soft plush pillows to be extremely fluffy!
Plush pillows can help you achieve any gorgeous decor, be it playful contemporary, modern, or traditional!
11. Corduroy Throw Pillows
Corduroy pillows are a twill weave fabric where the threads are woven to create thick vertical ribs or, as the name states, vertical ‘cords.’ These pillows are rigid, thick, durable, and cozy at the same time.
Moreover, they will give a stunning busy look to the living room when paired with patterned pillows. With their soft cords, Corduroy pillows bring texture and warmth to your furniture!
12. Chenille Pillows
Chenille throw pillows are made of woven fabric, which comprises various fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton. These pillows are extremely soft, fluffy, and heavily textured. And they add depth and definition to couches and sofas, elevating the decor to the next level.
Chenille pillows are the best option for winter since they are warm and cozy. You can pair them with the wool couch to get a comfortable and cozy shabby chic home style!
Types of Throw Pillows Based on Patterns
13. Striped Throw Pillows
Striped decorative pillows are the most common and widely popular type of throw pillows for couches. These patterned pillows have stripes of different widths and streaks printed over them, which offers an eye-catching look!
They simply give an added pattern as well as a stylish touch to a plain couch. You can achieve contemporary, modern, farmhouse, and even boho interior designs with striped cushions in warm, vibrant colors.
14. Checkered and Plaid Pillows
Checkered throw pillows have chessboard-like square box patterns. They create a formal, symmetrical, visually pleasing appeal to your sofas and couches. You can place these cushions over cotton and leather couches for an out-of-the-box eclectic home style!
Plaid pillows, like checkered ones, have color bands or stripes that intersect, forming a particular shape, mainly a square. These pillows primarily have light and dark shade bands that give a contrasting yet monochrome character.
15. Nomadic Pillows
A nomadic pillow cover has different indigenous tribal motifs and earthy tones that provide a homey, boho appearance. These tribal patterns create a uniquely traditional and rustic decor. If you need to introduce a vintage decorative element to your room, a nomadic pillow is your best bet.
With their classic prints and warm colors, these pillows are undoubtedly the best throw pillows for a gray couch or other neutral furniture pieces!
16. Digital Print Cushions
Digital print decorative pillows have unique images printed over them. You can also get personal pictures, text, or logos printed over them to add a personalized, ultra-modern touch to your space!
17. Geometric Throw Pillows
A geometric accent pillow has different geometrical shapes, lines, and patterns, such as triangles, zigzags, squares, circles, arrows, pinnacle shapes, etc. These versatile pillows can blend in various interior styles, from minimal to vintage!
Geometric pattern pillows are best suited for plain sofas to break the monotonous look and spice up the space. And if you’re craving contemporary home decor, pick geometric pillows with contrasting colors!
18. Abstract Throw Pillows
Abstract pillows are versatile as they have different unique shapes, geometric patterns, designs, and backgrounds. These cushions are an out-of-the-box option and help you design a playful, creative space.
19. Letter Throw Pillows
A decorative letter pillow has some alphabet or a word or sayings printed over it. You can place these cushions over every pillow arrangement for a personalized touch that screams your personality and character. So, if you want a home that reflects your own self, letter pillows are your go-to choice.
20. Patchwork Cushions
A patchwork throw pillow cover has different fabrics and patterns stitched together side by side. For instance, it may have horizontal and vertical stripes in various colors along with a leather band.
With different patterns and designs woven together, these pillows are best at keeping the look exciting and appealing. You can splash patchwork cushions on the couch for a rustic modern, Mediterranean, and farmhouse interior.
21. Paisley Throw Pillows
The paisley decorative pillow has ornamental designs such as buta, boteh, or a teardrop-shaped motif. You can achieve a stunning traditional indigenous look by adding paisley pillows to your sofa. However, for a near alternative, go with Indian Kantha patterned throw pillows for a similar look.
22. Floral Throw Pillow
A floral throw pillow cover has various floral and leafy patterns over it. This pillow creates a feminine, vintage touch to the space. You can add floral pillows on a cotton or leather couch for the best traditional home style with great appeal.
If you want to use floral pillows in a compact space, it’s recommended to go for light, minimal, and broad floral patterns to avoid a busier look on your furniture.
Types of Throw Pillows Based on Designs
23. Macrame Throw Pillows
The macrame pillow insert is entirely handmade. These cushions have patterns and structures using mainly knots, knitting, and weaving techniques. Mostly available in neutral colors, macrame pillows add texture and patterns and fit perfectly with other bright accent pillows on the couch!
Macrame throw pillows are an excellent decorative element for a royal, mansion-like living space. You can use them on sofas as well as on accent chairs or even beds for a classy look.
24. Tasseled Throw Pillows
Tasseled Pillows have a bunch of dangling plaited or loose threads hanging from a cord. These tassels can be placed on the corners or all around the cushions. These aesthetically appealing pillows break the plain look of the couch, adding a cottage-style touch!
If you want something more interesting, go with fringed or pom pom pillows. Fringed pillows have a decorative border of hanging threads around them, whereas pom-pom cushions have fabric balls around the pillow to provide a playful interior.
25. Tufted Pillows
Tufted couch pillows have thick texture fabrics and fringes in various unique indigenous patterns over them. These cushions will help you give a stunning bohemian makeover to your living room. Moreover, a tufted pillow comes with many color pops to suit every home interior.
26. Woven Throw Pillows
Woven or knitted throw pillows have unique patterns and designs woven or knitted over them. These various handmade knitting and woven techniques provide beautiful designs and patterns, adding visual interest to your furniture!
You can add the very famous waffle weave or bobble knit pillows over your couch, as they can blend in with bohemian, cottage, farmhouse, or Mediterranean decor styles!
27. Embossed Pillows
A luxurious embossed throw pillow has different designs like flowers, paintings, and patterns embossed, carved, and stamped over them. With these embossed pillows, you can achieve a stunning traditional interior. These pillows are available in various vibrant colors, fabrics, and materials.
28. Handmade Flower or 3D Floral Pillows
Handmade flower design pillows feature upraised 3d floral patterns all over the pillow. These luxuriously high-end glam cushions with heavily textured designs add an attractive pattern and texture to the sofa.
29. Knot Ball Cushions
Knot ball throw pillows have soft plush ropes knotted together to form a ball. This toy-like pillow will give your family space a playful vibe and character. You can add these pillows as an interesting element amid versatile pillow arrangements. These pillows are also suitable for use in bedrooms and children’s rooms.
Throw Pillows Based on Shapes
30. Square Throw Pillows
A square pillow is the most common option for sofas and couches. With all sides equal, these pillows are a perfect break to the couch and offer a decent, formal look to your space.
You can place them in a triangular structure or on the ends of the sofas. Or, you can also set a bunch of various size square pillows at different angles for a layered, playful style.
31. Lumbar Pillows
A lumbar pillow is a longer rectangular-shaped pillow. They are not just decorative pieces but also provide support and relief to the lower back and the spine. These pillows look the best when placed in the center of the pillow arrangement.
The most common size for lumbar pillows is 14” x 20” or 14” x 22”. These cushions add an interesting accent element to the sofa and make it more spacious and wider!
32. Round Cushions
Round pillows are the best accent-interest cushions for a couch. You can place them anywhere amid a pillow arrangement of square and lumbar pillows for a stark contrast and a break from the linear visuals of the furniture.
You can also use them as a base pillow and place them on the sides of the sofa or at different angles on a sectional couch for a playful vibe and character!
33. Bolster Pillows
Bolster pillows are usually cylindrical in shape and come in various lengths. These pillows are best suited when put on the sides of the sofa and provide a stunning vintage traditional design to the home. Also, they can be used as an interest element when placed in the center.
You can also Bolster pillows also work beautifully as an accent piece for beds and loveseats. When used in a nice arrangement, they can instantly transform the decor!
34. Box Pillows
Box throw pillows, as the name implies, have a flat surface on the top and bottom, and the other four sides are stitched together to form a box shape. A small box pillow or pillow cube with various patterns and colors can be used as a decorative piece on couches and sofas.
Moreover, surprisingly, these pillows are also available in round, rectangular, and other novel shapes. A large box pillow with comfortable stitching can also be used as a floor pillow.
Types of Throw Pillows Based on Size
Large Throw Pillows
Large throw pillows can be used as a base pillow for every sofa. The ideal size of large pillows is 22” x 22” or 20” x 20”. Large pillows are the soul of different pillow arrangements making them an essential element. If you want an easy, spacious look on your couch, just arrange 2-3 large pillows, and it might work wonders.
Medium Throw Pillows
Medium throw pillows are generally 18” x 18” in size. This pillow size is ideal for regular couches and sofas and can be used mainly for a heavy 5-6 pillow arrangement. These pillows give depth and definition to the couch, composing the entire look of the space.
Small Throw Pillows
Small cushions of 16” x 16” size are the final element of the pillow arrangement. They complete the look and provide a lovely touch to the sofa. Also, these pillows with other size pillows look perfect at different angles for a sectional sofa.
Tips on How to Choose Throw Pillows for Couch
- Pick the throw pillows according to the size of your couch, and arrange them in a way that there’s enough space to sit.
- Consider your couch’s undertones and choose the throw pillow color accordingly.
- Choose the throw pillow fabric that is comfortable and aesthetic.
- While deciding on the patterns and designs, check the sofa’s upholstery. For instance, if the couch is a basic cotton one, go with textured pillows like geometric or macrame cushions.
- Make sure to consider the wall paints and the flooring so that the throw pillows go perfectly with the entire decor and look cohesive.
How should pillows be on the couch?
You should place throw pillows in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement and give room for sitting. So 3-5 pillows are enough for a couch. You can put them in a triangular structure or just on the sides of the sofa. However, for a sectional sofa, place a bounce of different size pillows at different angles.
Should throw pillows be of the same size?
Throw pillows are not just functional but also an accent piece. So if you keep just the same size pillow, it will not look visually appealing and might even seem dull. So play with a different pillow shape and size and arrange them appropriately for a put-together style.
How many throw pillows go on a sectional sofa?
You can have a minimum of around seven throw pillows on a sectional sofa. You can go with more or less than seven cushions as there’s no rule to creativity. However, ensure that the number of pillows you use doesn’t completely obscure your sofa.
Different throw pillows add different textures and vibes to the couch and bring drama and character to the space. And the above-mentioned types of throw pillows for a couch will help you pick the perfect pillow for your home and create your desired dreamy interior!
However, if you specifically need throw pillow ideas for a black couch, we have some excellent options for you.
