How to Choose Throw Pillow Combinations

We love a mixed and matched pillow combination look—

—but choosing patterns, textures, and colors for the perfect pillow combination can be easier said than done. After curating hundreds of pillow combination looks, we’ve learned that it all comes down to identifying a color scheme, mixing pattern type and scale, and adding dimension with textural solids. As you consider how each texture, pattern, and scale work together, your throw pillow combination will start to come together.

In this post, we’re breaking down each step and sharing a few of our favorite examples to help you create your own.

No. 01 | Identify a Color Scheme

No. 02 | Consider Pillow Sizes

No. 03 | Choose an Organic Print

No. 04 | Choose a Geometric Print

No. 05 | Choose a Print with Contrasting Scale

No. 06 | Add in Solids and Incorporate Texture

No. 01 | Identify a Color Scheme

Identifying a color scheme for your throw pillow combination will make the rest of the process much easier. We like to start by considering which accent colors we want to pull out or bring into the space. Throw pillows are a great way to introduce colors into a neutral space, create a new palette for changing seasons, or draw visual attention to complementing pieces throughout the room, like artwork or rugs.

If you don’t have a specific color scheme in mind, your favorite patterned pillow is a great place to get throw pillow inspiration. Work through the elements of the pillow that you love, pulling out colors to use as a starting point for the rest of your palette, and build from there.

For more information on using color to curate pillow vignettes, we do a deep dive on that topic in this post.

No. 02 | Consider Pillow Sizes

Once you have the palette, you can begin thinking about pillow sizes. A good rule of thumb is to start with the larger pillows in your vignette and work your way down. Whether you’re styling a sofa or a bed, we also have plenty of tips for how to choose the right size throw pillows here.

Sectionals can be a bit more complicated when it comes to pillow sizes, given the sectional’s overall shape and scale. You can still follow this guide for choosing throw pillow combinations, but when it comes to ensuring you have the right sizes, we have you covered with all of the insights you’ll need for how to style pillows on a sectional.

No. 03 | Choose an Organic Print

Organic pillow prints are often the most difficult to pair with others, so we like to choose them first. Organic prints have movement, curved, and are inspired by nature. This print is often multi-colored, but it doesn’t have to be! Think botanical or floral patterns.

No. 04 | Choose a Geometric Print

Geometric printed pillows come next. Characterized by lines, grid, and repetition, geometric prints balance out the movement of an organic print and create dimension and interest. When choosing geometric printed pillows, pull at least one color from your organic print to keep things cohesive.

No. 05 | Choose a Print with Contrasting Scale

Once you have your first few pillow patterns and prints, it’s time to play with scale! Look at the scale of your current patterns and choose something contrasting. Whether the pattern is significantly larger in scale or significantly smaller, choosing something with stark contrast will make the look feel more curated and interesting, allowing the patterns to complement one another rather than compete.

No. 06 | Add in Solids and Incorporate Texture

If you are only using patterns, you can stop here. Exclusively using pattern in your pillow vignettes is a bit more eclectic and curated, given how intentional each choice needs to be. By adding a solid or texture, you give the vignette a break. Solid pillows help balance out a pillow combination and allow the patterns to speak for themselves.

We also use solids in pillow combinations as an excuse to incorporate texture and elevate the look. Whether it’s a subtle silk fringe, a cotton waffling detail, a cozy sweater knit, textural solids will add warmth and complete any pillow combination.

Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite pillow combinations looks in action! 

From our McGee & Co. Spring 2023 collection

From our Hilltop Estate project

From our McGee & Co. Winter 2022 catalogue

From the McGee Home

From our McGee & Co. Spring collection

From our Home on the Bay project

From our Mountainside Retreat project

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Winter Catalogue

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Fall Collection

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Spring Collection

From the McGee Home

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Winter Catalogue