How to Mix and Match Pillows and Throws

If you need a refresher in your room, but don't wish to do a complete overhaul, try updating your accent pillows and throws. This way, you can reinvent the entire look of your room without breaking the bank.

Mix striped and floral pillows with a solid colored throw. Take about six pillows – four or five striped and one or two floral and align them across your couch.

Details count, so position all the striped pillows so their lines remain vertical. Choose one pillow and adjust it horizontally for special interest. Be sure to center one floral pillow. Drape the solid throw over the corner of the couch or a nearby chair. This creates a light and cheery new look for the room.

For a neutral color palette, look for two pillows in solid, bold colors and place them on opposing sides of the couch. Add a patterned accent pillow that draws from the neutral as well as the two freshly introduced colors to tie the look together. A throw made with a similar pattern or tassels of the same color scheme will be a nice, finishing touch.

While new colors are always great, don't forget about bringing in highly textured fabrics and varying shapes. Try accent pillows that come in oblong or round forms as a compliment to the traditional square pillows. Keep your eye out for decorative pillows with a contrasting colored or patterned piping. Children and adventuresome adults enjoy oversized pillows that can be put on the floor for extra seating.

Always go for a throw that is extremely soft and pliable. They can be placed over the back of the couch, the arm of your leather chair or over the top of the ottoman. In any case, a throw is best draped over you during that Sunday afternoon nap so be sure it is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Pull those hand crafted quilts back out of storage and lay them over the arm of a couch. They add color, interesting design motifs and serve as absolute works of art in any room. Incidentally, quilts should only be stored by rolling them in muslin. Folding can cause too much stress on the creased fabric and plastic bags will cause fabrics to age drastically over a short amount of time. Pick a variety of smallish, complimenting accent pillows and layer them in a nearby chair. They will draw out the colors in the quilt and will be a feast to the eye.