A Guide to Layering Textures With Pillows and Blankets

Let’s be honest: Tossing a blanket onto your couch or piling pillows on your bed doesn’t scream “home stylist.” Sure, those items technically end up where they belong, but are they stylish? Not quite. True layering involves blending textures, coordinating colors, and creating the right vibe. If you’ve been winging it with a “looks fine from here” mindset, this guide to layering textures with pillows and blankets can help you!

Start With a Foundation of Colors and Patterns

Build a strong foundation for your design before layering pillows and blankets. Use colors and patterns to ground your space and set the room’s tone. Keep your palette focused on three to five colors to create harmony. Choose one dominant color to anchor the palette, then incorporate one to two complementary hues and a couple of accent shades to add personality.

For example, if your room has a light gray sofa, you can add dusty blues, burnt oranges, and soft creams to achieve a cozy yet modern look. Use curtains, rugs, or other decor to pull these colors into the space naturally. Draw inspiration from vibrant pieces in the room, like a colorful area rug. For instance, a rug with emerald green, terracotta, and gold tones allows you to repeat those hues through your pillows and throws.

Furthermore, create interest with a mix of bold and subtle patterns. Use one dominant pattern, like large florals or abstract designs, and layer in quieter secondary patterns, such as stripes or polka dots. Then, add a solid, textured piece to balance the look. For example, use a plaid wool throw as your focal pattern, and pair it with a chevron pillow in neutral colors and a smaller pillow with a herringbone design.

Tips for Beginners

Experiment with modest combinations if patterns and colors feel overwhelming. Stick to two patterns in the same color family, like a striped pillow paired with a boucle throw in a complementary shade.

Hold your chosen items next to each other in the room to see how they interact with the lighting and surrounding decor. Small trials like these help you build confidence with your choices.

Select Pillows That Add Dimension

Use throw pillows to craft depth, texture, and movement in your room. Think of the arrangement as a hierarchy. Use oversized square pillows (22” or more) as the base, medium squares (18” to 20”) for extra volume, and smaller accents, such as lumbar or round pillows, for personality.

For instance, place two oversized textured pillows on either corner of a sectional sofa. Layer patterned medium-sized pillows in front of them, and finish with a round velvet pillow or small leather lumbar in the center. Keep proportions in check by pairing larger pillows with big furniture and reserving smaller ones for compact chairs.

Highlight Different Textures

Contrast textures for a rich sensory experience. Pair a soft faux-fur pillow with a smooth linen one or combine a woven design with shiny leather for an unexpected twist. For a neutral couch, mixing materials like chunky knits, velvet, and wool ensures your arrangement feels far from flat.

Don’t shy away from neutral palettes either. Complement white or beige pillows with heavy textures like boucle or embroidered linen to introduce subtle but impactful details.

Color and Texture Pairings

Match color with texture to amplify your arrangement’s charm. Pair a jewel-toned velvet pillow with a woven cushion in earthy neutrals for warmth and depth. For industrial or modern spaces, use pastels with cable-knit textures to create softness.

Layer Blankets for Comfort and Style

When selecting blanket materials, think about the story you want your space to tell. Luxurious spaces call for softer, indulgent choices like velvet, cashmere, or silk blends. On the other hand, approachable designs thrive with chunky knit wool, woven cotton, or tasseled edges.

Don’t limit yourself to just one blanket. Introduce a mix of luxury throw blankets for variety. For example, drape a neutral-colored ribbed knit blanket over one side of the sofa for subtle warmth, then add a bold, oversized plaid throw on the opposite arm to create dimension without introducing chaos. To add an extra layer of interest, incorporate smaller decorative throws in unique textures like boucle or with pom-pom borders.

Layer Like a Designer

For a designer touch, remember to combine folds and drapes. Fold a smooth blanket into a neat rectangle and place it at the foot of your bed for an intentional, polished look. Then, take a textured blanket, such as one with tassels or a chunky knit, and drape it loosely over the back of a chair. The contrast between the controlled folds and freeform draping creates visual interest and keeps everything feeling fresh and welcoming.

Arrange Layers Strategically on Sofas and Chairs

Layering textures with pillows and blankets looks different for every piece of furniture. However, you’ll likely layer them on sofas and chairs. Here’s how to do it well.

The Sofa Layout

Begin by anchoring the sides with large textured pillows. For example, use oversized pillows in solid, neutral shades on either end of a three-seater. Add patterned medium pillows in the middle for a dynamic, balanced design. Finish the arrangement with smaller, highly textured accents in front, such as a boucle or fringe pillow.

Blankets complete the look and add depth. Fold a smooth throw lengthwise to lay along one arm of the sofa or drape it loosely over the backrest for a less formal vibe. For extra flair, choose a blanket with tassels or a fringe.

If your sofa sits in an open concept area, use bold blankets or pillows to establish the furniture piece as a focal point. For example, a vibrant throw draped asymmetrically over one side of the sofa signals that the space is warm, inviting, and ready for lounging.

For Chairs

Stick to one pillow and one blanket to avoid overwhelming the furniture. If you’re working with a chair that has a tall back, add a small lumbar pillow for both comfort and style. Pair this pillow with a blanket cascading diagonally over the backrest or draped along one arm to create softness.

For armless chairs, focus on creating graceful movement with the throw. Place a textured blanket on the seat and allow part of it to spill elegantly to the floor.

If you have a pair of identical chairs in the same room, you could coordinate the blankets and pillows for symmetry or mix textures and colors for a more eclectic touch.

Adjust and Personalize

Like your interior design style as a whole, your layering style evolves. Adjusting and personalizing your scheme ensures your home stays fresh and reflects you. Try moving elements around until the configuration feels both balanced and functional.

One week, a throw might look fantastic draped informally over a sofa’s corner; another week, it might work better folded at the other end. Keep experimenting to continuously discover variations you enjoy!