Handmade pillows can add charm, personality, and comfort to any space. But with so many choices, selecting the right one may feel overwhelming. Luckily, you can follow our guide to choosing the perfect handmade pillow that fits your home’s style. Read on to get one step closer to your dream design!
Understand Your Space and Its Purpose
Handmade pillows offer an endless array of styles, but the right choice will match the room’s function and elevate its look. Approach your selection with the space and its role in mind. For instance, a modern living room with clean lines and neutral colors pairs well with pillows featuring geometric patterns in soft shades, such as gray or beige.
A rustic setting with warm woods and earthy tones shines when you add handwoven cotton or burlap pillows with plaid or nature-inspired designs. For a bohemian look, go for embroidered pillows with textures such as fringe, macramé, or tassels.
Evaluate How You Use the Room
Consider the room’s purpose to decide the best pillows. Family rooms often require durable covers, such as canvas or heavy cotton, to withstand daily use and the occasional snack spill. Guest bedrooms, on the other hand, work well with delicate materials like hand-dyed silk or fine linen since they experience less wear and tear. For home offices, lumbar pillows can provide support while adding flair to your space. On a patio, weather-resistant materials protect against sun and rain while creating a polished look.
Choose the Right Size and Shape
Select pillow sizes and shapes that fit the proportions of your furniture. Small armchairs work well with one medium pillow, usually around 12 to 18 inches. Oversized couches, however, look fantastic when layered with 20- to 24-inch squares that provide visual harmony. Beds can handle larger designs, such as two 24-inch pillows against the headboard with smaller accent pieces in front for a tailored look.
Go beyond the standard square pillow to add character to your space. Bolsters offer both lumbar support and bold visual interest, suiting armchairs or modern bench seating. Rectangular pillows break up symmetrical arrangements and serve functional purposes, especially on chairs or sofas. For something more playful, explore whimsical shapes like stars or crescent moons, perfect for nurseries or fun living spaces.
Think About Groupings
Create thoughtful groupings of pillows to amplify style and comfort. On a sofa, mixing sizes and textures adds character. For example, use two large squares matched with a colorful lumbar pillow to create contrast and depth.
If you’re arranging pillows for a sectional, try smaller clusters at each corner, incorporating a variety of shapes for a dynamic look. On minimal surfaces, such as a window bench, one long lumbar flanked by smaller pillows achieves balance and elegance. Pick combinations that avoid looking overly uniform while still feeling intentional.
Select a Fabric That Works for Your Lifestyle
Handmade options span a wide range of materials, from rugged everyday fabrics to luxurious textiles. Matching the fabric to your lifestyle ensures your pillow feels as good as it looks.
Durable Fabrics for High-Traffic Areas
Busy rooms demand fabrics that can handle wear and tear without sacrificing style. Sturdy materials such as cotton, linen, and canvas check all the right boxes. They clean easily and hold up against spills, kids, and pets.
For example, high-quality linen pillows combine durability with a naturally soft finish ideal for everyday use. Machine-washable covers simplify maintenance while still looking chic. Canvas pillows also provide a go-to option for busy spaces, holding their shape and resisting stains.
Soft Textures for Comfort
Comfort-first pillows belong in spaces where lounging and relaxing top the list. Soft fabrics like velvet, chenille, and faux fur give you that sink-in feeling while elevating the cozy factor. Velvet pillows, such as those offered by Coterie Brooklyn, add luxurious texture while remaining practical for bedrooms or cozy corners. Chenille offers a plush surface that feels great to the touch without being too heavy. Faux fur, with its inviting softness, makes a perfect addition for snuggle-worthy nooks.
Decorative Fabrics for Display
Display pillows look stunning on accent chairs or guest beds, where they can act as eye-catching design pieces. Choose fabrics that focus on visual appeal and artistry for high-quality decorative pillows. Materials such as hand-painted silk, brocade, or detailed embroidery instantly elevate the aesthetic of a room.
Keep in mind that delicate fabrics may need more care. For example, hand-painted silk pillows may require spot cleaning to preserve their intricate designs, while embroidered pieces might need gentle handling to avoid snagging the threads. Using these pillows in low-traffic areas, such as a guest bedroom or a formal sitting room, helps maintain their beauty.
Pay Attention to Patterns and Colors
Choose the perfect handmade pillow by prioritizing patterns and colors. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle harmony, these details shape your room’s personality. Scan your space for the dominant and accent hues. A soft gray-and-cream pillow might highlight a rug’s subtle tones, while a rich navy pillow can bring out the deeper shades in artwork or curtains.
To make a pillow stand out, pick a contrasting color that complements rather than clashes with the existing decor. For example, if your room features warm earth tones, throw in mustard yellow or brick red to punctuate the look. Staying within the same saturation level or tone ensures colors flow naturally, even when you’re mixing shades.
Furthermore, patterns turn ordinary pillows into dynamic pieces of art. Stripes, florals, handwoven designs, or abstract prints all add personality to a space. A solid couch or a minimal wall color offers a perfect canvas for bold geometric designs. Meanwhile, floral patterns or watercolors bring softness to a modern room.
Layer for Dimension
An arrangement of pillows with varying patterns creates dimension and intrigue. Combine at least three elements for a balanced look, such as a bold large-scale print, a midsize repeating pattern, and a solid. Solid pillows pull everything together, while prints set the tone. Avoid matching patterns too closely; instead, opt for complementary designs that vary in scale and style. For even more texture, include pillows with embroidery, tasseled edges, or woven details.
Visualize Your Perfect Pillow With Coterie’s Pillow Arranger
At Coterie Brooklyn, we understand that envisioning how a new pillow will look in your room can be challenging. That’s why our Pillow Arranger Tool makes the process effortless and exciting. This interactive feature allows you to experiment with various pillow shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, helping you create the best combinations.
What truly sets this tool apart is the ability to upload a photo of your seating area or sofa. With your furniture as the backdrop, you can see how our handmade pillows transform your space, down to the smallest details. Try it out today!
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