Bringing the Outdoors In: Nature Inspired Textiles

Sourcebook

Jul 10

Mayker-Interiors-Textiles-Pillows-Home-Decor-1

Looking to spruce up your space? Hands-down the easiest way to transform a room is textiles. But where to start? For such a small piece, there’s so much to consider: Shape, size, texture, quantity, and inserts. Read on to get the insider scoop on selecting accent pillows that work.

5 Key Elements to Consider When Selecting a Throw Pillow

shape
From squares to rectangles to long, lovely lumbars, there are a variety of pillow shapes to utilize in your design. As a good rule of thumb, squares are excellent bases. They provide a solid foundation to build upon. Lumbars are perfect for adding the accent touch and layering on top of your foundation.
size
As with all things design, proportion is key. Select foundational pillows that make sense in scope with your furniture pieces. Accent chairs might call for a smaller pop (18-20”) in a square or lumbar size, while sofas are better suited to larger textiles (20-24”). Add on and layer with different shapes and sizes that offer more depth and interest, starting with the largest scale textile in the back. Need more direction? While each space can call for something different, starting cheat sheet below:
Accent Chair: 1 pillow, 18-20”, small lumbar or square
Bed (Queen or King): 3-5 pillows, 22”-24” as the base paired with a long lumbar
Bench: 2 pillows, 20-22”, 2 squares or 1 square and 1 lumbar
Sofa: 22-24” as the base, paired with a smaller 20-22” accent
texture
Some people add interest with pattern. Here, we’re most keen on texture. Using different materials allows you to add more warmth and comfort while forgoing anything too busy or trendy. It also gives you more flexibility in the future to do a quick switch and enjoy a fresh look.
quantity
In this case, the odd man out wins. When in doubt, opt for an odd number of pillows (3 or 5) so your space feels less formulaic.
Inserts
It’s not all about the appearance. Throw pillows come with different inserts to provide comfort and shape. Feather and down inserts are the most soft, malleable, and luxurious, but can be worn down over time with use. Alternatively, synthetic foam inserts tend to hold their shape longest but can start off feeling stiff and unwelcoming. Our preference? Down or a combination of down and synthetic.