One of the easiest and fastest ways to dress up a space is by adding decorative throw pillows. You only need a few to make a big impact in a room, whether it’s a living space, bedroom or the kitchen. And you have many design options at your fingertips due to the enduring popularity of throw pillows. They never go out of style.
The Madison Park Hand-Ruched Square Faux Fur Decorative Pillow combines two powerful design details. Faux fur gives this pillow a luxurious aesthetic, while hand-ruching adds texture and pizzazz.
What to know before you buy a decorative throw pillow
Go easy on the quantity
Decorative throw pillows are meant to be accents, not the main attraction. This is the primary reason why you shouldn’t go overboard with the number of pillows you display. You never want the space to look cluttered. A couch, armchair or floor jam packed with pillows is overwhelming to the eye. Instead, choose two to three throw pillows for each room. By doing so, you’ll add a stylish flair to these spaces without overcrowding them.
Complement your decor scheme
They may be accents, but throw pillows are an element of your decor scheme, nonetheless. Keep your other decorations in mind when shopping for decorative throw pillows. You should also take furniture like armchairs, recliners and couches into account. These pieces, while not technically decor, still contribute to your home’s aesthetic.
Other elements that might not be obvious, but still make an impact, include window dressings, area rugs, accent tables, clocks and staircase railings.
Account for wear and tear
Delicate silk pillows aren’t a good fit for some households. The notion of polyester pillows might not strike you as romantic, but this material tends to hold up well. These are the factors you should always consider when picking out decorative throw pillows. If you have young children (or teenagers, for that matter) or pets, it’s wise to go for sturdily made pillows constructed of durable material.
Decorative throw pillow features
Color
When it comes to the color of decorative throw pillows, the options are virtually endless. The full color wheel is available to you. Many throw pillows are a single color, but some combine multiple colors. As with the other design features, think about how the colors on a pillow will coordinate with the other items in the intended space.
Patterned vs. solid
A pattern can be anything from basic circles to ornate animal silhouettes. It all depends on the design of the individual pillow. In general, you’ll want to avoid patterns if you prefer a minimalist decor style. And some patterns look more traditional than others.
Solid colors tend to be a bit more versatile, as they complement a wider range of designs and styles. Some pillow designers dress up solids with texturing effects like ruching and pleating, which add interest in a subtle way.
Shape
The decorative throw pillow shapes you’ll see most commonly on the market are rectangle, square, oval and round. Rectangle and square pillows have a more casual and laid-back aesthetic, while round and oval pillows are more formal in appearance. Pillows in rectangle and square shapes are also easier to find than those in circular and oval shapes.
Material
You can find decorative throw pillows in ultrasoft materials like velvet, faux fur, microfiber, cotton and sherpa. These materials feel wonderful against your skin if you rest your back against the pillows.
Decorative throw pillow cost
The majority of decorative throw pillows tend to be relatively pricey, with most starting around $50 and going upwards from there. Occasionally you can find them in the $25-$50 price range.
Decorative throw pillow FAQ
What’s the best decorative throw pillow arrangement?
A. Try to avoid grouping more than two throw pillows together, especially in a small space like the end of a couch. Placing a single pillow at each end is a better option. If you’re using throw pillows on your bed, arrange them at the head of the bed, but again, don’t go overboard with the number of pillows. This will not only look cluttered, but it’ll also give you more work to do each morning when you make the bed. And the larger a pillow is, the fewer you should display. Decor is all about achieving the perfect balance of sizes, lines and colors.
How can you tell if a decorative throw pillow is well-made?
A. Signs of deterioration or damage are the first red flags when shopping for throw pillows. These signs include seams that are pulling out of the pillow, ripped material and tears in the material. If you notice that any of this damage has occurred, it might be an indication that the pillow is poorly made and won’t stand the test of time.
Which decorative throw pillow should I get?
Best of the best decorative throw pillow
Madison Park Hand-Ruched Square Faux Fur Decorative Pillow: available at Macy’s
Our take: Hand-ruched details elevate the style of this decorative pillow, which also features faux fur.
What we like: This square pillow’s luxe look can be attributed to two design details: hand-ruching and faux fur. The ruched texture adds interest and dimension to the pillow. The faux fur is ultra-soft, making it both skin-friendly and glamorous. You can choose from three different colors: gray, ivory and teal.
What we dislike: The most consistent complaint from the small number of displeased buyers was that the pillow shed quite a bit.
Best bang for your buck decorative throw pillow
XQ House Round Velvet Pillow: available at Amazon
Our take: This round throw pillow is made of plush velvet and designed with pleats, creating an elegant effect.
What we like: If your decor scheme is sophisticated and upscale in style, this throw pillow will complement it nicely. It features a button in the center of the circular shape and pleats that add refinement. Available in 20 different jeweled hues, the pillow is versatile, suiting both living spaces and bedrooms.
What we dislike: A button that fell off and a width that was too thin were the main issues cited by a smattering of unhappy buyers.
Honorable mention decorative throw pillow
Rizzy Home Botanical Petals Decorative Square Pillow: available at Macy’s
Our take: Striking a note that’s both unique and pretty, this pillow is finished with three-dimensional fabric petals.
What we like: Petal appliques crafted of wool felt adorn the face of this chic and whimsical throw pillow. The back of the pillow is a coordinating solid color. Constructed of cotton and wool, this well-made pillow is built to last. Six color options make this piece a great complement to your other decor.
What we dislike: The textural flower motif might be too feminine for some people’s tastes.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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