How to Mix Throw Pillows with Style (+ Free Printable Cheat Sheet)

Throw pillows are like the earrings of a room—they’re small but make a big impact! They’re the perfect way to play with color, pattern, and texture without committing to a major change. Plus, they’re an affordable way to refresh your space. But figuring out how to mix and match throw pillows can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve stood in store aisles (and my own living room) trying to decide what works together. That’s why I came up with a simple formula to make it so much easier for you!

Living room with a "blanket wall" behind a cream-colored, L-shaped couch with rust, burgundy, and brown pillows on it.

If you’re a fan of DIY, don’t miss my DIY Easy Envelope Pillows tutorial. It’s a great way to create custom throw pillows that perfectly match your style.

Table of Contents

My Formula for Effortless Throw Pillow Mixing

The secret to styling throw pillows without overthinking? It’s all about balance. Here’s my go-to formula: Pattern + Solid + Whimsical.

So, choose:

One bold pattern as your statement piece (you can also use a nearby by piece of art or area rug as the large patter that you draw the rest of the patterns and colors from).
One solid color pillow to balance the boldness.
One whimsical design—think something playful or textured, like tassels, embroidery, or a small-scale print.

This combo works in any color palette you love.

💡 TIP: An easy way to choose a combination of pillows is to simply lay pillows on the floor together to see what goes well together. Add or subtract pillows until you get a mix you like. You can do this with toss pillows you already have at home, or even in the aisle at the store. 🤫 I won’t tell!

How to Pick Colors and Patterns That Work Together

Choose an anchor pattern. Start with a pillow that features multiple colors in a large pattern from your room’s palette. This will set the tone for the rest of your pillows. (You can also use a nearby by piece of art or area rug as the large patter that you draw the rest of the patterns and colors from).
Coordinate the rest. Select additional pillows with smaller patterns or textures in one color from your anchor pillow (or art, or area rug).
Lay them out. Whether at home or in a store aisle, arrange pillows side by side to see how they work together. Swap pieces until you find the perfect balance!

For more on this, my How to Keep Throw Pillows Fluffy post will help you maintain that designer look even longer.

Here Are a Few Examples of My Throw Pillow Combos

Scroll through the gallery below to see several of my own throw pillow combos that I’ve used over the years.

FAQs

What’s the best way to start mixing patterns?

Start with one bold pattern you love and build around it using complementary solids and smaller-scale designs.

Can I mix more than three pillows?

Absolutely! Just follow the pattern + solid + whimsical formula in sets of three or five for a balanced look.

How do I choose colors that work together?

Stick to a palette of 3–4 colors that already exist in your room, and choose pillows that feature those shades.

Where should I shop for throw pillows?

Look for affordable options at stores like HomeGoods, Target, or even thrift shops. Or, make your own with my D IY Easy Envelope Pillows tutorial!