I often get asked by clients (and friends) how to 'mix and match' throw pillows. Well, you'll be glad to know that it's one of my very favorite things to do (second only to eating), and therefore something that I am more than willing to share with...well...anyone who will actually listen.

Here are a few super easy tips and tricks (for beginners) to use when 'mixing and matching' pillows...

Let's start with the basics: an easy question like...what's your favorite color? Mine is blue. Thanks for asking. I'll pretend that Kate's favorite color is blue as well, so it will make perfect sense for me to source blue pillows for Kate's living room.

Step 1: Find blue pillows. Glad you're following me so far.

Step 2a.: Pay very close attention to the pattern on these pillows, or lack-there-of, in the case of solid [color] pillows. Here's what I mean:

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These two pillows are not friends. Sure you'd think they'd get a long quite well, because seemingly they have a lot in common, but there-in-lies the problem. Like two people that are too similar, these pillows do not play well together, and they need to be separated. Similies aside, these two pillows should not be in the same room because of their small pattern (or repeat, as they say in the design world). They compete for the eye's attention...and the eye, my friend, needs a break! Therefore, I will ask Kate to choose one of these two for her living room

Step #2b.: Now that you're paying attention to pattern repeat, keep the color cohesive, but vary the size of the repeat.

Okay, back to Kate. Let's say she chose the Schumacher Betwixt pillow (left). Here it is in 2 different combos...

Example A (3 different sized prints):

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Do you see how the repeat varies with these prints (small scale mixed with large scale)? This keeps the pillows from competing with one another for attention, and allows 'the eye' to rest.

Example B: (various prints with a solid)

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Same idea here. These pillows are all great friends. They have things in common (blue) and new/different things to talk about as well.

Okay...now that you've got this trick under your belt, let's take it a step further...

Step 3 (free tip #2): To vary the interest even more, use a lead fabric. A lead fabric is a fabric with two colors (or more) that can be used to coordinate pillows. For example...

Blue and green are BFF's. Don't believe me, look outdoors, where the blue sky meets the green grass...perfect. Need further proof, consult a professional like Mark D. Sikes:

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See, I told you. Blue and green look amazing together. Now back to the pillows, more specifically the use of a lead fabric....

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The pillow in the middle, serves as a bridge to mix the blue with the green. Here's another lead pillow combo.

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Do you recall, in a former blog post, when I said the rug comes first? Well, you can also use a rug in the same way as a lead fabric. Pull the main (2 or 3 colors) from your area rug to coordinate with your pillows.

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Don't forget tip #1: the pattern/repeat size must be varied in order for this to work.

Well, that's all the free tips for today folks. Hopefully you learned something, if not at least you got to look at some pretty pillows.

-Sara

Getting tired of your old pillows?

Need a room refresh for the new (fall) season?

Struggling with where to start?

I'd love to source pillows for your living room. Believe me, I live for this pillow thing. Contact me at: Sara@sarasmithinteriors.com and I'll hook you up with a brand new look that will change your life...or at least your living room.