If you are throw pillow obsessed, raise your hand? *Both hands up* Given that it is week 5 of the One Room Challenge and I'm working on the finishing touches to creating this kid & adult friendly bonus room, I wanted to share with you my pillow secrets. But first, if you missed any of the previous week's progress be sure to check them out through the links below

Week 1 (The Plans) | Week 2 (The Budget) | Week 3 (The Closet) | Week 4 (The Reading Nook) | Week 5 (The Pillows) | Week 6

A good set of throw pillows can make an entire room come together. The hard part is you can easily spend an arm and a leg at some of your favorite decor stores. Today, I'm going to fill you in on a few of my secrets I used for my bonus room makeover, so you can get the look you want for an affordable price.  

Secret #1: Start your hunt at Home Goods.

Many of my throw pillows have been found on a Home Goods run. I love that I can pick almost any pillow for under $25. I also like that I can arrange them in real time right in the store and what I doesn't work when I get home can be returned without having to do any mailing. So, if you are just building your stock of great throw pillows, this is a perfect place to start.

But, what if you are starting to get overrun by your pillow collection? Enter secret #2...

Secret #2: What you can't find at Home Goods, search for on Amazon.

As if Amazon didn't already have everything you need at a push of button, they also have super affordable throw pillow covers! Since I was getting a little overwhelmed with my plethora of Home Goods pillows for all the seasons as well as the cushions that came with both of our couches, I needed to find something that allowed me to upgrade my pillows without adding to the chaos. 

The best part is not only are so many awesome pillow covers well-made and fit for the size pillow you need, but they are so affordable! I found a few deals for my bonus room makeover where I spent $16 for 2 pillow covers. They also have such great variety to fit any room and style. 

Secret #3: Reuse your favorite pillow inserts.

My third and final secret to buying cheap throw pillows is to reuse your pillow inserts season to season or even room to room. For my bonus room makeover, we had throw pillows that came with the couch, but they were hideous. Using what I found Amazon along with a few spare couch throw pillows from another couch, I was able to complete the reading nook and the couch for under $50. Reusing inserts not only saves on storage space, but it also allows you to skip the research stage of looking for the best pillow inserts.

However, if you are in need of a few great pillow inserts, check out (affiliate links)  these or these will get the job done nicely. You can also pick up clearance pillows at Home Goods that have a nice insert and just toss the cover, too! When choosing an insert, I always like to go about 2" over what the cover is supposed to fit in order to make a nice full pillow. 

One Room Challenge Week 5 Update

This last week was a whirlwind of procrastination. I was feeling pretty good around week 3 and then the whole tired, lazy, sleepy pregnant woman syndrome hit. To move off the couch was the hardest thing to do, but I'm feeling more energized with each day. 

With this new found energy, I have been able to knock out the last few details, including building my IKEA Kallax shelf (it only took me 3 tries), hanging the drapes (or drape because I accidentally ordered one panel instead of two), and hanging the last couple sconces.

All that's left is to mount the TV and add my finishing touches to the closet and main room. I do still have to purchase a mini fridge, but I don't think that's going to make it into the final week. Below is a recap of my to-do list from the beginning. Wish me luck on the final stretch!

To-Do List

Main Room

• Paint the room
• Purchase Stikwood 
• Hang Stikwood wall
• DIY behind-the-sofa table & side table
• Call electrician to move cable box hook up & plug (coming Saturday)
• Build IKEA and Target furniture
• Paint touch-ups ​​​​ 
• Install Mount & TV
• Finishing Touches
• Hang Drapes
• Buy new:
  • Rug
  • Drapes
  • Curtain rod
  • TV & mount
  • IKEA storage
  • Artwork for entry
  • Throw pillows & blanket

Reading Nook

• Paint nook
• Make cushion
• Buy new:
  • Step to get into nook
  • Light fixture(s)
  • Book holders for wall
  • Cushion/Fabric for seat
  • Pillows

Closet

• Remove closet doors
• Paint inside of closet
• Stain and install DIY countertop
• Stain and install shelving
• Paint & cut to size the pegboard
• Buy new:
  • Mini Fridge
  • Storage cubbies for underneath counter
  • Lighting