Afraid of pattern mixing? Not any more! In today’s post, I’ll teach you my fool-proof formula to mix and match throw pillow patterns like a pro every time.
Pattern talk give you flashbacks to grandma’s house? Maybe your grandma was stylish, but the fear of a pattern circus is real life.
With my decorating consulting clients, mixing patterns always seems to be at the top of the scary list. However, you can’t afford to stay pattern-less forever because you’ll run the risk of your beautiful room falling flat.
Patterns, when done right, really help you add visual interest to your space, especially with throw pillow patterns.
After reading this post you’ll have enough examples to feel confident in the mixing and matching throw pillow patterns process to go out and jump start your living room vibes.
Table of contents
Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.
My Throw Pillow Patterns Mixing Formula
If you did a quick google search, you would find so many different ways and ideas to mix and match throw pillow patterns, but sometimes more isn’t better.
My throw pillow patterns mixing formula is one I use no matter which couch and it never fails me.
Not only does it allow me to play with patterns, but it also keeps it simple enough that I never accidentally create a pattern circus lol.
The basics of my throw pillow patterns mixing formula has two options:
- Geometric + Organic + Textured or
- One Type + Same Type + Different Type
If you have pattern-fear, the second option is great to start with and is what I did in my living room below.
Now here is how I would go about creating the perfect mix and match of your throw pillow patterns…
Step 1: Choose the color scheme for your throw pillow patterns.
In my Decorator’s Playbook, I walk you through exactly how to choose color based on the mood or vibe you want and how to take into account the undertones of colors, too, to make sure everything goes together well.
Color is such an important part of the throw pillow patterns game, so be sure to take your time in choosing a color scheme that works together and that you really like.
This article in the Spruce has a few color combinations that always look good, but if you want a step-by-step guide, you’ll want to grab the Decorator’s Playbook.
Step 2: Choose one of each type of pillow patterns.
In all the years I’ve been immersed in the decorating world, I have narrowed it down to three types of patterns that are super common and keep the mixing and matching simple.
The types are geometric, organic, and textured.
In the Decorator’s Playbook, I give more detail on each of these, but here’s the general gist…
Type 1: Geometric
Geometric patterns are any pattern type that has a geometric shape, such as polka dots, stripes, squares, etc.
Above I grabbed just a few from my throw pillow sizes to create a graphic as examples.
Type 2: Organic
Organic patterns are more free-flowing patterns, such as floral prints. These pattern types give a little more artistry to the throw pillow patterns game.
The ones above are just a few of the floral examples I found, but I talk more about other common organic pattern types in the Decorator’s Playbook.
Type 3: Textured/Solid
The last group of pattern types for throw pillows is not so much full blow pattern, but this type is a great way to balance pattern mixing.
On the left in this mockup, you can see simple solid color fabrics in different textures, such as leather, silk, and linen.
On the right, you can see examples of more texture forward throw pillows with textured designs in the same or similar color as the pillow instead of just a solid fabric.
Step 3: Vary the scale/size of each type of pattern.
The last step in mixing and matching throw pillow patterns is to vary the size/scale of each type of pattern.
Vary the size or scale of the pattern refers to the distance between each repeated pattern.
For instance, on the right of this mockup, you can see the polka dot pattern has a small scale because the distance between the repeat of the pattern is very small.
On the other side of this mockup, you can see that there is one giant pattern on the furthest left pillow and a larger distance between repeating patterns on the second pillow.
Both the plaid pillow on the left and the yellow pillow in the middle have larger patterns as well, but if you compared them to the most left pillow, they have more of a medium pattern.
So, when you are varying the size or scale of your pillow patterns, make sure you are varying them in relation to the combo of throw pillow patterns you are going to use.
Throw Pillow Pattern Combination Examples
Sometimes words just don’t give you enough! You need a visual, right?
Below are a few examples of this throw pillow patterns mixing formula in use.
I have organized them where the back pillow would be on the left and then you would layer moving left to right.
Shop These Throw Pillow Examples
Every time I read a post that gives examples and find something I really like, I want to buy it!
Well, you’re in luck!
All of the pillow pairings above are purchasable!
Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.
(click on any of the images to shop the products)
Shop All My Favorite Throw Pillow Patterns
Didn’t find the perfect throw pillow patterns combo above?
No worries… I’m pillow-obsessed, so here are a few more places to find my favorites.
I have my favorite place to buy affordable throw pillows you can check out as well as my favorite Etsy throw pillows and favorite Amazon throw pillows.
Here are some more of my favorites from all over…
Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.
(click on any of the images to shop the products)
How to Arrange Throw Pillows on the Couch
In case you missed last week’s post, throw pillow patterns are one thing, but choosing the right throw pillow sizes and arranging them well can turn a regular couch into a gorgeous one!
When it comes to combining these two ideas, throw pillow patterns and throw pillow sizes and arrangements, I like to do solid/textured in the back, geometric in the middle, and organic in the front, but they can be mix and matched however you like.
About my Decorator’s Playbook
I mentioned my Decorator’s Playbook earlier, but I wanted to share a little more before I send you on your way today.
Through my home decor and design consulting business, I found so many struggling with their decor because they are unsure of how to even begin to make a decorating plan.
So, I created a step-by-step guide to creating your own decorating plan fully equipped with worksheets and a way to take all that info and house it in one personalized-to-you printable style guide.
You can learn more about what’s included and all the details here.
Be sure to enter your info below to receive the next post straight to your inbox. Talk soon!
Great info! Love the combo of pillows you use!
Thanks!! It was definitely fun to mix and match in these mood boards!
The visuals of the pillows on couches is super helpful!
Ok, I was drooling over each and every one of these! Great post, Christin!
Thanks Marieza!! Some good ones in there!
Great tips! I love how you showed them all on the sofa as examples.
I am totally a visual person, so on the sofa was a must lol
This post speaks to me. I love throw pillows! Lots and lots of them. I love to mix and match patterns and colors. Such a fun post!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I love them too!!
Great information – so many pillows to choose from!