Decorative pillows for the sofa and bed: how to make beautiful pillowcases for sofa cushions

Recommendations for the selection and use of decorative pillows in interior design

For each design of a sofa and other upholstered furniture, you need to choose the decor individually. You should also take into account the material with which the pillows are filled. When choosing a decorative element, you should follow several tips:

Do not stick to the same color of pillows and sofa upholstery. For curvy sofas, round pillows with a designer border around the edges are suitable.
You can choose a variety of fabrics; it is better if it is natural textiles without additional synthetic content.
On a light-colored sofa, it is recommended to use plain pillows in a contrasting color. For example, bright yellow and light green models will look impressive with ash and light gray.
It is better to choose decorative components in accordance with the style of upholstered furniture. It is desirable that they have appropriate features.
The comfort of a home environment is emphasized by pillows with an interesting texture: large knitting, graceful wave-like embroidery and classic patterns using appliqué techniques.

Pillows with bright prints Source kulart.ru
Many options that are purchased separately often fit into any interior design. If you suddenly had to change it, you can get additional pillowcases. They are also easy to make yourself.

Designer pillows can be used in a variety of ways. They are easy to lay out in interesting patterns or simply fill the corners of sofas. Some pillows can be placed on the wide back of the sofa. Those models that come with the set often play the role of removable handrails.

To keep the design of the soft corner original, you can make a stack of pillows of the same shape and size. Multi-colored additions are often placed in a haphazard manner.

Pillows with a pillowcase with clasps are often placed in the middle of the sofa, back to front.

Types of decorative pillows

Decorative sofa accessories may differ in shape, fabrics and filling. If flat models are suitable for laying on chairs, then they try to place volumetric options on soft corners: beds, sofas, recreation areas. As for fillers, the most popular and harmless are:

Cotton wool. The material does not cause allergies and is inexpensive. It is very convenient to use this when you sew pillows yourself. This raw material has a significant drawback - it clumps and cannot be cleaned. In case of general cleaning, it is better to completely replace it.
Sintepon. An airy material that is involved in the creation of not only decorative, but also sleeping pillows. This filler cannot be washed, but it can be treated with a disinfectant. If the padding polyester gets into clumps, they can be easily straightened out by hand.
Down and feathers. Traditional filling option for pillows. It is very often used for decorative rollers and irregularly shaped models, as it is considered quite soft. But such a component is difficult to care for. May cause allergies in some people.
Holofiber is a modern filler. It is similar in appearance to padding polyester, but differs in its individual composition. This type of litter is widely available and inexpensive. It has shock-absorbing properties and is able to restore the shape of the pillow.
Herbs and buckwheat husk. Exclusively natural ingredients. Very useful for decorating sofas intended for relaxation. Suitable for those who suffer from sleep disturbances. The manufacturer produces such models in the form of bolsters or elongated pillows.

Less commonly, foam rubber and silicone granules are used as pillow filling.

Cushions with a stylish print Source www.amazon.com

On a note! When sewing covers for designer pillows yourself, you should use fabrics with a dense texture. These last much longer. Such canvases have a significant disadvantage - they are difficult to maintain. This is especially true for woolen fabrics, since if the washing mode is incorrectly selected, they tend to shrink.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.

Types of decorative pillows

The design of decorative pillows is so diverse that choosing from the whole mass of options that suit your style is not easy. To understand, you should classify the existing types:

By shape and size

Round, square, in the form of rollers or other interesting shapes. To choose the right one, you should adhere to the following rules:

The traditional geometry of pillows is appropriate for all styles. However, minimalism, loft, hi-tech and other “strict” designs do not accept pretentiousness. “Fun” options are appropriate in children's rooms for babies and girls.
Standard sizes are good for large sofas and large rooms. Otherwise, visually, such a composition will take up the entire space.
Several pillows of the same shape, but of different sizes, will balance a corner or U-shaped folding sofa and make it compact. The standard straight line, on the contrary, will be lost against the background of diversity.

Pillows are convenient due to their mobility. Their number can be reduced or increased, depending on the design task.

By purpose

Practicality is optional for decorative pillows. However, they are often used for the following:

Rest. They sleep on them or put them under their backs and legs. If you pay attention to the choice of shape, then you will be able to rest on them no worse than on traditional and even orthopedic ones.
In the form of seats in certain styles. For example, in the eastern - Indian or Asian. Cushions can also be placed on standard chairs.
For children's development and games. Pillows in the shape of animals, various geometric shapes, letters and numbers will become faithful companions for little ones. In addition, they are safe - children are mobile and with such toys they are not afraid of falling.

Thus, the apartment of the average family accepts decorative pillows for different purposes and purposes.

By material

Decorative pillows, like any upholstered furniture, have fillings and covers. Conventionally, they can be divided into two categories:

Natural. They do not cause allergies in people prone to such manifestations. Essential in children's rooms. Disadvantages: they provide an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria and require regular and special care.
Artificial. All kinds of polymers - crumbs, granules, fibers - are used as filler for upholstered furniture and pillows everywhere. For covers, respectively, synthetic fabric. Their advantages include: inertness to moisture (except for foam rubber and padding polyester), hypoallergenicity, and the ability to keep their shape. Cons: if the product is of poor quality, it can be harmful to health; over time, the polymer material ages and crumbles, and therefore requires replacement.

The cost of the listed categories should not become a priority in choosing decorative pillows. It is important to consider quality.

Designs of decorative pillows

The shape of the pillow is one of the main conditions when choosing models. The classic version is a square. Its dimensions are usually 40x40 cm. Such options are very suitable for the decorative design of deep sofas and armchairs.

Bright decor of pillows Source mrvov.ru/

When the modification of upholstered furniture does not meet general standards, then the pillows should be chosen accordingly. Options with parameters of 20x20 or 70x70 cm look great. Moreover, they can have unusual embroidery or applique of an ornament made of several layers.

Mustard colored pillow Source yzgge.p7.de/

Oversized or even miniature pillows are suitable for children's sofas. They can be in the shape of a cartoon character or a fairy tale. Also for these purposes, models of animals, birds, and toys are cut out.

Strict rectangular or round pillows are considered not the most popular. They are relevant only in cases where the interior has modern features and some of its details contain chaos and negligence.

Bright geometric print Source fabika.ru/

Hearts, polygons, flowers and other shapes are often found in decorative designs. They can even become a child's favorite toy. If the living room or room is decorated in a romantic style, then these shapes of pillows on the sofa will be very useful.

Size:

Here it is important to first decide on the number of pillows on the sofa: there should not be few of them, however, there should not be too many. Try to find a middle ground. This is approximately three to seven. You can use the whole composition on the sofa.

The simplest and most appropriate method of decorating a soft corner is to use textiles of approximately the same size. Compare their sizes with the dimensions of the sofa. Many modern sofas are very wide and therefore using a regular size will not look very appropriate.

Decorative pillows for sofas in different styles

For a modern interior, it is better to choose bright pillow designs. They will complement the existing harmony and help focus attention on the soft corner, even if it is not in the center of the room.

Scandinavian style. A very good decision. The outer material of such a pillow is characterized by an interesting texture and unusual ornament. Especially handmade in this style looks organic.
Provence. In this style, pillows look very elegant and delicate. Their obligatory attribute is the presence of lace and ruffles, both on the base itself and in the form of edging.
Loft. Colorful pillows on a plain sofa are very appropriate. Most often they have some kind of ornament. One composition may include shades such as orange, blue, red, ashy.
Pop Art. A somewhat extravagant direction. In pillows of this style, various non-repeating motifs and imitation of paintings with spray paints are welcomed. Modern drawings and provocative inscriptions will very well dilute the atmosphere.
Classic. It is distinguished by luxurious shapes and expensive appearance finishing. Individual design motifs are often present on pillow cases.
Boho. Reminiscent of a rustic interior on an inconspicuous sofa-book, there are knitted pillows with embroidery. Sometimes such a decorative detail can resemble the look of a path or the colors of old rugs.
Minimalism. Decorating a sofa in this style involves using a small number of pillows. They can be of different sizes. It is permissible to use models only of the correct geometric shape.

An extravagant and interesting interior can be achieved thanks to its competent design. “Bold” decor design is very interesting, especially for those cases when the room is small and practically empty of accessories.

Decorative pillows for the sofa Source provolp.ru

Ideas for making designer pillows with your own hands

If you cannot find a suitable pillow in a furniture showroom, then you can create it yourself. In such cases, it is easy to translate all ideas and fantasies into textiles. Several useful ideas will definitely become relevant, both in modern and minimalist design directions.

Beautiful textile pillows Source yandex.ru

Sectional option

Such pillows are models consisting of several areas. A fabric or any other rigid partition is usually sewn between them. This gives the pillow comfortable, fluffy details.

Standard options

Classic pillow in the shape of a square. It is easy to make even without choosing special sizes. Hand-sewn models from old skirts and dresses will be very stylish. Floral patterns and repeating patterns will definitely highlight the upholstered furniture area.

Decor applique Source www.pinterest.com

Shape of decorative pillows

Throughout time, designers have been improving pillows. Now on store shelves you can find pillows in the most original designs: flowers, butterflies, hearts, a bottle of champagne and even sushi. The most common and “old” pillow options are:

dumka - a square pillow, considered a universal option;
Turkish - plain or with oriental patterns, gathered or laid on counter folds are distinctive features;
quilted - expressive decorative seams;
*4-section – volumetric pillow, divided into two sections, which are connected by a side insert;
bolster – the base of the pillow can be raised, which allows this type of pillow to be used as an armrest.

What options should you avoid?

Some decorative options for sofas in the hall or living room may look ridiculous. To prevent this from happening, designers recommend:

refrain from pillows that have the same texture as the sofa upholstery. Of course, this condition applies if the addition to the soft corner was not included in the kit.
Avoid decorating with the same fabric as window curtains. Here it is not recommended to follow the same colors of all textile elements in the room.
Do not use pillows and cases that are no different from each other. Even if the models are chosen in the same color scheme, each of them should differ in an additional element (flower, applique, ornament).

On a note! Several centuries ago, satin stitch embroidered pillows were used as wedding dowries. They could only be laid out on the sofa in a strict order (according to the drawing).

Some smart tips for housewives

Having decided on the style, shapes and sizes of decorative sofa pillows, you can begin sewing and further combining options.

For example, when organizing effective decoration on a sofa, it is worth arranging the pillows so that their shades do not cause disgust. Strongly toxic palette tones are extremely undesirable.
Differences in texture are very welcome. The design will become original if you compare shiny, embroidered, piled, smooth products next to each other. They will have a positive effect on the entire style.
The number of pillows may vary. If there is only one sofa and there are no soft furnishings besides it, then you can lay out 4-5 pillows. If there is a lot of furniture, then it is better to limit yourself to 2-3 pieces.

In fact, there are no strict requirements when decorating a sofa with pillows. Everyone creates the environment according to their own preferences.

Covers for decorative pillows

Of course, when choosing a filler in detail, you should carefully consider the covers. They are classified as follows:

Removable/non-removable

What are the advantages of each category:

They are easy to keep clean - remove and wash. However, be aware that some fabrics shrink. Therefore, you should not neglect the information on the pillow label. Removable covers are good because at any time they can be replaced with more current ones - a different print, texture, etc.
Fixed covers must be selected in strict accordance with the intended interior. Otherwise, you will have to sew new ones on the pillows. Also, such cases are difficult to maintain. Dry cleaning or a steamer is required to remove stains from them.

Material of manufacture

Traditional fabrics for covers of decorative sofa pillows are:

Linen, cotton. Unpainted, rough - suitable for eco styles. Colored and printed - depending on other accessories. Such fabrics are environmentally friendly and easy to clean. Their cost is high and corresponds to durability. It is better to buy such covers that are removable - it will be easier to put them in order.
Leather. Natural or artificial. The covers will only fit matching sofas. It is also important to guess with their tone, or to emphasize the decor itself, from a similar spectrum, otherwise dissonance cannot be avoided.
Chenille, natural suede. Unfortunately, the soft, pleasant-to-touch material is difficult to maintain with regular care. Such pillows cannot be used actively (sleeping, children's games). Otherwise, the surface will quickly lose its attractiveness.
Velvet, silk. The prerogative of exquisite styles - classic, modern, antique, etc. Easy to wash and clean. But they are short-lived, like all delicate textiles. Such pillows serve only a decorative purpose, without a practical component.
Fur. The most practical would be the artificial option. The length of the pile should be selected individually. It is also important to look at the strength of the attachment of the threads to the base, otherwise the pillow risks turning into “bald”. Often, such decor is appropriate in children's rooms, so it is actively used.

Stores offering furniture and textiles for the home always offer a variety of options for decorative pillows for sofas, chairs or other items. Finding the perfect one won't be difficult.

A selection of unusual options

Some models may seem non-standard or pretentious. Many of them are suitable for a sofa that does not at all match the style of the interior. Design ideas often become the most unexpected.

Beautiful pillow toy Source www.pictame.com

Toy pillow in the shape of a cat. Suitable for hard and soft sofas. It looks harmonious with non-standard decorative textures and strict forms. Such a product may vary greatly in color, which is within the rules.

Versatile pillows with contrasting shades. A repeating pattern is used as an ornament. Such options make them quite voluminous and lush. They try to fill it with padding polyester. A strong rope border is made as a frame.

Bright decor for upholstered furniture Source shtory-karnizy.su/

Cushions with crocheted covers are suitable to complement light-colored small sofas. To make the models look fancy, pillowcases with patterned holes are placed on snow-white bed sheets.