Homeowners commonly struggle with coordinating rugs and pillows. However, the secret is to find that perfect balance between colors, patterns, textures, and so on.
It's not an exact science, and there is no “one size fits all” approach, as everyone’s home and personal preferences differ. But if you follow some of the basics, you can select the perfect matching rug and throw pillows for yourself without the need for an interior designer.
Whether this consists of pairing a new set of pillows with an existing rug or getting new furniture altogether is completely up to you.
Color theory is a field of study that explores the way colors interact with each other. It consists of a set of principles that help us understand the relationships between colors, and shows how colors can be combined to create aesthetically pleasing pairings.
Key components of color theory include the color wheel, complementary colors, analogous colors, triadic colors, and monochromatic colors. The color wheel consists of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colors (green, orange, and purple), and tertiary colors (a mix of a primary and secondary adjacent color).
In-home décor, understanding the relationships between these colors helps in creating balanced and coordinated palettes.
When matching pillows and rugs, use the rug as a guide to start your color palette. Depending on the style and vibe of your room, pick out a tone or two from the rug and try to match them with pillows.
Try mixing and matching your patterns around a neutral color palette. Loud, bright prints paired with neutral shades make a resounding statement that isn’t too bold.
The key to mixing and matching patterns is a matter of scaling. In other words, going from your largest scale pattern (or print) down to your smallest scale pattern. Texturing can also factor into patterns, as a highly textured or slightly textured pillow can act as a large or small-scale pattern, respectively.
To add a sense of unity when mixing and matching, pair prints and/or patterns with contrasting scales. You can also use that color wheel knowledge to contrast print colors. Choose the opposite color of your room’s color theme for a unified and distinguished feel.
When done correctly within the inner workings of a carefully selected color palette, the result is a healthy balance of colors and patterns that balance each other out instead of clashing.
When matching pillows and rugs, mix up the size, shape, and scale of the pillows. This is a less predictable and uniform arrangement and also allows for a visually striking asymmetrical dimension. Look for different shapes like a round cushion or rectangular lumbar to garner additional interest.
If you happen to find multiple pillows that you like, but they happen to all be the same shape, this is an opportunity to get them in different sizes. Varying sizes keep the eye alert and your interior fresh.
For example, start with a solid print for your largest pillow. This will usually be 22×22 or 20×20, depending on your sofa size. Then add a simple pattern like a stripe or a plaid, and follow this with a floral or paisley. These pillows should be either 20×20 or 18×18, and then you can top it off with a lumbar.
Texture is key to defining the “mood” of an interior. Sourcing a pillow with a texture that complements that of your rug without matching it per se adds a degree of warmth to your living space.
The idea is to add some depth without being overbearing and ruining the cohesiveness between rug and pillow. This is especially true when working with a neutral color palette or using solidly colored pillows to create a layered, visually appealing look.
The best part of styling your living space is that you can choose what elements of the rug and pillows you want to bring out and change them seasonally as you see fit.
A winter aesthetic can consist of plush, faux fur, or even mohair textures with cozy, rich hues. And in the warmer months, pastels and shades of apricot, red, and blue lighten up your home.
Decorating your interior on a revolving schedule as the seasons' transition keeps your living space fresh and exciting.
Your rug and pillows are just the beginning. Strategically placed vases, artwork, woven baskets, lamps and lighting, decorative accents, and other furniture accessories can further enhance the look and feel of your décor.
Using the same advice as above, carefully select accessories that emphasize the colors and textures of your rug and pillows while reflecting your individual style and interests.
The secret to well-designed interior décor is in the execution of rugs and pillows. Successfully incorporating complementary rugs and pillows into your home is a delicate balance of practicality and stylishness that should not be taken for granted.
Abbyson's collection of rugs, pillows, and interior design accessories allows you to mix and match different shapes, sizes, textures, colors, and more to create the perfect living space.
Style your living room, dining room, bedroom, and entire indoor space with furniture directly from Abbyson. Shop with us today and find the latest in luxury home decor.
