Remember that throw pillow scene in Along Came Polly?? That bed had ELEVEN throw pillows on it. And look, that was the style for a time but I might have taken a knife to them too. I’m pretty sure my own parents had about six on their bed most of my childhood. If that is still your thing and you love it, then I love it for you. No shame. Now, at the current design moment, it feels as though using any decorative throw pillows is “out”, which, at least for me, isn’t my preference either. Is it “AD chic” why of course! Could it be a little more fun? Why yes of course. I want to advocate for this easy way to add a little zhuzh to my bed, be it pattern, texture, and/or a fun shape. But what I also want is for it to take as little time as possible to make my bed. About 10 years ago Emily first wrote about her love of the single lumbar pillow and everyone was on board! One long pillow that would make your bed look put together and only take half a second to put on or take off? The dream. And while we still love the “one pillow wonder”, I am personally really into the two-fer. Two different pillows that each bring a little something different to your bedding game. It’s what’s currently happening on my bed, so I can attest to the total ease of taking them off and putting them back on. Basically, I want us all to keep things easy, breezy, cool but with a tiny bit more variety.
I thought I’d bring back some old school pillow combos in a bunch of different styles to help you envision what your bed could be asking for:) My bed throw pillows genuinely make me smile every time I look at them and that’s how I want everyone to feel. A small change to help make your day a little prettier. Seems silly? Sure. But also not kidding.
1. Mint Green & Red Pom Pom Trim + Irregular Dots Pillow | 2. Embroidered Cushion Cover + Bettie Tapenade Yellow Velvet Round Throw Pillow | 3. Luna Lumbar Pillow + New Zealand Collection Wool Throw Pillow
Let’s start with a bang! I know these are pretty specific but man do they have bold personalities. I am really loving the color mint because it feels fresh and fun but also doesn’t overpower in a bad way. I also think that design elements like tassels or fringe will add instant whimsy and softness to an otherwise bold design. Another deep love of mine is a camel colored sheepskin fur pillow. That little ball one isn’t cheap but it is so fun and versatile. That kind of pillow is one that you could use with nearly any style you want to try. 10/10.
1. Velvet Disc Pillows | 2. Shorn Camel Brown Sheepskin Fur Throw Pillow + Mariata Pillow | 3. Tiger Jacquard Pillow + Mauree Velvet Round Pillow
I’ve always designed my bedrooms with a bit more “romance” and ” softness”. I mean they kind of lend themselves to that, right? For some, that might mean an all white/neutral color palette, while others prefer a moodier look. Regardless, some playful pillows like these would only add to the vibes. Emily used one of those disc pillows in her primary bedroom reveal! She only chose one with a long lumbar, but I love the idea of choosing two colors of the same pillow to keep it simple but fun. These also have a really great texture on the sides and act as a great lap pillow for your laptop. And see? Another camel fur pillow. Chic but fun! Then paired with that tapestry-inspired lumbar, it’s a dream combo for me. Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, ruffles are very in!
1. Velvet Reversible Throw Pillow + Block Print Linen Pillow | 2. Green Block Print Pillow + Liza Throw Pillow | 3. Indian Hand Block Stamped Linen Print Pillow Cover + Velvet Piped Pillow
Block print has been around for thousands of years and is in no way “new”, however it’s hard not to notice the wonderful resurgence it’s having (for instance, Fariha’s wallpaper line!). Emily was also toying with the idea of using block print fabric for her kitchen cafe curtains. If you look on Etsy, there are so many beautiful pillow options to choose from if you’re looking for options. I personally really loved these three. I also wanted to pair with a velvet accent pillow to make the combos feel really rich. The sky’s the limit on the amount of combos and colors you can choose from.
1. Hi-Lo Checker Velvet Pillow + Patchwork Lumbar Pillow Forest | 2. Honeycomb Silk Pillow Cover + Carys Contrast Linen Pillow | 3. Valentina Velvet Fringe Pillow + Holly Cushion Cover
Some of you might disagree but these feel a little less “bold” than the first set of combos. So while not quiet, I love how these would bring a solid visual punch to your bed. Emily has and LOVES that multi-colored velvet lumbar pillow and can’t recommend it enough. For a much neutral option, combo #2 is a great and I adore the contrast piping on the linen lumbar. It comes in other colors too! The patchwork pillow in combo #1 is so pretty and made by a B Corp that ethically makes all of their products and is overall just a wonderful and beautiful brand. Go check them out if you haven’t yet.
1. Viola Long Lumbar Pillow + Luna Boucle Reversible Throw Pillow | 2. Oversized Textured Boucle Throw Pillow + Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Lumbar Throw Pillow | 3. Fringed Throw Pillow + Two-Tone Chunky Linen Tassels Pillow
Naturally, I had to do a blue focused set of combos. Would this be an EHD round up without it?? That first combo is a pretty special one and mostly because of that Johanna Howard pillow. The colors are stunning and the pattern feels both modern, but in a really versatile way. And for its friend, who doesn’t love a little boucle ball?? Speaking of boucle, a large square one is also a great style maverick if you will. It works with everything. And that little blue plaid cutie is a perfect companion. Finally, I wanted to give a more “coastal” option which I know we probably don’t do enough. The textured look of the fabrics, with the soft beachy tones, and fun tassels/fringe are the epitome of dreamy coastal. Take me to a beach now please.
1. Beige Cream and Dark Brown Patchwork Velvet with White Fringe + Terre Olive Green Velvet Sphere Throw Pillow | 2. Darla Throw Pillow + Popcorn Plaid Pillow | 3. Heiden Cotton Throw Pillow + Burnt Green Throw Pillow Cover
Don’t worry, I’ve got green too! These combos are a little more varied in styles:) The first one is definitely on the trendier side but also just really freaking cool. That checkered pillow is handmade and stunning. Then for a more modern traditional feel, combo #2 is a great mix of patterns and their scale. But they are both beautifully calm (but not boring). The last combo is for my mod lovers. Again, I wanted to play with pattern scale and that little lumbar is so awesome with its teeny embroidered design.
1. Moody Decor Sofa Pillow Cover + Velvet Clover Pillow | 2. Reversible Liza Pillow + Sweeney Half-Disc Pillow | 3. Sofia Linen Pillow + Kohta Pillow
I couldn’t not play with a few more shapes. I think that beds are the perfect place to have fun in terms of pillow shape because, unlike sofa pillows, you really don’t spend much time leaning them…so let’s get a little wild, ya? From the moment I first saw Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Clover pillow, I loved it. It’s cool but very whimsical. You are an undoubtedly cool person if you have that pillow on your bed. And I, of course, love the style contrast of that beautiful traditional tapestry pillow. Now, I also really love a “taco” shaped pillow. But what’s so fun about this one is that it has a great pattern on it. I feel like they are usually a solid color. Then finally, while the shapes of combo #3 are standard, the square handle-like trim on the larger one is bonkers cool. And what’s a fun contrast to squares? Circles, of course. If you have an earthy toned room, one or both of those pillows would look sick.
1. Schoolhouse x Rachel Murray Flower-Bed Bolster Pillow | 2. Artigo Brown Leather Lumbar Pillow | 3. Moroccan Woven Oversized Lumbar Pillow | 4. Bettie Light Brown Velvet Lumbar Pillow | 5. Alcove Pillow Dusk | 6. Painterly Stripe Linen Long Bolster Pillow
So while I’m on the two pillow train, a long lumbar is also a slam dunk. Here are six of our current favorites. That Schoolhouse one is SO GOOD!
Ah, hope that was fun and maybe gave you a little bedding inspo. Sometimes a small decor change can be surprisingly impactful. And if buying new pillows is not in the budget or you just don’t have the desire, maybe play with the pillows in your home! Maybe swap a sofa pillow for a bed pillow. It’s free, easy, and very allowed:)
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Farmhouse Primary Bedroom
