How To: Mix Pillow Patterns

Like Grace, we also have a propensity for pillows. But unlike our artistically superior colleague, we're color-challenged and have problems matching all the irresistible patterns that we've come home with. Over the years, we've ended up with a hodgepodge of cute, but unmatched pillows...

We took matters into our own hands and asked a few designer friends for their tips on matching pillow patterns:

• Consider scale. Choosing a large, medium and small pattern can work if they share a similar palette.

• Don't feel compelled to match colors perfectly. Make sure all of your patterns have at least one color that is similar, even if it is a background or neutral.

• Add textured fabrics for more interest

• If you use multiple patterns, make sure there's a place for the eye to rest. It could be as easy as throwing in one solid pillow into the mix or placing your pillows on a neutral sofa. This will help separate and highlight the patterns.

• Don't be afraid to mix a floral motif, with a bold graphic pattern.

• Don't mix more than three different patterns, and try to keep the pillows similar in size.

-Sabrina

Comments (12)

where is that pretty bird pillow from?

posted by vertigo on July 18th 2008 at 7:39am
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could you please source all of those pillows? they're wonderful

posted by MayaB on July 18th 2008 at 7:48am
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Who's Grace?

posted by snoopy on July 18th 2008 at 7:55am
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Grace from design sponge. the bird pillow is from urban outfitters. So Cute!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=4E9F96B23F680DE606EF6E6471604130.app12-node3?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=14899090&parentid=A_FURN_PILLOWS&sortProperties= product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=196&navAction=poppushpush&color=45

posted by TCMB on July 18th 2008 at 8:01am
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Just Kidding. Not that Grace.

posted by TCMB on July 18th 2008 at 8:05am
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yes, sources please! I really like the yellow dandelion one... hmm...

posted by aquarabbit on July 18th 2008 at 8:06am
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thanks, I love this site! ordering pillow right now.....

posted by vertigo on July 18th 2008 at 8:10am
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Yes on sources. I want the dandelion one too.

posted by Shae on July 18th 2008 at 10:38am
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Anyone have experience with these 2 pillows?

Urban Outfitters #14764799

Urban Outfitters #13895743

Specifically, is that last one really green? It certainly looks yellow. And do the two match?

posted by Shae on July 18th 2008 at 10:44am
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Oops, my html was rejected. The URLs for the Urban Outfitters pillows I'm asking about (one of which is shown above) are:

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=FA9D9550BC413573595EE2A643DCEBB3.app12-node3?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=14764799&parentid=A_FURN_PILLOWS&sortProperties= product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=1974&navAction=poppushpush&color=21

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=FA9D9550BC413573595EE2A643DCEBB3.app12-node3?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=13895743&parentid=A_FURN_PILLOWS&sortProperties= product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=749&navAction=poppushpush&color=35

posted by Shae on July 18th 2008 at 10:46am
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the thomas paul yellow dandelion pillow can be found on velocity's website.

http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/product.php?productid=19376&cat=566&manufacturerid=&page=1

posted by Sydney1746 on July 18th 2008 at 11:03am
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This post hits right home for me. I had collected a dozen pillows over the year - I loved all of them, but they were all a complete mish mash of colors and prints. I recently retired all of them and brought in 4 new pillows - all in black and white and I think I am much happier now!

If you are in the SF-bay area be sure to check out Trove in Berkeley. They have some of the most amazing pillows - John Robshaw and others - for 20$ or less.

Also, I absolutely love Joom pillows on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9168053

posted by MSN on July 18th 2008 at 11:47am
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