Pillows can change the look of a room without a big expense. Changing a chair of sofa can be expensive, so I prefer to just change the pillows to get a completely new look for a lot less. You can use colorful pillows like those shown above, or you can select pillows that are more subdued in color, like the Downton Abbey pillow below.
You can also use pillows to make a statement, I mean literally. I’m not a grandmother, but if I were, this might be my motto. Some of the pillows that have a quote on them can be fun to add to a room.
Then there are the old fashioned needlepoint pillows like this one filled with feathers.
Of course of my favorite types of pillows to use are grain sack pillows. They typically work very well as a pillow, when you insert a king sized pillow in them. I use them on chairs and on beds.
Try to make sure your pillows are sized properly for your furniture. For this wide settee the king-sized pillow is the perfect width.
Pillows can not only make a chair prettier, but more comfortable.
Even soft color adds something to a room.
When selecting pillows I try to go with just one or two colors for the room to give it a cohesive look. 
Here I have a settee with color that supports a hot pink pillow perfectly. Your eye is drawn to the pink in the tapestry now.
So my take away tips are:
1. Add color and pattern with pillows. When you tired of the pattern, I would rather replace pillows than sofas and chairs.
2. Limit yourself to just a few dominate colors in each room. That gives the room a soothing pulled together look.
3. Size the pillows for the chair, so that the pillow is not too big. If it is too big, then it will uncomfortable when you sit there.
4. When you get bored with a pillow, try using them backwards. I have some pillows I no longer love, but the plain back looks great, so I use the pillows backwards in my chairs.
Use pillows to
change the look in a room
add color
add texture
add softness
make a statement
add comfort.
Most importantly, have fun with them!
Since people are asking you can find out more about the Downton Abbey pillows HERE.
This is part of our DIY Tips and Tricks series. You can go to these fabulous blogs to see more ways to use pillows.
Anita, I love your tips and the settee with the bright pink pillow is fabulous!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena New Feature
Beautiful! I love pillows also. I do have a problem though and not sure what to do. I have a leather love seat and any pillow I try to put on just slides down. There must be a solution I cant think of?
Oh Mary, I had the same problem!! When you figure it out let me know!
So many great tips and I think pillows and paint have the largest impact in changing the feel of a room for the money. Beautiful images!
Love your pillows and this post! I especially love the Downton Abbey pillows… would you please share where to get those?
Love all of your decorative ideas. The subtle colors all look lovely. The bright pink is great, too!!
I love your fabulous tips and your pillows! SIGH!!! I’m not a grandmother either, but when I am I am getting that pillow! So cute. LOVE LOVE LOVE the tip about turning the pillow around! Thanks for putting this together, Anita! HUGS!
Where Oh Where did you get the Downton Abbey pillow. I just love it.
Those are from Heritage Lace Betty.
Love your beautiful pillows and how you use and display them throughout your home. I always have loved how you choose the perfect pillow for all of your beautiful seating areas!…and must say, my favorite has to be the Grandmother pillow!…I just had to smile!!
Love, love, love pillows and as you say they can do so much to add to a room with little cost. I use them to bring colour and pattern into a neutral palette in my home.
Lee 🙂
I love seeing pictures of your home…and I especially love the vintage textiles you use for your pillows and upholstery. I am no good at slipcovers or upholstery but would love to give it a try sometime. Lovely inspiration!
Love the Pip Studio pillows and throw! Where did you get them?
Thank you!!!
from Heritage Lace