How to Style a Sofa

Sexy chic. Comfy country. Sleek sophistication. Modern minimalist. Pillows can conjure any mood -- the vibe is up to you. Changing your pillow décor could transform the way you feel about your home.

Here are easy-to-follow guidelines for the size and number of pillows to place on your sofas and seating. The square pillow is foundational in styling and the lumber is the usually smaller rectangular pillow that nestles comfortably between the sofa back and the sitter’s back.

A standard sofa is 6 to 7 feet long and typically has two cushions. This sized sofa will fit two 22” X 22” square pillows, placed near the arm rests, and two 16” x 24” lumbar pillows settled in front of them. 

The chaise profile and size calls for a 22” X 22” square placed near the armrest and a 16” x 24” lumbar stretched out in front of it.

A standard chair would feature a single lumbar pillow. We recommend a 14” x 22” or a 16” x 24” depending on the chair's inside width. If you have matching chairs, decorate with matching pillows.

Extra-long sofas have lengths of up to 110” or more and feature as many as four cushions. Two 22” X 22” squares on either side with lumbars in front is a good pillow layout. We suggest larger lumbars for extremely long sofas: 16” x 36”

Sectionals are often a one-armed sofa with a chaise on the other end. Pillows should be styled just as you would a two-armed sofa, with squares and lumbars on either end. Go with the 22” X 22” square and select the size of the lumbars -- 14” x 22” or 16” x 24”-- based on the overall length of the sectional.

Not confident mixing and matching fabrics, colors and textures to give your pillow décor just the right attitude? This colorful Tone + Texture guide should help. And, of course, an expert is always available at Lucky Textiles to help select the perfect pillows to create a stunning new look for your room.