O&A Fave: Pillows
I ❤️ pillows
Pretty, practical, powerful. An original O&A fave. They can make - and break - a room. They add color. Texture. Style. Feels. Hands-down: the best way to customize your space and infuse it with personality and color. Whether for style or sleeping, here are a few tips & tricks to pick the right pillows for your pad.
What to know
In the world of pillows, there are bed pillows (the ones you sleep on) and decorative pillows (all for looks, baby!)
Decorative pillows are most popular on seating and beds. Bed pillows….well, they need no introduction.
Size and style
A good rule of thumb when thinking of pillows (and design, in general) is the larger the space, the larger the scale. Also consider your preferences for aesthetics and function; how many pillows do you, realistically, want to put up with?
Pillow potential
Sofa pillows generally include a mix of pillow sizes in 18” to 22” squares. Two accent pillows are simple and just enough to add color and comfort. Three, and you’re traditional with a twist. Four says you like to go all out! Alternate fabrics and textures - mixing complementary colors and prints for contrast. Add bling for glamour. Go simple or sassy - it’s your pillow preference.
In living color
Know your color palette and then start your search. I love Wayfair and Etsy for pillows with personality. Search the colors, sizes, and style you’re looking for and always check reviews and shipping policies for the best options.
Tips in the bedroom
Standard or queen-sized bed pillows are best on twin, full, or queen bed sizes. King pillows are used on king beds. When adding decorative pillows, you might prefer to keep it simple with one long bolster or go decked-out with euros (24”-26”) and squares (20”-22”) for a layered affect. Tip: I like to keep them off the floor and throw them on a chair or in a big basket when not in use.
Get down with down
Down inserts are truly the best filler for decorative pillow covers. They conform to any shape and can easily be fluffed and puffed. And, though down pillows are always my first choice, down alternative pillows are just as fabulous. Hypoallergenic is also widely available.
Go big or go home
When buying decorative pillow inserts, always go a size or two larger than your pillow cover. This extra fill makes a pillow more full and stand at attention.
How to
Unzip the decorative pillow cover. Fold the pillow insert in half and work it into the pillow cover. Once the insert is inside the cover, unfold it and work the corners of the insert into the respective corners of the cover. Make sure to work the filler into the corners of the cover so you create the perfect “dog ears” - where the pillow corners stand perky and proud.
Zip the cover closed. Pinch two ends of the pillow (making sure to pinch the insert corners, also) and SHAKE! This fluffs the insert material, which is often compacted during shipping. For display, the zipper end always goes facedown. Once in place, give the top center of the pillow a good “knife chop” (turn your hand sideways and chop!) This gives your pillow the perfect puff and poise.
Baby got back
Lumbar pillows are smaller, rectangle pillows and popular on beds or in the void of an accent chair. They help support the lower back and makes the seating much more comfortable. They fit perfectly in the hollow space where the seat meets the back of the chair. A lumbar pillow should be the width of the seat or slightly narrower. For the best support, make sure the lumbar pillow is extra stuffed — this gives maximum support and prevents the pillow from sinking into the chair when seated.
Post-pillow plans
Using your pillows as inspiration, mix-in complementary art pieces, rugs and draperies, and you have a recipe for a collective, cohesive, custom space!
