17 Throw Pillows That Are Perfect for the Whole Family Home

Leisure Taupe Pillow

Saro Lifestyle Juneau Collection Classic Faux Fur Throw Pillow

Better Homes & Gardens Knit Decorative Pillow

Wild prints

Start with whatever bold pattern makes your heart happy. Then search out a coordinating pillow that features at least one shared color. The basic rule of thumb is to mix large and small prints, like the oversize diamonds and the leafy botanical, below. "That balance of scale feels symmetrical," Hersch says. Finally, offset all that drama with a solid-colored accent in a similar shade.

Granada Pillow Cover

Painted Diamonds 2 Pillow by Brandy Folse

Bradford Cotton Throw Pillow

What goes where?

Anchor each end of the sofa with one or two of the largest pillows, and line up the rest in size order so the smallest sits toward the middle. For a sectional, layer two or three cushions of various sizes in the center corner in addition to the ends for balance.

Glam Up the Grown-up Bed

Once you've covered your bed in the basics (sheets, sleeping pillows, duvet or comforter), add a cushion or three for extra visual oomph. Just beware the temptation to clog up the bed with too many fussy pillows. (The two options here deliberately keep the formula simple.)

One and done

If making the bed is the least of your priorities on the day's to-do list, you'll love this hack. Just lay a single, extra-long lumbar pillow in front of your sleeping pillows—that's all. It shows effort without actually requiring much. "If you have a king-size bed, you can fit two of the same lumbar pillows side by side," Hersch says.

Opalhouse Designed With Jungalow Oversized Oblong Woven Stripe

Sunbrella Quentin Woven Striped Lumbar Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

West Elm Lush Velvet Oversized Lumbar Pillow Cover

Trio trick

Here's a hotel-worthy formula that's as easy as 1-2-3. Start with your sleeping pillows in their usual places. Then prop up two large, identical cushions in front, side by side, Meichtry says. Finally, front and center, sit a smaller accent pillow that shares a common color. The look says orderly and calm without your having to do hospital corners.

Darby Pillow

Laura Ashley Mila Blue Cotton Blend Throw Pillows

Why is there such a huge range of prices?

It's true: Pillows can be $10 or $300, or anywhere in between. Factory-made pillows stuffed with polyester work just fine and are the ones most of us buy. Luxury pillows may be made of richer fabric, hand stitched, and stuffed with down or a high-quality alternative.

Add Some Pop to Their Playspace

Cushions lend themselves to forts, pillow fights, and cozy reading nooks. So let's face it: Thinking they'll stay perfectly arranged in a kid's bedroom or playroom is a pipe dream. But if you try one of these strategies, you may at least offer some sort of coordinated chaos.

Two shades only

Going with a bicolor palette will keep your kids' stuff from looking too much like a random jumble. This tactic could be particularly useful if, say, you're dedicating a corner of your living room to the kids' toys. "It will impose order and help define the space," Meichtry says.

Wanderer Throw Pillow

Wee Gallery Nursery Friends Fox Throw Pillow

Black & White Vertical Stripes Floor Pillow

Mismatch magic

Differences in shape, scale, textures, and prints are what make a quirky combo sing. Still, you'll need a common thread so the mix looks cohesive, not sloppy. It could be a similar tone (for instance, all pastels or all brights). Or you could even commit to a theme (nautical, for instance, with pillows featuring waves, anchors, and sharks). Either way, the end result is just plain fun.

Blabla Kids Heart Pillow

Rainbow Tufted Mini Throw Pillow

Hello Sunshine Pillow