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Whether you often mix up the décor of your living space or prefer more subtle changes, both quick and simple updates are more achievable than some might think. That’s where the power of throw pillows comes in. Diana VanArsdalen, a Copenhagen sales and design associate, considers incorporating throw pillows “one of the most easy and affordable design changes you can make.”
“I love to scour thrift stores and antique establishments to see if anything catches my eye – I've found some great hide pillows as a result!” she shares. “By adding in accent pillows to your space, you add instant interest and color, as well as creating a welcoming vibe.”
And because of their subtle size and affordability, you can switch out these versatile accessories more often, including during the changing of seasons. With a variety of colors, patterns, and materials available, throw pillows can instantly transform your space to match the outdoors – bringing in feelings of refreshment, growth, and comfort. Working with VanArsdalen, we’ve crafted a quick seasonal guide for breathing new life into your space with the help of these small but mighty accents.
Across all seasons, it’s important to take time in your decor process. Throwing a few pillows together without considering where they’ll work best or how they’ll interact with your current design environment can quickly create a cluttered, mismatched feel.
“I suggest switching out your throw pillows in a room that is frequently used and seen by many to achieve the most impact,” VanArsdalen starts. “This is usually the living or family room, though it’s nice to freshen up your bedroom or office as well.” Once you’ve chosen this location, make sure to consider its function and style. Throw pillows will naturally add character and a fun feel to your space, but also need to blend well with your other furniture. If your decor tends to be more holiday-focused, you can go bolder and brighter with your throw pillow choices, focusing on a few bigger designs. If your space tends to stay the same throughout the year, your pillows can reflect the seasons in a more subtle way.
“While establishing my throw pillows for the seasons, I like to start with my “anchor” or layering pillows,” VanArsdalen starts. “These are usually in neutral shades, like light creams and greys or black.” Anchor pillows are key when changing out throw pillows; they stay mostly the same throughout the year, creating a neutral foundation for your seasonal pillows to stand out without overwhelming your space. “After you’ve decided on your anchor pillows, then you can add color depending on the season, combining different shapes and sizes,” she adds. “Adding smaller pillows with patterns to one or two larger ones adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.”
Summer tends to be the most active time of the year, sparking feelings of joy and exuberance. Since many of us spend summers doing fun or exciting things, your choice of throw pillows can reflect that. Whether you want your space to bring the outdoor excitement in, or would like it to feel cool and calm, the right pillows can help.
Throw pillows with bold pops of primary colors can instantly energize your space; a design like Paysage that combines red, blue, and yellow highlights the beauty of each individual color without feeling mismatched. Alternatively, you can evoke the chill, relaxing feeling after a long swim with pillows that have sandy beiges, sky blues, or seafoam greens.
If you prefer more dramatic seasonal touches, look for pillows that feature nautical shapes or coastal landscapes (like the abstract beach on Paysage). To focus on creating a simple “fun” feel, pop art designs like the Multi pillow use playful patterns that people can easily recognize and resonate with.
Lighter materials are key in the summertime to keep you cool in the heat. Consider choosing throw pillows made from cotton, linen, and polyester blends for a breathable, airy feel. The Moonstruck pillow is made from a mixed blend of fabrics that wicks moisture and features a citrus green color perfect for summer.
When Fall arrives, the changes in outdoor scenery often bring a sense of change and vibrancy. With these distinct shifts, choosing throw pillows that match the visual warmth of autumn while promoting comfort inside curates a welcoming space that complements the fall weather.
Deeper brown and red colors can provide a classic fall base for your throw pillow setup; adding in warm toned mustards, burgundies, and oranges will amp up the coziness. VanArsdalen suggests the Femme Assise pillow as a fall option: “This Picasso design marries a variety of autumn colors in a complementary way, adding necessary warmth while also distinguishing itself as a work of art.”
Incorporating throw pillows with textured patterns is key to cultivating a cozy feel. Everything from plaids and checks to woven and embroidered shapes can work for fall – it just depends on whichever texture feels most comfortable to you. “I like the gold Pisani pillow for fall,” VanArsdalen says. “Because it has a beautiful but subtle woven geometric design and is soft and oversized – perfect for cuddling up with on the sofa!”
Since fall is not quite as cold as winter, you don’t need to go too heavy with your materials; mixing a variety of lightweight and heavyweight throw pillows will ensure enough comfort without making your space too hot. Look for velvet, wool blends, boucle, and even leather throw pillows as well as polyester and cotton ones. The Liam pillow has a polyester cover as well as a textured surface with a boucle-like feel, giving you the best of both worlds.
Many spend more time at home in the winter than any other season to escape the outside chill and to foster togetherness. As a result, it’s important your throw pillows look and feel inviting. “Along with fall, winter is my favorite season,” VanArsdalen shares. “There is so much more opportunity to use luxurious textiles and colors. I find nothing more inviting than coming home to a sofa with a scatter of warm, soft pillows to cozy up with. Add a throw blanket and you’re all set to watch a movie or read a book.”
“For the colors of winter, I suggest going for deep, rich, and elegant,” VanArsdalen says. Darker jewel tones are perfect for this look; emerald greens, sapphire blues, and amethyst purples all have a luxurious yet grounded feel. If you prefer a more classic winter feel, mix shades of white, silver, and black, or choose a pillow that incorporates all three like the Biryani, to create understated elegance.
Add throw pillows with winter motifs like snowflakes and tree branches for a touch of holiday cheer, or choose ones with cable knit, patchwork, or raised patterns to ramp up the coziness. With its asymmetrical and eclectic pattern, the Patchwork pillow creates a charming, homey feel that’s perfect for wintertime.
“Using heavy and plush fabrics like velvet, chenille, faux fur, and brocade creates a space with beautiful visuals and an inviting atmosphere,” VanArsdalen states. These types of materials ensure your throw pillows provide ample warmth and give you a pampered feel. Mixed blends are also suitable to help avoid a stuffy feeling; the velvet polyester Plum pillow is perfectly soft for winter.
As spring blossoms, changing up your decor can reawaken your space, infusing it with fresh energy and boosting your mood. Throw pillows with lighter tones and textures will lift your space, capturing spring’s feelings of renewal and vitality.
Pastel colors have a fresh feel that’s perfect for spring, and you can play with ranges of vibrant hues. Blush pinks and sage greens as well as light blues and lavenders mix well with bright pops of yellow and orange; try pairing a light green pillow like Wavin with a more intricate design to add definition to your space.
Botanical patterns may be an obvious pick for spring but their ability to evoke the season’s new growth is unmatched. The Blush Pillow floral print is elevated by its abstract, impressionistic shapes, turning it into a revitalizing work of art. Stripe, polka dot, and geometric patterns are another stylish option; their classic look adds a pop of fun, especially if you’re using pastel colors.
Breathable and comfortable is the goal for your spring throw pillows. Cotton, linen, and polyester blends are all lightweight materials that feel airy to the touch and match the season’s breezy feel. And these lightweight materials don’t limit your style options – pillows like the cotton blend Fleurs Et Mains and its bouquet of flowers elegantly capture both the look and feel of spring.
Though throw pillows have a versatile array of other uses – as body support, as additional seating, to add volume or comfort – their impact on the style and feeling of a space makes them ideal candidates for seasonal decor. As you enjoy this easy and unique way of breathing life into your space, don’t forget to care for your throw pillows properly.
As you switch them out throughout the year, VanArsdalen suggests “storing your out of season pillows in a plastic lidded bin or a zippered comforter bag. Either way they will be kept clean and hold their shape to inspire you every season!”
For more furniture and design tips, check out our other blog posts or visit a Copenhagen showroom today.