Decorative throw pillows should be considered a whole-home cheat code.
I mean, never has a room been so easily transformed as when bulked up by oversized cushions? We parents, constantly in transit (from one school drop-off point to home office to post-dinner playtime to bed and back again, repeat forever), need the space we inhabit to work magic on the vibe depending on our mood. And there is nothing that calms the chaos — like literally quiets down that army of Hot Wheels in the living room — than a well-designed home.
Throw pillows have the advantage of being easy to work with; they can be rotated seasonally, the covers can be changed as the kids age, and as soon as the living room is in need of a 10-minute refresh, they’re as good as new. All this combines to make them feel like the go-to for the well-appointed family home.
Why Decorative Throw Pillows Work So Well for Families
A house of up and downstairs, in and out, kids and pets is a house that needs grace. Decorative throw pillows offer relaxation without reactivity — you can put your feet up without following up with punishment. They make couches, reading chairs and beds more comfortable. They even offer lumbar support during movie night or homework hour. When one becomes less than perfect, you can replace or rotate it easily, and you don’t have to overhaul an entire room.
They’re also the perfect way to add color and textures to an all-neutral space. The bottom line is that if you live in a family home, chances are you have mostly durable, solid goods that can weather the storm of kiddie and puppy playtime. That doesn’t mean that your house has to feel institutional and lacking in love. Introduce some patterns, introduce some soft textiles, throw in a whisper of texture and your home will feel immediately more occupiable and lovable!
Choosing the Right Materials and Styles
When choosing decorative throw pillows for a busy household, you need to prioritize durability. Opt for washable designs. High traffic households demand throw pillows with washable covers and tightly woven materials, and neutral base colors. Add a textured weave for a few more years around with a breathable cotton-linen blend with a sturdier finish. It’ll wear better the more it’s used.
And in terms of style, you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you mix in a little fun with the enduring. Soft stripes, watercolor flowers, or soothing coastal colors can move from one spot (and family member) to another. The style will pole-vault the seasons if it’s not too wild, and not too tame!
Styling Tips for Everyday Living
Throw pillows don’t have to be formal to be fabulous. Many room decorators find that sofas tend to look best when the pillows aren’t exactly identical. Odd numbers of pillows can appear more casual when they aren’t all the same. In bedrooms, the addition of a smaller extra pillow in front can add a dimension of visual interest. Whether on a sofa, floor, or a bench at a window, it’s a great way to provide some extra seating and a cozy feeling. And actually, pillows always make extra seating in a family room, especially when your kids are sprawling on the floor.
Remember storage. Baskets, pouffes and ottomans are great places to stash throw pillows when you need a little extra space.
Small Updates That Make a Big Impact
As your family’s needs grow and change, your décor should, too. Fortunately, changing the look of a room can be as easy as swapping out throw pillows. Whether transitioning from one season to the next or updating a room to get through the school year, pillows have the power to make an impact and change a room in an instant.
Design-forward brands like Serena & Lily make it even easier for busy families to keep their spaces looking sharp without compromising on comfort and ease. Their mission to design beautiful, livable pieces means many of their products feature an easy elegance and durability that serve well in high-traffic households.
Creating a Home That Feels Good to Live In
Decorative throw pillows may seem like a simple touch, but they impact the overall “feel” of a home in a more significant way. They soften up clean lines, cozy separate spaces, and add elements of color, pattern, and texture to create a true reflection of the individual interests of those who live there. And to a family, that extra comfort makes a difference.
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