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Your new sectional has just been delivered. It’s everything you envisioned: comfortable, stylish, and perfectly sized for your living room. But after a few moments admiring your space, you notice something’s missing. It looks great, but it's not quite complete. That’s where throw pillows come in.
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, our sales consultants believe the finishing touches are what truly make a space come alive. Pillows might seem like an afterthought, but they can completely transform the look and feel of a room. They add depth, character, warmth, and balance. And when styled well, they can make even a neutral sectional look designer-curated.
Whether you’re decorating a new sofa or trying to refresh your existing sectional, accessorizing with throw pillows is one of the most approachable (and affordable) ways to upgrade your space. But we know it can be overwhelming. Should the pillows match your couch? How many should you use? Can you mix patterns?
We spoke with Zeina Badawi, one of La-Z-Boy Kanata’s interior designers, who shared her go-to styling rules for throw pillows on sectionals and sofas.
The number of throw pillows you place on your sectional depends largely on the size of the furniture and the atmosphere you’re trying to create. For a standard sofa, three to five pillows usually strike the right balance. For sectionals, especially those with chaises or deep corners, five to seven pillows can fill out the space without overwhelming it. The goal is to complement the furniture, not cover it.
“Your pillows should serve both a visual and functional purpose,” says Zeina. “You want them to add softness and interest to your space without making it feel cluttered or chaotic.”
When in doubt, start with fewer pillows and add more as needed. It’s easier to build than to pare back once your sofa starts to feel overcrowded.
“For sectionals with a corner wedge, I often add a soft cluster of pillows in the bend to create a cozy cocoon,” says Zeina. “This not only adds comfort, but it draws attention to the sectional’s unique shape and maximizes lounging potential.”
This arrangement technique also makes the sofa more approachable. Starting from the outside ensures you maintain visual symmetry or balance, even in asymmetrical setups.
To learn more about How to Decorate Your Entire Living Room, take a look at this article.
Pillow size can dramatically affect how your sectional feels visually. A common mistake people make is using only one size for all pillows. This creates a flat, monotonous look that lacks dimension. To create depth, start with 22-inch square pillows at the back corners. These act as your base layer. From there, layer in 20-inch or 18-inch pillows for the middle. Finish with a lumbar or bolster pillow for contrast and support.
“Think of it like layering in fashion,” Zeina explains. “You wouldn’t wear five of the same jacket. You’d mix in different textures and silhouettes. Pillows are no different.”
The variety in sizes not only creates a more dynamic look but also encourages people to relax into the space. Each layer adds a different type of comfort. To learn more about how to decorate in layers, take a look at this article.
Contrast is one of the simplest ways to make your pillows pop. The general rule? Use light-coloured pillows on dark sofas and darker or vibrant pillows on light sofas. This helps create a visual pop and prevents the pillows from fading into the background.
If your sofa is a soft taupe or light grey, deep jewel tones like navy, emerald, or rust will stand out beautifully. On the flip side, dark charcoal or navy sofas look more refined when accessorized with ivory, blush, or sage green pillows.
“Contrast adds energy to a room,” says Zeina. “You can have a neutral sofa and still make a bold statement with your pillows. It’s all about finding that tension between softness and drama.”
Additionally, consider the tones already present in your flooring, walls, and art. Pull from these existing elements to help reinforce a unified look.
To help you figure out What the Best Colours For Your Home Are, take a look at this article.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing odd versus even numbers of pillows. Instead, it depends on the vibe you want to create.
Odd numbers, like three or five, tend to feel more relaxed, organic, and lived-in. This approach is ideal for casual, family-friendly spaces or more contemporary settings. Even numbers, such as four or six, create symmetry and a more formal, polished aesthetic.
“For a minimalist space, I might do two identical pillows at each end of a sectional,” says Zeina. “But in a boho or eclectic room, I’ll go for odd numbers and mix patterns to give it a curated feel.”
The most important thing is to stay consistent with your chosen style. If you're leaning into a symmetrical, traditional layout, even numbers are your best friend. If you're embracing a more fluid, artistic vibe, odd numbers will offer that curated imperfection that feels authentic and welcoming.
Try combining a bold patterned pillow with a plush velvet solid and a woven texture to give the arrangement dimension. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, just make sure the pieces share a common thread, whether it’s a consistent colour palette or a shared undertone.
“Texture is so underrated,” Zeina shares. “Even if you stay within one colour family, mixing linen, faux fur, and boucle will create that visual richness people associate with professionally designed homes.”
Pattern mixing also works best when you vary the scale. Pair a large-scale floral print with a small stripe or a subtle geometric. Avoid placing two equally bold patterns side by side, as they may compete rather than complement.
Not sure where to start? Begin with one pillow you love, a statement piece that includes multiple colours or a striking pattern. From there, pull out colours from the pattern and match them with coordinating solids or textures for the other pillows.
For example, if you fall in love with a floral pillow featuring navy, rust, and olive tones, you could add a velvet navy lumbar, a rust-toned solid, and a simple olive stripe to complete the arrangement. This method helps ensure a cohesive look without being too matchy.
“Often, my clients bring in one pillow or piece of art that inspires them,” Zeina says. “That’s all we need to build an entire colour story. It makes the whole process easier and more meaningful.”
This approach ensures that your sofa feels curated and intentional, while still reflecting your personal style.
To learn more about How to Mix and Match Furniture, take a look at this article.
How do I know if I have too many throw pillows?
If your guests need to move pillows just to sit down or your sofa’s seating space is compromised, it’s time to scale back. For most sectionals, five to seven pillows are plenty. Functionality should always come first.
Should my throw pillows match the curtains or rug?
They don’t need to match exactly, but they should coordinate. Pull colours from the rug or curtain fabric to inform your pillow palette. This will help tie the space together without being overly uniform.
Can I mix different pillow shapes on one sofa?
Yes. Mixing square pillows with lumbar or bolsters adds variety and visual interest. Just make sure there’s balance, and don’t overload one side with all the unique shapes.
What pillow inserts give that “designer chop” look?
Feather or down-alternative inserts that are slightly larger than the cover (e.g., a 22" insert in a 20" cover) will create that plush, karate-chopped look commonly seen in designer homes.
With these tips, you’re ready to accessorize your living room with any kind of pillow in your home confidently. At La-Z-Boy, we offer a variety of case goods, from American Drew and Hammary to Kincaid and Canadel, each bringing a range of wood furniture options perfect for achieving this layered look.
Explore our Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showrooms, or schedule a virtual design appointment to start creating a beautifully balanced space with wood tones. Our talented interior designers are ready to help you pick the ideal pieces to complement your style and ensure a seamless look throughout your home.
To learn more about our home decor from La-Z-Boy, take a look at our Comprehensive Home Decor Buyer’s Guide.
Top Considerations for Arranging your Sectional Sofa