This
time of year we long for warmth and color—a change from the winter
doldrums. You can infuse energy and fun
into your rooms merely by changing your pillows and throws. Pillows are inexpensive and low risk—you can
try a variety of colors and patterns that can be interchanged to suit the
season or your mood without breaking your budget or creating lots of extra
work. Experiment with different textures
and fabrics, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. From burlap to chintz, there’s a style for
every personality.
Many sofas and chairs come with
matching pillows. Designers recommend
recovering them or finding pillows that have their own personality that will
stand out against the furniture fabric.
When you choose new pillows, try to pull colors and fabrics in the room
together. Find designs that mimic color
tones in your artwork or draperies. If
you choose patterned pillows, make sure that at least one of the colors picks
up on color you already have. When
shopping for new pillows or fabric, take paint chips that match the current
colors in your room or fabric swatches.
They will help you determine if the pillow you like in the store will go
with your room at home.
Throw pillows can help support you
in a too-deep sofa, but if your sofa or chair is fairly narrow, be careful not
to overcrowd the space. While you want
your pillows to overlap, you don’t want to have to move them every time you
want to sit down. You should also leave
some space around the pillows to show them off.
You can match size, shape, and color to create a more formal look, or
mix and match shapes and graphic designs to make a more playful look.
Match the style and size of the pillows to the
furniture. For example, pillows with
lots of ruffles and fringe wouldn't suit a modern sofa, and a tiny pillow would
be overpowered on a large chair or bed.
If you purchase vintage pillows or linens,
check carefully for stains and tears.
Stains can be permanent from years of washing/drying, but there are a
few methods you can try to remove them.
First, check for color fastness in the embroidery or design by gently
dabbing the thread against a damp, white cloth.
If no color comes off, you may probably wash the piece safely. If color shows, have the piece dry
cleaned. Remove the fabric from the
pillow if possible. It is recommended
that you presoak the fabric in clear water.
It may take some time to remove decades of dirt. Then gently swish the fabric in lukewarm
water and mild, non-abrasive, phosphate-free soap flakes. Avoid using modern bleach as it can destroy
delicate fibers. Rinse at least twice to
remove the soap and do not wring the fabric to dry it. Instead, lay the fabric flat on a white sheet
or towel, press gently, and then lay outside in the sun to air dry. If the fabric is white, you can try the old
fashioned method of bleaching and rub lemon juice and salt over the stain
before laying the textile out to dry in the sun. Some antiquarians frown on sun-drying
textiles, but many experts recommend this technique, and I have had success
with refreshing my linens using the sun.
Never underestimate the power of
pillows and throws when redecorating.
They are an inexpensive, quick fix for a ho-hum space.
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