How to Layer Throw Pillows for Summer

It is warming up around here, and yesterday was the first day that truly felt like summer. It has me ready for trips to the ice cream shop, catching fireflies in the evenings, and of course, summer decorating! Today I’ll be sharing inspiration and tips for layering throw pillows for summer. Creating pillow combinations can feel overwhelming with so many patterns, textures, and colors to choose from. I hope you find this post helpful!

Thank you to Heather from Aloe Place Studio for sending me the gorgeous pillow covers for this post! As always, all opinions are my own.

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Tips for Mixing Patterns and Layering Throw Pillows

How to Layer Throw Pillows for Summer | indigo pillow, Mudcloth pillow, minimalist decor, coastal home, Etsy finds, boho decor

Not sure about you, but sometimes I am a bit wary when it comes to mixing patterns! I love clean, simple style and do not want our home to feel busy. Since I’ve been painting most of my walls white, however, I’m starting to get a bit more adventurous with pattern and color!

Here are some tips for mixing throw pillows for summer:

Start with a neutral or subtle pattern as a base. I have chosen a slightly larger pillow (20×20) with a pretty gray striped cover. The uniformity of the stripes and the neutral color gives the eye a place to rest. The key here is that the pattern is soft and subtle.
Layer on one or two contrasting patterns for interest. These can be bolder and brighter, but be sure that the patterns do not clash with one another–keep reading for tips!
Choose different pattern “sizes.” My dark gray and cream cover has a medium sized pattern, so I chose this indigo blue lumbar with a small pattern. The combo works because the patterns are different sizes and therefore do not compete for your attention. The dark gray pattern grabs the eye, but the blue calms things down.
Select complimentary colors. In this case, I have two neutral throw pillows, but this look can also work with more color. Simply choose a color palette of three or four colors to keep the look cohesive.
Consider the fabrics/texture. All three of my pillows have an organic feel and are made with natural materials, which creates a cohesive look. The indigo pillow has the most pronounced texture as it is made with strips of fabric, so that adds some contrast.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! The great thing about pillow covers is that they are easy to swap out, move around, or store for later! I love changing the tone of our living room by switching out our covers every month or two.