Small Sofas, Loveseats, & Settees: Pillow Arrangement
Styling a small sofa, loveseat, or settee?
Which do you have?
Wondering if your sofa qualifies as small? If it's less than 72" wide, it's considered a small sofa. If it's wider than that, see our Traditional-size Sofas: Pillow Arrangement blog.
Wondering if your sofa is actually a loveseat? Loveseats are bench style or 2-cushion sofas that can comfortably seat two people. Essentially they're small sofas with a cute name. Cute name aside, loveseats are incredibly versatile and fit in most any room.
Wondering what a settee even is? According to designer Malka Helft,"[s]ettees are more delicate sofas. A good way to think about them is a sofa meets bench!" (Learn more about settees.)
Now, let's talk pillows.
Many assume small sofas, loveseats, and settees require smaller pillows, but 20x20 inches and 22x22 inches are still our go-to pillow sizes.
Just because your furniture is small does NOT mean it needs small pillows.
Why? Small pillows provide little comfort or function and are often just for show (i.e., they are put on the floor when people sit down). Even if you feel your piece needs smaller pillows, we recommend no smaller than 18x18 inches.
While a small sofa does not equate to small pillows, it does mean you need to be judicious in your pillow selection. Additional pillows provide comfort, plus the opportunity to bring in more colors, patterns, and textures, but you don't want to overwhelm your sofa. You shouldn't have so many pillows that they have to be moved in order for someone to sit down.
With smaller furniture, each pillow really needs to make an impact, so choose carefully.
Less is more:
One square pillow at each end provides a simple, uncluttered look. This is what we typically recommend for smaller sofas, loveseats, and settees.
Shown: 20x20 inch pillows.
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Shown: 22x22 inch pillows.
With just two pillows, make them count.
Select impactful colors and/or patterns that you really love.
Our style tip:
Single layer: 20x20 inch or 22x22 inch pillows
Minimalist with lumbar:
A square pillow at each end of the sofa layered with a lumbar pillow at one end allows for additional fabrics and trim to be utilized. Odd numbers keep things interesting.
Shown: 22x22 inch pillows layered with 14x20 inch lumbar.
Use a matching set of pillows at each end, then add a coordinating lumbar at one end. When mixing patterns, remember to vary the size and scale of the pattern. Textures are a great way to add interest without overwhelming your space with too many patterns.
Our style tip:
Back layer: 22x22 inch or 20x20 inch pillows
Lumbar layer: 14x20 inch pillow
As with square pillows, don't go too small on lumbar pillows. We recommend lumbar pillows that are at least 12” high and 18” wide.
Lumbar pillows are a cost-effective option when you want to use high-end designer fabrics because they typically require less yardage than square throw pillows.
Not sure if a lumbar pillow will be a comfortable, functional option for you? See our Pillow Insert Sizing Guide and our Pillow Insert Type Guide to ensure your lumbar pillow is stuffed properly, providing the look you want with the comfort you crave.
Minimalist with statement lumbar:
One square pillow at each end of the sofa with a statement long lumbar pillow.
Shown: 22x22 inch pillows layered with 14x26 inch lumbar.
Is this option right for you? Square pillow size, as well as furniture width and usage determines whether a statement lumbar will work and how wide it can be. It is easy to overload your small sofa and relegate it to "just for show" status, so take these factors into consideration when weighing this decorative pillow option.
If your sofa is really "just for show," go ahead and maximize the "wow" with a statement lumbar in a striking pattern and/or color.
Our style tip:
Back layer: 20x20 inch pillows
Statement lumbar center: 14x26 inch pillow
Regardless of the "just for show" or "made for living" status of your sofa, select performance or indoor-outdoor fabric if possible for your statement lumbar. With these durable, stain-resistant fabrics, you'll never need to cringe if someone puts your gorgeous statement lumbar on the floor so they can sit or lay down.
Comfortable:
Two square pillows at each end of the sofa provide ample style and enough support to encourage you to linger awhile. This option is possible with sofas closer to 72" wide.
Shown: 20x20 inch pillows layered in front of 22x22 inch pillows.
By layering two sets of pillows, you can introduce more pattern and color.
When using multiple patterns, be sure to vary the pattern size and scale.
Our style tip:
Back layer: 20x20 inch or 22x22 inch pillows
Front layer: 18x18 inch or 20x20 inch pillows
Comfortable asymmetric:
Is four too many, but two not enough? If you prefer two square pillows at each end for comfort, but this overloads your sofa, consider an asymmetrical pillow arrangement. Three square pillows work particularly well if one end of the sofa is utilized more frequently.
At the end where people sit the most you can use two square pillows, then place a single square pillow at the other end. Your other option is to pair a square pillow with a lumbar pillow on one end of the couch, as shown in our Minimalist with lumbar example.
Asymmetry is stylish, practical, and can provide additional comfort.
Shown: 22x22 inch pillows layered with 20x20 inch pillows.
Use a matching set of pillows at each end, then add a coordinating third pillow at one end.
Our style tip:
Back layer: 22x22 inch or 20x20 inch pillows
Front layer: 20x20 inch or 18x18 inch pillow
Comfortable with lumbar:
This last option- two square pillows at each end with a lumbar in the center- is a lot of pillows for a smaller sofa and only possible if your sofa is closer to 72" wide. Even then, this is a lot of pillows.
Shown: 20x20 inch pillows layered in front of 22x22 inch pillows, with 14x20 inch lumbar in the center.
Is this option right for you? Square pillow size, as well as furniture width and usage determines whether this pillow arrangement will work for you. It is easy to overload your small sofa and relegate it to "just for show" status, so take these factors into consideration when weighing this decorative pillow option.
If your sofa is really "just for show," go ahead and maximize the "wow" with this full pillow arrangement.
Our style tip:
Back layer: 20x20 or 22x22 inch pillows
Front layer: 18x18 or 20x20 inch pillows
Lumbar layer: 14x20 inch pillow
Regardless of the "just for show" or "made for living" status of your sofa, if possible select performance or indoor-outdoor fabric for your pillows if you are selecting this option. With these durable, stain-resistant fabrics you'll never need to cringe if someone puts your gorgeous pillows on the floor so they can sit or lay down.
Now that you're informed and ready to shop for your loveseat or small sofa, enjoy our unique collection of custom, made-to-order decorative pillow covers.
Already have fabric you love? With Customer's Own Material (COM) Pillow Designs, we can create your ideal pillow covers using your own fabric.
Need additional guidance and tips on selecting pillows?
Check out Small Sofas, Loveseats, & Settees: Pillow Sizing Arrangement and our How-to Guides which includes our other detailed Pillow Sizing & Arrangement Guides.
Life is better with pillows, especially beautifully unique pillows.
