Guide to Pillows Sizes & Patterns
- Beth Gilman
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Let’s Talk Pillow Sizes + Mixing Patterns Like a Pro
Hey friends!
Let’s chat about something fun and easy that instantly changes the vibe of a room—pillows!
Whether you're layering them on a sofa, bed, or bench, getting the right sizes (and patterns!) can take your space from “meh” to wow, tell me where you got that! in minutes.
Here's a quick guide I found on the Wayfair site...
With the most popular size being 18x18.
I’ve been playing with my Modern Millefleur fabric collection lately (you’ll see the photos below—it’s a floral party in the prettiest way), and wanted to share a few tips if you're looking to switch things up at home.
Pillow Sizes 101:
Here’s a simple mix that always works:
22” or 20” square pillows for the corners of your sofa—this is your foundation layer.
18” or 16” squares to go in front—they keep it cozy without looking stuffed.
Lumbar pillows (think 12x20 or 14x36) are perfect for the middle or for a finishing touch on a bed or accent chair.
Mixing sizes adds that effortless layered look—like you totally know what you’re doing (and now you do!).
How to Combine Patterns (without going cross-eyed)
This is where the magic happens. If you’re nervous about mixing patterns, don’t be. Here’s a little formula I swear by:
Start with a floral or bold print (like one from my Modern Millefleur collection—it sets the tone!).
Add a geometric or stripe for structure. This gives your eye a place to rest.
Finish with a small-scale print or solid to tie everything together.
If they share a few colors or live in the same general palette, you can’t go wrong.
I’ll let the photos do the talking from here. Honestly, these Millefleur prints are making me want to redo every pillow in my house. Hope you get inspired too!
Let me know if you try any combos—I’d love to see what you create. 💙
Beth