Many of the posts on this blog are born out of trying to find solutions to our own household problems. And when you tear out a space that was largely fixed up and start almost entirely over again with new pieces, design doubts and insecurities can quickly set in. For me at this time, I was struggling with how to arrange the pillows on my corner sectional.
before acquisition my sabai corner sectionalI had a chaise sectionalWhich, in my opinion, was quite simple because you could unfold the pillows, just like you do on a standard sofa. You had two corners, and that’s where the pillows went. But with a corner sectional, you have two normal sides where the arms of the sofa are, and then an extra deep, very sharp 90-degree corner in the center that’s harder to locate. At least for my sake. Every night when we went to clean the couch, I struggled with how to position the pillows, I was never happy with where I ended up. However, to be honest, that frustration paralyzed me, and I didn’t do the very simple thing we recommend to all readers in these parts: style, play, every day.
I was afraid to play with everything I had. Try new combinations, remove, add, move around. Was I afraid of making something ugly? I already didn’t like what I was doing, so who cares if it gets worse? If it gets better, I’ve succeeded.
Part of the problem is that all the pillow covers are old, and a completely different color (cobalt blue) to the one on the previous sofa. I haven’t completely overhauled my palette, so I haven’t got any new pillows. The mustard, denim blue and olive green on the sofa seems a little lifeless to me (especially because of the muddy beige walls throughout the house that we’re not changing), but that will change eventually. Another issue beyond what we’re talking about today that I think is quite common is having to work on some styling choices when your room is far from complete. Everything feels kind of…stupid, until it all comes together at the end. My rug is just a stand-in until I find the right style and size, the coffee table is new but not decorated in any way, the back corner is a work in progress, and I need to add lighting, more art, and a creative/crafty corner for my daughter. And yes, the bookshelves behind my sofa are a work in progress.
That said, it’s okay to not love your room 100% while it’s a work in progress. And sometimes, that progress can take years. So I’m all about making the little moments better, even where you are and what you have. Don’t wait for perfect, friends.
Okay, back to the point. Corner sofa styling. I considered making diagrams like the one below, but they are literally everywhere, all over Instagram and Pinterest, and I had nothing else to add. So instead, I thought of seven arrangements I wanted to try for myself, including some photos of me trying things out in my own living room. Style, Sports, Everyday, remember?!?
For some of these, I didn’t have enough pillows to actually try (but that’s okay, because I knew they weren’t for me anyway). And one I just had to see, so I worked some graphic design magic. Overall, I realized that what is quite important for this type of sectional is the variety in size and shape of the pillows you use. Especially for that middle corner. Bolsters, shells, round profiles and large Euro sizes work best. All 20″ by 20″ pillows are going to fall flat (trust me, this is mostly what I was working with).
Corner Sectional Option #1: All-in Approach
By far and away, the most popular way to deal with the corner sectional pillow situation is to simply throw all of your pillows at the problem. Pillows are placed in the corner, pillows are placed on the sides, heck, there are even pillows placed somewhere in the middle. I’m not sure why we feel the need to cover every crack and corner seam with throw pillows. What exactly did that corner do to you?!? Let it live! Of course, this is for both comfort and aesthetics, but aesthetics are subjective. Well, I guess comfort is the same. Resting in the corner of my couch definitely requires some extra support, and if pillows are already there, even better.
As you can see, the “all-in” approach usually consists of 3 pillows in the corner: usually a mix of square shapes and then a smaller pillow, such as lumbar. You want to make sure that these pillows don’t shrink into the depth of the sofa cushions, so make sure you’re choosing something that’s at least 22 inches (24 inches is even better).
Although certainly cozy, you can see how three square pillows of roughly the same size could feel piled up in there. If anything, spread them with just a touch. Trust me: It’s okay to see some of that in the corner. This is not the enemy here.
For me, personally, I don’t like pillows being cluttered. I used to be crazy about pillows, but over the past few years, less is more for me. But I found myself drawn to the above photo of Mecox Gardens, and then I realized why it works: There’s a ton of cohesion between the pillow covers. There are actually only two colors and three designs among the eight pillows. This limits how much you have to take in visually, and it feels more thoughtful than “I couldn’t decide at HomeGoods.”
Corner Sectional Option #2: All-in, Light
I’m going to give you a spoiler alert: I think this is the best one for me. And I know it would be even better with the right design and colors of pillows. Before, I had two pillows on either side and one leftover pillow in the middle. It felt smelly and sketchy, but also crowded at the edges. Moving two pillows inward away from the corners helped solve the overload I was feeling on each arm of the sofa.
Looking at it again, I could also see myself moving the lumbar pillow to one side and then throwing a fun ball or funky shape into the mix in the center. It’s “all-in”, but without being too maximalist (especially if I really hone in on a palette).
Corner Sectional Option #3: Corner Only
After gathering all my inspiration, I was sure this was the variation I would decide on. I liked the simplicity with a touch of decoration which can be seen in the designs below. And maybe playing more with my throws and styling the coffee table will eventually lead me back here, but in my home it felt a little empty. However, I like these, and maybe this will match your aesthetic better:
Clean, but still welcoming. gorgeous. It doesn’t take much effort, it doesn’t scream “styling lesson”, it simply exists and lives its life. Those are the best rooms, imho.
It’s a little more bulky, with four pillows in the corner, but I still like it. The striped sofa is a perfect balance to the solid-colored pillows (and apple, clutch).
This is the level of sobriety I aspire to.
And in my house…no. My pillows look quite small, so larger sizes would definitely help here. And I shot it in a wider angle because I couldn’t back up too much and wanted to take the entire sofa in, which makes the focal point look even smaller, but still. This isn’t really working for me.
Corner Sectional Option #4: “Ignore the Corner” Approach
At the exact opposite end of the pillow styling spectrum to the previous all-in-the-corner technique is avoiding placing anything in there. Skip the corner pillow altogether. It’s honestly not bad, but as much as I joke about my irritation about the need to cover that corner at all costs, I understand why someone might feel like there’s something missing.
Hmm, although the more I stare at it, the more…like?!?
Corner Sectional Option #5: “Ignore One Side” Method
I am a girl who lives in adversity. You can’t see or realize my home in its current state, but listen…I understand. It creates tension, intrigue and interest. So let’s see how this is applied to pillow styling.
Once I got over my jealousy of this adorable plaid fabric sofa, I could appreciate the subtlety of two pillows in the corner of one arm and one cozy pillow of the same design on one arm. nothing more nothing less. Let’s try this:
Personally, I like it better than the photos. Maybe because of the angle I was standing at, or maybe because it looks a little heavy on the left and center. Removing a total of two pillows may help with this. Or maybe not.
Corner Sectional Option #6: Skip All the Corners, Focus on the Centers
Struggling with corners? Just don’t focus on them at all! I saw this styling technique on a product image from Crate & Barrel (above) and thought it might be interesting.
It was not. At least not for me. But it can definitely work for someone! I think it’s something worth at least playing with and testing.
Corner Sectional Option #7: The Tidy Bolster Bash
And finally, let’s throw the baby out with the bathwater right here and do something completely different.
I was mesmerized by the above photo of Lulu and Georgia. Those little bolsters look very posh, very delicate, very neat. Like there was never a single piece left on the kitchen floor of this house. Oh, what aspirations.
This… is interesting. I put a circle in the corner because I couldn’t make the bolster look good against the far pillow, but it’s definitely a look. I could already hear my husband, “How can I ever be comfortable with one of these bar things?” Fair point, of course. Maybe this environment is better suited to a more formal seating area that no one really uses, and instead may just be nice to look at.
Just because some of these didn’t work for me doesn’t mean they can’t work for you! Give them a try and see what you gravitate towards. This is the only way to really find out what is ideal for your unique space and setup.
Let’s go shopping: “Special” pillow picks: bolsters, balls and knots
Remember how I said earlier that the shaped pillow was important to make the corner sectional look shiny, not unsightly? Well, if you are also missing something then I have got something to share here.
1. Acton Pillow Midnight 15″ x 15″ | 2. Sphere Pillow – Finley | 3. plaid bolster pillow | 4. dewy velvet pillow | 5. Betty Tapenade Yellow Velvet Round Throw Pillow 16″ | 6. Ted Baker Diamond Printed Velvet Bolster Pillow
7. Terre Olive Green Velvet Sphere Throw Pillow 12″ | 8. Emma Chamberlain Apple Pillow | 9. Viveka Round Pillow | 10. plush seashell throw pillow | 11. Nova 12×23 Demilune Velvet Pillow
13. Rydell Indoor/ Outdoor Bolster Pillow | 14. corindi pillow | 15. Rosie Pillow Green 16″ x 16″ | 16. Pierce and Ward Round Stripe Pillow | 17. Green Velvet Pear Shaped Throw Pillow | 18. Damask Monkey Bolster Pillow
19. Velvet Clover Pillow | 20. Mini Flowers – Clay Pots | 21. Round Blue and Green Tufted Bow Indoor Outdoor Throw Pillow | 22. Emma Chamberlain Corduroy Button Pillow | 23. Studio 773 Lifestyle Velvet Pyramid Decorative Pillow Cover and Insert | 24. solid throw pillow
I’m seriously keeping an eye on either one soft blue tufted pillow Or sky blue round pillowAlthough Emma Chamberlain Button Pillow Also attractive (here it looks white, but it’s a very light blue). Mixed with some fresh pillow covers in a few sizes, and I think I’ll be in business.
Until next time, friends…
Opening Image Credit: By Design & Styling Brady Tolbert and Emily Henderson photo by sarah ligoria-trump | From: Get a Modern and Organic Living Room Makeover + Look
