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Our 5-Step Formula for Styling Pillows on an L-Shaped Sofa

I’m sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa.

Styling a weighted blanket on the sofa | I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
velvet pillow | lumbar | ivory pillow | weighted throw

We’ve had our Article sectional for several years now, and it’s been the BEST addition to our small living room. Remember, a small living space doesn’t mean filling it with small things; rather, fill it intentionally with items that work seamlessly into your stage of life. In our case, an L-shaped sofa gave us maximum seating for us and company, but the clean lines kept it from feeling cramped. Note: The Gaba is no longer available through Article, but the Beta is near identical.

When it comes to styling the sofa, I prefer simple and inviting. I don’t want our guests to move a pillow just to sit down! I definitely have a method with how I style the pillows and throws on our sectional, but I didn’t realize how formulaic is was until I received this question from a reader:

Hi, Kim! Can you teach us how you style pillows on a large L or U-shaped sofa? Thanks! Allie

Today, I’m breaking down the step-by-step for how I style our L-shaped sectional! I consider our pillow style to be minimal and relaxed. (You won’t find me karate-chopping pillows!) And keep reading for tips on pillow inserts and what to ask a sales associate the next time you shop in store.

1| Fluff your empty sofa

Start with a clean sofa by running over it with a handheld vacuum and fluffing up the cushions. About once a month, I’ll also unzip the cushions and make sure the fill is reaching into all four corners of each back and seat cushion.

I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home

2| Anchor the corners

I take the largest square pillows – typically 20-22″ – and put them in each corner. I personally prefer that these pillows are tone-on-tone with the sofa, since they act as an anchor and added oomph.

I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
velvet pillow | ivory pillow

3| Cover cushion cracks

Next, add color and dimension to the back cushions by placing a large or medium pillows – 18″-22″ – over the cushion cracks. This gives people a place to sit on the cushion themselves, rather than having to toss a pillow to the side before taking a seat.

I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
blue pillow | raisin pillow

4| Add lumbars + accents

From here, I’ll add accents with textured and smaller pillows. These inexpensive faux fur pillows are household favorites – Lucy and I like to cuddle up with them! – and they add a touch of soft texture. (They wash beautifully, too!) I like to nuzzle the accent pillows against the crack-fillers, haha. As you can see, I prefer a cozy, slouchy look with most of the seat cushions visible. Sometimes I’ll give the pillows a soft punch in the center to loosen them up!

I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
faux fur pillow | lumbar

5| Add a statement throw

Finally, toss on a statement throw! We use and love this Bearaby weighted blanket. It’s perfect for a night of movies or afternoon napping! Because it’s weighted, it stays put and keeps its relaxed, styled shape when not in use.

I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
weighted throw

A Few Additional Tips

  • Save money on store bought inserts and buy the cases only for seasonal rotation. Even big brands such as Crate & Barrel, CB2, and West Elm will sell you the cover separate from the insert if you simply ask!
  • If you do need inserts, down alternative will give you the fluffiest, casual shape. In my opinion, they’re also the best for cozying up to.
  • IKEA has great down inserts (if allergies aren’t an issue), or these down alternative inserts come in sets of two at a great price
Close up of corner pillows on sectional | I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home
raisin pillow | lumbar | ivory pillow | weighted throw

Our Sofa Style

Pillow round up | I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home

1. raisin velvet pillow | 2. ivory Polly pillow | 3. lumbar Onofre pillow | 4. cream velvet | 5. faux fur (set of 2 covers) | 6. blue Palomar pillow 7. weighted throw in Driftwood

Kim and Kitty relaxing with the sofa | I'm sharing my simple, inviting formula for styling pillows on an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, via Yellow Brick Home

PS: Our favorite places to shop for pet-friendly throw pillows.

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  • Vera11.17.21 - 5:06 AM

    This is SO helpful. Thank you Kim!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Laila11.17.21 - 10:41 AM

    Agree!  I think I’ve been doing it wrong!  Didn’t even think to cover the cracks :)ReplyCancel

  • Julie11.17.21 - 12:47 PM

    That blanket! I’m putting it on my Christmas list. I don’t want to give away my relaxed styling secrets, but I take all the pillows that my kids have moved to the floors, and throw them from across the room and they land perfectly on the couch in the most natural way.  LOLZ!ReplyCancel

  • Hanneke11.17.21 - 8:54 PM

    Thank you for this. I love not having to move a pillow to sit— That’s why I’d just been placing pillows at the corners, but we’ll try out covering the cracks. How do you style the regular 3-seater sofa that sits across from it… same, same just imagine it without the extension (ie. just without the throw)?ReplyCancel

  • Eysan Demir11.18.21 - 2:14 AM

    Really simple tricks for your L sofa. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Vickie11.18.21 - 5:15 AM

    Fabric stores sell pillow inserts. And fabric stores (like JoAnns) have major sales and coupons regularly. 
    I also buy $5 bed pillows at Target (end cap) and shake the stuffing down to make them square for certain sizes. ReplyCancel

  • Rebecca11.18.21 - 8:30 PM

    Great tips! How is the weighted blanket holding up? I would love one but worry about pilling and pulls – especially from a large dog that loves to cuddle on the couch. 
    A tip for inserts: places like TJ Max and Tuesday Morning sell standard sized pillows cheap that often have ugly covers but great inserts. Sometimes down if that’s what you are looking for. I’ve found there prices usually cheaper than an inset at a fabric store. Just replace the cover!ReplyCancel

    • Kim11.19.21 - 9:02 AM

      The weighted blanket only looks like chunky knit, but up close it’s a cotton fabric that doesn’t pill! It’s pretty incredible.ReplyCancel

  • angiehomes11.23.21 - 5:39 AM

    very informative, 
    thanx for sharing this ReplyCancel

  • Krystal12.1.21 - 11:14 AM

    You always have the best styling tips!  What would your pillow game be for 2 same size sofas that are positioned in an L shape ( table in the corner )?  Would you put the same pillow in each corner ( so 4 pillows ) then follow the above steps?  ReplyCancel

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