Throw pillows are the easiest way to refresh your outdoor living room style, welcome a new season, or transform your teak sofa into a cozy sanctuary. However, achieving that effortless, "curated" look requires a bit of strategy. When choosing the right accents for your furniture, quality is paramount. The best outdoor fabric must endure the elements while remaining soft to the touch. From selecting the right performance materials to mastering the art of placement, here is how to decorate with pillows like a pro.
Mix Pillow Sizes and Shapes
For visual interest, avoid the monotony of using identical pillows. Designers recommend mixing shapes—squares, lumbars, and rounds—to create a layered look that feels organic and collected rather than rigid.
The key to styling is in the stacking. Place your largest square pillows (typically 20" or 22") at the back against the frame of the sofa. Then, layer a smaller square or a rectangular lumbar pillow in front. You can also use your largest pillows as "bookends" in the corners of a large outdoor sectional to create deep, inviting nooks for lounging.
How Many Throw Pillows Should I Use?
While there is no single rule, designers often rely on odd numbers to create visual balance. A typical outdoor sofa looks best with 3 to 5 pillows, while a larger sectional can handle anywhere from 5 to 9 depending on its size.
However, consider the architecture of your furniture. If you own a Sissonne Outdoor teak sofa with beautiful wood detailing or sculptural armrests, you might prefer a more minimalist approach to let the craftsmanship shine through. In that case, 2 or 3 well-placed pillows are plenty.
How to Choose the Right Fabric
When selecting outdoor pillows, durability is the top priority. Indoor pillows, no matter how beautiful, will fade and mildew within weeks outside. You need high-performing fabrics that can withstand UV rays and rain without losing their soft hand-feel.
At Sissonne Outdoor, we champion 100% solution-dyed acrylics, such as Sunbrella®. Unlike printed fabrics where the color sits on top, solution-dyed fibers have the pigment integrated into the core, making them fade-proof, stain-resistant, and machine-washable. Pairing these high-performance covers with a down-like polyfill insert ensures your outdoor space feels just as luxurious as your living room.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you arrange them, outdoor throw pillows are the finishing touch that softens the look of your patio and makes the space inviting. They are a low-risk way to experiment with color and texture, allowing you to show off your personal style while maximizing the comfort of your Sissonne Outdoor furniture.
