Pillows, Poufs, Throws

Keep It Cozy: Unique Pillows, Throw Blankets and Poufs

Snuggle in style with unique pillows and blankets. Does the living room need to feel a little more lived in? Bring in soft textiles for an inviting vibe. If you have a sofa with black, grey or white upholstery, use it as a blank canvas for unexpected decorative pillows. If you veer on the wild side, consider animal print pillow covers—cheetah or tiger designs offer a powerful punch of contrast on the couch. Prefer natural motifs that are soothing instead? Go for florals or leaf prints. Use them in the springtime to welcome the season, or keep them out year-round to reminisce about warmer days. If abstract designs are more your thing, layer on a few different designs for an eclectic take: mixing prints is alright in our book. To keep it cohesive, make sure all the prints contain a unifying color scheme. For instance, a combo of black and white striped and chevron pillows delivers a monochrome effect, while a color block pairing brings in some brightness. Maybe your upholstered sofa or accent chair has a pattern already. If that's the case, pile on solid decorative pillows rather than printed ones. Just because they're one shade doesn't mean that can't be fun. Luxe materials and textures—think channel leather, crushed velvet, mohair or Mongolian sheepskin—capture the eye without stealing the spotlight. Best of all, you can take your pick between feather-down or hypoallergenic pillow inserts for any indoor cover (outdoor pillow covers have a poly fill).

Once you've decked out the living room or bedroom with the right decorative pillows, it's time to bring in the next layer: unique blankets. When choosing a style, you've got a few things to think about—are you looking for something to keep you cozy during long winters, or are you seeking a lightweight layer for the summer? If warmth is what you're after, find a throw blanket that locks heat in: shearling, sheepskin, wool or faux fur is sure to combat cool temps. Plus, the on-trend materials look lovely draping over the sectional's backrest or spilling out of a nearby basket. Rather have a breathable blanket for warmer days? Linen, cotton or alpaca yarn offers a cooler feel and contemporary aesthetic. The next factor to think about is the look. Like decorative pillows, unique throw blankets let you bring in texture or pattern. Opt for stripes or geometric prints to tie together your color scheme, or choose chunky knit blankets, fringed ones or tassels for a playful approach.

As the finishing touch for your living room, prop a unique pouf or two in front of your seating. Part footrest, part chair, the versatile furnishing flexes depending on your needs. Did your friends bring plus ones to your party? Arrange the poufs around the accent chairs, sectional or loveseat to make everyone comfortable. When you're catching up on binge-watching, use it to kick up your feet instead. Short on space for a coffee table? Set an ottoman tray on top of the pouf to keep snacks and drinks at the ready.