Pillows pack a punch in rainbow of colors, patterns

Whether square, round or oblong, pillows do more than cushion your head or provide extra support for your back.

Today, more than ever, pillows are a major element in your home’s décor.

“We usually think of pillows as functional items that are used for sleeping or propping up your head on the sofa. Accents pillows are actually decorative jewelry for your home. Pillows add just the right pop of color, pattern or holiday festivity to an otherwise boring sofa, chair or bed,” said LouAnn Sanoff of LMS Design Group in the Las Vegas Design Center.

“Pillows are the jewels of décor,” agreed Diana Tennyson Nielsen, showroom manager for Liora Manne in the Las Vegas Design Center. “Pop a set of new pillows on your sofa and you change the look and the vibe of your room.”

Because accent pillows cost considerably less than a piece of upholstered furniture and are easier to use than paint, they are frequently used to bring in a new color or theme to a room, the designers said. Choose a neutral base and bring in your color with the pillows.

“Pillows are a great way to add a color that you love to your room without changing the paint or the upholstery,” Sanoff said.

Accent pillows were highlighted this summer during the First Look seminar at the World Market Center Las Vegas.

Seminar co-presenter Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media and a home trends spotter said modern accent pillows are noted for their strong patterns and colors.

She said she has noticed numerous shades of purple being introduced through decorative accents such as pillows.

Emily Henderson, her co-presenter, agreed and said she felt that was a good way to introduce the color to the home.

“Purple is a hard sell to clients, but I feel they will change their minds in the next few years,” said Henderson, star of HGTV’s “Secrets From a Stylist” and winner of “Design Star.” “Purple needs to be combined with other colors so it’s not so ’80s or babyish.”

In addition to introducing new colors, accent pillows are ideal for giving your room a makeover for each season or add some holiday spirit.

“Changing accent pillows for different seasons and holidays is an inexpensive, quick makeover for any room,” Sanoff said. “Changing pillows a few times a year won’t break the bank and will keep your home feeling new and refreshed.”

When shopping for an accent pillow, Nielsen said to look for quality and comfort as well as style and color.

It’s also important to remember your lifestyle, if you have children or pets, and purchase pillows that fit the size and scale of your furniture.

“Accent pillows are made in a multitude of colors, patterns, sizes and shapes. The most typical size for a sofa is 20 by 20 inches, but there are no rules as far as size or shape so it’s really up to what you prefer,” Sanoff said.

She said ready-made accent pillows can be found in most discount and department stores or can be obtained through your interior designer.

“Options are limitless as far as style and, if you are handy, can be made at home. With all of the fabulous new fabric patterns and trimmings you can let your imagination go crazy,” Sanoff said. “Pick patterns that catch your eye and always step out of the box a little! You can always return them.”

In addition to being good accents for upholstered furniture, Nielsen said larger pillows can be used on the floor.