5 easy ways to style your couch

Looking for easy ways to style your couch? You’ve come to the right place. Your couch is one of the biggest pieces of furniture in your living room, so it deserves some stylish love and attention! Don’t just let your couch blend into the background.

Follow these 5 tips to make your couch a true centerpiece.

1. Layer throw pillows
2. Drape a cozy throw blanket
3. Incorporate poufs or ottomans
4. Style a tray on the coffee table
5. Hang art or mirrors above the couch

How to style your couch

1. Layer on the throw pillows

Throw pillows are the easiest and most affordable way to add color, pattern, and texture to your couch. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and designs for a curated, eclectic look. Opt for pillows with tassels, embroidery, or other fun details to give your couch extra personality.

When selecting throw pillows, aim for an odd number like 3, 5, or 7 to create a more visually appealing arrangement. Start with 2-3 larger squares or lumbar pillows, then layer in smaller accessories pillows on top. Choose pillows that complement your larger room color scheme and add pops of contrasting hues. Having too many matching pillows can look flat, so vary colors, patterns, and textures.

For example, you could start with a blue velvet lumbar pillow and a charcoal gray knit pillow, then mix in patterned pillows like a mudcloth print, a floral design, and a solid ochre yellow. Top it off with fun textural accents like a pillow with a pom-pom trim or one with embroidered details.

Don’t forget to fluff and karate chop those pillows regularly to keep them looking fresh and full of life! Rotate in new seasonal pillows a few times per year to give your space an easy refresh.

2. Drape a cozy throw blanket

In addition to pillows, a beautiful throw blanket casually draped over the arm or back of the couch adds coziness and visual interest. Choose a knit blanket in a chunky cable or herringbone pattern for a touch of hygge. Or go bold with a blanket in a vibrant shade like mustard yellow or emerald green.

Fold the blanket in thirds and let it spill over the arm of the couch, or leave it draped along the back of the couch for guests to snuggle up with. You can even toss the end of the blanket over a basket or ladder to add extra texture and dimension.

For cooler months, a faux fur or sherpa throw creates an ultra-plush, inviting vibe. Warmer weather calls for lighter options like cotton waffle weaves or crisp Persionlinen. No matter the season, a pretty blanket elevates the couch from drab to fab.

3. Incorporate floor poufs or ottomans

When you style your couch, don’t let the space in front of it go to waste! Place poufs, ottomans, or even a rustic ladder to create visual layers at different heights. You can use these pieces for extra seating or to prop up your feet.

Ottoman poufs and leather cubes provide both functionality and style. Look for poufs with fun patterns like moroccan tile prints or pom-pom details. Tuck a tray on top to hold books, plants, and other accents when not using it as a footrest.

For a rustic touch, place a vintage wooden ladder horizontally in front of the couch and top with cozy throw blankets or baskets. It creates a unique spot to drape a textile while adding height and character.

4. Style a tray on the coffee table

A tray on the coffee table corrals decor items and keeps things looking tidy. Arrange a stack of books, candles, small plants or figurines, and a decorative box on the tray. Be sure to leave negative space so it doesn’t look too cluttered.

When styling a tray, play with different heights, colors, and textures. Start by placing larger items like that stack of books on one end of the tray. Next, add in smaller sculptural elements like a bud vase or candlestick. Then, incorporate some greenery with a tiny succulent and finish it off with natural elements like geodes or woven accents.

You can also convert a wooden tray into a casual coffee table topper. Simply place it on top of your existing coffee table and create your styled vignette right on the tray surface.

5. Hang art or mirrors above the couch

Draw the eye upward by hanging art, mirrors, or a macrame wall hanging above the couch. Opt for an oversized piece or arrange a gallery wall of different frames and artwork. The vertical element gives the space height and ties the whole look together.

If you have a larger couch, go big and bold with a piece of oversized art or an ornate mirror. For a cohesive look, choose art that incorporates some of the colors from your couch or pillows. An abstract piece with pops of blues and grays would pair beautifully with blue velvet sofa, for instance.

For smaller scale couches, create a gallery wall by hanging an asymmetrical arrangement of framed art and mirrors in varying sizes. Stick to a consistent frame finish like all black or all white to keep it feeling curated. Leave around 3-6 inches between each frame, extending slightly beyond the width of your couch on each side.

Get creative by incorporating 3D art pieces like woven hanging baskets or fabric wall hangings into your gallery wall for extra boho texture and interest above your couch.

Bottom line: How to style your couch

With these simple tips, you can turn your basic couch into a stunning focal point! Get creative with textures, colors, and layers to give your living room that Pinterest-worthy styled look.

And don’t forget to have fun and let your personal style shine through in the details!

Want more home decor ideas?

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