It's All About the Accent Pillows: A Home Décor Essential

Accent pillows have decorated spaces for longer than you think, starting over 9,000 years ago in Mesopotamia where stone cushions supported the neck of the wealthy during sleep. Soft pillows first appeared in home décor during ancient Greece and Rome, and indicated the home’s high status.

In the Victorian era, pillows became more universal and ornate versions — with lace, tassels, embroidery and rich textiles — and decorated parlors and sitting rooms. Eventually such cushions became a household item commonly scattered throughout the home in a variety of materials and and styles.

“Its usage typically depends on the type of house and aesthetic the owners want,” said Brian Curran, an interior design and architect and owner of Drafting Services. “Typically, accent pillows are used on sofas in living rooms as a way to brighten up the space and make it more quirky — you can use different shapes, sizes and textures to achieve this purpose.” 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Elfin View

Decorating With Accent Pillows

“Modern decorative accent pillows can soften and fill up the hardness of a space right away,” said Chris Langley, an interior designer and the director at Heritage Windows. “Mix and match by complementing or contrasting them with the furniture color scheme to achieve the desired look and feel and get a characteristic and personal expression.”

Trends tend to dictate the number of pillows an area contains, according to interior designer Barbara Glass, who said, “Cleaner spaces tend to have less clutter and less pillows. Maximilist spaces=more pillows.”

Michaelle Barbor, owner of Elfin View, a sustainable home decor store, suggested trying the following techniques:

Play with Sizes: Mix large and small pillows to create visual interest.

Mix Patterns and Textures: Use different patterns and textures, like velvet or embroidery, to add depth.

Group in Odd Numbers: Arrange pillows in groups of three or five for a balanced look.

Seasonal Changes: Swap pillow covers to match the seasons and refresh your space.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Elfin View

How to Clean Your Accent Pillows

An every day light dusting keeps your pillows free of dust and other particles. You can use a clean rag or duster and lightly tap the material to dislodge any particles. You can also try a vacuum to remove any build-up. A lint roller is also handy to help gather any surface dust.

When washing pillows, always pay attention to care instructions. Most have removable covers that you can clean. Some pillows need hand washing while others should always visit the dry cleaner. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to remove any spots or stains, then air dry.

Jessica Wilson, editor and co-founder of InYouths LED Mirrors, also recommended regularly fluffing cushions and airing them out to maintain their shape and freshness.

Outdoor cushions, subject to mildew, sometimes need more TLC. Langley offers an easy way get them clean:

1. Brush off any loose mildew with a soft brush.

2. Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach, 1 cup mild detergent, and 1 gallon of water.

3. Apply the solution to the affected areas with a spray bottle and let it sit for 15 minutes.

4. Scrub the areas with a soft brush.

5. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the pillows to dry completely in the sun.

Photo credit: By Emily Minton Redfield, Courtesy of Barbara Glass Inc.

Store Your Pillows in Ventilated Spaces

Pillows need to breathe. Ideally the storage space should have ventilation holes to allow air circulation, even if you are using plastic bins. “This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew,” explained Curran. “Breathable containers, like fabric bins or wicker baskets, are also great options for storing pillows.”

Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors suggested the following tips for putting pillows into storage:

Ensure cushions are clean and dry.

Use vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage.

Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.

Cover with breathable fabric if the cushion fabric is delicate and may pressure mark such as velvet.

Photo credit: Chris Langley/Just Value Doors

Choosing Indoor vs. Outdoor Pillows

“When buying pillows for different places, think about the materials and the requirements for durability,” said Langley. “Indoor pillows typically are crafted with softer fabrics such as velvet, silk, or cotton and serve to make a room more comfortable and pleasant. Pillows for outdoor use must be made of weather-safe materials such as polyester or acrylic, with the ability to resist sun exposure, moisture and mildew.”

It is important to choose cushions that are UV-resistant and water-repellent for outdoor use to ensure your pillows last more than a season.

Barbor offered a few rules for choosing pillows:

Location Matters: Use outdoor pillows for fully exposed areas. Indoor pillows can work in covered spaces.

Material Choice Is Important in the Outdoors: Outdoor pillows are water-repellent and fade-resistant. Indoor pillows offer more style options.

Look for Durability for Outside Locations: Outdoor pillows are more durable for high-traffic areas.

You know where accent pillows look great? Everywhere! Try them on your porch, in your backyard and, even, on your glamping campsite.

Feature photo: By Emily Minton Redfield, Courtesy of Barbara Glass Inc.