Pillow Size and Layering Guide for Sofas

Not sure what size pillows would look best on your sofa?  Follow our no-fail guide below. 

REGULAR SOFAS

Regular sofas measure between 72-89 inches wide. 

The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 20x20 and 22x22 
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11" - 14" height  x  19" - 20" width

Pyne Hollyhock and Channels pillows size

20x20

living room of Maria Vizuete

22x22

living room designed by Jana Bek Design

Left: Pale Pink with Greek Key pillow size

Right: Magenta Velvet 14x20 lumbar and Conga Line Blue in 20x20
living room of Mackenzie Horan

QUANTITY AND LAYERING

One to three layers of pillows works best on regular sized sofas.  One layer will give you a clean no-fuss look, while three layers will allow you to mix textures, colors and patterns and give you a cozier feel. Use the largest size to anchor the ends and layer any smaller pillows in front.  

The

One

Layer Option - If you go with a single layer, make it count. Choose a large size and a high-impact style that will add color and/or pattern. 

• single layer: two 22" squares 

The Two Layer Option - Have some fun mixing two different textures, colors or patterns. 

• Layer #1: two 22" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 20" square pillows or one lumbar pillow

The Three Layer Option - Try a mix of solids, a small scale pattern and a large scale pattern.

• Layer #1: two 22" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 20" square pillows

• Layer #3: one 20" square pillows or one lumbar pillow
  
  
  

SMALL SOFAS / LOVESEATS / SETTEES

Small sofas measure less than 72 inches wide.

The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 17" square - 20" square
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 10" - 13" height  x  17" - 19" width

La Fiorentina Grey & Ivory pillows size

18x18

interior design by ShopHouse

Leopard Velvet pillows size

20x20 

interior design by Ash Street Interiors 

QUANTITY AND LAYERING

Sticking to one to two layers of pillows works best on smaller sized sofas.  

The One Layer Option

• single layer: two 20" square pillows

The Two Layer Option

• Layer #1: two 20" or 17" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 17" square pillows or one lumbar pillow

 

LONG/DEEP SOFAS

Deep sofas have a seat depth of 26 inches or greater.

Long sofas measure 90 inches wide or greater. 

The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 20" - 24"
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 13" - 15" height  x  20" - 26" width

interior design by Shannon Smith

Right: Les Touches Blue pillow size

 

24x24 

interior design by Melody Gangi

QUANTITY AND LAYERING

With long and deep sofas, you can do up to four layers of pillows. Of course, if you're more of a minimalist, you can also keep it simple and opt for one layer.    

The One Layer Option 

• single layer: two 22" square pillows (or two 24" squares if it's really deep and has a high back)

The Two Layer Option 

• Layer #1: two 22" or 24" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 22" square pillows or one lumbar pillow

The Three Layer Option

• Layer #1: two 22" or 24" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 20" or 22" square pillows

• Layer #3: one lumbar pillow

The Four Layer Option 

• Layer #1: two 24" square pillows

• Layer #2: two 22" square pillows

• Layer #3: two 22" or 20" square pillows

• Layer #4: one lumbar pillow

SECTIONALS

The Best Square Pillow Sizes: 18" - 22"
The Best Lumbar Pillow Sizes: 11" - 15" height  x  19" - 22" width

 

interior design by Maggie Stephens Interiors

22x22 and 20x20 pillows on each corner + a lumbar in middle on this sectional with a higher back

interior design by Kris Jarrett 

QUANTITY AND LAYERING

   

The One Layer Option 

• single layer: a 22" square pillow on each corner

The Two Layer Option 

• Layer #1: a 22" square pillow on each corner

• Layer #2: a 20" square pillow on each corner

The Three Layer Option

• Layer #1: a 22" square pillow on each corner 

• Layer #2: a 20" square pillow on each corner

• Layer #3: a 20" square pillow on each corner or an 18x18 on each end and a lumbar in the middle

 

LOW BACK SOFAS

If you have a low back sofa, add 5" to the inside height to calculate the largest optimal pillow size. 

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About a year ago, I wrote this post all about sizing pillows for your bedroom. I thought I could continue the pillow-talk series because let’s be honest, pillows are just enthralling to talk about.

I admittedly have a lot to learn about pillows, so I thought I could include the thoughts and guidance of a pillow expert – Hollie of StuckOnHue– who makes absolutely stunning custom designer pillows. I recently used one of her pillows, Cowtan and Tout Rajah, in our bedroom refresh and I am blown away by the quality of her work and attention to detail. I’m excited to be partnering with her on this series and sharing some of her guidance and expertise.

I took to the ‘gram to ask you your questions about pillows and received quite a bit of responses. Unfortunately today we won’t be talking about the challenging relationship between husbands and throw pillows, like a few of you asked about. Some included:

• “how do I get my husband not to mash them to hell when he naps on the couch”
• “why doesn’t my husband understand these are not for sleeping”
• “how to tell my husband they aren’t supposed to be thrown”

But the rest of the questions that were asked will be topics for upcoming blog posts. How to mix patterns, what pillows inserts to choose, etc. 

THROW PILLOW TIPS & CONSIDERATIONS:

• It’s better to err on the size of pillows that are too big rather than too small. My go-to pillows for a standard sofa is 4 pillows: two 22×22 and two 20×20

• Hollie says that 20×20 is a good basic size that can work in most scenarios. It’s not always the ideal size, but it can always be made to work, unless your room or sofa is super large-scale. So, if in doubt, 20×20 is a good standby. 
• Hollie suggests considering your tolerance (or your significant others tolerance) for moving pillows before sitting down. A sofa in a formal living room that is rarely used could handle more pillows. A sofa that gets a lot of use should not require moving a few pillows just to sit down. Depth of the sofa is a factor in how many pillows can stay vs. being in the way. 

• If your sofa/chair/bed is large-scale, or if your room has high ceilings, your pillows should be larger-scale as well