Get the best expert tips and tricks to style sofa throws! This is such a pretty, fresh way to add cozy color and style to a neutral sofa.
Much like my favorite pillow cover combinations, adding a sofa throw to your living room can instantly (and affordably) update the space. Change the look of the room for the season, or simply add a layer of texture and color to upgrade your sofa.
I adore my new Serena and Lily sofa in our cozy living room! But what I love even more is layering it with pretty pillows and sofa throws to switch things up.
It’s not as easy as it sounds though! I don’t want it to look messy, but I also don’t want it to look like I tried too hard. What a funny problem to have, right?
Today, we’re sharing all the cutest ways to style sofa throws over your couch and arm chairs, too.
Tips
- Color Coordination – Choose a throw that complements or contrasts nicely with your sofa and other decor.
- Texture – Add texture for visual interest! Try pairing a chunky knit throw against a smooth leather or linen sofa.
- Seasonal – I like to switch my throw seasonally to showcase changes in weather and decor.
- Practicality – I consider how often I will use the throw I’m styling. If it’s used frequently, a more casual drape is practical. For decorative purposes, a neatly folded style might be more impactful.
1. Classic Drape
- Steps: Simply drape the throw over the back of a chair or sofa, letting it hang down over the seat, effortlessly.
- Look: This creates a casual look and is perfect for a lived-in, comfortable look.
2. Casual Toss
- Steps: Toss the throw casually over the arm or back of the sofa. Allow some sections to fold over naturally. To achieve this look, pinch the center of your throw and let it fall naturally to showcase a pretty design or tasseled edges. (Similar to how you’d add tissue to a gift bag!)
- Look: This gives a lived-in, casual appearance and works well with cottage, farmhouse or modern coastal home decor. It’s beautiful over a connected chaise, too.
3. Fold Over the Arm
- Steps: Fold the throw neatly into thirds or quarters and drape it over one arm of a chair or sofa.
- Look: This creates a tidy, sophisticated look and is great for more formal or minimalist interiors. I tend to tuck the interior side of the throw down under the cushion for this look!
4. Symmetrical Fold
- Steps: Fold the throw lengthwise into thirds and then drape it over the back of the sofa or chair, centering it so that it hangs evenly over the back.
- Look: This style is perfect for a balanced, symmetrical look in a space that is open to another room. The back of my chairs are seen from our foyer, so I like to add a little interest!
5. Layered with Pillows
- Steps: Drape the throw over one corner of the sofa and then layer a few decorative pillows on top.
- Look: This adds depth and texture to your sofa setup, making it look intentionally styled, but still casual.
6. Diagonal Drape
- Steps: Drape the throw diagonally across the sofa, starting from one corner of a cushion to the opposite corner.
- Look: This creates a dynamic and eye-catching style, perfect for showcasing the throw’s pattern.
7. Hang from the Seat
- Steps: Fold the throw lengthwise and drape it over the back (or seat) of the sofa so that it hangs down to the seat towards onto the floor.
- Look: This adds a sense of luxury and comfort, making the sofa look inviting and cozy.
8. Over the Middle
- Steps: Fold the throw and drape it over the middle of the sofa, running from the back to the seat over or behind the cushion backs).
- Look: This is great for breaking up a large expanse of fabric (it works especially well with modular sofas and sectionals, to cover the seams).
9. In a Basket (or Hanging on a Ladder)
- Steps: Place a stylish basket on the floor next to the sofa and drape the throw casually over the side of the basket. Or, use a pretty blanket ladder to turn your sofa throws into instant art!
- Look: This adds a rustic or farmhouse charm and keeps the throw accessible.
10. On a Coffee Table or Bench
- Steps: Fold the throw into a square or rectangle and place it on a coffee table, ottoman or bench, just like coffee table books. Or, drape more casually across a corner of an ottoman!
- Look: This is ideal for smaller or more compact sofas to avoid clutter. It also works best with thin, delicate or detailed sofa throws.
Sources
Plaid Sofa Throw
As seen in our home!
Faux Cashmere Sofa Throw
Similar, for so much less!
Amazon Storefront
Follow my Amazon Storefront to find more holiday looks for less.
