of style.
• Knife. Named for the skinny edges that resemble knife edges, these are the most common throw pillows and work with every style of decor—from super formal to super casual. What I love about them is that they come in several different standardized sizes that you can choose from according to where you’re using the pillow. More importantly, they come in every fabric under the sun and range from simple solid colors to totally off-the-wall patterns. Mix and match these pillows on a couch, or use one really vibrant one to accent an easy chair.
Knife
• Floor. Also called floor cushions, these are throw pillows for casual sitting (or lying). Many are like oversized knife pillows, available in the same variety of fabrics and looks. However, many floor pillows are unique designs—such as cubes that attach to one another with magnetic fasteners —that can make watching TV, having a small party or just lounging a fun and supremely comfy experience. No matter what style you choose, you should have the floor space to accommodate the pillows and still leave pathways for foot traffic through the room. The style and lounge-ability of floor pillows is a casual look that is not appropriate for formal, period style, or traditional rooms. In a family room, a contemporary interior, or even a modern decor, floor pillows can be an interesting and relaxing way to add seating and accents with one bold stroke.
Floor
• Box. These pillows look like furniture cushions; rather than the closed edge of a knife pillow, they have wide edges, usually with piping. You’ll find box pillows in a more limited range of fabrics and designs than other pillow styles because box pillows are not as popular. They are a distinctive style that is best suited for more formal couches and chairs. The squared-off look just doesn’t complement a wide range of furniture. More often, larger versions are used as floor cushions.
Box
• Bolster. Another classic, bolster pillows look like a sausage with both ends cut off. They add variation in shape, along with the same selection of fabrics and designs you’d find among knife pillows. Bolsters are used everywhere, but they tend to look their best when paired with furniture