Accent Pillows to Complement a Brown Couch

A brown couch can be a warm, inviting staple in any living room. But on its own, it can also feel a bit flat and boring. The solution? Accent pillows! Adding a variety of colorful, patterned accent pillows is an easy and affordable way to give a brown couch a fresh new look. The right accent pillows can add pops of color, texture, and personality that complement the brown hue.

We'll cover color and pattern options, pillow sizes and arrangements, and where to find stylish accent pillows to complete your brown couch's transformation.

Choosing Accent Pillows to Complement Brown

When selecting accent pillows for a brown couch, you'll want options that both contrast and coordinate with the brown hue. Here are some tips for choosing pillows that will look fantastic:

• Look for accent pillows in colors like light blue, olive green, terra cotta, or rusty red. These earthy tones will complement brown beautifully.
• Don't be afraid to use bold prints and vibrant solids to add pops of contrasting color.
• Incorporate different pillow sizes and shapes for visual interest.
• Mix and match pillows with varying textures like velvet or linen for depth.
• Add metallic touches like gold or silver accents for a glamorous look.

Beyond color and pattern, you'll also want to consider size and quantity. Here are some tips:

• For a regular 3-cushion couch, 5-6 midsize throw pillows (20"-22") tend to work well.
• Flank the arms with slightly larger pillows (22"-24") for more drama.
• Scatter in some smaller accent pillows (12"-18") for variety.
• If your couch is a loveseat or on the smaller side, stick to 2-4 pillows total.

Don't overlook the importance of properly proportioned pillows. Accent pillows that are too small can look undersized and get lost, while oversized pillows can overwhelm the couch. Measure your couch and opt for pillows that complement its scale.

Choosing a Color Palette

When selecting accent pillow colors, you'll want a coordinated palette that complements the brown couch. Here are some tips for choosing colors:

• Pick one color as your accent color and repeat it in 2-3 pillows for cohesion.
• Go for varied shades and depths of your accent color for interest.
• Incorporate analogous colors like analogous blues, greens, and violets.
• Contrasting pops of secondary colors like orange, yellow or pink also livens up brown.
• Stick to 3-5 colors in your palette for a pulled together look.

Aim for a balance of colors--too many disparate colors can look chaotic. Anchor your palette with plenty of brown couch peeking through.

Pattern and Texture Considerations

Patterns and texture add crucial visual interest to accent pillows. Follow these guidelines when selecting patterns:

• Scale patterns proportionately to pillow size. Small pillows suit small scale patterns.
• Limit patterns--too many busy patterns compete. Start with 3 patterned pillows.
• Vary pattern scale from small florals to large geometrics for contrast.
• Solid textured pillows balance busy patterns. Velvet, chenille and embroidered pillows work well.

Feel free to layer a range of patterns, from modern geometrics to traditional florals. Just be sure to balance them with solids.

Creative Accent Pillow Options

Ready to start choosing fun, fabulous accent pillows? Here are some specific styles and options that will look amazing paired with a brown couch:

Bold Prints and Patterns

Vibrant prints and graphic patterns are a great way to inject color, energy and personality into a brown couch. Try boho-chic paisley prints, exotic ikat patterns or floral designs featuring complementary colors like olive green, rich blues and terra cotta. Abstract and geometric prints can also add striking contrast.

Colorful Solids

Solid pillows in bright, saturated hues work perfectly to punctuate a brown couch. Try citrine yellow, cobalt or teal blue, magenta pink and vivid emerald greens. Not only do these colors pop beautifully against brown, they also complement the earthy undertones.

Different Shapes and Sizes

Mix up your accent pillow selection with different shapes, sizes and dimensions. Round floor cushions, extra large lumbar pillows, petite square throws and long rectangular bolsters all add visual interest to anchor your seating arrangement.

Metallic Touches

For a touch of sophistication and glamour, incorporate metallic accents into your accent pillow palette. Pillows featuring gold or silver embroidery, sequins, beads or metallic geometric patterns really stand out and add sheen.

Cozy Chenille and Velvet

The luxuriously soft and tactile textures of chenille and velvet accent pillows offset the firmer leather or fabric of many couches. Their cozy, inviting feel makes them perfect for nestling into on movie nights.

Fuzzy Faux Fur

For serious texture and coziness, faux fur throw pillows are a fun stylish choice for a brown couch. Sheepskin-style fur pillows in ivory, brown and gray complement the brown couch beautifully.

Finding the Perfect Accent Pillows

Now that you know what to look for, here are some great places to shop for accent pillows to complete your brown couch:

Online Retailers

Major online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, Amazon and Etsy offer a vast array of throw pillow options at every price point. You'll find unique designer pillows along with more budget-friendly mass-produced options. Watch for sales around major holidays for deals on accent pillows.

Home Goods Stores

Check stores like HomeGoods, TJMaxx and Marshall's for an eclectic, constantly changing selection of quality accent pillows at reasonable prices. Their stock rotates frequently so keep an eye out for new gem pillows.

Boutiques and Specialty Shops

Local home furnishing boutiques and specialty shops often carry beautiful, one-of-a-kind, artisanal accent pillows that make a statement. While pricier, they can be worth it for their originality and craftsmanship.

Making Your Own

For complete customization, try sewing your own accent pillows. Purchase pillow forms in your ideal sizes and make pillow covers out of your favorite fabrics, trims and embellishments. YouTube tutorials can guide you through the process.

Once you've gathered your accent pillows for your brown couch, use these tips to artfully arrange them:

• Fluff and adjust pillows frequently so they look lush and full.
• Aim for an inviting, asymmetric arrangement for visual interest.
• Balance colors, patterns and textures as you place pillows.
• Allow some pillows to lean against armrests for a relaxed vibe.
• Incorporate other accessories like throws, tray tables and ottomans to tie the look together.