not-square pillows (and how to style them!)

pillow styles and shapes for every space.

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pillow shapes blue lumbar on all white bedding
Photography by TIM WILLIAMS VIA DOMINO

Looking to give your sofa or bed a little oomph with new pillows? Step outside the box and buy something…well, not square! Whether you fancy a lumbar or a bolster, a neckroll or an organic-shaped throw, we’ve got the tricks to ensure you style and layer your pillows to perfection.

pillow shapes pink and white polka dot neckroll
Photography by FERM LIVING

the neckroll

Structured and sophisticated, a neckroll pillow is the perfect way to anchor two sides of a sofa.

Tucked on either end of a structured or tufted sofa, two printed neckrolls add a bit of charm to your living space.

pillow shapes les touches sofa with matching neckroll
Photography by PATRICK CLINE VIA DOMINO

When a neckroll is upholstered in the same fabric as the sofa, you create a chic pattern-on-pattern look that’s both put-together and classic.

pillow shapes pemberley rose heart neckroll
Photography by PEMBERLEY ROSE

the bolster

A bolster, usually pulled tight on each end with drawstrings, is an easy way to create a focal point on your bed.

pillow shapes blue and white cheetah bolster
Photography by DOMINO

Small and centered on a neutral bed, this soft cheetah print bolster plays off the pattern on the zebra-striped headboard.

pillow shapes green and white ikat bolster
Photography by LAURA RESEN VIA DOMINO

If you’ve got beautifully monogrammed Euro shams, why cover them up? To add another layer of pillows without hiding your bespoke bedding, add a large printed bolster that spans the entire bed.

pillow shapes blue velvet bolster on twin bed
Photography by HEATHER TALBERT VIA DOMINO

For a neat but playful look, place a velvet bolster in front of standard shams on a twin bed.

pillow shapes pink watercolor lumbar
Photography by BUNGLO BY SHAY SPANIOLA

the lumbar

This rectangular-shaped pillow, most commonly available in 14″x26″ or 16″x20″, is possibly the most versatile style in your not-square repertoire.

pillow shapes agate lumbar in cheetah chair
Photography by MELANIE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY VIA DOMINO

Style a small agate-print lumbar on an animal print statement chair for eye-catching detail tucked in a corner.

pillow shapes ivory and white printed lumbar
Photography by ERIN FETHERSTON X FRAGMENTS

A printed yet neutral lumbar can be styled on a sofa or bed.

pillow shapes beige and black stripe lumbar on monogram bed
Photography by JOY SOHN VIA DOMINO

Toss a neutral-print lumbar in front of two monogrammed Euro shams for a touch of preppy pattern.

pillow shapes pink and white two tone lumbar
Photography by FROG HILL DESIGNS

Color blocked in pink and white, this lumbar from Frog Hill Designs makes a graphic statement.

pillow shapes pink tassel lumbar on blue and white bed
Photography by NATASHA HABERMANN VIA DOMINO

Styled with blue and white chevron and palm print, the pop of pink creates a fun focal point.

pillow shapes navy silk lumbar serena and lily
Photography by SERENA & LILY

A navy silk lumbar mixes well with others. The subtle polka dot design adds a touch of pattern to a collection of throw pillows.

pillow shapes orange sofa with pillows
Photography by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE VIA DOMINO

Mix a darker lumbar with several square (and not square!) pillows on your sofa. By mixing in rectangular shapes, it keeps your sofa grounded.

pillow shapes blue and white otomi lumbar
Photography by FROG HILL DESIGNS

A graphic blue and white Otomi lumbar is an ideal pillow to center on a bed or sofa. This one comes in five colorways!

pillow shapes blue and white ikat pillow on light blue sofa
Photography by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE VIA DOMINO

A lumbar in an Ikat or

Otomi print

is the perfect statement pillow to center on a sofa. With bold patterns like this one, it’s best to not clutter your sofa with too many throws. Two square pillows create balance on either side of the lumbar.

pillow shapes white standard sham linen
Photography by LOOM DECOR

the standard sham

A crisp white standard sham is the key to keeping your bedding simple but fresh.

pillow shapes white stacked standard shams in front of black stripe pillows
Photography by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE VIA DOMINO

Stack white standard shams for an effortlessly chic and non-fussy look.

pillow shapes pink dot standard shams
Photography by EASTERN ACCENTS

Bold color and pattern isn’t reserved for throw pillows alone! Try a bright and printed standard sham to give your bed a little pop.

pillow shapes pink dot sheets and standard shams
Photography by DOMINO

On sheets and matching standard shams, this small-scaled pattern creates fun and subtle contrast with the other patterns at play in this cozy bedroom.

pillow shapes beige and black stripe standard sham
Photography by EASTERN ACCENTS

A standard sham with a thick black border is just what your master bedroom’s been looking for.

pillow shapes black bedroom with faux fur throw and white pillows
Photography by TAMARA MAGEL VIA DOMINO

Prop the pair at the head of the bed and toss a faux fur blanket at the foot for a glamorous and easy update.

pillow shapes turkish t blue stripe boudoir
Photography by TURKISH T

the boudoir

They may be tiny, but a stylish, sweet boudoir pillow can add the finishing touch to your bedding.

pillow shapes bed with pink and blue pillows
Photography by AMY NEUNSINGER VIA DOMINO

A sweet embroidered boudoir brightens up this muted blue and pink bedding.

pillow shapes white and black leopard print pillow
Photography by LOOM DECOR

There’s just something about this mini pillow in chic leopard print that has us smiling.

pillow shapes blue tufted headboard with white bedding
Photography by PAUL COSTELLO VIA DOMINO

Toss one on all white monogrammed bedding for a touch of animal print.

pillow shapes black and yellow circular cushion
Photography by FERM LIVING

the circular throw

A circular cushion adds an unexpected element to any cozy corner.

pillow shapes orange circular pillow on brown chair
Photography by LAURA RESEN VIA DOMINO

Place a circular pillow in one of two matching chairs for subtle and stylish asymmetry.

pillow shapes white twin bed with circular pillow and red art
Photography by MOLLY WINTERS VIA DOMINO

Prop a spotted cushion on a neutral covered twin bed for a crisp, contemporary feel.