Quick answer: Swap two or three pillow covers for new colors and textures and add one or two ceramic vases with fresh or dried stems; keep to a palette of two or three colors and mix sizes and textures for a room that feels fresh without a big makeover.
Small changes, big difference
You do not need a big makeover to make a room feel new. Pillows and vases are the quickest, least expensive way to change the mood of a space. Because pillow covers come off and vases move easily, you can update a room with the seasons, for a holiday or simply because you are tired of the old look. Here is how to do it well.
Choosing a color palette
Start with the colors already in the room: the sofa, the rug, the curtains. Pick two or three colors that work with them, one main color and one or two accents. Earthy shades such as sage, oatmeal, terracotta and rust feel warm and calm; blues and whites feel fresh; deep greens and plums feel cozy in winter. Keeping to a small palette is what makes a room look pulled together.
Pillow sizes that work
On a standard sofa, two 20-inch pillows at each end, or a pair of 20-inch and a pair of 18-inch pillows layered in front, look balanced. On a bed, larger 22- or 24-inch pillows behind smaller ones add depth. A tip from designers: use an insert one size larger than the cover, which gives a full, plump look instead of a flat one.
Mixing textures
Texture is what makes pillows look intentional. Combine smooth and textured fabrics — a linen pillow cover next to a knit, a velvet or a woven pattern. Linen brings a relaxed, natural look and gets softer with every wash. Mix a solid with a stripe or a subtle pattern, keeping colors within your palette so the variety feels calm, not busy.
Where to put a vase
A vase draws the eye and adds height. Place a tall vase on a console or a sideboard, a medium vase on a coffee table and small bud vases on a nightstand, a windowsill or a bathroom shelf. Group vases in odd numbers — one, three or five — and vary the heights for a natural look. Leave some empty space around them so each piece can breathe.
Choosing ceramic vases
Glazed ceramic vases are watertight and suit fresh flowers; matte and textured finishes look beautiful with dried stems and branches. A ceramic vase in a soft neutral or earthy glaze works in almost any room. A narrow neck holds a few stems upright, while a wider mouth suits fuller bouquets. Simple shapes are timeless and easy to style.
Fresh or dried stems
Fresh flowers bring life and scent but need water changes every couple of days. Dried stems — pampas, eucalyptus, wheat, lavender or branches — last for months and suit matte vases perfectly. Even a single stem from the garden or a few branches cut from the yard look elegant in the right vase. Change them with the seasons for an easy refresh.
Caring for covers and vases
Most linen pillow covers can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle and line dried; turn them inside out to protect the color. Wash new covers separately the first time. Ceramic vases should be wiped clean and hand washed; avoid harsh scrubbing on matte glazes. Dry vases fully before putting dried stems in them.
Make it seasonal
Keep a few sets of pillow covers and swap them in spring and fall. Light linens and pale colors for warm months, deeper colors and heavier textures for cool ones. Do the same with stems in your vases. Browse our home decor department for linen pillow covers and ceramic vases, all with free U.S. shipping and 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
What size insert should I use for a pillow cover?
One size larger than the cover — a 22-inch insert in a 20-inch cover — for a fuller look.
How many pillows should go on a sofa?
Two to four on a standard sofa, in a palette of two or three colors.
Can ceramic vases hold water?
Glazed ceramic vases are watertight; matte or unglazed vases are best for dried stems.
Ready to shop? Browse every department, see the best sellers or ask us a question.