Decorative Pillow Ideas for a Brown Leather Recliner Sofa

Basics

• Decide how many throw pillows you would like to place on your leather recliner sofa. Apartment Therapy's website suggests placing throw pillows in assorted sizes -- one or two 36-inch pillows, one or two 24-inch pillows or one 12- to 18- inch bolster or round pillow -- on an 8-foot sofa. Avoid placing only one small throw pillow on the sofa; it will look lonely and out-of-place. If all the seats recline, have at least one pillow for each reclining section. Pillows in assorted textures, sizes, colors, patterns and shapes make ideal groupings as the variety creates visual interest and a focal point on the sofa.

Drama

• Add decorative pillows with a vivid color pattern to your dark sofa to create a dramatic effect. Opposite colors -- purple and yellow, orange and blue, black and white, for example -- are eye-catching, drawing attention to the sofa. Accent pillows can support a dramatic theme. Cowboy, horse and cattle motifs impart a bold western theme. Geometric-patterned pillows add a contemporary flair. Decorative pillows in a variety of fabric textures can enhance the dramatic appeal. They also won't get lost under the sofa when the seats are reclined, since they're very visible.

Creativity

• Hand-made pillows add a creative, personal touch to your recliner sofa. Throw pillows displaying needlepoint or cross-stitch pictures are meaningful, decorative accents. Crocheted pillows in assorted shapes and patterns add a creative flair. Attach colorful beads, fringe, tassels or decorative borders to a plain pillow to display your personal, creative style and mesh your pillows with the rest of your decor. Switching out standard throw pillows for seasonally-patterned pillows can enhance the holiday ambiance.

Subtle

• Accent pillows in soft whites, creams, blues, beiges and greens can create a calming effect with a touch of color. Placing pillow groupings of solid colors mixed with soft stripes or patterns enhances the aesthetic appeal. Grouping neutral-colored pillows with leaf, tree or subtle flower patterns imparts a soothing, earthy feel. Create a mellow, seaside ambiance by placing seashell or starfish pattern pillows interspersed with soft blue, beige and white pillows.