27 Holiday Throw Pillow & Blanket Styling Tips

The holiday season is the perfect time to make your home feel warm, cozy, and inviting. One of the easiest ways to infuse festive cheer is through holiday throw pillows and blankets. These small yet impactful decor elements can transform your living room, bedroom, or reading nook into a magical winter wonderland. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, modern, or glam aesthetic, the right combination of textures, patterns, and colors can create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and family alike. In this guide, we’ll explore 27 practical and creative tips for styling your throw pillows and blankets to elevate your holiday decor effortlessly.

1. Mix Patterns with Solids

Layering patterned throw pillows with solid ones is a timeless strategy. Stripes, plaid, or snowflake patterns pair beautifully with plain red, green, or cream pillows. The trick is to maintain a cohesive color scheme. For example, a red plaid pillow can pop against a cream solid pillow. This combination creates depth without overwhelming your space. When I tried this last winter, my couch instantly looked curated and festive, and guests often complimented the cozy vibe.

2. Choose Seasonal Colors

Holiday colors like deep reds, emerald greens, icy blues, and metallic golds can instantly transform your room. Instead of overloading on one shade, balance it with neutral tones like cream, gray, or taupe. A metallic gold pillow in the corner of a gray sofa adds a subtle touch of luxury. Using seasonal colors in both pillows and blankets creates harmony and a visually appealing focal point.

3. Embrace Texture

Texture brings a tactile element to your holiday decor. Velvet, faux fur, knit, and woven fabrics create a cozy, layered look. Imagine curling up with a chunky knit blanket and plush velvet pillows during a snowy evening—that’s holiday comfort at its finest. Mixing textures prevents your setup from feeling flat, even when you stick to a limited color palette.

4. Go Oversized

Oversized pillows make a bold statement. Larger pillows create a sense of comfort and grandeur. I once swapped my regular 18-inch pillows for 24-inch festive ones, and my living room instantly felt more welcoming. They’re perfect for lounging, leaning against, or creating a pillow fort for holiday movie nights.

5. Add a Pop of Metallic

Incorporating metallic pillows or blankets adds a festive sparkle. Gold, silver, or copper tones reflect light beautifully and add a sophisticated touch. Pair a silver throw blanket with neutral pillows for a winter wonderland vibe. The key is subtlety—one or two metallic pieces are enough to catch the eye without being overwhelming.

6. Layer Your Blankets

Layering blankets of different textures and patterns adds depth and warmth. For example, a chunky knit blanket over a smooth velvet throw creates a multidimensional look. Fold them over the armrest or drape casually across a couch. This approach also makes your space more functional—guests can easily grab a blanket if it gets chilly.

7. Stick to a Theme

Having a theme keeps your holiday decor cohesive. You can go for rustic, modern, Scandinavian, or even farmhouse. Rustic styles often use plaids, burlap, and knit textures, while modern looks prefer geometric patterns and monochrome colors. I once embraced a Scandinavian theme with white, gray, and touches of pine green, which made my living room feel serene and chic.

8. Mix Small and Large Pillows

Combining different sizes of pillows creates a layered, visually interesting arrangement. Place large pillows at the back and smaller, patterned ones in front. For a playful touch, add a festive-shaped pillow, like a snowflake or star, to complete the look. Size variation adds dimension without cluttering the space.

9. Use Holiday Motifs

Seasonal motifs like snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees, or stars instantly evoke holiday spirit. Swap out neutral pillow covers for these festive designs during December. I love using subtle snowflake patterns—they’re whimsical but not over-the-top, so they work even in minimalistic spaces.

10. Incorporate Natural Elements

Pillows or blankets with textures resembling nature—like linen, wool, or jute—bring warmth to your decor. Pair these with a pine-scented candle or small garland for a cohesive feel. This approach connects your indoor space with the outdoor winter season, creating a rustic charm.

11. Add Tassels or Fringe

Tassels and fringe give a playful, bohemian touch to your pillows and throws. A blanket with fringe draped over a couch adds movement and softness. When I added a fringe throw to my sofa last year, the space felt instantly more relaxed and inviting. Small details like these make a significant impact.

12. Personalize with Monograms

Monogrammed pillows or blankets make your holiday decor feel personal. Initials, family names, or even a festive quote can be embroidered or printed. Personalized touches show thoughtfulness and add a charming detail that guests often notice.

13. Stick to a Color Gradient

Gradients create a smooth, visually appealing look. Arrange pillows from lightest to darkest shades or use blankets that match your pillow colors. For example, cream, soft gray, and charcoal create a subtle gradient that looks sophisticated. This trick helps maintain harmony while adding depth.

14. Layer Pillow Shapes

Mixing shapes like squares, rectangles, and round pillows adds visual intrigue. A circular pillow with snowflake embroidery paired with square knit pillows feels unique and festive. Shape variation draws the eye across your space and prevents the setup from feeling monotonous.

15. Use Reversible Pillows

Reversible pillows give you two looks in one. You can flip them for a subtle color change or to showcase a festive pattern. This versatility is perfect if you want to switch your decor from fall to winter without buying new pieces.

16. Drape Over Furniture

Throw blankets don’t need to be neatly folded. Drape them casually over a couch, armchair, or bed. A casually draped blanket feels relaxed and cozy, like your home is ready for spontaneous holiday gatherings. I love this approach because it looks effortless yet inviting.

17. Mix Fabrics

Mixing fabrics such as velvet, cotton, wool, and faux fur adds depth. A wool pillow paired with a faux fur throw creates a tactile experience. The contrast of smooth versus textured surfaces makes your decor more dynamic.

18. Stick to Odd Numbers

Odd numbers in pillow arrangements feel more balanced and visually appealing. Three or five pillows work better than four. I usually start with a base of two large pillows and add a third smaller one for a natural, curated look.

19. Incorporate Plaid

Plaid is a classic holiday pattern. Red or green plaid pillows instantly evoke a cozy cabin feel. Pair plaid with solid pillows or throws to avoid visual clutter. Plaid patterns work especially well in living rooms with neutral sofas, adding warmth and cheer.

20. Add Soft Lighting Nearby

Throw pillows and blankets look even cozier when paired with soft lighting. Place a small lamp, string lights, or candles nearby. The soft glow enhances textures and creates a welcoming ambiance. This combination makes curling up with a blanket irresistible.

21. Choose Oversized Throws

Oversized blankets draped across furniture create a dramatic and inviting look. A blanket that’s large enough to cover the entire sofa looks luxe and functional. During holiday movie nights, guests can wrap themselves comfortably without tugging at tiny throws.

22. Layer Seasonal Scents

Although it’s not visual, pairing throws and pillows with seasonal scents enhances the experience. Cinnamon, pine, or vanilla candles complement your decor and create a multi-sensory festive atmosphere. I often keep a scented candle near my cozy blanket corner for instant holiday vibes.

23. Combine Neutrals with Accents

Start with neutral pillows and blankets, then add small pops of festive color. A cream sofa with gray pillows and a red throw strikes the perfect balance between elegance and holiday cheer. Subtle accents prevent your decor from feeling overdone.

24. Use Vintage Finds

Incorporate vintage pillows or blankets for character. Retro holiday designs evoke nostalgia and add charm. I found a 1970s-inspired holiday pillow at a flea market, and it became my favorite seasonal accent. Vintage pieces tell stories and make your decor more personal.

25. Create a Blanket Basket

Place a few folded blankets in a woven basket near the couch or fireplace. This arrangement looks intentional and functional. Guests can easily grab one, and the basket itself becomes part of your decor. Layering textures inside the basket adds extra visual interest.

26. Play with Contrast

Contrast colors, textures, or patterns for visual drama. A dark velvet pillow on a light knit throw creates a striking look. Contrast makes each piece stand out while maintaining a cohesive style. This technique works well when you have a neutral base and want to highlight holiday accents.

27. Refresh Yearly

Every holiday season, refresh your pillow and blanket arrangements. Swap out patterns, colors, or textures to keep things exciting. I like to rotate pillows between living rooms and guest rooms, giving each space a fresh feel without buying new decor every year. This approach keeps your holiday styling dynamic and fun.