Pillow Power!
I’m asked all the time, “how can I update a room, without it costing a fortune?”. My go-to, insider tip is…freshen up your pillow “wardrobe”!
Shop your own collection of pillows first (shop your house). If any have seen better days…it’s time to let them go (before you’re tempted to use them again) and buy a few (or several) new ones.
Think of your collection (or stash, if you will) in terms of Everyday Pillows & Seasonal Pillows. Everyday are the pillows that work year around with your existing home decor. Seasonal are the pillows that you use to welcome in a new season. Makes sense, right?
It’s the fastest, easiest and one of the most inexpensive ways to freshen up a room (pillows and paint that is but we’ll get into paint another day).
Decorative Pillows can be costly for sure, but they certainly don’t have to be. I find pillows for my home and for my client’s homes all the time at such reasonable prices it boggles the mind.
Try to shop for what draws your eye and for what you need. Are you a bit short on great seasonal pillows? Well, start there! Shop around and see what catches your eye. Shopping at the beginning of a season (or pre-season) allows for the most selection. Shopping after the season has passed allows for the best deals, of course.
In all honesty, I have a mix of pillows at pretty much every price range (high, low & in-between). If it’s a pillow that I JUST HAVE TO HAVE for a specific spot…I’ll buy it. I’ll admit…I’ve gone a bit crazy at times and bought pillows that were WAY expensive. But…I look deep into my room/pillow budget (just as I advise my clients to do) and weigh whether it’s worth the expense or if I should keep looking. Sometimes, you just can’t pass up an amazing pillow that you have never seen the likes of before and are thinking you will regret not bringing it home.
You can have pillows custom made (like the one above) but be ready, in most cases, to pay a bit more. If you have a very specific “look” in mind (as I did above), you’ll need to pick out your fabric, fringe or cording, what type insert, the actual size of the pillow you want, etc., etc.
You’re basically designing your own pillow and just giving the materials & specifics over to the pillow maker. Some fabric stores offer pillow making services but be ready with all of your specifics so there’s no confusion and be ready (in most cases) to pay a much higher price.
Think of having custom pillows made much like if you were having a custom dress made just for you. It will be one of a kind and that usually means…cha ching! I’ve never regretted having custom decorative pillows made because they are exactly what I wanted and couldn’t find elsewhere. Just weigh your options & shop around first before jumping in.
Ballard Design is always a go to for me (and for my clients too). They have a wonderful selection of all things home. I love their classic style items. I can ALWAYS find something I can’t leave (or live) without when I visit our local shop. Their online shop is very easy to shop as well if you don’t have a Ballard’s in your area. You can even order fabric swatches (in most cases) before placing your order. It’s for sure a favorite shop for me!
Other places I consistently find great pillows: Target (great prices & selections), World Market (great prices), Home Goods (great prices but visit often because selections are sometimes limited). The last three listed are great for finding everyday pillows as well as seasonal pillows that are great values.
Don’t forget to shop Etsy too! I’ve found great pillows there for very reasonable prices.
Also, don’t forget to SPRUCE UP your outdoor/patio/porch pillows. Another great way to freshen up a space & bring in a new season. I’ve found great outdoor pillows at all of the above mentioned as well as Lowes & Home Depot too of course.
What are your favorite go to pillow shopping spots? I’d love to know.
Have fun and Happy Sprucing!
Scarlett
PS) Make sure you follow along on Instagram & Pinterest @sprucestudioshoppe