6 Hours in the Hudson Valley: Millerton, NY
Just 40 minutes from Litchfield, CT, is the small village of Millerton, NY. Complete with antiques, gift shops, a tea room, and an old school diner - this is the perfect day trip from Litchfield...
Pillow Guide
How to Tackle Custom Pillows
Once you understand a few essential pillow fundamentals, you can go wild with textiles and trim to create truly unique pillows that add both character and comfort to your rooms. Whether you are working with a designer or doing it on your own, it is important to consider pillows at the very beginning of your project.
Step 1: Select the Size
Pillows for a Sofa:
Formula for classic sofa pillows: a pair of 20 inch square pillows for each corner with a lumbar pillow (rectangular pillow) in the middle. The size of the lumbar pillow depends on the length of your sofa. For an eight foot long sofa, a standard lumbar pillow size is 24” x 12” high.
Pillows for a Bed:
Formula for a classic bed: a pair of large euro pillows to sit in front of your sleeping pillows with a lumbar pillow (a rectangular pillow) in the middle. A standard euro pillow is 26” x 26”. The size of the lumbar pillow in the middle depends on the size of your bed. For a king size bed, I recommend a lumbar that is 24” x 16”. A taller lumbar pillow for a king size bed creates a full and luxurious look.
Pillows for a Chair:
For an armchair, I like to make a pillow that “fits the back.” This means that the length of the pillow is equivalent to the length of the inside seat back, and the height is dependent on the height of the inside seat back. The height should be approximately a quarter to half the size of the inside seat back.
Step 2: Select Corner Style & Trim
Blind Seams:
A blind seam is a seam that disappears in the edge of a pillow.
Self Welt:
To create a self welt, use the same fabric as the pillow itself to add a welt to the perimeter of the pillow. This is a simple, yet tailored finishing touch.
Contrast Welt:
To create a contrast welt, use a different fabric from the pillow to add a welt to the perimeter of the pillow. This is a way to subtly add color and interest to the pillow.
Tape Trim on The Seam:
To add a tape trim to the seam, select a tape trim that is about 1 inch wide and apply it to the perimeter of the pillow. The tape trim wraps around the pillow and sits directly on top of the seam. This is a way to add color in a more impactful way.
Double Tape Trim on The Seam:
To add a double tape trim to the seam, select two skinny gimp trims (about half an inch wide each) and apply them back to the back on the seam. This adds purposeful and striking color to your pillow.
Step 3: Pillow Fill
For a full and plump look, we recommend ordering an insert that is 2 inches larger than the size of the pillow case. For example, if you purchase a pillow cover that's 20"x20", purchase a pillow insert measuring 22"x22".
For lumbars, we typically recommend purchasing an insert the same size as the pillow cover to help prevent overstuffing.
The inside of the insert also matters. We recommend ordering inserts that are 90% feather, 10% down. This will create a not too soft, not too firm pillow that is supportive yet flexible.
Step 4: Select your Textile
Now it’s time for the fun part. It’s time to play with textiles!
Consider what you are making and how the textile will look in the style you want the workroom to make. We offer samples of all of our patterns, so order some samples from our site and play around with them. The fabric of the pillow has to play off of any other patterns in the room, so create a little scheme for yourself.
Our sales team is a resource you can always email or call for help.They know our collection backwards and forwards. We also sell swatch sets that are categorized by color or scheme. If you are working with a designer, they will create a scheme for you that includes your selected pillow fabric.
Enjoy this step! This is the time to let your creativity flow or where your designer can show off their creativity and create something truly unique for you.
These next two steps are only important if you are doing it yourself.
- After you’ve made your fabric decision, check stock on our website. If we have the textile in stock, you can place the order directly off the site. If there is no stock, email customerservice@sisterparishdesign.com. We will tell you the lead time on the textile and you can place the order directly through a sales person.
- If you ship directly to the workroom, make sure to track your fabric and ensure the workroom receives it. Once they have received it, confirm a completion date with the workroom. Typically a workroom won’t give you a completion date until they receive the fabric.
- Tags: Interior Design Tips
