Mae Woven

For one of the easiest ways to update your home decor, throw pillows are a quick and easy upgrade. And because throw pillows can be affordable and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures, it’s easier than ever to go from frumpy and boring to a style that more matches your own unique lair. It’s time to toss those old pillows that came with your couch and create a cohesive, updated look that speaks to your inner stylist.

It can be tricky to know how to mix and match throw pillows on a sofa, but with these 6 tips, you’ll go from drab to delightful in no time at all.

Forget Matching

Perhaps the most important idea to get out of your mind is the one that says you need to match. Nothing says dated and boring than matching pillows. Going for a basic color scheme, or three or four colors that work together, means no matter the pattern, texture, or shape, you’ll have an updated aesthetic for your throw pillows.

It’s also fine to choose pillows within the same theme, say a boho look, or a geometrical, black and white theme. Having a cohesive design style will look thoughtfully modern.

Odd for Modern, Even for Traditional

For a modern look, aim for an odd number of pillows, and keep the total amount of pillows on the low end (three, or five max). Too many pillows can look overwhelming, and create a space that isn’t inviting. If your style is more traditional, you should aim for an even number of pillows for a balanced, symmetrical look that still looks fresh and updated (aim for two or four pillows).

Mixing Textures is In

Mixing patterns and colors is a great start to updating your pillow game, but don’t forget textures in the process. Find pillows made from different fabric textures and create a look that varies in color, pattern, and texture for a truly cozy, visually interesting couch. For varied textures, try exciting textiles like cactus silk pillows, Moroccan wool pillows, and fresh linen pillows. African Mud Cloth and Baoulé pillows add exciting patterns and designs as well as texture.

Remember, while you’re totally allowed to “go wild” here with texture (fur, velvet, even leather aren’t off limits) subtle textile differences — like between Mud Cloth and Moroccan Wool — can also be striking, while maintaining a modern, minimalist look.

The Fill is Important

Down pillow fills offer a softer, luxe to your sofa, while pillows made of synthetic fibers are more wallet-friendly will retain their shape better. Mae Woven uses down alternative pillow fills, for a budget conscious option that holds the shape and chuff of down, while remaining environmentally friendly and cruelty free.

Think Outside the Box

Traditionally, most throw pillows are square. And while there is a place for traditional and square, it’s perfectly acceptable—encouraged, even—to think outside the box here, and select some rectangular pillows, lumbar pillows, or other shapes. This will modernize your couch style.

Just Forget all the Rules

Okay, these rules are good to follow because they work in aesthetically pleasing, artful ways. But these rules aren’t really actually rules that you must follow. If you prefer an eclectic look, or have a more bohemian style, or just simply like what you like and don’t give a thought to rules of aesthetic, just go for what you want to go for. Ultimately, creating a look with throw pillows should fit what you like…no matter what.

Cover photo by @paigejonesphoto.

Today we are sharing some of our favorite ways our customers have styled their homes using our pillows, blankets, and baskets.

When styling a bed…

You can never have too many pillows! When styling with throw pillows, try using different size variations.

Try this pillow combination idea: Make your bed with your normal sleeping pillows, then stack two 20" pillows side by side in front. We love the incorporation of both black and white mud cloth here. From there, add a lumbar pillow to make the scene feel more full. Top off the stack with a third 20". Finally, add a decorative mud cloth bed scarf to tie in the differing fabrics. Try keeping the stack monochromatic for a more minimal look.

Pillows we suggest using:

White Mud Cloth options:

Rudo (20”

Raj (20")

Black Mud Cloth options:

Zade (20”)

Zimbabwe (20”)

Lumbar options:

No. 4 (14” X 22”)

Zain in Black (14” X 22”)

Front pillow options:

No. 5 (20”)

Imani (20”)

Malee (20”)

White Mud Cloth Pillow & Black Mud Cloth Pillow & Mud Cloth Throw
Post via @arrowsandbow

Think unique…

One out-of-the-ordinary way to style your throw pillows is pairing them together in a blanket basket. This will make the room feel cozier and adds some depth. In this example, we love how a basic mud cloth has been paired with a more detailed throw pillow, then stacked on multiple folded blankets. In addition, try styling pillows on a unique piece of furniture to make it stand out more. For instance, add a more colorful accent to a simple indoor swing.

Basket suggestions:

First combination idea:

Rupi Throw + Nailah in Gray (20”) + Preed (20”)

Second combination suggestion:

Tetechas Throw + Nadia (20”) + Mbali in Black (20”)

  

Swing suggestions:

Swing 1 & Swing 2

First combination idea:

Naja (22") + Rooi (22")

Second combination idea:

Latice (18") + Kidal (20"-22")

Pink Mud Cloth Pillow & Baoulé Pillow
Photos via @celestecclark & @maddiebroderick

Aiming for sophistication…

While not everyone will see your bathroom, you can still add some finesse without too much effort. Instead of hanging your towels on a typical rack, drape your turkish towels over the side of your tub for a more sophisticated look. We love the incorporation of beautiful bath accessories. Here are some of our current favorites:

• Chic, affordable bath brush
• Wood bath tray
• Linen Candle

Black Check Turkish Towel & Black and White Stripe Turkish Towel
Photos via @caro_kmartin and @branchabode

Playing dress up...

Dress up your bags & baskets by arranging some blooms or household items, such as blankets, hats, and so forth. They make for an easy, smooth, and pretty transportation. Adding keychains, bandana’s, or pom poms also contribute to the overall appearance. Some additions we currently love:

• Polka Dot Bandana
• Floral Bandana
• Tassel Keychain

Or, our favorite option, get crafty and make your own!

We hope that these styling tips gave you the inspiration you were looking for! Be sure to follow our Pinterest to see more customer photos. Remember, if you need help styling your #maewoven products, we have designers that are here to help! Assistance is just an email away!

 For the month of December, we have chosen to highlight bohemian goddess, Sunshine Abou Bakar. She lives in the busy city of Brooklyn with her sweet husband and babe. She is a world traveler and is able to capture and write about her travels in the most magnificent ways. We are inspired by all that she is! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

My name is Sunshine and my husband and I are raising the kindest little multicultural global citizen we can. I’m an Island girl and a 1st generation Brooklynite my husband is Nigerian by way of Benin. Noon is a child of the world uniquely flavored as both a First and Second generation American.

I’m an old soul with a bohemian spirit, I’ve been to 40 countries yet I can’t have a conversation with most humans due to my severe social anxiety.

I’m so anxious about social interactions that avoid seeing others in embarrassing scenarios I fast forward past awkward moments on television and in movies! If I can’t fast forward or I’m watching with someone else I curl into a ball and stick my fingers in my ears till I feel like the moment has passed. 

Market Backpack  

How do you balance being a mother and professional? What have you sacrificed (both personally & professionally) for your career?

Most days it feels like my sanity is frayed, but on Thursday’s (random day of the week) I feel like I’ve got it all together. I create in my daughters downtime but I’m more inspired to create while she’s a part of it all.

While designing Mino the Label, Noon has been fit model and muse. She’s helped me pick out fabrics and field tested samples. Having her inspired me to take on my dreams in a big way, it’s only fitting that she be apart of every step of my process.

Now that she’s a bit older I have moments where we are a part.

Market Backpack

If you could teach the entire world one concept, which one would you choose?

Saying negative things gives you a double dose of the worlds negativity. Standing in light, thinking/speaking positivity allows you to control your own surroundings and filter the negativity. I wish people spoke kinder when they think no one is listening, because I’m the end they’re listening.

How do you think your future self will remember your current self?

As a mama who tried her very best.

Market Backpack

What is one life lesson you learned the hard way? 

That loving someone fiercely doesn’t mean they love you at all.

Market Backpack

What does it mean to be human?

To be human, means you have every second of your life to be someone absolutely new. 

I’m the biggest Lauryn hill fan, a fan of the classics growing up she was my ideal vision of beauty. I saw her perform once in California and I wept the entire performance. I was so moved by her might. She first play any of her old songs like she used to, she plays what she wants how she wants. I remember thinking, how hard it is for me to be myself in a room full of strangers and here was this woman, my idol. Baring her soul in a room full of people who sweared they knew her intimately, boldly refusing herself on her own terms. Ever sound that came out of her beautiful mouth she took a stand for the version of herself she loved, the version of herself that filled her up. I’ve never witnessed something more powerful.