How Many Pillows Do You Need for Outdoor Furniture? A Simple Guide
Design TeamOutdoor pillows are the fastest way to make patio furniture look finished and feel more comfortable. The hard part is knowing how many to buy and which sizes work together. Here is the simple formula our design team uses on the showroom floor.
Quick Answer: Outdoor Pillow Count by Furniture Piece
| Furniture | Pillows | Best sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack chair or rocker | 1 | 12"x20" lumbar |
| Lounge chair or club chair | 1–2 | 20"x20" square or 12"x20" lumbar |
| Chaise lounge | 1 | 12"x20" lumbar or 12" orb |
| Glider or porch swing | 2–3 | 20"x20" squares plus a lumbar |
| Loveseat | 2–3 | Two 20"x20" squares, one lumbar |
| Sofa | 3–5 | Two 22"x22" squares, two 20"x20" squares, one lumbar |
| Sectional | 5–7 | A 5-pillow set plus one or two extra squares for the corner |
| Daybed | 5–7 | Large squares in back, smaller squares and a lumbar in front |
When in doubt, use odd numbers. Three or five pillows look more relaxed and designed than two or four.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Pillow Sizes
- 22"x22" squares fill the back of deep seating sofas and sectionals. Put them at the ends, against the arms.
- 20"x20" squares are the most versatile size and work on almost every chair, loveseat and sofa.
- 12"x20" lumbar pillows give lower-back support and are the go-to pillow for Adirondack chairs, dining chairs and rockers. On a sofa, one lumbar in the middle finishes the arrangement.
- 12" round orbs add a playful shape in front of square pillows or on a chaise lounge.
Layer from back to front, largest to smallest: 22" squares in back, 20" squares in front of them, then a lumbar or orb in the center.
How to Mix Patterns and Colors
- Pick one statement pillow. Start with a bold pattern, such as a floral, tropical or geometric design. Everything else supports it.
- Pull two colors from it. Choose solids or subtle textures in two colors that appear in the statement pillow.
- Vary the scale. Pair one large pattern with one small pattern or a stripe, and let solids give the eye a rest.
- Match the cushion, don't copy it. On navy cushions, try aqua, white and gold accents. On neutral or gray cushions, almost any color works, so it's a great place for a pop of coral, citrus or green.
Want it done for you? Elaine Smith 5-pillow sets are designer-coordinated, so the sizes, patterns and colors already work together. They are a great fit for sofas and sectionals.
What Makes a Good Outdoor Pillow?
- Performance fabric that resists fading, water and mildew
- Quick-drying inserts that won't hold moisture after rain
- Quality construction, such as hidden zippers and tight seams that hold their shape
Every Elaine Smith outdoor pillow is handmade in West Palm Beach, Florida, in fade-resistant performance fabrics, comes with an insert, and ships free.
Shop Outdoor Pillows by Size and Color
- 12"x20" lumbar outdoor pillows
- 20"x20" square outdoor pillows
- 22"x22" large outdoor pillows
- Navy and blue outdoor pillows
- Neutral outdoor pillows
- Multicolor and patterned outdoor pillows
Shopping for furniture too? Open any outdoor sofa, sectional or chair on our site. The Complete the Look section suggests Elaine Smith pillows in the right count and colors for the frame and cushion you choose. You can also see the collection in person at any of our showrooms in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and North Myrtle Beach, or at Porch Concepts in Wilmington, NC.
