Designer Pillows for Less

After working in the design industry and becoming familiar with different aspects of design, I have noticed a few things that take a home from beautiful to “custom”. Anyone can purchase stunning furniture, paint their walls the perfect shade, add just the right amount of antiques, and make their home stunning, BUT, in my experience it is the small custom details that make the biggest impact. Now, I am not saying that these details are make or break, because they are ABSOLUTELY not, but it is those small details that make a space feel and look designer. One of the items that can really elevate a space is pillows. Custom pillows are one of a kind, chosen and made for the space, and can take your home to the next level. Pillow design is always a huge part of our design process, and it truly has the power to carry the whole room.

Many fabrics and trims that designers use are trade only, which is one of the reasons people look to designers for help. Since we have access to more inventory than the average person, it is easier for designers to create one of a kind pillows for each room. Custom pillows are obviously not in budget for everyone (and that’s totally fine). They are definitely a splurge and an undertaking, especially if you don’t have access to trade fabrics and trims. However, I have found a few options to get that designer look for a fraction of the cost!

There’s really not much to it, there’s no secret formula or magic trick, it’s simply knowing where to get what you need. If you want to buy pre-made pillows then I have an option for you! If you want to play designer and design your own pillows, I have an option for you as well!

Etsy is my go-to for “designer” pillows! You can get pillows out of all of my go-to fabric retailers (Schumacher, Thibaut, Manuel Canovas, etc.) that are already made and ready to go. The only caveat with these is that they normally don’t have decorative trim. Some of my favorite Etsy shops are Dekowe, PopOColor and Chloe and Olive Pillows. Another fabulous source for pillows is Stuck on Hue, which is an Etsy shop and a stand alone website. Hollie is a lovely follower of mine and her pillows are absolutely stunning! These shops all have great options, with a variety of designer fabrics.

If there is a certain fabric that you are looking for, then simply search the name and manufacturer on Etsy, and it will pull up your options. Now, I know for my budget gals out there these aren’t exactly considered “cheap”, however, if you can fit it into your budget then they are worth the splurge! Even though they are a step up on the price scale, from Homegoods or Target they are still a fraction of the cost that they would be if you got them custom made through a designer!

Now, if you have an upholsterer that you want to use and want a little more creative reign, there are websites like Decorator’s Best that sell pretty much any designer fabric you are looking for! The bonus about going this route is that they have trims as well, so you can pick and choose what fabrics, trims, and designs you want, and get them made specially for you! This will of course be more expensive than the pre-made Etsy route, but they are still considered a steal.

Okay, so if you’ve been reading a long so far but still want some more affordable options without the hassle, then no worries. I got you, girl! I have listed a few of my favorite retailers and items right now, below with links. Happy Shopping!

There’s always Something to Style Over!

xx, Lea

Ballard

Furbish

Wayfair (Elements by Erin Gates)