Are Extra Bedroom Throw Pillows Out Of Style For 2024?

We’d like to take a moment of silence for throw pillows everywhere. In 2024, leading interior designers say that we will likely see less of them gracing our beds in Southern homes. While some of us may mourn our extensive collection of throws, interior designer Kristin Harrison celebrates the news of their departure. 

“I think spouses everywhere will rejoice when they hear that an abundance of pillows on your bed is no longer deemed necessary to create a beautiful sanctuary,” she says. “We will see much simpler ways to dress a bed in 2024 without the clutter of unnecessary pieces.”

On the bright side, we agree with Harrison that making the bed will be much easier in 2024 without a parade of throw pillows to arrange just so. Plus, throw pillows are a less costly investment than other decor like furniture, which would be far more expensive to swap out as trends blow with the wind. Still, not everyone needs to feel compelled to comply with trends—throw pillow-related or otherwise.

“I always advise clients to take trends with a grain of salt,” says interior designer Cathleen Gruver. “It can be so easy to get sucked in and create a space that doesn't stand the test of time. I think it's important to create a vision for your home and find things that complement that vision. It's ok to love and appreciate a design trend, but it doesn't always mean that it will work in your home.”

What To Use Instead Of Extra Throw Pillows

“Pillows used to be an extension of the design of a space, but a more simplistic, streamlined bed style has taken over,” says Harrison. 

But don’t worry, coziness is still a top priority. The last thing designers predict is staunch, sterile, or cold bedrooms. Instead, coziness that was once incorporated through a hoard of throw pillows will be integrated by other means throughout the room. 

Upholstered Headboards

“There was a rise in wood headboards in 2023,” says Gruver who anticipates larger, comfier headboards than what was previously popular “I see 2024 being a year of comfort, and upholstery is always the more comfortable option and instantly makes a space feel more welcoming.”

Painted Ceilings

“White ceilings are becoming more of a thing of the past,” says Harrison. “Pick a color and paint the bedroom walls, trim, and ceiling the same. It really creates a calming environment.”

Pink Paint

According to Harrison muted pink and mauve paints are rising in popularity—popping up in bedrooms across the South.

“Pinks are surprisingly having their moment,” she says. “They can really create a softness in a bedroom without using the usual warm white.”

Warm Palettes 

Paint isn’t the only element in the bedroom that designers anticipate taking a softer turn in 2024. Interior designer Hope Austin reports that cool metal tones are firmly on their way out. Harrison agrees, saying that nickels and steels are becoming less common in elements such as light fixtures in the bedroom. Instead, Austin has observed an uptick in brass and other warm metal tones. She has also noticed warmer tones for fabric as 2024 draws closer.

Drapery

“I'm seeing a rise in incorporating draperies and also creating super cozy environments,” says Gruver. “I think people are feeling burnt out this year and really want to create a space that they can recoup and escape.”

Cozy Lighting

Gruver says that easing into 2024, folks are wising up about the importance of lighting in the bedroom and the comforting effect the right light scheme can have. 

“There is more of a focus on lighting design, and not just lighting a space, but making sure there are more task-related lights to help create ambient lighting that results in spaces feeling cozier,” she says.

Patterned Lampshades

In addition to the coziness factor, throw pillows obviously had decorative value. They were a way for many people to add color, pattern, and texture to their bedroom design. 

Throw pillows are a fairly risk-free way to go bold because you can always swap out the cover for comparatively little money and effort as opposed to if you took a colorful leap of faith with bedroom furniture or paint. 

With throw pillows out of the picture, Austin says that homeowners will incorporate interesting design elements in a new and trendy way that’s similarly low-commitment: lampshades. According to Austin, patterned and unique lampshades are the best way to embrace color, texture, and visual interest in the bedroom for 2024.