Manage Your Life

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

5 under $25: Throw pillows

You know how people make the argument that accessories (ahem, shoes) cause such compulsive-shopping habits in women because, like, they don't make you feel fat? I sort of feel that way about throw pillows. They're totally unintimidating as home purchases go (no snooty designer-sofa salespeople sneering over your shoulder), they're pretty low-commitment (if you go for affordable ones like the ones we picked, below), and they can be combined with all kinds of furniture in new ways should you decide your current setup sucks and you want to start over. They can also really jazz up even the most basic (ahem, boring) of basics, which is a lot less risky than buying an obnoxiously loud couch and hoping you like it for a decade. Want proof? Check out the 5 bargain-priced cushions we picked as complements for this basic (but not boring!) sofa from Urban Outfitters. Which one(s) do you like best?



1. Urban Outfitters, $19.99 (16" x 16"; cotton)
This one could work in, yes, a teenager's room, but also in the living room of someone with a taste for contemporary pop art (or simply someone with a sense of humor). The numbers are made of stitched-on strips of fabric, so there's even some texture going on. A heck of a deal for under twenty bucks.

2. Target, $24.99 (dimensions unavailable)
One big, bold graphic on a pillow adds some excitement to a room without making it look too busy.

3. Crate and Barrel, $24.95 (sale price) (20" x 20"; spun polyester)
I love the way this is floral but not girly, cheerful but not loud, and manages to look like Eastern European folk art or something in the process.

4. CB2, $24.95 (18" x 18"; cotton velvet)
Neon velvet with decorative stitching is subtler than it sounds.

5. Ikea, $14.99 (22" x 22"; cotton velvet)
This not-quite-houndstooth pattern is wonderfully crisp and gender-neutral.

More great (cheap) stuff to buy on Shine:
Graphic art posters with city guides built in ($22)
A contest-winning trompe l'oeil cuckoo clock ($25)
Elegant raw-silk curtain panels in three versatile colors ($25)
Funny-message garden stakes (6 for $12)
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-9 of 9
  • CaRoLyN cLaRk, Serendipity & Spark's Avatar
    Posted by CaRoLyN cLaRk, Serendipity & Spark Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:38am PDT

    you are after my heart with the pillow post!!!

    www.serendipityandspark.com

    Report Abuse
  • dolly davis's Avatar
    Posted by dolly davis Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:04am PDT

    great thought on pillows,,it;s not how much ya pay for pillows or any accessorys,but how you place them--done quite a few myself--love the look on folks faces,,when they finally realize it;s a new look,,w/the simple pillow added

    Report Abuse
  • TBeck's Avatar
    Posted by TBeck Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:16pm PDT

    number 3. I love the non-girly floral look too...

    Report Abuse
  • pixie's Avatar
    Posted by pixie Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:57am PDT

    WTF!!! A BIT PRICY FOR A DUMB PILLOW DON'T YOU THINK? YOU CAN MAKE SOME PILLOWS FOR UNDER $5. TRUST ME AND YOU DON'T NEED A SEWING MACHINE.

    Report Abuse
  • Valerie Rains, Shine staff's Avatar
    Posted by Valerie Rains, Shine staff Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:09am PDT

    Carolyn, you've put up some great pillows lately, too! Glad you like!

    Report Abuse
  • Brenda, Shine Community Manager's Avatar
    Posted by Brenda, Shine Community Manager Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:00pm PDT

    Valerie - Great pillows! I recently discovered my obsession with pillows when DwellStudio started a line for Target. Thanks for giving us more great picks that fall within a affordable price point - especially for those of us that never learned to sew!

    Report Abuse
  • destinywinks's Avatar
    Posted by destinywinks Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:26am PDT

    How cute would be the first pillow in a kid's playroom?!! Such a fun way to bring color and uniqueness AND learning all at the same time! Love it!

    Report Abuse
  • Linda's Avatar
    Posted by Linda Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:08pm PDT

    I like the pillow with the black squares that's sitting on couch (it's not numbered, but, it's really cute) and number two.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-9 of 9

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

manage your life byte

from Target

All kinds of wonderful. Gifts, solutions and savings all in one place. Find every merry solution at Target.