Pillow Combinations I Brought to the Lakehouse (& The Rugs I Would Pair with Them)

One of the easiest ways to update a space is to change out your throw pillows. We bought Merrimore House by the lake furnished, and while we plan a renovation later this year, we’re making a few smaller updates that feel more in line with our moody, modern, traditional style. If you’re looking to make a swap that spices up your space, I’ve got some throw pillow and rug combos for you that will elevate your bedrooms and living rooms instantly!

1. Pattern Play

This pillow mix brings together a small-scale floral, a geometric, and a larger-scale floral, all tied together by warm red tones that keep the combination feeling cohesive rather than busy. To balance the florals, I’d pair it with the Alfie Rose/Blush rug—its geometric pattern echoes the pillows while the lighter tones and warm reds add contrast and keep the whole space feeling layered and interesting.

Comfortable bed with layered pillows in a rustic lakehouse bedroom featuring a wooden headboard and warm lighting. Perfect for relaxing getaways.

Large Floral Pillows (similar) | Dinah Chestnut Pillow | Marigold Pillow

Alfie Rose/Blush Rug

shop now

2. Tone on Tone

For this pairing, I kept the larger pillows in a similar tone but played with different patterns, then added a little surprise with the chocolate Dinah lumbar layered in front. To balance all that warmth, I’d ground the look with a rug in cooler tones, like the Rue Natural/Denim, to keep the space feeling fresh and pulled together.

Vinnie Pillows | Floral Pillows (similar) | Dinah Chocolate Lumbar Pillow

Rue Natural/Denim Rug

shop now

3. Plaid on Plaid

You know I love an opportunity to double up on plaid, and this combo leans into that layered, collected feel without going too matchy. I’d finish it off with the Palma Lagoon/Natural rug to bring in some softer, organic movement while keeping the color tones consistent and grounded.

Auggie Pillows | Earl Pillows | Liza Lumbar Pillow

Palma Lagoon/Natural Rug

shop now

4. Pattern Balance

I kept it sweet and simple here with just two pillows, both in a larger-scale pattern. To balance that, I brought in the Briggs Sage/Ivory rug for a smaller-scale moment and used its subtle green tones to quietly pull out the color in the lumbar, keeping everything feeling connected, while still being visually interesting.