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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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April 21, 2017

Pillows or No Pillows?

Pillows or no pillows? Folks, these are the kind of serious, hard-hitting questions we ask here At the Picket Fence.

Really, though, I’m looking for some opinions and I know that you guys will come through for me!

And I know my mom will also weigh in on this one too, won’t you mom?

I squirreled away some pennies and saved up to buy this beautiful new settee from Wayfair for the foot of our bed. Our room is large enough to have an armoire with a TV in it on the opposite wall and when someone is monopolizing the downstairs television another person can be watching in here. Side note, the TV in this room is the one we purchased when we got married 19 years ago. It just keeps on going!

I LOVE how the new settee looks in here and how it freshens up the room. I’m hoping to paint in here soon too but I need to do one thing at a time…or at least that’s what my husband tells me. 😉

After living with it like this for a week, I began to wonder if maybe it needed pillows on it. So, I thought, who better to turn to for advice than you guys!

Here it is without pillows…

And here it is with pillows. (Keep in mind that it wouldn’t necessarily be these pillows!)

And, here’s a side by side comparison.

Gah! When I see the options next to each other like that it makes it even harder for me to decide!

Buuutttt…I think I know which one I like better.

So, let’s do this one more time.

Pillows?

 

Or no pillows?

I want to hear from you so bring on those opinions my friends!

And thank you, as always, for meeting me here at the fence today,

82 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. laura janning says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:47 AM

    hmmmm, typically i would always side with a pillow but in this case perhaps not unless you can find a printed lumbar for the center. or maybe 2 smaller pillows? the current size maybe too big for the settee. pillow or no pillow the settee in your room looks beautiful

    Reply
    • Michele (Finch Rest) says

      April 21, 2017 at 9:21 AM

      My thoughts exactly.

      GREAT settee, congrats – it’s gorgeous!!!!

      xxoo

      Reply
    • Julie Briones says

      April 21, 2017 at 11:35 AM

      I was thinking the same thing! The pillows are definitely more ‘inviting’, but these particular pillows seem to be competing with the bed pillows. 🙂

      Reply
    • Linda Dosser says

      April 21, 2017 at 12:59 PM

      I agree with no pillows. The Settee has enough style all its own and there are plenty of pillows on the bed to bring color and depth. I think pillows would distract from its crisp style. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  2. Debra Normansell says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:54 AM

    I think that the cushions are too big maybe.
    I would be looking at two smaller rectangular cushions for both decorative and comfort purposes.
    Maybe it’s a British thing 😂

    Reply
  3. Kristen Shields says

    April 21, 2017 at 3:15 AM

    Well, I differ with the other comments, I love the pillows! It makes it seem more comfy and inviting. I also agree that it needs one decorative/patterned pillow to add a little something for the eyes. I love it! I also love your bed skirt and would love to know where you got that beautiful one. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jeanne L says

    April 21, 2017 at 3:54 AM

    Pillows would be fine but not these pillows. They are too big and too square. Try smaller pillows and maybe something in a different shape like round or rectangular. A subtle pattern with a fringe or tassels might look nice. White on white isn’t that interesting. Maybe use the same style of pillow that is one the bed. I like the print one on the left hand side (the smaller one) of the bed.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      April 21, 2017 at 4:08 AM

      Different shape and size on pillows.
      Perhaps a pattern, trim or texture would add interest. Last but not least a cozy throw would look great also.

      Reply
  5. Debra says

    April 21, 2017 at 3:59 AM

    No pillows. You have pillows on the bed. Your eye needs a place to rest.

    Reply
    • Camille says

      April 21, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      Yep. This says it all.

      Reply
  6. Bev says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:10 AM

    Use the pillows!

    Reply
  7. Mimi says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:20 AM

    I just love the settee and my suggestion would be to try putting the two white pillows on the bed and the toile on the settee. You would have a softer look on the bed and the toile which I love that toile pattern (have it myself) would be a focal point on the settee. It’s worth a try before purchasing or making new pillows. Sometimes a small tweak makes a huge difference. Can’t wait to see your decision.

    Reply
    • Ann says

      April 21, 2017 at 7:30 AM

      I agree with the suggestion of putting the toile pillows on the settee!

      Reply
  8. betty ann trible says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:23 AM

    maybe a few small round ones that mimic the round buttons.. or just a bright throw over one
    of the top corners? pillows are too big, makes me think I would need to move the pillows to
    sit there…. lovely piece tho

    Reply
  9. Nancy Hawks says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:27 AM

    No pillows. There are pillows on the bed and chair.

    Reply
  10. Kim says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:37 AM

    Hmmmm, you know I love pillows and I would try the toile ones on the bed on the settee and have the all white on the bed. Or a long lumbar pillow on the settee like Laura said.

    Reply
  11. MrsSW says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:44 AM

    No pillows OR one rectangular pillow with texture.

    Reply
  12. clo says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:57 AM

    hi… such a lovely room!! In this case, I say NO to Pillows. Personally, it is overkill with pillows on the bed too. Also the ones you display are too overwhelming … too much of a good thing….
    Have you thought of a throw instead?
    keep on having fun

    Reply
  13. Judy Clark says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:58 AM

    I prefer the look without pillows for that style settee. For comfort, however, you have plenty on the bed to borrow for a little while. 😉
    Love the overall effect of the new settee in your bedroom. ❤️

    Reply
  14. Therese says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:58 AM

    Beautiful settee! I like the pillows. Also, think if there are no pillows, a patterned throw may look nice and to be used to cozy up in reading a book or watching tv.

    Reply
  15. Dinelle says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:01 AM

    I like the pillows

    Reply
  16. Sissie says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:03 AM

    Love the settee and it’s perfect for your bedroom. I say no pillows or maybe a small bolster pillow in the center covered in the toile fabric you have on the bed pillows. I’m not designer but I think you’ve been given some great advice by everyone.

    hugs,
    Sissie

    Reply
  17. Morion Macrae says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:10 AM

    Lumber support is a consideration, with such a straight back on this sofa, you may need the extra comfort. Perhaps too, the balance needs addressing from bed to sofa. The eye travels to the bed automatically, the extra pillows added to the sofa creates a lovely evenness.

    Reply
  18. Susan says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:20 AM

    Pillows! But there are so many pillows in the room its confusing. Remove the pillow from the chair in the corner and that should help balance the room. I, too, was admiring your bed skirt.

    Reply
  19. stacy says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:42 AM

    those are not the right pillows…but you do not need pillows the sofa small and pretty, if you really want pillows you need to find more elegant type for that sofa

    Reply
  20. Pamela says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:43 AM

    Go beyond looks – how do they feel? Does it feel like the pillows are pushing you too far forward? Is the settee deep enough that you can sink back into the pillows comfortably? If you find yourself tossing the pillows on the bed every time you sit down, then you already made your decision.

    Reply
  21. Linda Mossgrove says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:43 AM

    Love the entire room–so inviting! I say a small colorful throw for now—“springish” and then come fall—bring on the pillows! Guess I’m not much help!

    Reply
  22. Gloria says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:45 AM

    I would just use a really textured throw on it.

    Reply
  23. Regi says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:49 AM

    Pillows. Definitely pillows. It just says, “come sit and cuddle up!” But, I do have to agree that maybe some smaller ones would be better….and a throw blanket. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Janis Hill says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:53 AM

    I would try the printed pillows from the bed to get a better idea. Not only are the white pillows too large, they appear stark against the soft color of the bench.

    Reply
  25. Cindy says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:57 AM

    Agree with the others that you need smaller pillows with some color or a throw of some sort would work too.

    Reply
  26. Ruth Ann says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:02 AM

    No pillows for spring and summer….love the buttons and then a cosy throw and one colourful rectangular for the winter. Seeing the buttons is the pretty part!!!

    Reply
  27. Shirley says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:02 AM

    I think smaller patterned cushions ( it is an English thing! ) . Love your settee. Way fair has such lovely things.

    Reply
  28. Regina S. says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:03 AM

    I would use two smaller round pillows or a long ( not too thick) bolster pillow. The big square pillows are competing with the bed pillows. Beautiful settee! Have fun picking just the right thing though!

    Reply
  29. Caroll Reddin says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:05 AM

    I think it would look best with your “hubby” (One of my two favorite sons-in-law!) sitting on it while he watches golf. I’m seeing him stretched out with his head on a bed pillow on one end, and, his feet propped up on the other end. Of course, he’ll take a nap (“Naps are underrated.” – Quote from you “hubby.”), and, he will probably snort during the nap, much like his favorite father-in-law. PS: Commented to let you and your sister know I do read your postings.) Love my girls! – Dad (Mom was emphatic that I indicate the comment was not from her.)

    Reply
  30. Theresa says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:19 AM

    Hello,
    Love your blog. I like no pillows! You have so many on your bed it’s almost overkill. Or maybe a small bolster pillow?.
    Also please take this as constructive criticism because I love your taste, I think the settee is too big for the space? Maybe just the way it looks in the picture. I can’t wait to see what you decide!

    Reply
  31. Donna says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:21 AM

    One can not have too many pillows. I love it with the pillows but a soft color or print and feather inserts so they can be dented in the middle.

    Reply
  32. Sharlene says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:29 AM

    Its no pillows or smaller printed cushions! The settee is lovely!

    Reply
  33. Mary K. Curry says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:41 AM

    No pillows. It is stunning on its own.

    Reply
  34. Jennifer says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    The settee is so decorative and beautiful…the white pillows overtake it..a couple small pillows, maybe patterned. But I think the look is a lot cleaner without them:)

    Reply
  35. Patricia says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:57 AM

    Pillows 😊

    Reply
  36. Lonnice says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:57 AM

    When I look at this, I just see pillows. What if you move some pillows off the bed and onto the bench?

    Reply
  37. Patty says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:58 AM

    I say ONE pillow and would love to see what that looks like. Enjoy your beautiful new piece of furniture and anything you do will be beautiful!

    Reply
  38. Bridgot says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:25 AM

    Sorry, but I don’t feel like the pillows are the issue with this setting. I feel like the headboard is too short in comparison with the settee. In my very humble opinion I would use a colorful throw to bring your eye down to the arm height of the settee and no pillows if you are going to use this headboard

    Reply
  39. Connie Clark says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    Not those pillows. Maybe smaller ones with some color and texture.

    Reply
  40. Carol G says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    I love the settee, but those pillows are too big, so much so that they are overwhelming. Two small round
    pillows with a pattern would be good, but that’s just my opinion. A pretty throw would be a nice touch also
    instead of pillows, but not both, either small pillows or a throw.

    Reply
  41. june says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:34 AM

    I like pillows but smaller and maybe a different shape. How about adding a nice throw over one corner?

    Reply
  42. Gayle says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:38 AM

    Some type of pillows!!

    Reply
  43. Gardner says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:46 AM

    No pillows. The back of the settee is “pillow-like”.

    Reply
  44. Carol says

    April 21, 2017 at 8:21 AM

    One pillow

    Reply
  45. Patty says

    April 21, 2017 at 8:30 AM

    I think a lumbar pillow would look great, although not too round. Also a cozy throw tossed over the back edge. Love the settee!

    Reply
  46. Stacey says

    April 21, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    I love pillows, but I feel like you can’t see the beautiful tufting of the settee with them on there. Maybe a throw instead??

    Reply
  47. Rebecca Turner says

    April 21, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    Pillows! But not those pillows. They’re a little too big, and boring. (Plain) Sorry. They don’t add interest, but do they add comfort, which is something you’ll want while watching TV. I have a settee about this same size and I keep a long, decorative, lumbar pillow on it for aesthetic reasons…but when I actually sit there, I grab a squishy pillow to snuggle up with. Ultimately, you have to please yourself (and your spouse) since it’s your bedroom, and the tufted back is so pretty anyway, that you could get by without pillows. (I just hope it doesn’t become a garment rack, which is something that I constantly fight at my house. Grin. Hubby! Gotta luv him!)

    Reply
  48. Rose L. says

    April 21, 2017 at 9:39 AM

    Just one tootsie roll pillow to add a pop of color.

    Reply
  49. Sherri says

    April 21, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    I would put one longer lumbar pillow, not too tall, instead!

    Reply
  50. Carol says

    April 21, 2017 at 9:55 AM

    Now you’re going to be even more confused! I say no pillows or maybe one small one and a throw on one end that says come lay down and read a book. You have plenty of pillows on the bed. It’s your bedroom not a public room and looks pretty comfy just the way it is.

    Reply
  51. Karen Hobson says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    I think pillows look better but smaller ones. You don’t want to over power the settee or have the pillows compete with the pillows on the bed.

    Reply
  52. HB says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:18 AM

    No pillows. Looks neater, not as cluttered.

    Reply
  53. Rhonda S. says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    Beautiful settee, so to show that off, I vote no pillows or a soft blanket draped on the side.

    Reply
  54. Susie Patterson says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    The settee is nice, but a little overpowering at the foot of the bed, since it’s as big as the bed. Something a little smaller would have made it more appealing. Now it has taken over the bed, and you can’t see the pretty comforter and pillows.

    I would suggest 2 smaller pillows with a hint of color, not pure white. Or 1 small rolled with a hint of color.

    Reply
    • Jenny W says

      April 26, 2017 at 3:35 AM

      Thank You, I thought I was the only one who thought the settee was the wrong furniture choice for the foot of the bed. A bench with a tufted top and a throw would seem less intrusive and heavy.

      Reply
  55. Sharman says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    The settee needs pillows. Smaller ones would look better….maybe round ones with some color. A lumbar one would be ok too.

    Reply
  56. Rachel says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:06 PM

    My vote is for a throw to bring out the color in you bed pillows.

    Reply
  57. Charlotte Lindsay says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:20 PM

    Usually, I am a huge throw pillow advocate I feel as though they bring a welcoming and cozy vibe to a space but in this case I think the pillows are a no go. If you do decide to do pillows I would do a singular, long pillow. Although, I would skip the pillows all together and add a plush throw blanket instead. Keep us updated on what you decide.

    Reply
  58. Gayle says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:23 PM

    Because you have a few pillows on the bed it looks a little cluttered with more pillows. However, I do think it needs a little something, so I would go with one long lumber pillow in a small print or a textured one.

    Reply
  59. Karen says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:27 PM

    I agree with smaller pillows.

    Reply
  60. Paula says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:28 PM

    Congratulations on your new purchase, it’s beautiful on it’s own. My vote is No pillows, you have lots on the bed and one pillow in the other chair.

    Reply
  61. maureen says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:35 PM

    I would skip the pillows. After all, each night when you go to bed, the pillows there will be moved to the settee anyway so you get to have it both ways. Too many pillows and your bedroom looks like a pillow museum.

    Reply
  62. Gwen says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:18 PM

    I am late on replying so you’ve surely been swayed by now!!! I purposely did not read others replies. I did not want to be influenced!!! I went with my gut!!!
    I looked. And here’s my first impression. Realize we are looking at a photo!!!
    The bench is lovely but there’s a disconnect to the bed without something. Why??? The chair has a pillow but it could go sans pillow. It lacks connection to your room. The pillows seem the perfect color. Comfy to squish up with when watching TV. The bench is awesome for putting on shoes, for sitting down to look in your purse to count your money 🤑( I have done that on mine!), and your pillows don’t prevent you from having room to do that.
    So here’s my vote. Pillows.
    Mom??!!! I hope you read my mind and agree!!!

    Reply
  63. Melissa privratsky says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:36 PM

    I vote no pillows. 😉

    Reply
  64. Lynn Czap says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    I would use the throw on your bed over a corner of the settee and maybe one pillow or none at all. It seemed like there were too many pillows when they are on the bed, chair and settee.

    Reply
  65. Barbara says

    April 22, 2017 at 5:59 AM

    I would use two small pillows on the settee. It is a lovely piece of furniture but if people are sitting on it to watch TV, they need a pillow for their back to rest on. I would choose something brighter than the pillows on the bed but in coordinating colors. I can see a cream-colored pillow with perhaps some greenery (palm fronds, leaves) on it placed on each end of the settee – pillows about 12″ square, not as big as the ones pictured. The pillows will add a pop of color and make the couch more inviting. It looks much too formal without pillows.

    Reply
  66. Toni Roehl says

    April 22, 2017 at 8:21 AM

    I think gold pillows or a gold colored throw would look really nice and tie the room together 🙂

    Reply
  67. Sharon Warren says

    April 22, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    Looks like you have varying ideas on pillows or no pillows! If I were using the settee for tv watching or reading, I NEED a pillow to lean into and put my feet up under me. I would love a soft throw as well to cozy up under as well. Best option for a pillow for me would be down filled, for ultimate squishy comfort, what ever size or color is chosen.
    Having said that, you could have the “no pillow” look, and put the pillow and throw in a basket nearby for actual use.
    Good luck making a decision!

    Reply
  68. dee says

    April 22, 2017 at 10:13 AM

    I would put something, either a throw or a lumbar pillow on it. Then take a critical look at the placement and size of all the pillows in the room. And whatever you choose can easily be changed on a whim….win/win.

    Reply
  69. Lori says

    April 22, 2017 at 12:06 PM

    I say no pillows, or at least not those ones. I think you need a tad more color somewhere in the room. 🙂 BTW I have read your book cover to cover and really enjoyed it. Have given two copies away to friends who had April birthdays too.

    Reply
  70. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    April 22, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    Vanessa, your new settee is beautiful! I would just suggest using a throw over the arm and draped down over the settee to the floor. This is what I have done in our Master Bedroom with our antique settee and I quite like this look the best.

    Have a lovely weekend with your family!

    Reply
  71. Kathy says

    April 23, 2017 at 11:30 AM

    I think maybe a lumbar would work if not, no pillows, for me.

    Reply
  72. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 24, 2017 at 8:19 PM

    I love pillows…..I think having smaller ones on the settee would be nice…The larger ones seems to overwhelm the piece….the settee looks a bit lonely without a pretty pillow. Love your new settee!

    Reply
  73. Julia says

    April 26, 2017 at 10:49 AM

    I’m a pillow girl myself! I like the ideas of the others, a lumbar or smaller toile or print pillow would look nice. Congratulations on the settee, it’s a pretty one!

    Reply
  74. Rose says

    April 26, 2017 at 10:29 PM

    I agree with an earlier comment, that suggested pillows that match or coordinate with the pillows on the bed. The pillows definitely make the settee seem more inviting.

    Reply
  75. Dana says

    April 27, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    AGREE W MANY OTHER READERS!! (This would be like me talking, to one of my sisters). Ok…U have saved up & bought this gorgeous “bench” for ur bedroom, but….if u wanted pillows for it, did u really have to take them from the dang bed! 😉 (Be kinda like buying a nice fancy car, & not being able to afford to put any gas in! Lol!!). PILLOWS~ in my eyes make things more “home-y”, warm & welcoming! They just blend w the bedding to much! Pull that color from ur other bedding pillows (on bed)! & (don’t have to be all matchy-matchy) maybe try to find some smaller/different textured pillows!
    Good luck to you & Happy Pillowing! 😊

    Reply

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*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
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