When it comes to creating a space that feels thoughtful, luxurious, and intentional, it’s often the smallest details that make the outsized impact. Lumbar pillows are one of those designer secrets — they give structure, balance, and a finishing touch that elevates every seat in your home. Below, you’ll discover how to style them like a pro, and how our own designs can bring that elevated look to your space.
Why Lumbar Pillows Are a Must
A lumbar pillow’s elongated shape offers a beautiful contrast to the usual square or round cushions. But more than just form, they deliver function: support in seating, visual interest in styling, and that designer layering effect that takes a room from pretty to polished.
Because of their proportions, they help soften hard lines, draw the eye horizontally (which can widen a seat), and become the “bridge” that connects color and texture across your space.
Sizing & Inserts — What You Need to Know
At Makena Decor, we offer standard lumbar covers in 13 × 21 inches, and we also accommodate custom extra-large lumbar pillows for bespoke spaces.
When we run our insert sale, we feature the 14 × 22 insert — the ideal fit for a 13 × 21 cover, offering just enough “fill” to create that full, tailored look. (Yes — size up by 2 inches is the trick of the trade.)
So if you have one of our 13 × 21 lumbar covers, pair it with the 14 × 22 insert during the sale. And for clients with extra-deep chairs, the custom XL option lets you dream bigger — we’ll work with you for scale and fill.
How to Style Lumbar Pillows Everywhere
On armchairs & accent chairs
A chair can sometimes feel “done” but still lacking that final layer. That’s where a lumbar enters beautifully. Choose a width slightly narrower than the chair back, let texture or color pop against the fabric, and place it at a natural seated height (not too high). For added interest, drape a soft throw casually over one side, allowing it to frame the lumbar rather than overpower it.
On sofas:
Use a single lumbar pillow in the middle for a minimal, tailored look. Or, add two matching lumbars flanked by square pillows for symmetry. The key is balance — a rectangle breaks up the straight lines of the sofa and adds visual comfort.
On benches or window seats:
Because these surfaces are often long and lean, using one or two lumbars works beautifully (versus larger square pillows, which may feel too bulky). They keep the look structured yet inviting.
On beds:
Place the lumbar in front of Euro shams or king pillows to bridge between base layers and decorative throws. Its horizontal orientation creates a restful, layered effect.
A Few of Our Favorites You Can Style Now
-
Champagne Delight Pillow — With its soft neutral tones and elegant texture, this pillow is a perfect canvas for a lumbar layer. Place it on an armchair or sofa and let a lumbar provide contrast and support.
-
Paint Brushstrokes Velvet Designer Pillow — Its artistic brushstroke print glides beautifully across sofa backs or crisp accent chairs. Style it as a statement lumbar in a neutral setting to let its colors pop.
-
Emerald Block Pillow — This modern geometric design adds edge to minimalist chairs or pairs with warmer tones to create contrast.
-
Black Polka Dot Pillow — A playful pattern that works beautifully on light upholstery — use it on a reading chair with a coordinating throw to complete the scene.
Each of these designs comes in our standard 13 × 21” cover size and pairs perfectly with our 14 × 22” insert (currently on sale). And if your space needs something extra—like a deep chair or wide window seat—we also offer custom XL lumbar pillows tailored to your dimensions.
Final Styling Tips from Designers
-
Contrast textures — Pair velvet with linen, boucle next to smooth cotton — it keeps the eye moving.
-
Play with scale — Use a strong, bold lumbar alongside subtler cushions.
-
Less is more — One perfect lumbar often says more than three mismatched ones.
-
Keep comfort in mind — It’s not just pretty — a well-filled lumbar feels supportive and luxe to lean against.
Lumbar pillows are one of those underused tools in interior design. But when done right — with the right size, fill, and styling — they become the detail that pulls a room together. Try the 14 × 22 insert during our sale and see how the right interior makes the exterior shine.
A well-chosen lumbar pillow isn’t just an accessory — it’s the detail that ties your entire design story together. Whether you’re refreshing an accent chair, finishing a styled bed, or layering your sofa, the right insert and cover will transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Explore our curated collection of designer lumbar pillows — including our bestselling Champagne Delight, Emerald Block, and Paint Brushstrokes Velvet styles — and see how a simple design detail can change the way your home feels.
Upgrade your seating with the perfect lumbar insert — now on sale