Throw pillows are an awesome way to switch out your decor depending on your current taste. Even better are throw pillow covers that don’t take up much storage room when you’re not using them.
For today’s project, I’ll show you a budget-friendly IKEA hack: How to stencil pillows for inexpensive home decor (although you can definitely create this project on non-IKEA pieces too).
*This post contains some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY projects here. Also – this is not a sponsored post.
– Pillow cover and insert (these are 20×20 VIGDIS and INNER from IKEA – next time I would buy a plumper insert)
– Stencils (I used Famille et Amis, this Bee stencil, this Paris stencil)
– Paint (I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite and Coco and also Americana Decor Matte Metallics in Champagne)
– Foam pouncers
– Cardboard
– Painter’s tape, ruler
– Paper towels and thick paper plate
First, iron the pillow cover. I chose VIGDIS because it has a vintage linen look. Insert a piece of cardboard inside so the paint doesn’t soak through to the back.
Center a large stencil like this one below and secure with painter’s tape, or you could spray temporary stencil adhesive on the back of the stencil to hold it in place – but it can be a little difficult to clean off later, in my experience.
Next, lightly dab the foam pouncer into the black paint. Blot it onto a folded paper towel to remove most of the paint.
Gently dab the pouncer wherever you want the black paint. Don’t worry about perfect coverage – uneven coverage looks more natural, like vintage fabric.
Next I mixed the metallic paint and Coco together for a slight sheen, blotted it on the paper towel, and then lightly dabbed the pouncer over the crown.
Finally, remove the tape and carefully lift the stencil. For best results, remove within 1-2 minutes of painting.
The second pillow cover uses two smaller stencils. Measure and tape the first stencil in place (like the bee stencil below), leaving room for the second stencil under it. Lightly paint with the pouncer just like before.
Wait a few minutes until the paint is dry and then place the second stencil and tape it. You may want to tape over certain areas of the stencil that you aren’t planning to use, to avoid any paint accidents.
Finish painting the pillow cover and remove the stencil (I used this Paris stencil). It should dry within a few minutes.
Finally, remove the cardboard and place the pillow inserts inside the covers. You now have beautiful custom pillows for your home!
The bench above is one of the exclusive projects featured in my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces.
I also did a similar paint and stencil technique on this DIY French grain sack upholstered bench makeover.
Friend, I hope you’ve discovered just how easy it is to make stenciled pillows to suit your style. You can even make some pillow covers for every holiday – the possibilities really are unlimited.
Have a fabulous day, I appreciate you! – Jen
Lizzy says
So pretty. If I saw them in a store, I would buy them.
Kym Kinnison says
What a great idea Jen, you would never know they came from IKEA ! I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe.
Kym
Glasgow, Scotland
MJ says
Great idea, Jen.! Have had stencils laid out for a porch floorcloth for ages. This is perfect time to pull out some fabric and make pillows, too. Actually, flat stenciled cushions for porch chairs to match the floorcloth under the table. Thanks for the inspiration. Glad you are back.
Mary Loveland says
Very pretty and seems like it would be do-able! Thanks
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Mary! 🙂