DIY Black and White Pillows: Simple Projects with Bold Style

When you want to update your space without a complete decor overhaul, black and white pillows are the perfect solution.

The high-contrast color scheme fits with nearly any aesthetic—from modern minimalist to cozy farmhouse—and DIY-ing your own means you can get exactly what you want.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make DIY black and white pillows, what types you can create, and how to bring them into your home design beautifully and affordably.

Types of Black and White Pillows

The beauty of black and white decor is its versatility. You can go bold, soft, graphic, or traditional depending on the design you choose.

Common Pillow Design Styles:

Each of these types can be made with minimal tools, and many can be no-sew projects using fabric glue or iron-on adhesive.

We added hand-painted striped pillows to our front porch bench this spring, and not only did it brighten up the space, but it also turned into a fun weekend project with the kids.

How to Build Black and White Pillows

Whether you’re working with fabric scraps, an old pillow insert, or a brand-new vision, creating black and white pillows is both fun and practical.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Plain white or black pillow covers

• Black or white fabric paint (depending on base color)

• Painter’s tape or stencils for clean designs

• Brushes or sponge applicators

• Ruler or straight edge

• Iron and ironing board (if using iron-on designs)

• Optional: Sewing machine, fabric scissors, thread, zipper or envelope backing

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prep your surface: Lay the pillow cover flat and place cardboard inside to prevent bleed-through. Make sure your surface is clean and free of lint, and wear an apron to protect your clothes from stray splashes of paint.

2. Choose your design: Use painter’s tape for stripes, stencils for patterns, or freehand your own look. If you’re new to fabric painting, test your pattern on a fabric scrap first to get a feel for brush control and paint absorption.

3. Paint and set: Apply thin layers and let dry between coats. Most fabric paints require 24–48 hours to fully cure. Avoid overloading your brush—thin coats prevent bleeding and result in crisper lines.

4. Heat-set the paint: Iron on low heat with a cloth barrier to lock in the color and make it washable. Heat-setting is crucial for long-term durability, especially if your pillows will be used on beds or couches where they may need regular cleaning.

5. Insert your pillow form: Fluff and style your new creation wherever you need a visual refresh. Whether it’s on your bed, a guest chair, or patio bench, these bold accents instantly elevate the look of your space.

Sewing Optional:

If you want to create the cover from scratch:

• Cut two square pieces of fabric (1 inch larger than your pillow form).

• Sew right sides together, leaving one side open for stuffing or inserting.

• Flip, insert, and hand stitch or add a zipper/envelope closure.

• For a more tailored look, add piping or fringe trim before sewing the final edge, or use a contrasting thread color for an eye-catching detail.

Styling your DIY pillows against a neutral couch or bedding—especially something as soft and supportive as a Puffy Lux Mattress—adds that polished, cohesive look you’ll love coming home to.

How to Choose Black and White Pillow Patterns

Not sure what design direction to take? Here’s a breakdown of popular black and white aesthetics and what they pair best with.

Pattern Inspiration Table:

Bonus Tip:

Use removable inserts so you can swap out covers seasonally—black and white is timeless, but your patterns can follow trends.

Matching DIY Pillows with Room Decor

Once you’ve created your pillows, the fun part is figuring out where to place them. Here are some top styling tips:

• Living room: Stack on a sofa with coordinating throws. Alternate solids and patterns.

• Bedroom: Layer in front of sleeping pillows for contrast. Choose a large centerpiece design or several smaller ones.

• Entryway benches: Add bold designs to break up neutral tones.

• Outdoor spaces: Use weather-safe fabric paint or covers. Black and white pops beautifully against greenery.

We placed a few handmade black and white pillows on our back patio set, and paired with the nearby bedroom’s Puffy Cloud Mattress, the indoor-outdoor flow finally felt consistent and thoughtfully styled.

Final Thoughts

Creating DIY black and white pillows gives you a perfect mix of personalization and timeless appeal.

Whether you lean modern or vintage, graphic or soft, these pillows let you express your style while adding practical comfort to any space.

With just a few tools and a little creativity, your home can feel more polished, inviting, and uniquely yours.