Changing the couch is the fastest way to make a living room look like December, and it costs a lot less than people think. Pillow covers, not pillows. One throw, not three. Here’s how I’d think about it.

How many pillows

A loveseat looks right with two or three. A standard three-seat sofa takes four. A sectional takes five or six, grouped in the corner and at the ends, with a gap in the middle seats so people can actually sit down.

Odd numbers look casual, even numbers look neat. Neither is wrong.

Combo 1: quiet and warm

Four beige and green Christmas pillow covers (on Amazon) in 18 by 18 inches, with a cream cable knit sherpa throw (on Amazon) over one arm. This is the combination for a grey, beige or tan sofa, and for anyone who wants the room to still feel calm. The throw is machine washable, which matters if it’s going to live on the couch all winter.

Combo 2: a little bit of plaid-cabin

Keep your everyday pillows and add one Christmas-patterned throw as the only holiday piece. The double-sided flannel Christmas tree blanket (on Amazon) has a green tree pattern on one side and plain green flannel on the other. Fold it so both sides show. On a neutral sofa, that one throw does the whole job.

Combo 3: soft and simple

If your sofa is already patterned or colorful, skip Christmas prints entirely. Add a solid Bedsure sherpa throw (on Amazon) and a couple of pillow covers in one holiday color pulled from your tree. The ornaments and lights carry the theme; the couch just looks cozy.

The fold

Throws look staged when they’re folded into a perfect square on the seat. Instead, hold the blanket by one corner and drop it over the arm so it falls in a loose triangle, or fold it in thirds lengthwise and drape it across one end of the back cushions. Then sit on the couch once. It will look right after that.

Storage in January

Pillow covers fold flat. Wash them, then store them inside one of the everyday covers you’re putting back, so they don’t get lost in a box.

For the rest of the room, see small living room Christmas decor and the Christmas textile swap.