With sofas, comfort comes first. But a couch typically “occupies prime real estate” in a room, decorator Alexandra Pappas of Pappas Miron Design says — meaning it’s worth thinking about its visual appeal.

For an original look, the more colors, shapes and textiles you can incorporate, the better.

We asked some interior designers for practical advice on creating an inviting layered effect on sofas.

Try mismatched, patterned pillows: The experts agree that a mix of pillows is more visually interesting than a uniform set. Gabrielle Soyer, the owner of the Paris home goods store Lindell & Co. says contrasting shades and styles add depth to a room.

She recommends using an odd number of pillows, for example two on one side of the sofa and three on the other, because the asymmetry makes the styling look more natural.

But “don’t over-pillow,” warned Robin Standefer, a co-founder of the New York design studio Roman and Williams, “and keep them at a reasonable scale.”

Generally speaking, that means choosing ones that are not taller than the backrest or wider than the seat cushions of your sofa. Creating your own pillowcases is another way to add personality to your setup.

Go big with throws and other textiles: “Blankets and throws are not always meant to be flung” over a sofa’s arm, Standefer says. As an alternative, she likes to create a “sofa carpet,” an English decorating tradition in which a large blanket is draped over most of the couch, with one side tucked behind the backrest and the other beneath the seat cushions.

The New York-based designer John Derian also recommends this technique and likes to use Jeanette Farrier’s neutral colored Kantha blankets — Indian and Bengali quilts hand-stitched from discarded cotton scraps — or antique linen top sheets.

Add finishing touches: Standefer likes to cover seat cushions with black or white sheepskin pelts, a common choice in Scandinavian homes. “It’s earthy and refined at the same time,” she said.

Pappas recommends putting a small silver or tole tray, or a place mat with raised edges, on one of your couch cushions. That way, you can “corral all of the remotes and have a spot for your tea or cocktail,” she said.