Have you ever wondered why so many people have a ton of pillows on their couches, beds, or other spaces in their homes? It’s because they are an inexpensive and fast way to transform your home decor. A fluffy pillow can go a long way to make a home look comfortable and well-polished. While it’s the cover of a pillow that initially catches the eye, it’s what goes inside the pillow that really counts. Figuring out what pillow inserts are right for your collection of decorative pillows is an important decision, one that can affect how sturdy or comfortable your pillow is.
Why Do I Need a Decorative Pillow?
Minimalists, relatives of the opinionated “collector” in the family, and some stylistically opposed spouses may be frustrated with the idea of decorative pillows. It might seem as if they have no purpose at all or that they are always in the way. But home design experts agree – they can make a huge difference in your home and completely change your space. Decorative pillows are a part of what makes your house a home. Here are some big reasons to include decorative pillows in your decor.
Color
Adding a decorative pillow can help you add a splash of color to your home. Most people opt for a couch that’s a neutral color. But it often blends in with a sea of neutrals and makes your house look dull or too beige. Decorative pillows can add visual interest by using color. Choose one or two colors for your decorative pillows as the basis for a color theme in your living room or den, complementing your other decor. This is a great way to elevate your style and create a cohesive look throughout your home.
Seasonal Decor
An excellent decorative pillow can be a fun way to add a bit of seasonal excitement. Pillow covers can be changed frequently throughout the year based on the season or upcoming holidays. For example, you can easily match your Christmas tree skirt or other festive holiday decors to the pattern or theme on your throw pillow. Adding a decorative pillow to your seasonal decor is an inexpensive way to take your decor to the next level.
Texture
Using a decorative pillow is also a good way to add texture to your decor space. Kristine Tucker from SF Gate explains,” For example, if your sofa is made of leather, add soft cotton, plush velvet, or a wide-wale corduroy toss pillows to the couch. If you have linen or raw silk window treatments, add a faux fur or satin sheen pillow to accessorize an armchair.” These contrasting elements can really add intrigue to any style. From a bohemian look to something more traditional, adding decorative pillows for texture is a great idea.
Trends
Throw pillows are a great way to implement a trending style. Trends can change fast, so you may not want to feel “married” to a particular trend by purchasing a couch or bedroom furniture that’s super trendy. It’s a good idea to purchase quality and timeless furniture and leave the trendy pieces to something much less expensive like throw pillows.
Pillow Inserts Make the Pillow
Throw pillows are an essential piece of your overall home style. But, the most critical part of your decorative pillow isn’t necessarily the shape, design, color, or texture of your throw pillow. It’s the pillow insert. Pillow inserts make a pillow cover look full, puffy, or just plain sad. Having high-quality pillow inserts is an essential part of any well-styled home. They truly transform the look of your bed or couch. But, how do you know what to choose?
How To Choose Pillow Inserts for Decorative Pillows
Choosing the best pillow inserts for your pillow cover may not be as easy as you think. There are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing the best pillow inserts.
Material
Begin your search for the best pillow inserts by deciding what type of fill material you want. There are a few different fill options that come inside pillow inserts. Here are some of the top material choices and why you may select them.
Feather Pillow Insert
A feather pillow insert is one of the most popular fill materials. A feather pillow insert is exactly as it sounds, filled with feathers. They will usually have a percentage of down-to-feathers ratio. For example, you may see “90% feather/ 10% down.” This is an ideal ratio for a decorative pillow. A feather and down blend is very nice and not quite as expensive as a pillow with only down feathers. However, the quills in feather pillows will often stick out and may poke you. Most people don’t mind the slight inconvenience as a feather pillow is very luxurious. It’s a great soft, plush, and full option for your decorative pillow fill.
Down Pillow Insert
Down pillow inserts are usually the most expensive type of insert. Down is a specific soft feather on a duck or goose without pokey quills. It’s the “inner” feather on the back, wing, and chest of the bird. Down is known for being extremely soft, warm, reliable, and long-lasting. Down pillow inserts are a fantastic choice for your pillow fill. If you aren’t overly concerned with your budget, a down pillow insert may be the best choice for you.
Down Alternative Pillow Insert
Down alternative is made of polyester microfibers that feel similar to cotton balls when laid on. They are sometimes referred to as “fiber pillow inserts.” The polyester fibers are denser than feather or down options and won’t compress easily. Down alternative is a great option for those who have allergies and don’t like the feeling of feathers poking out. They are also more affordable for those on a budget. This cost-effective material is a good pick for your pillow insert.
Foam Pillow Insert
Foam pillow inserts are usually made of polyurethane. This material is light and will regain its shape easily. They are also supportive and durable. Memory foam pillows aren’t usually used by the pros for decorative purposes but can be a good option for your regular bed pillow insert.
Buckwheat Pillow Insert
Buckwheat is a newer type of pillow insert. It’s made of buckwheat hulls which come from the shell of buckwheat seeds. This type of pillow insert is breathable, natural, and hypoallergenic. But, it can make a lot of noise and be on the heavier side. Buckwheat pillow inserts aren’t a super popular choice, but it’s important to know what they are should you find one.
Size
Choosing the right size for your pillow insert may have the largest effect on the appearance of your pillow. While many would think you should choose an insert the same size as your pillow cover, this isn’t always the case. A pillow cover that isn’t fully filled can look cheap and flattened out. Many experts recommend using an insert that is 2 inches larger than the cover for a square pillow. For example, if you have an 18×18 pillow cover, you will want to use a 20×20 insert. For a rectangular pillow, choose a cover that is 1 inch larger than the pillow. Choosing the proper size pillow insert for your sham can make all the difference.
Shape
It should go without saying, but it’s also important to choose the right shape for your pillow insert. Many throw pillows are square, but there are some that are rectangular or round. Some people like to use a lumbar pillow or bolster on their beds in addition to their Euro pillows. Be sure to select the same shape pillow insert for your pillow cover.
Density
Choosing the right density for your throw pillow is all about your preference for firmness and responsiveness. Feather, down, and down-alternative pillows can be “chopped” for a fluffy and full look. Other fill options can still provide a full look but may not look as fluffy. Determine what look you like best and select the density that meets your ideal look.
Budget
There’s nothing quite like a decorative item for your home to give you a bit of sticker shock. Depending on the size and material of the pillow inserts you select, you can be looking at a costly expense. While retailers such as Pottery Barn or Boll & Branch offer their own inserts, you can also find cheaper options at places like Amazon. For example, a single Boll & Branch 26×26 Euro pillow insert is $158. A 26×26 insert on Amazon can be found for around $30. The cost of just a throw pillow cover can be expensive to begin with, but adding on $100+ per pillow insert may be over the top for a lot of people. Creating a budget for your total cost of pillow covers and inserts is a good way to help you choose a pillow insert that’s best for your needs.
The Best Pillow Inserts
Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White)
The Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White) is a fantastic choice for your insert. They are firm and filled with siliconized fiber. This type of fill won’t look hollow or have awkward holes. This fill is soft and durable. The Utopia Throw Pillows are offered in 10 size options to fit almost any sham size. They are highly rated with a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars by over 135,000 customers. A pack of 2 ranges in price from $14 to $35 based on the size you need. These pillow inserts make a great pick for your home decor needs.
Foamily Premium Hypoallergenic Stuffer Pillow Insert
The Foamily Premium Hypoallergenic Stuffer Pillow Insert will provide extra support to your sofa or bed. These pillow inserts have excellent lumbar support as they are firm but fluffy. The microfiber filling is plump and full, and the Foamily pillow inserts are tested to ensure the appropriate amount of fill is in each insert. They are rated 4.6 out of 5 stars and are available in 9 sizes. These pillow inserts are offered at a price range of $13 to $22 based on the size you select. The single bed or couch sham filler is a great choice for full and fluffy throw pillows.
Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 4, White)
Utopia Bedding offers a Pack of 4 Pillow Inserts. These decorative pillow cover inserts have a soft outer shell with siliconized fiber filling. The fill works well to prevent any holes or hollow areas in your pillow cover. The pillow form is a solid square shape and will fill out your decorative pillow cover perfectly. The pack of 4 throw pillow inserts is the perfect fit for your bed pillow, sofa, bay window, or office. The Utopia Pack of 4 is available in seven sizes for a price range of $15 to $37. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by over 66,000 customers. The Utopia Throw Pillow inserts are one of the best pillow inserts on the market.
EDOW Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2 Lightweight Down Alternative Polyester Pillow
The EDOW Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2 Lightweight Down Alternative Polyester Pillow, is a solid pick for your pillow inserts. They are filled with upgraded microfiber polyester filler. These inserts are fluffy and will spring back as needed. The throw pillow insert will fit wonderfully into each corner of your sham. It’s also machine washable and can be fluffed in your dryer. This throw pillow insert option is available in sizes 12×12 inches, 14×14 inches, 16×16 inches, 18×18 inches, 20×20 inches, 22×22 inches, 24×24 inches, 26×26 inches, and 28×28 inches. The EDOW company also offers a 12-month warranty to safeguard your purchase. These inserts are rated 4.6 out of 5 stars and are available at a price range of $13 to $36 for a pack of 2. The EDOW Down Alternative Sham Stuffers are a great option to fill your luxury pillow covers.
Foamily Throw Pillows Insert Set of 2 – 24 x 24
The Foamily Throw Pillows Insert Set of 2 – 24 x 24 inches is a great option for your extra large pillow covers. These inserts are made with a high-grade fiber filling. The pillow inserts are made to fulfill a decorative purpose and are also useful. They are effective in supporting your neck or back while you are seated or lying down. The polyester cover is easy to keep clean and holds the fiber well. These pillow inserts are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 24×24 inch 2 pack is offered at $26. These Foamily Pillow Inserts are a great option for filling your bed or couch pillow shams.
Phantoscope 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts, Set of 4 Hypoallergenic Square Form Decorative Throw Pillow Inserts
Another solid pick is the Phantoscope 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts, Set of 4 Hypoallergenic Square Form Decorative Throw Pillow Inserts. These pillow inserts are made in the USA. They are created with virgin microfiber filling and high-quality polyester covers. The inserts are hypoallergenic, odorless, and made to last. They also have a high fill capacity, with 10% more filling than most pillows. The company promises that each pillow insert is filled to at least 90% to ensure that the corners of your favorite pillow cover are filled perfectly. The company also uses patented filling technology to fill the pillow forms with high-grade 7D fiber to provide excellent resilience and comfort while remaining fluffy and moldable. Their couch pillows will maintain their shape and provide adequate support without ever having holes. The square 18×18 inch pillow inserts come in packs of four and can be used as accent pillows on your bed, couch, or chairs. These pillows do come vacuum sealed and compressed for proper shipping. They will need to be taken out of the bag and fluffed to get their proper shape. They also can be lightly washed, or hand washed as needed. The Phantoscope Store also offers pillow inserts in 12×12 inches, 12×20 inches, 14×14 inches, 16×16 inches, and 20×20 inches. No matter what size pillow you have, these inserts will give you the look you’re after. They are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. The pack of four Phantoscope pillow inserts is offered at a price range of $25 to $30 based on size selection.
Pillow Insert Summary
Throw pillows are an easy way to transform your home decor. Hadley Mendelsohn, Associate Editor of MyDomaine, and now Design Editor for the prestigious interior decorating magazine House Beautiful, states, “When it comes to living room seating, hallway benches, and pretty much anything in the bedroom, adding a throw pillow will pack a ton of punch and bring out the subtle design features in a space.” But a good throw pillow is nothing without the right pillow insert. Pillow inserts can make your throw pillow look sad, deflated, and cheap or fluffy and luxurious. They are an essential piece of your overall home decor. The pillow inserts listed above are all highly-rated options to give you great-looking throw pillows. If you are ready to elevate your style, add a great pillow insert to your decorative pillow sham!
