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Add Style and Comfort with Decorative Pillows, Inserts & Covers

Add Style and Comfort with Decorative Pillows, Inserts & Covers

Choosing the Right Decorative Pillows for Your Home

Decorative pillows are a simple way to add personality, color, and comfort to any room. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right pillows for your home décor.

Consider Your Design Style

Before shopping, think about the overall design style of your home. Is it modern, traditional, coastal, bohemian? Look for pillows that complement your style.

  • Modern styles look best with solid, geometric, or abstract patterned pillows in bold colors.
  • Traditional rooms do well with floral, paisley, or damask pillows in softer shades.
  • Coastal decorators can't go wrong with textured pillows in ocean-inspired hues.
  • Boho lovers should seek out global-inspired prints and fringed pillows.

Focus on Function

Consider where and how the pillows will be used to choose the right shapes and fills.

LocationRecommended Pillows
Sofas/Chairs18-24 inch square or rectangular pillows with down-alternative insert
Beds12-18 inch square pillows with down-alternative insert
Floor/PoufLarge 26+ inch square floor cushions or pillows without insert

Texture Mixing Tips

Layering pillows with different fabrics and textures adds visual interest.

  • Combine smooth satins with coarse linens or textured wool.
  • Accent soft velvet pillows with ones made of jute, faux fur, or corduroy.
  • Add dimension with pillows that combine matte and shiny fabrics.

Pull It All Together

Finish your pillowscape with these design principles:

  • Vary heights, shapes, and sizes for drama.
  • Repeat colors from decor for unity.
  • Limit patterns to 3 per area so they don't compete.
  • Angle corners or lean pillows against each other for visual interest.

Choosing the perfect decorative pillows may take some time, but the results are well worth the effort. The right pillows can beautifully enhance your room's style and comfort.

Decorative Pillow Inserts - What You Need to Know

A decorative pillow is only as comfortable as its fill. The right insert will provide support, shape, and durability. Here's an overview of common pillow inserts to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Fill Materials

Pillow inserts are stuffed with different materials that impact quality and price:

  • Down - Expensive, soft, resilient; needs frequent fluffing.
  • Feathers - Cheaper alternative to down; flattens easily.
  • Polyester Fiber - Budget option; lightweight and flatten quickly.
  • Memory Foam - Moldable support; retains heat.
  • Polyfill - Affordable hypoallergenic option.

Fill Power

For down and feather inserts, fill power indicates quality. Higher numbers equal more loft.

Fill PowerQuality
Under 400Low
400-600Moderate
Over 600Premium

For example, a 500 fill power down insert will be more durable and comfortable than a 300 fill power.

Density

This measures the amount of fill inside the pillow insert. More density means extra support. Ideal densities for common inserts:

  • Down: 3-6 oz/yd3
  • Feather: 4-6 oz/yd3
  • Polyester Fiber: 1.5-3 oz/yd3

A 5 oz/yd3 down insert will feel firmer than a 3 oz/yd3 down insert.

Size

Match your pillow insert to the pillow cover size. Standard sizes include:

  • 12 x 12 in
  • 12 x 16 in
  • 12 x 18 in
  • 12 x 20 in
  • 16 x 16 in
  • 18 x 18 in
  • 20 x 20 in

For floor cushions or poufs, oversized 36 x 36 in inserts are common.

Care

Read manufacturer instructions for washing guidance. Some inserts can be machine washed and dried while others require professional dry cleaning.

With the right insert, your decorative pillows will maintain their loft and support for years to come.

Decorative Pillow Covers to Refresh Your Look

One of the easiest ways to update any room is with new decorative pillow covers. Swapping out your throw pillow covers allows you to inexpensively change the color palette, patterns, and textures in your space. Here are some tips for choosing fresh pillow covers to give your decor a quick makeover.

Match Your Style

Select pillow covers that complement your interior design style or vision. For example:

  • Boho - Choose global-inspired prints or embroidered covers.
  • Contemporary - Try solid colors or subtle geometric patterns.
  • Rustic - Look for pillows with burlap, lace, or farmhouse motifs.

Consider Scale

Pillow SizeBest Use
12-16 inchesBed accent
16-22 inchesCouch décor
26+ inchesFloor cushion

Choose sizes proportionate to furniture. For example, a 12" cover works for an armchair but a 22" cover balances a loveseat.

Mix Textures

Vary fabrics for visual interest. Combinations might include:

  • Velvet + linen
  • Cotton + wool
  • Silk + leather

Coordinate Colors

Pull colors from artwork, rugs, throws, and other accents. Monochromatic is simple yet striking. For example, shades of:

  • Blue + green in coastal rooms
  • Gray + mauve in modern spaces
  • Brown + tan for earthy palette

Refresh Fills

Along with new covers, swap out old pillow inserts that have flattened over time. This revives comfort and shape.

The right set of pillow covers can instantly revive a tired room. Have fun mixing, matching, and refreshing your décor with new patterns, fabrics, and colors!

Styling Your Space with Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows are an easy way to add personality and coziness to any room. Here are some tips for stylishly incorporating pillows into your home decor.

Choose a Color Palette

Pick 2-3 colors to create your pillow color scheme. You can:

  • Use accent colors from wall paint or furniture
  • Coordinate with artwork
  • Match your throw or area rug

Stick to a cohesive palette for a pulled-together look.

Vary Shapes and Sizes

Mix different pillow proportions for visual interest:

  • 12”x12” square
  • 16”x16” square
  • 18”x18” square
  • 20”x20” square
  • 12”x16” rectangular
  • 12”x24” rectangular
  • 16”x22” rectangular

Larger pillows balance furniture while smaller ones add accent.

Texture Mixing

Incorporate different fabrics like:

  • Linen
  • Velvet
  • Cotton
  • Faux fur
  • Woven wool

Varied textures create visual depth and dimension.

Use Design Principles

Apply these guidelines:

  • Group pillows in odd numbers like 3 or 5.
  • Overlap corners and edges for interest.
  • Angling pillows makes the arrangement look more organic.
  • Repeating patterns or colors ties the look together.

With the right mix of colors, shapes, and textures, decorative pillows can stylishly enhance any space.

The Do's and Don'ts of Decorative Pillow Arrangements

Decorative throw pillows can transform the look and feel of your space when artfully arranged. Here are some do's and don'ts for creating attractive pillow displays.

Do's

  • Do vary pillow heights for added interest
    • Use floor cushions, lumbar pillows, and standard rectangular sizes
  • Do overlap pillows and angle corners
    • Creates a casual, organic look
  • Do layer different textures like velvet with linen
    • Adds visual depth
    • Highlights unique fabric qualities

Don'ts

  • Don't overcrowd the space
    • Looks cluttered
    • Allows each pillow to stand out
  • Don't mix too many patterns
    • Creates visual confusion
    • Limit to 2-3 coordinated patterns
  • Don't neglect pillow upkeep
    • Regular washing or dry cleaning keeps them fresh
    • Fluff and rotate for even wear and shape

Following basic principles of scale, texture, color, and organization will help you create an inviting pillow arrangement.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Decorative Pillows

To keep your decorative pillows looking their best, it's important to properly care for and clean them. Here are some useful care and maintenance tips:

Regular Fluffing & Rotating

Fluff and rotate the pillows weekly to evenly distribute fill and prevent flattening. Simply squeeze, punch, and shake the pillows to re-fluff.

Spot Clean Spills

Promptly spot clean spills and stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid rubbing, which can set the stain. Blot gently and allow to fully dry before replacing cover.

Check Fill Level

Every few months, check the fill level of your pillows. Add more stuffing or replace flattened inserts to restore shape and comfort.

Wash Removable Covers

  • Machine wash in cold water, delicate cycle.
  • Air dry only.
  • Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean.

Follow any special washing instructions from the manufacturer.

Dry Clean Pillows

For pillows without removable covers, dry clean every 6-12 months to sanitize and brighten.

Store Properly When Not In Use

  • Fill with tissue paper to maintain shape.
  • Store flat in breathable fabric bag.
  • Avoid plastic containers which can trap moisture.

With proper care and regular maintenance, your decorative pillows will stay looking fluffy and vibrant for seasons to come!

Pillow Inserts

Pillow inserts are an essential part of creating a comfortable and stylish home decor. Here are some tips and information to help you choose the right pillow inserts:

  • Consider the size of your pillow cover and choose an insert that is one size larger for a firmer, plumper look.
  • Look for high-quality inserts that provide the right amount of support and comfort.
  • Choose the right fill material for your needs, such as feather down or synthetic down.
  • Check the exterior fabric of the insert if you plan to use it outdoors.
  • Be mindful of allergens if you or someone in your household has allergies.
  • If you're using existing pillow inserts in new pillow covers, make sure the inserts aren't too large before trying to force them into the covers.
  • Check out reviews and comparisons of different pillow inserts to find the best one for your needs.
  • What Size Pillow Insert For 20X20 Cover?

    If you have a 20x20 inch pillow cover, it is recommended to use a 22x22 inch pillow insert for a full and plush appearance. This will ensure that the cover is adequately filled, creating a comfortable and visually appealing pillow. It is important to choose high-quality inserts that provide the right amount of support and comfort. If you're using existing pillow inserts in new pillow covers, make sure the inserts aren't too large before trying to force them into the covers. Check out reviews and comparisons of different pillow inserts to find the best one for your needs.

    What Is The Difference Between A Pillow Insert And A Pillow Form??

    Pillow inserts and pillow forms are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. Here are some key differences:

    Pillow Inserts:

  • Refers to the filling that goes inside your pillow covers.
  • Can be made of different materials such as polyfill or feather-down.
  • Are available in different sizes to fit various pillow covers.
  • Are often sold separately from pillow covers, allowing you to mix and match different styles and colors.
  • Can be removed from the pillow cover for washing or dry cleaning.
  • Pillow Forms:

  • Refers to a pre-made pillow that is already covered in fabric.
  • Are available in different sizes and shapes.
  • Are often used for decorative purposes, such as on a couch or bed.
  • Are not meant to be removed from the fabric cover.
  • In summary, pillow inserts are the filling that goes inside a pillow cover, while pillow forms are pre-made pillows that are already covered in fabric.