A great throw pillow can add the perfect decorative element to almost any room in your home. Whether you’d like to punch up your existing decor or add the final touch to a new space, throw pillows can provide texture, pattern, and a pop of color for low cost and commitment.
With a huge array of throw pillows available to choose from, how do you find one that complements your taste and lifestyle? We tested best-selling pillows in a variety of shapes and fabrics to help you choose the right throw pillow for your home.
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How We Picked
Throw pillows are an essential part of a home’s comfort and aesthetic. When reviewing throw pillows, we examined several factors that helped us choose the best in each individual category. Consider the following when searching for the perfect throw pillow for your home or office.
Fabric
The fabric of a throw pillow determines how it looks, the way it feels, its durability, and how you care for it. A removable, machine-washable pillow case may be more suitable for a family with pets or children than one that must be spot or dry cleaned. If you plan to use a pillow outdoors or in a breakfast nook or family room, you may want to choose a water-repellent fabric that hides stains.
Velvet, jacquard, and silk can add an elegant aesthetic to a room, while cotton and linen feel more homey and casual. Seasonal fabrics such as wool and fleece can add a thematic element to your home during different times of year, and telegraph a cool or cozy vibe.
When choosing a fabric for your throw pillow, consider where and how you’ll use it. Will the pillow be purely decorative? A helpful tool for lumbar support? Will dogs and children be using it? Throw pillows are often functional as well as decorative. The fabric of your throw pillow should reflect its place and purpose in your home.
Internal Fill
A throw pillow’s internal fill impacts how it looks and feels as well as the support it offers. When shopping for a throw pillow, consider the type of internal fill and how it might perform under regular use. The following are some of the most common types of pillow fills:
- Polyester – Polyester is inexpensive, light, and easy to clean. It also tends to clump easily, making it less durable. It can feel warm, and is generally not moldable like down and memory foam
- Cotton – Cotton is a natural fiber that is often less expensive than other types of internal fill. It may be a good alternative for those with allergies or sensitivities to synthetic materials, but is generally less durable. Cotton is usually washable, but flattens easily and tends to lose its shape
- Down alternative – Down alternative fills are light and offer a quick response to pressure. These are often reasonably priced and versatile, but may not be as durable as fills such as memory foam or down
- Memory Foam – Memory foam offers pressure relief, and conforms to head or body shape. Memory foam fill is durable and remains smooth over time, but can be a bit heavier and more expensive than other options. Shredded memory foam offers both support and a plush feel
- Down – Down is a lightweight and compressible fill, with a fluffy, feathery feel. Down tends to hold its shape, and is moldable to your head and body. Down is also durable and can last for several years. This type of fill can hold in heat, however, and requires regular refluffing
Shape
Throw pillows are available in many different shapes, including lumbar, square, neckroll, and bolster. To decide which pillow shape is best for you, consider where you’ll be using your pillow. In bed or on a sofa? On a bench for a few minutes while putting on your shoes? A pillow you’ll use to support your back during a binge-watch session may need to be firmer or more supportive than a pillow that serves a purely decorative purpose.
When choosing a throw pillow, consider measuring the furniture or area where you’ll be using it. Taking measurements can help you decide on both shape and size, and ensure the pillow you choose will suit your purposes.
Cover design
Throw pillows come in a multitude of designs. Some people have a specific style and look in mind, while others are less sure of their decorating instincts. If you don’t have much design savvy, a throw pillow is a relatively low-cost way to experiment with color, pattern, and texture.
Fabric samples can help you decide which design is right for your style and decor. Most professionals suggest choosing a common theme, such as a color or pattern, and selecting pillows based on that theme. For instance, try a mix of tribal patterns in three different shapes, or choose pillows that have nothing in common but a splash of red. If you’d prefer to stick with solids, try mixing up fabrics and sizes. Draw on colors from furniture, rugs, or artwork, or pick a splash of any bright color to liven up a monochromatic decor.
Price
Throw pillows can be one of the most inexpensive elements of your decor, or as pricey as a rug or chair. Price typically depends on materials, country of origin, and craftsmanship. A hand-embroidered pillow will cost significantly more than a machine-made pillow, while a pillow made of fine fabric such as silk or linen will command a higher price than polyester.
Some throw pillows incorporate artistic elements in their designs, and serve as statement pieces that stand out. These pillows are designed to be noticed and bring a room together, and typically come with a higher price tag. Custom pillows abound online, and may cost a bit more to make to your specifications. Pillow sales are common in spring and fall as seasonal colors and fabrics change.
Sleepopolis Tips
Still not sure how to choose from the wealth of throw pillows available? We’ve put together some tips to help even the most design-challenged choose the perfect pillow:
- Go neutral – Not quite ready to try bright colors? Give subdued earth tones a whirl. It’s difficult to go wrong with throw pillows in understated hues like charcoal gray, cream, and rust
- Treat yourself – If you’re decorating on a budget but want to add a luxe accent, try a throw pillow (or four!) in velvet, silk, or wool. A few sumptuous pillows can take a less expensive sofa to new heights
- Layer your pillows – Start with larger ones in the back on your bed or sofa, and add smaller pillows of varying shapes until you have the perfect two or three-layer arrangement
- Get inspired – Take a look at design blogs for ideas about color, pattern, and texture. Head to a pillow store to check out what’s on trend, and see how they arrange pillows for a chic finishing touch
- Keep it simple – When starting out with throw pillows, fewer may be better. Start with two on a bed or sofa, then add additional pillows in different patterns and colors as your design confidence grows
- Know what you’re buying – Many companies sell throw pillow covers and inserts separately. Make sure you know what your pillow purchase includes. Cover only, or cover and insert?
- Decorate the great outdoors – Try outdoor pillows to liven up your lawn or patio furniture. Just be sure to buy pillows made to stand up to the elements, or indoor/outdoor pillows that can go from family room to porch swing without fading or losing shape