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For an easy way to refresh your space. Oversized King Duvet Cover
Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa
Throw pillows come in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can help make an accent chair more comfortable, create a cozy or sleek look on a sofa, or even make your bedding feel more serene.
“Fabrics like velvet, faux fur, and hair-on-hide are wonderful for adding a sense of luxury and rich texture, whereas linen feels upscale coastal and chunky knits work well in a rustic-chic design motif,” says Kathy Kuo, CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home.
So how do you know what to look for when shopping for the best throw pillows for your preferences? Sure, you can keep in mind materials and pillow sizes, but you also don’t have to take the process too seriously.
“Find what speaks to you and gives you joy. Don't be afraid to layer color and pattern—this is a fun place to take some design ‘risk’!” says Julia Longchamps, owner at Julia Longchamps Design.
We evaluated throw pillows based on their dimensions, materials, style, certifications, and price. For additional insight, we consulted interior designers Julia Longchamps, Isfira Jensen, and Kathy Kuo.
We sorted our top picks into two categories: budget picks under $30 at the time of publish, and more expensive splurge picks.
L.L.Bean is popular for its Wicked Plush line, which are known for being the ultimate in comfort and coziness. That’s exactly what you want when picking a throw pillow, too. The L.L.Bean Wicked Plush smaller pillow, a standard 18 by 18 inches, comes in four colors: gray, navy, dark green, or beige. The larger pillow, which measures 24 by 24 inches, comes in these four colors plus an off-white shade.
When it comes to care, the polyester cover can be removed and washed in a machine. However, it has to be hung to dry or you could ruin the soft fleece fabric. The insert should only be spot cleaned.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 or 24 x 24 inches | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine-washable cover, air dry; spot clean insert
Cute for farmhouse decor or a cottagecore living space, the budget-friendly Ikea Kransborre is surprisingly versatile, despite its round shape and velvet covering. The velvet is made from polyester, while the filling is made with recycled polyester. It won’t be quite as soft as a down throw pillow, but it has a major benefit of being washer- and dryer-friendly.
The pillow comes in a neutral white or gray color or a few fun pastels, including blue, pink, and yellow.
This throw pillow is best for decor his pillow is on the thinner side with no opening to add more filling.
Product Details: Size: 16.25 x 16.25 x 4.25 inches | Material: Polyester and recycled polyester | Care: Machine-washable, tumble dry low
The Oversized Reversible Linen Square Throw Pillow offers rustic charm to farmhouse and beachy interiors. The linen cover seems to get softer over time, and delicate frayed edges make the pillow look more lived in.
The pillow comes in four muted colors, including black, green, blue, or beige. Because the design is simple, it works well for layering with smaller pillows in brighter tones or playful patterns.
A zip closure makes it easier to remove the insert for spot cleaning, but it also hinders the seamless look required for a truly reversible throw pillow.
Product Details: Size: 24 by 24 inches | Material: Linen, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
Adding texture is key to making a sofa or bed look more inviting, and there are more subtle ways to do that then a big, faux fur pillow. Take, for instance, this Tufted Trellis Decorative Square Throw Pillow, which has some height and drama from the rich tufting on the front, plus eye-catching tassels at each corner.
The pillow is available in a few versatile colors, including navy, coral, or gray. Many reviewers like the subtle colors and the look of the tufted diamond pattern on this pillow to make a room look more complete, while also appreciating its firm, comfortable filling. However, for some, the insert might be a little too stuffed.
Product Details: Size: 20 by 20 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
The Valerie Throw Pillow comes in rectangular or square shapes, three different sizes, and 15 color options, so there’s something for everyone.
The cover is made with a combination of woven polyester and cotton for something that’s soft to the touch, yet durable, while the filling is polyester. The textured bumps look interesting on any piece of furniture, although they do make cleaning a little trickier. If spot cleaning is too much of a hassle, this cover can also be dry cleaned.
Product Details: Size: 17 x 17, 20 x 20, or 20 x 14 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care: Spot clean or dry clean
A budget-friendly option for the great outdoors, the Room Essentials Outdoor Throw Pillow is a small but mighty addition to porch or patio seating. This pillow is made from recycled polyester for a lower environmental impact and features a simple, striped pattern in light green, red, navy, or black colorways.
Although the product isn’t outright described as waterproof, many reviewers noted how well the fabric holds up outdoors, rain or shine. At only 15 inches, this is one of the smallest throw pillows on our list, but it works well for layering with larger pillows. When it’s time to clean up a little barbecue spill, make sure to spot clean the area and wipe dry.
Product Details: Size: 15 x 15 inches | Material: Recycled polyester, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
Throw pillows for minimalist, farmhouse, or other nature-inspired decor styles should feature neutral tones and textures. The Square Cotton Pillow with Tassels has a woven cotton texture on each side of the cover and several fluffy tassels surrounding all four sides for a interesting, rustic look. The pillow comes in nature-inspired tones, like cream, navy, gray, lavender, russet, and mustard.
Although this pillow does include an insert, you may want to consider doubling up with two inserts in the cover or swapping the existing insert for a firmer option if you want a thicker pillow.
Caring for the tassels will also require some extra care to keep them from looking tangled and messy. Using a small weaving comb will help untangle any knots, and you can apply fabric starch to help the tassel strings stay in place.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester filling | Care: Machine-washable
The Piper Classics Katie’s Vintage Stripe Throw Pillow Cover includes a vintage-inspired design with cream-colored fabric broken up by dark stripes. It draws the eye with two large, wood buttons instead of a zipper closure.
The fabric is made entirely from cotton that is double-layered for more durability while still being soft to the touch. However, you may want to flip this pillow over before using as, well, a pillow—those wood buttons won’t be the most comfortable to rest your head on.
The product is just the cover, so you may also need to pick up an insert, like this down-filled insert with a cotton cover. Size up one size in the insert for an extra-firm feel.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine-washable
With its organic shape and bright red tones, the Mushroom Tufted Throw Pillow is a playful piece to add to a living area or bedroom, whether for kids or adults who are young at heart. Sure, this pillow fits perfectly into a cottagecore space or a children’s room, but it can also help homeowners nail the “unexpected red” trend, where adding a pop of red will make any room look more interesting, even if it doesn’t match.
The pillow features a design with three mushrooms of varying heights, with tufted details on the front for added texture and a cotton canvas material on the back.
However, it is pretty thin, making it better for looking at than lying on, and while the pillow can be spot-cleaned, the tufted material makes it slightly more difficult to wipe up spills.
Product Details: Size: 17 by 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Spot clean only
The quilted look is in again, and it’s easy to add a touch of this trend to your home with the Vera Bradley Fleece Solid Throw Pillow. The pillow features a solid-color cover with a diamond pattern, resembling patches on a quilt. Then, it ties in some of the brand’s famous patterns along the piped edges around the pillow for a fun, unexpected touch.
The cover features a soft fleece material and cotton trim. The insert is hypoallergenic, making it a good alternative to those who are allergic to down.
While the small zipper along the bottom of the pillow is ideal to hide the opening for the cover, it can be difficult to grasp and unzip when it’s time to wash it.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care: Machine-washable
If you want to add texture and a pop of color to your space, try layering this Fuzzy Plush Lumbar Pillow with your other throw pillows. The soft, fuzzy polyester cover comes in unique shades like chartreuse, moss, or mauve in addition to more neutral tones like taupe and copper, so it works well with subtle or bold color schemes.
The short, wide shape helps support your back while sitting or your head and neck while lounging. Although the material is spot clean only, the pillow does include a hidden zipper, so you can remove the cover for easier cleaning.
The long, polyester fibers may lose some of their soft touch when cleaning, but you can use a vacuum to help restore the fluffy feel.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 12 inches | Material: Polyester | Care: Spot clean only
Make your outdoor living spaces feel like a vacation spot with this coastal-inspired Better Homes & Gardens Polyester Outdoor Throw Pillow. While there are several solid-color options for a minimalist space, this pillow also comes in tropical prints featuring fish, coral, tropical leaves, anchors, or medallions.
The performance fabric is Enviroguard- and UV-treated, so it’s made to withstand everything from bright summer sunlight to rain showers as well as stains from spilled wine or your favorite hot dog condiments.
The pillow doesn’t have an insert; instead, it has loose stuffing and a zipper that you can use to refill with additional polyester filling as needed.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Care: Spot clean only
You spent hours tracking down the perfect vintage (or vintage-inspired) rug for your living room, and now, you can have a throw pillow to match. The Vince Embroidered Cotton Throw Pillow has an intricate pattern that will fit in nicely with boho or vintage spaces. The cover also includes stripes of woven jute for a natural element, although these pieces can make the pillow a little less comfortable to lie down on.
The back of the pillow has a plain white fabric that can sometimes be seen from the front, which may bother some people.
Shoppers can choose to add their own pillow insert, or there are options to buy the cover with an included down- or polyester-filled insert.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton and down or polyester filling | Care: Spot clean or hand-wash only
Ideal for snuggling by a fire, the Ugg Erie throw pillow works best for those who tend to run cold. Each side is covered in a thick, warm fabric, with one side boasting cable knit and the opposite, faux fur. It’s a little larger than a standard 18-inch throw pillow, but it’s not quite oversized at 20 inches, either.
The pillow includes OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, but it is made from polyester and acrylic rather than cotton. While the pillow cover does come off, the pillow and its insert should only be spot-cleaned as needed.
Product Details: Size: 20 by 20 inches | Material: Polyester, acrylic | Care: Spot clean only
For a throw pillow that doubles as a piece of art, the Bearaby Hugget features an interesting knot shape in a wide range of colors and patterns, including a trendy terrazzo design. The product has a Global Organic Textile Standard and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, and for eco-minded shoppers, you can rest easy knowing the Hugget pillow is designed to be compostable and biodegradable.
While the knot shape may not be as comfy to lay your head on as a flat, square pillow, the Hugget is weighted, making it perfect to squish, cuddle, and squeeze for some added stress relief. The largest pillow weighs about 3 pounds.
The company’s Melofoam filling is made from rubber tree sap, so those allergic or sensitive to natural rubber may want to consider another throw pillow option.
Product Details: Size: 4, 8, or 11 inches | Material: Melofoam | Care: Spot clean only
The checker-print trend is one of the biggest in home design and fashion right now. If you like the checkerboard trend but want to approach it in a subtle way, this pillow will do the trick.
The World Market Wavy Checkered Throw Pillow features a golden yellow and ivory pattern with curving lines for a wavy appearance. The groovy pattern will add a bold touch to more neutral spaces or play well with other prints, including traditional checker-print.
The cover features durable cotton with chain-stitched ivory squares and tufted amber-colored squares, while the back of the cotton cover is plain ivory. Although the pillow isn’t machine-washable, it is easy to spot clean because the insert is easy to remove through a concealed opening on the back of the cover.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton cover, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean
For boho, eclectic, or maximalist interiors, the Palma Pom Tassel Hook Pillow is a must-have that will surely gain your decor compliments every time you have guests.
It might not be the most comfortable pillow to rest your head on, but it will add some flair to any sofa or bed. The pillow is shaped like a palm tree, with tufted wool fabric to create the tree design on the front. At the top of the pillow, there are three small poms with attached tassels, resembling coconuts. The back of the pillow has a cotton-based velvet fabric that is smooth to the touch.
The pillow can only be cleaned by spot cleaning, but because it is better for decor than using as a pillow, it shouldn’t need regular cleaning.
Product Details: Size: 16 x 18 inches | Material: Wool, cotton, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
If you prefer a functional throw pillow, this Wowmax Linen Blend Wedge Pillow Throw Pillow may be the best addition to your bed or couch. It has a wide, thick base that tapers toward the top for better back support, making it a good companion for a book.
Tufted buttons add a more stylish element to the pillow, so it will still look good if it’s on display in the living room. The pillow also comes in a variety of colors, from a deep purple to a golden yellow to a nature-inspired sage green.
The polyester filling is dense to better hold the wedge shape and provide more support when you rest up against the pillow. The cover is made from a linen-blend fabric that can be unzipped and tossed in the washing machine then hung up to dry.
Product Details: Size: 39 x 20 inches | Material: Linen blend, polyester filling | Care: Machine-washable cover, line dry
The Bolster Leather Throw Pillow can add warmth to any space, whether it’s a minimalist bedroom or an industrial-chic living room. This firm pillow, which comes in black or brown authentic leather, can be comfortable to rest your lower back against, but otherwise may be best for decoration.
Leather is a natural material that will age and fade in attractive way over time, but keep in mind the smooth leather surface can also be vulnerable to scuffing. Because of the natural leather, shoppers considering purchasing multiple bolster pillows should note they may differ in color slightly from one another.
Reviewers are impressed with the high-quality stitching and the look of the brass zipper, which is exposed for an edgy look.
Product Details: Size: 24 by 6 inches | Material: Leather, cotton filling | Care: Spot clean only
If you want to add a whimsical touch to a room, the quaint Nathalie Lete Embroidered Velvet Pillow offers just that, with a variety of colors and embroidered patterns to suit any room. The pillow comes in five different styles, including one round pillow and one larger, 20-by-20-inch square pillow, each with varying motifs of cottagecore elements, like birds, mushrooms, flowers, and butterflies.
The removable cover is made with a polyester-based velvet printed with the designs, then finished with embroidered touches. Because of the delicate designs, the pillows are best to spot clean as needed rather than wash in a machine.
The back of the pillows aren’t just an afterthought, which is a nice touch. The backside of the cover features a smaller motif and a stitched-in label with the artist’s name.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 or 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Care: Spot clean only
You’ve adorned your bed, your lounge chairs, and your couch in furry, patterned, leather, and linen throw pillows, but has your outdoor space received the throw pillow treatment yet? Outdoor throw pillows need to feature a durable cover that can stand up to the elements, like UV rays that can cause fading and moisture that can lead to mildew.
This Sunbrella Outdoor Throw Pillow fits the bill. Made by a popular outdoor upholstery company, these simple pillows are made with a Sunbrella-branded acrylic fabric that is resistant to fading, mildew, and UV rays. The double stitching along the edges also adds extra durability.
While these outdoor pillows are fine to leave out all summer long, it is recommended to store them indoors during the off-season.
Product Details: Size: 20 by 20 inches | Material: Acrylic, polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
If you’re looking for an rustic addition to your sofa, chair, or bed, consider the Selene Modern Classic Leather Lumbar Pillow. The genuine leather cover is double stitched for added durability and a neat design. It’s available in eight leather colors, including four shades of brown and more modern colors like blue, green, and black.
Keep in mind, this is a heavier pillow at 4.5 pounds, and at nearly $100 at the time of publish, it’s one of the most expensive options on our list. Plus, the leather makes this pillow a bit trickier to care for as it’s not machine washable.
Product details: Size: 14 x 26 x 5 inches | Material: Leather | Care: Dry-cloth dusting, spot clean, or dry clean only
Nothing adds texture and coziness quite like a (faux) fur throw pillow, and these oversized versions from Pottery Barn are tempting to just sink into. The Luxe Faux Fur Pillow comes in two beige shades: ivory or bisque. The bisque is available in a 20-inch size, while the ivory is particularly oversized at 26 inches, making it one of the biggest throw pillow options on our list.
The fur is made from polyester, and shoppers can also take their pick for the filling. The pillows are available with just the covers, so you can add an existing insert you have lying around or buy your own preferred inserts; otherwise, there’s a down or down alternative option for the inserts.
The cover has a zipper for removal, then it can be washed on a cold, gentle cycle in the washing machine and tumble-dried low or you can dry clean it.
Product Details: Size: 20 by 20 or 26 by 26 inches | Material: Polyester, down or down alternative filling | Care: Machine-washable or dry clean
When it comes to choosing throw pillows for high-traffic areas, like a well-loved living room or a primary bedroom, finding a durable fabric is important to stand up to frequent use. The Zea Woven Alpaca Wool-Blend Throw Pillow could be a top throw pillow for your space. It features a bold, yet not distracting, pattern worthy of a museum.
The alpaca fur- and wool-blend front cover is warm and soft to the touch, but these materials are also meant to last for years. The plain back of the pillow is made with another durable fabric, cotton. As for inserts, shoppers can choose from down or polyester.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Alpaca fur, wool, cotton, down or polyester filling | Care: Dry clean
If you don’t just want a throw pillow but a statement piece, this colorfully patterned Crewel Descending Shapes Throw Pillow is sure to start a conversation. Reminiscent of Tetris, the pillow features a light blue background with solid shapes in varying colors that slot together to form larger patterns.
The embroidered patterns are handcrafted by artisans in India, so this pillow doubles as a work of art. That means you’ll want to treat it extra carefully. Avoid dry cleaning, but it is machine-washable and can even go in the dryer (or hang to dry to help the fabric last longer).
The bold pattern isn’t repeated on the back, and instead of a zipper closure, this pillow includes a button closure, which can make removing the cover slightly more tedious.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Cotton and down or polyester filling | Care: Machine-washable
If your approach to decorating is the cozier, the better, you’ll want to get your hands on the plush Cozy Teddy Faux Fur Pillow. The pillow comes in warm, rich tones like “adobe” and “cardinal” which are achieved through yarn-dying to maintain their vibrancy long-term. Even when following this pillow’s machine-washing instructions, you can trust that the pillow cover will come out just as vibrant as it was before washing.
The pillow has also boasts OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for safer materials; the cover is made from polyester, and shoppers can choose between a down or down alternative insert.
Although the cover is comfortable, the looping weave of the teddy fabric can be vulnerable to snagging. This pillow may be one you don’t want Fido or Fluffy making biscuits on.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester and down or down alternative filling | Care: Machine-washable
Did you spend a semester abroad in London? Do you appreciate the intricacies and convenience of public transportation? Do you simply want a hardy throw pillow that will withstand the test of time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Moquette Cushion from the London Transport Museum’s online gift shop may be the best throw pillow for you.
The pillow comes in a variety of geometric pattern varieties, with bold colors that can play well in a modern space. Because of the feather filling, it’s best to take this pillow to a dry cleaner’s as needed.
While this vintage-inspired pillow can offer many years of use without looking worn down, keep in mind that in addition to the upfront cost, overseas shipping fees will increase the total based on your location.
Product Details: Size: 17.7 x 17.7 inches | Material: Moquette, down filling | Care: Dry clean
Many throw pillows focus on adding warmth to a space with fuzzy, plush textures, but if you’re looking to add throw pillows to a living room or sun room for spring or summer, consider this light and breezy Cloud Linen Gauze Throw Pillow Cover from Parachute instead.
The pillow cover comes in a few serene colorways, including a light green, a pale blue, and beige, all evocative of a spa or the sea. The fabric is made from a blend of organic cotton and linen for a feeling that is light, soft, and lived-in, rather than feeling stiff or starchy.
However, for a single cover, it can be a higher upfront cost than some of the other throw pillows on our list, and you’ll still need to buy an insert separately. Parachute offers a down insert for $40 or a down alternative insert for $30.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Organic cotton and linen | Care: Machine-washable
For a quick splash of color, consider this Oversized Bolster Geo Print Throw Pillow by Opalhouse and Jungalow. The pillow is made with soft but durable fabric and has earned Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification.
The bolster design adds extra support when you want to sit up to read, watch TV, or scroll while in bed. Just keep in mind that the pillow has a sewn seam closure, meaning it will be tricky to add additional fill if it loses its shape down the line.
Product Details: Size: 8 x 36 inches | Material: Cotton and recycled polyester filling | Care: Spot clean only
Maybe you find a faux fur pillow you like, but you wish it came in a different color or a bigger size. Or perhaps you want a harder-to-source material for your throw pillow, like microsuede or chenille to match your sectional. Enter the Lovesac Throw Pillow, which offers plenty of customizable options from size to material to color.
You’ll find anything from neutral linen covers to dalmatian- or marble-printed velvet covers to complement any decor you can dream of.
However, because of the customizable nature of this pillow, there are a couple downsides. One, customized covers can’t be returned, and two, shipping times are pretty long, around 10 to 12 weeks. This may not be a good option if you’re in a rush to decorate before hosting guests in the next few weeks.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 18, 24 x 16, or 24 x 24 inches | Material: Customizable | Care: Machine-washable
Unlike throw blankets, which typically come in just a few standard sizes, throw pillows can come in a wide variety of sizes and even shapes, from squares to rectangles to spheres.
To help choose the right size for your throw pillows, keep in mind what furnishings you plan to set the pillows on.
“It’s not just the type of furniture which makes the difference in throw pillow size, but also the size of the furnishing piece in question,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Nufacet Interiors. “For example, while a sofa and chair have varying pillow type sizing requirements, a large and small sofa do as well.”
You might choose a 20 by 20 inch throw pillow, a lumbar pillow, or even a long bolster pillow for low-back sofas, Longchamps advised. Or, she recommended trying a larger, 22 by 22 inch pillow or even a cluster of pillows of varying sizes to complement a high-back sofa.
“The beauty lies in the absence of strict rules—there's no right or wrong, just a matter of personal preference,” Longchamps says.
Of course, style is a major factor in deciding the best throw pillows to suit your space. A midcentury modern-inspired space could benefit from a bold pattern or bright colors, while a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired room may look best with a faux fur or leather throw pillow for texture and warmth.
“The beauty of throw pillows is that you can find them in some many different fabrics and textures,” says Kathy Kuo, CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “It's always a good idea to invest in pillows made from high-quality fabrics, but the best fabric itself really depends on the style of your home and what kind of visual statement you're hoping to make.”
Aside from how the fabric on the pillow looks in your space, you should also note what the throw pillows are made of—inside and out.
If the throw pillow will mainly sit on a sofa as a form of decoration, it’s okay to opt for less durable fabrics or fabrics that may not be as soft to the touch. However, if you want to lounge around with your head resting on your new throw pillows, softer fabrics like cotton or faux fur may be better.
Of course, some materials may not stand up as well to playful kids and pets. Tufted fabric or embroidery could snag or pull, so these types of materials may be best for adult spaces.
Finally, don’t overlook what’s going on inside the pillow, either. Pillows often feature inserts with down feather fill or polyester, but some pillows may have loose stuffing inside, which Jensen warns could trigger allergies.
Whether they sit on a sofa untouched or are squished and cuddled daily, throw pillows need to be cleaned from time to time. Some options have durable covers that unzip and can be thrown in a washing machine and even a dryer; others may be machine-washable but should skip the dryer.
“The top consideration should be whether you love the look and feel of the pillows,” Kuo says. “But certainly if you have small children or pets, performance fabrics that are able to easily be tossed in the washing machine are going to serve you well!”
Others may only take to spot cleaning, and some options may be a little more maintenance and will need to accompany your favorite cashmere sweaters at the dry cleaner’s. Jensen recommends making sure you are up for whatever level of maintenance the throw pillow requires; with machine-washable options being easy to care for while dry-clean only tend to require more attention.
When shopping for throw pillows, you may want to invest in a high-quality insert. That’s because inserts can be reused in different covers anytime you want to refresh your decor. As for covers, invest in high-quality fabrics if you plan to use your covers year-round or if the pillows are going in a high-traffic area. Otherwise, you can save money by opting for budget-friendly covers paired with durable, long-lasting inserts to get the best bang for your buck.
The number of throw pillows you need depends on your personal preferences and where you’re placing the throw pillows.
For example, Longchamps likes to cluster three pillows on one side of a sofa and two pillows on the other end, but in a bedroom, she might go all out with several throw pillows of varying sizes or keep it simple with the bed pillows plus one long bolster pillow to make a statement.
Jensen recommends three or fewer pillows on a sofa for minimalist spaces or at least five on a large sofa. In a bedroom, she aims for five to seven layered pillows, although fewer will work for a simpler look.
Kuo says a lot of pillows on a bed can be overwhelming, and you’ll want to take them off the bed each night to sleep, so it may be better to minimize the number of throw pillows here. But in a living room, feel free to layer many pillows for a cozier vibe or just one or two pillows in each corner of a sofa for a sleeker appearance.
Throw pillows do not need to be the same size as the insert. In fact, if you want a firmer throw pillow, consider sizing one or two sizes up in the insert.
Longchamps likes to opt for one size up in the insert for a full and firm look that still has a plush feel, while Jensen recommends choosing an insert that is two inches larger than the throw pillow cover. Kuo prefers buying a same-size set for a plush feel, so ultimately it will come down to whether you want firmer or softer throw pillows.
Microfiber Sheets Paige Bennett is a freelance writer and editor with experience covering sustainability, home, travel, beauty, and fashion. To choose the best throw pillows for this list, Paige considered material, size, shape, care instructions, design, and functionality. Paige also interviewed interior designers Isfira Jensen, Julia Longchamps, and Kathy Kuo for advice on what shoppers can look for when shopping for throw pillows for any room of the house.