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A Complete Guide to Styles, Fill Materials, Arrangement, and Care of Decorative Pillows, Inserts & Covers

A Complete Guide to Styles, Fill Materials, Arrangement, and Care of Decorative Pillows, Inserts & Covers

Types of Decorative Pillows

There are many different types of decorative pillows to choose from to accent your home décor. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are a classic decorative pillow option. Usually square or rectangular in shape, throw pillows are designed to add visual interest, color, and comfort to sofas, chairs, and beds. Typical throw pillow sizes include:
  • 12" x 12"
  • 16" x 16"
  • 18" x 18"
  • 20" x 20"
Look for throw pillows in a wide range of fabrics like cotton, linen, velvet, or polyester. Opt for solids, prints, textures, or patterns depending on your style.

Accent Pillows

Slightly larger than throw pillows, accent pillows range from 20" to 36" in length. Use accent pillows to add pops of color and extra comfort to sofas or beds. Like throw pillows, accent pillows come in many fabrics, colors, and patterns.

Floor Pillows

As their name suggests, floor pillows are extra large pillows meant to be placed on the floor. Look for floor pillows in round, square, rectangular, or unusual shapes. Typical floor pillow sizes include:
  • 24" x 24"
  • 26" x 26"
  • 36" x 36"
Use floor pillows for extra seating or as decorative accents in living rooms, family rooms, dorms, or bedrooms.

Outdoor Pillows

Outdoor pillows are designed to withstand the elements. Made from weather-resistant fabrics like polyester, acrylic, or olefin, outdoor pillows work well on porches, patios, decks, or poolside. Look for outdoor pillows in colorful, fade-resistant prints andPatterns.

Specialty Pillows

Specialty decorative pillows include unique shapes like:
  • Round pillows
  • Heart-shaped pillows
  • Floor poufs
  • Neckroll pillows
  • Lumbar pillows
Use specialty pillows sparingly to accent modern or eclectic room décor.With so many types of decorative pillows to choose from, you can easily find options to suit your personal style and complement your home's décor. Experiment with different pillow styles, fabrics, colors and patterns to give your rooms a fresh new look.

Fill Material Options for Decorative Pillows

The fill material inside a decorative pillow greatly impacts its look, feel, and performance. Consider these common fill options when selecting pillows for your home.

Polyester Fiberfill

Polyester fiberfill is a very popular pillow fill material. It consists of small, crimped polyester fibers that interlock and trap air. Benefits of polyester fiberfill include:
  • Soft, plush feel
  • Lightweight and resilient
  • Retains shape well
  • Budget-friendly price point
Polyester pillows come in varied fill weights and densities to achieve different levels of firmness. Heavier fills will be firmer.

Down

Down refers to the fine, fluffy feathers from ducks or geese. Advantages of down pillow fills include:
  • Extremely soft and lightweight
  • Easily compresses for comfort and support
  • Provides warmth
  • Hypoallergenic options available
However, down pillows tend to be more expensive and less durable than other fills.

Feathers

Feathers mixed with down or polyester fibers is another pillow fill option. Feathers add firmness and support. The quills of larger feathers can sometimes poke through the pillow cover fabric.

Memory Foam

Shredded memory foam pillow fills provide excellent support, custom contouring, and bounce back. Memory foam sleeps cooler than polyester or down. The shredded style allows airflow to prevent heat retention.

Alternative Down

For a down-like feel without animal products, alternative down pillows are filled with synthetic microfiber clusters engineered to mimic feathers and down. Alternative down is also hypoallergenic.When selecting pillow fill, consider your preferences for softness, support, breathability, hypoallergenic qualities, and budget. Testing out different fills will help determine what feels best for your needs.

Pillow Covers & Cases for Decorative Pillows

The outer fabric shell of a decorative pillow is called the pillow cover or pillow case. Here are some tips for selecting the best covers and cases for your pillows:

Fabric Options

Pillow covers come in a wide variety of fabrics including:
  • Cotton - natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and durable
  • Linen - natural fiber that resists pilling and gets softer over time
  • Velvet - luxuriously soft with a plush pile
  • Faux fur - mimics the look of animal fur
  • Polyester - wrinkle-resistant and fade-resistant
Consider factors like softness, durability, wrinkle resistance, and laundering requirements when choosing a pillow cover fabric.

Closures

Zipper closures make it easy to remove the pillow form for washing. Envelope-style closures with overlapping flaps also allow pillow removal. Button or snap closures offer a decorative accent but don't allow form removal.

Size

Be sure to select a pillow cover size that fits the dimensions of the inner pillow form. For example, a 12" x 20" pillow insert will need a slightly larger 12" x 20" pillow cover to accommodate the fill.

Designs & Patterns

From solids to bold graphic prints, pillow covers come in every color and pattern imaginable. Choose colors and designs that coordinate with your room's overall style and décor. For example:
  • Florals for traditional rooms
  • Plaids for rustic rooms
  • Solids for modern, minimalist rooms
Mix and match prints and solids on one sofa or bed for visual interest.

Care Instructions

Check the pillow cover's care tag for washing, drying, and ironing recommendations. Most covers can be machine washed and dried but may require cool water, gentle cycle, and low heat drying to avoid damage.Choosing the right pillow covers and cases is key to ensuring your decorative pillows retain their beauty over time. Evaluate fabric, closures, size, design, and care when shopping for covers. With the wide variety of options available, you can find covers to perfectly complement your pillow fills.

Styles & Designs of Decorative Pillows

When decorating with pillows, consider the wide range of available styles and designs. The options are endless when it comes to shapes, sizes, and embellishments.

Shapes

Decorative pillow shapes include:
  • Square - Classic shape that offers right angles and stability
  • Rectangular - Provides visual interest with elongated silhouette
  • Round - Soft, curved silhouette for a relaxed vibe
  • Cylindrical - Roll shape works well resting against furniture
  • Triangles - For a dynamic, energetic look
  • Hearts - Romantic flair for bedrooms
Mix and match pillow shapes for lots of dimensional interest.

Sizes

While throw and accent pillows are most common, decorative pillows also come in these sizes:
  • 12" x 12"
  • 16" x 16"
  • 18" x 18"
  • 20" x 20"
  • 26" x 26"
  • 36" x 36" - Great for floor pillows
Choose sizes that are proportionate to your furniture.

Embellishments

Decorative trim takes pillows to the next level:
  • Fringe - Playful tassel trim
  • Cording - Contrasting trim detail
  • Beaded accents - Intricate hand-beaded designs
  • Ruffles - Soft, romantic frills
  • Pom poms - Whimsical puffy accents
Have fun highlighting your pillow's shape with complementary embellishments.

Patterns

From florals to geometrics, pillow patterns add visual punch. Some top patterns include:
  • Stripes - Classic vertical or horizontal stripes
  • Plaids - Crisp and graphic
  • Paisleys - Flowing teardrop shapes
  • Ikat - Blurred or faded stripes
  • Animal prints - Playful zebra or leopard spots
Solid color pillows nicely balance busy patterns.With limitless options for shapes, sizes, embellishments and patterns, you can find just the right decorative pillow designs to elevate your room.

Tips for Placing and Arranging Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows make a stylish statement, but how you arrange them is key. Follow these top tips for artfully placing pillows throughout your home.

On Sofas

Use a combination of pillow sizes like standard throw pillows mixed with longer accent pillows on sofas. Stick to an odd number like 3 or 5 pillows for the most pleasing arrangement. Angle pillows slightly rather than stacking them straight up. Repeat colors from the pillows in artwork above the sofa to tie the whole grouping together.

On Beds

Start with two matching pillows in standard 20" square sizes to lie against the headboard. Then add accent pillows in rectangles or lumbar shapes at the foot of the bed. Use pillows here to pick up colors from elsewhere in the bedroom - window treatments, area rugs, and artwork.

In Chairs

Chairs look most pulled together with a single pillow in a coordinating color or pattern. Place the pillow at an angle across the corner of the chair. Make sure it is proportional - a small chair looks best with an 18" pillow while larger chairs can accommodate 20-22" pillows.

On Floors

For floor seating in family rooms or dorms, arrange large floor pillows around a coffee table. Angle the floor pillows so guests can comfortably lean back against them. Compliment the pillows with floor vases, poufs, and trays.

Outdoors

Weather-resistant outdoor pillows add comfort and color to patio furniture. Focus on your seat and back cushions first, then add contrasting throw pillows. Solid sunbrella pillows withstand outdoor elements. Use indoor pillows outdoors occasionally but don't leave them out year-round.

In Entryways

Welcome guests with stylish pillow arrangements right inside your front door. Stack square and rectangular pillows on benches, shelves, or console tables. Keep it clean and simple - limit pillows to blocks of one or two colors.Get creative with pillow placements throughout your home. And don’t be afraid to fluff, add, or reposition pillows to keep your décor looking fresh and lively.

Caring for Decorative Pillows

To keep your decorative pillows looking their best for years to come, follow these care and maintenance tips:

Regular Fluffing

Fluff and rearrange pillows frequently to avoid flat, lumpy spots. For pillows on sofas or beds that get daily use, fluff them every morning. Fluff by gently kneading the pillows with your hands to redistribute fill and restore loft.

Spot Cleaning

Immediately spot clean pillows when you notice fresh stains from food, drinks, makeup, etc. Dab gently with a cloth dampened with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid rubbing, which can set the stain. Allow spot cleaned areas to fully air dry.

Washing Removable Covers

Check care labels and wash removable pillow covers in cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid overloading the washer. Use mild detergent without bleach. Line dry or tumble dry on low when possible to minimize heat damage.

Hand Washing

For pillows without removable covers, hand wash gently in cool water using mild soap. Avoid soaking the pillow. Rinse thoroughly. Press out excess water with a towel before air drying.

Dry Cleaning

Take heavily soiled pillows or pillows made of delicate fabrics like silk or velvet to a professional dry cleaner, if recommended on the care label. This will remove stubborn stains and brighten colors.

Replenishing Fill

Pillows lose loft and get lumpy over time. Add new polyfill every 1-2 years to refresh pillows. Or consider replacing memory foam pillows every 2-3 years when compression sets in.With some simple care, your decorative pillows can maintain their beauty and function while elevating your home’s style for many years.

How Amazon Prime Benefits Decorative Pillow Buyers

Amazon Prime offers a number of advantages for those who frequently buy decorative pillows, inserts and covers. Here are some of the key benefits:

Free Two-Day Shipping

One major perk of Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can quickly receive your new throw pillows and cushion inserts without paying extra shipping fees. Decorative pillows can be bulky, so the free shipping helps offset costs.

Free One-Day Delivery

Prime members in certain areas can even get free same-day or one-day delivery on pillow orders over $35. This ensures you'll have those finishing touches for your living room décor as soon as possible.

Free Returns

Amazon offers free returns within 30 days for Prime members, which is ideal for home goods like decorative pillows that you want to see and feel in person. If the size, shape or fabric of your new pillows doesn't work out, ship them back at no cost.

Prime Try Before You Buy

Select Prime products have a "Try Before You Buy" option that lets you try items for a week before purchasing. This is useful for testing out pillows to find ones with the right mix of comfort and aesthetics.

Premium Brands

You'll find top designer brands for pillows and pillow inserts on Amazon like DENY Designs, Bludot, Loloi and more. Prime access offers pricing competitive with decorator showrooms on premium decorative accessories.

Curation Tools

Prime members have access to curated decorative home guides featuring recommended pillows to help simplify the shopping experience. Quickly view selections optimized for your style.With convenient delivery, hassle-free returns, premium brands and curation, an Amazon Prime membership makes finding and trying beautiful, high quality decorative pillows quick and easy.p>

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