Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of the retailer
The cost-benefit ratio of a set of throw pillows will almost always work in your favor. People will argue that these pillows serve no actual purpose, but in reality, they’re an affordable decorative exclamation point that makes your furniture cozier and easier to nest in; a well-made one can even support your lower back. But how to know which of the thousands out there are right for your home? To help answer that question, we did a deep dive to find the best throw pillows available on Amazon for every type of space, from your living room to your bedroom, patio, and kid’s room. Many of the styles shown below are covers and don’t come with the actual pillow insert, so we also included a few of Amazon’s best-selling cushy inserts to fit inside the covers.
For the ceramicist’s studio
We love the blobby shapes on this textured pillow cover and can imagine it going with some sculptural ceramics — or candles — on a nearby coffee table.
For the professorial study
These soft, wide-wale-corduroy pillow covers, which come in 24 colors, will lend the room an academic vibe.
For the family den
Constructed as a giant knot, this throw pillow can actually be thrown like a ball. More practically, the round shape provides flexible support for propping up a head or back.
For the ’70s-inspired living room
These macramé pillow covers will go great with a conversation pit and rattan chairs.
For the Instagram-ready bedroom
These covers tick all the aesthetic boxes for millennial decorators: abstract shapes, muted pink-adjacent earth tones, and texture.
For the plant-filled sunroom
A sunflower-inspired pillow cover that will keep the spring vibes going all season.
For the vintage-inspired boudoir
Tassel-edged velvet pillows for Old Hollywood lounging.
For the modern boudoir
For the California bungalow
Fringe and a fun color? Justina Blakeney would approve.
For the rural cabin
This handsome pair is accented with faux leather in a rich cognac brown.
For the seaside cottage
Beachy turquoise burlap is accented by textural linen trim.
For the avant-basic influencer
Pairs perfectly with a pink velvet couch and a wiggly coffee table.
For the hygge-fluencer
It’s impossible not to feel warm and cozy when cuddling a boucle pillow.
For the non-cutesy nursery
This leopard-adorned pillow cover is fun for kids and chic enough for adults.
For the Pantone loyalist
To go with all the chartreuse, violet, and rare shades of gray.
For the pattern-phobe
This indigo linen-blend cover is simple and non-fussy, and it won’t be too busy for a small apartment.
For the Craftsman home
The subtle cross-stitched pattern on this handsome pair of covers adds a layer of depth and flair.
For the mid-century-modern home
The color and pattern of this groovy, embroidered cover is just the thing brighten any space.
For the consummate host
These crushed-velvet pillow covers, which come in multiple colors, will add a luxe vibe to a every gathering.
For the graphic designer’s loft
This embroidered cover is a bold, abstracted take on your classic zebra print.
For the outdoor adventurer
A tree stump you can sit on from the comfort of your own home.
For the hard-core cottagecorer
Lace, linen, and embroidered flowers make these covers the perfect accent for a Frog and Toad–themed room.
For the cat lover’s armchair
A kitty that won’t scratch or make guests sneeze.
For the farm-to-table chef
These striped cushions, in a similar pattern to French linen kitchen cloths, look as if they could have been plucked from the set of a Nancy Meyers movie.
For the aspiring student biologist
A chubby seal pup is a perfect homework helper.
For the velvet-everything living room
The pom-pom fringe makes it just fancy enough without being too flashy.
For the comic-book fan
A pillow cover to match the collection tucked away on a nearby bookshelf.
For the Florida back patio
Pairs beautifully with a tiki-inspired co*cktail.
For the freshman dorm room
Extra cushy and cute dorm-room accessories are on the top of every college freshman’s wish list.
For the tween girl’s bedroom
Pastel purple tie-dye plus fluffy faux fur is a winning formula.
For the art historian’s library
And two best-selling throw-pillow inserts
These best-selling inserts on Amazon come in seven sizes to fit any of the square throw-pillow covers above.
From the same brand, this size fits most small rectangular throw-pillow covers.
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FAQs
$250 throw pillows have a quality construction. $50 throw pillows are typically not constructed with as much care or attention to detail. Less expensive throw pillows may not have the pattern align at the seams. If you order multiple less expensive pillows, the pattern may not align the same way on all pillows.
Are expensive throw pillows worth it? ›
$250 throw pillows have a quality construction. $50 throw pillows are typically not constructed with as much care or attention to detail. Less expensive throw pillows may not have the pattern align at the seams. If you order multiple less expensive pillows, the pattern may not align the same way on all pillows.
How many throw pillows should there be on a sofa? ›
The Size and Style of the Sofa is a Factor
Spreckman also considers how many people the sofa can seat when choosing a throw pillow collection. On a standard three-seater sofa, she adds between three and six throw pillows depending on the size of the throw pillow and the sofa's depth.
What are fancy pillows called? ›
Decorative pillows are often referred to as 'throw' or 'accent' pillows (or cushions). These extra pillows are typically used to dress a well-made bed, but they also make great accessories for chairs & sofas, too.
What is the most common couch throw pillow size? ›
And what is the standard throw pillow size? While the standard 18” square throw pillow is common, don't be afraid to step outside of the box—there's an entire world of throw pillow sizes!
Why do hotel pillows feel so good? ›
One of the primary reasons hotel pillows feel so comfortable is the use of high-quality materials. Hotels often opt for pillows made from premium materials like down, feather, or memory foam. These materials offer superior softness and support, creating a luxurious sleeping experience.
What pillows do wealthy people use? ›
When it comes to pillow materials, goose down is one of the most luxurious options available. Quince's Luxe Goose Down Pillow is exceptionally soft, fluffy, and light — every night, you'll feel like you're sleeping in a high-end hotel suite.
What is the 2 pillow rule? ›
It's a straightforward concept that accomplishes spectacular results. Simply adorn your sofa with two square pillows of one size and pattern on the ends, two smaller pillows in a different pattern next to them and finally one jazzy rectangular pillow for the center.
Should all throw pillows be the same size? ›
As a general rule of thumb for throw pillow sizing, start with the largest-sized pillows in the back of a sofa or bed, and build a triangle with smaller pillows from there. Typically, 2″ size increments work best for layering pillow combinations.
Can you have too many throw pillows on a couch? ›
"How many pillows does the trick depends on the size of the sofa, but in general, we think the magic happens between 3 or 5 pillows. We prefer to stick to odd numbers. In terms of how many is too many, if you have to move the pillow to sit down comfortably, there are too many…at least in our book."
Standard pillows and king-size pillows are two of the most common pillow sizes used for bedding, and they differ in terms of their dimensions and intended use. A standard pillow typically measures around 20 x 27 inches, while a king-size pillow is larger, measuring around 20 x 36 inches.
What's a dream pillow? ›
The practice of placing herbs under one's pillow dates back centuries and was originally thought to protect against evil, bring good dreams, calm bad dreams, foresee the future, or even conjure a lover into one's life!
What is a king pillow? ›
20 x 36 in | 51 x 92 cm. You'll normally find king-size pillows on a king or California king mattress.
What is the 2 2 1 pillow rule? ›
Décor + math = chic
Here, a simple math formula to live by. Say hello to the 2:2:1 rule. What you need: Five pillows in total—two oversize matching ones, two slightly smaller pillows (also matching but in a different pattern or color from the oversize set) and one eye-catching solo style.
How much bigger should throw pillow be than cover? ›
We generally recommend using inserts that are 2" larger all around than your finished pillow size. For example if you have an 18x18 pillow cover, you'll want to use a 20x20 insert. This will ensure that your pillow is filled out fully and looks luxuriously plump.
Should throw pillow cover be same size as pillow? ›
We recommend filling your throw pillow cover with an insert that is 1 to 4 inches larger than the pillow cover size (see chart below). Otherwise, if the insert is too small, the pillow will look saggy and flat. We recommend filling our pillow covers with down-feather inserts for a full, high-end look.
Why are some throw pillows so expensive? ›
One of the biggest factors that dictates the price is the material. A pillow that is made from an expensive material such as leather, sheepskin, or silk will cost you a pretty penny – especially when compared to a cotton or faux fur option.
Do more expensive pillows last longer? ›
And don't skimp when you shop because, “While you can find bed pillows at a variety of price points, you will note that the lower-cost pillows are not going to last as long or be as supportive,” says Rogers. “You should invest in one that feels good and is made of quality materials.”
How expensive should a pillow be? ›
A brand new pillow can cost below $10 or over $1,000, although on average will land somewhere under $200.
Should you invest in a good pillow? ›
Since the human body is naturally curved, your spine needs some extra support too so you wake up without soreness. Even better, a specialized back pillow for bed or a neck pillow for your neck can give you the exact relief you crave.
