“The pillows are the jewelry of a room, and what usually ties it all together” says Cindy Rinfret, owner and interior designer of Rinfret, Ltd. “If you’ve got artwork or colors that you’re trying to balance, the pillows are important in providing the ‘wow’ factor and defining the character of a room.” And there are literally thousands of throw pillows on the market in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including, satin, knit, and faux fur. To arrive at the best 20 throw pillows, we researched a variety of picks available online, keeping in mind size, material, and care instructions. In addition to consulting with Cindy Rinfret of Rinfret, Ltd., we also spoke to Stephanie Rapp, owner and principal designer of Stephanie Rapp Interiors, and Caitlin O’Keeffe, merchandise field manager at Serena & Lily. Overall, the best throw pillow is the AllModern Deaton Throw Pillow because of its corduroy texture and variety of color options that will set the backdrop to your pillowscape. This is a pillow that mixes and matches well with other designs and sizes yet can also star alone. Here are the best throw pillows. Keep in Mind: It only comes in black/beige, but fortunately this color combination works well with a lot of contemporary spaces. The block-printed geometric motif on the front gives it a contemporary style that will fit right into a modern space. And with its simple elegance, it would also look right at home in a more traditional setting for those wanting to add a contemporary pop to their classic space. The downside is that it only comes in one color combination, but we do like that there are three different sizes to choose from. Price at time of publish: $85 Material: Cover is cotton; fill is down | Size: 18 x 18 inches, 20 x 20 inches, or 22 x 22 inches | Care Instructions: Blot stain and mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to remove stains. Keep in Mind: Because the material is thick, it may not be suitable during warmer months. As soon as the temperature starts to nosedive, you’ll want to snuggle up next to this pillow with a hot cup of tea. But remember, put this pillow away when the birds start chirping and the daffodils start peeping because corduroy can feel and look too heavy during spring and summer. This pillow comes in classic fall colors like navy, mustard yellow, and brick red. The back of the pillow is solid, and the front features a subtle four-square pattern that adds a bit of texture, depending on the color you select. The purchase includes both the pillow and the cover, so you can start to decorate your space as soon as it’s delivered. Because of its color selection and corduroy fabric, this is the best throw pillow for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic. Price at time of publish: $39 Material: Cover is cotton; fill is down | Size: 18 x 18 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean. Lay flat to dry. Keep in Mind: This pillow is on the pricier side, but it’s the only one you’ll need to pull together a Bohemian look. It’s handwoven with 100% sheep’s wool by women in Oaxaca and naturally dyed using native plant extracts. From start to finish, it takes three days to complete, and it’s made in a fair-trade environment. The ethically handmade pillow celebrates people and culture while bringing your room to life. Although it’s expensive, you won’t need other throw pillows in your space after purchasing this statement piece. Price at time of publish: $195 Material: Cover is 100% sheep’s wool front with cotton back; insert material is not listed | Size: 12 x 48 inches | Care Instructions: Dry clean Keep in Mind: The cover is removable for hand washing or dry cleaning. The front of the pillow features a coastal creature, while the back is solid beige. With varying hues of blue and beige, this throw pillow brings the soothing relaxation of the beach right into your home. The purchase includes both the pillow and the cover, but keep in mind that like many throw pillows, this one is hand wash only. A zipper closure on the back makes it easy to remove the cover from the insert for cleaning. Price at time of publish: $26 Material: Cover is cotton; insert is down | Size: 20 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Hand wash Keep in Mind: Returns or exchanges are not permitted. Handmade in the USA, this square throw pillow has a lot of flexible buying options. The cover can be purchased with or without an insert. But, if you choose to purchase the pillow cover without the insert, it’s recommended that you buy a 20 x 20 insert in your preferred fill option for an overstuffed look. Depending on what exact look you’re going for, you can also choose from several different fabric options, including cotton, linen, sateen, and velvet, all around the same price point. Price at time of publish: $44 Material: Cover is cotton, linen, sateen, or velvet; insert fill is cotton and polyester | Size: Cover is 18 x 18 inches; insert is 20 x 20 inches (optional) | Care Instructions: Wash in a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water Keep in Mind: The pillow does not have a cover with a zipper, which could make it harder to clean. Available in 24 solid colors and stripes and a few different sizes, this pillow is designed to work with a variety of design styles and color palettes. However, keep in mind that the pillow cover is not removable, which could make bigger stains more challenging to clean. Price at time of publish: $32 Material: Cover is Sunbrella acrylic fabric; fill is quick-drying poly | Size: 16 x 16 inches, 20 x 20 inches, or 12 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean Keep in Mind: The cover is removable, but it’s dry clean only. It’s offered in six colors—light gray, pearl, brown, honey, peach, and blue—as well as two shapes: lumbar and square. This will be the warm and cozy pillow that you’ll fight off everyone for so that you get curl up to it every night. While the cover is removable, unfortunately you can’t just easily throw it in the washing machine or even hand wash it—you’ll need to head to the dry cleaner with this one. Price at time of publish: $58 Material: Cover is polyester; fill is 95% feather and 5% down | Size: 24 x 24 inches, 12 x 27 inches | Care Instructions: Dry clean Keep in Mind: There are only options for solid colors, not patterns. If you’re looking to swap out a summery pillow cover with one that’s luxurious and soft, you can purchase just the cover. But if you want a complete pillow, scoop up a down feather or down alternative insert with your cover. Price at time of publish: $50 Material: Cover is 100% cotton velvet; insert if down feather or down alternative, depending on your selection | Size: 20 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold Keep in Mind: You’ll need to buy the insert separately, but it’s readily available to simply click and add to cart at time of purchase. No additional shopping needed. The insert is sold separately and not included in the price. However, it is readily available to buy on the website, so you can add both of the items to your cart. Heed the care instructions and get this pillow professionally dry cleaned. Silk is a delicate fabric, and you’ll want to make sure this pillow always looks its best. Price at time of publish: $198 Material: Cover is 100% raw silk | Size: 22 x 22 inches or 18 x 24 inches | Care Instructions: Dry clean only Keep in Mind: There aren’t many bright or bold colors available. Available in six different colors with a contrasting stitched edge that adds visual interest, the pillow has a comfortable, casual charm to it. It’s also durable and soft, with a zipper closure that makes the cover easy to take off to clean. The company is also mindful of its customer’s unboxing experience—each order is packed with care in tissue paper with dried lavender sprigs, and every product includes a sachet of lavender from Provence, France. Price at time of publish: $118 Material: Cover is organic linen; insert is down feather | Size: 20 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Machine washable with like colors Keep in Mind: As with any handcrafted item, there’s a good chance it will have slight variations from the product photo on the website. Custom-made, each pillow may look slightly different and offers a one-of-a-kind look. But this should be embraced; you’re buying something that hasn’t been mass produced. Remember, this handmade pillow costs a bit more because an artisan took time and passion to make it. And while it only comes in cream and indigo, these two colors mix, match, and layer well in most design schemes. A removable cover allows for dry cleaning. Price at time of publish: $205 Material: Cover is 100% wool with a 100% cotton backing; insert is synthetic down with poly-cotton blend | Size: 20 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean or dry clean Keep in Mind: The pillow cover is easily removable via a zippered opening, but hand washing the cover is recommended. It’s soft and comes with a feather and down insert for a plump and full look. The color choices are vanilla, grass, saffron, tangerine, and turquoise. The cover is removable if you have a spill, but hand washing is recommended. Price at time of publish: $46 Material: Cover is 100% cotton; insert is 95% duck feather and 5% down | Size: 20 x 20 inches | Care Instructions: Hand wash Keep in Mind: It’s only available in four neutral colors. It’s available in four neutral options: antique white, federal gray, navy, and woodsmoke. These colors can be added to furniture to blend into a neutral space or help balance out a more colorful aesthetic. The cover, which features fluffy fleece on one side and soft-brushed fleece on the other, is removable and can be machine washed. With everyone constantly vying for this pillow, you’ll want the option to add this to your laundry pile. Price at time of publish: $30 Material: Cover and insert are 100% polyester | Size: 18 x 18 inches, 24 x 24 inches | Care Instructions: Machine wash and air dry Keep in Mind: It arrives shrink wrapped, but will fluff up to its full size after it’s removed from the packaging. You can choose from nine different sizes and two fill options. A feather down insert is extra plush and stuffed with 100% feather down, while the down alternative insert is plush and stuffed with 100% hypoallergenic polyester. Both have a 230-thread-count cotton cover, and both are machine washable. The inserts are also sustainably sourced and are made using recycled or consciously-grown materials. If you need multiple inserts, you can bundle and save by purchasing a set of two. Price at time of publish: $15 Material: Down alternative or feather down | Size: 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 24 x 24, 12 x 21, 14 x 36, 12 x 16, 12 x 46, and 14 x 26 inches | Care Instructions: Machine wash in a commercial washer and tumble dry low Keep in Mind: The cover is spot clean only. The option to have a feather down or polyester fill gives you the ability to customize your throw pillows. They are also available in several different sizes, and you can also buy the cover with or without the inserts. The pillow comes in six colors: wheat, charcoal, coral, denim, rose, and mustard. With a hidden zipper enclosure, you can easily remove the cover if you need to spot clean a stain or decide to use another insert. Price at time of publish: $20 Material: Cover is 100% cotton; insert is feather down or polyester fill, depending on your selection | Size: 18 x 18 inches, 20 x 20 inches, or 22 x 22 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean Keep in Mind: It’s only available in two colors—black and brown. It only comes in black and brown, but fortunately these neutral colors matchmost decor. It has a polyester fill so you don’t have to worry about fluffing your pillow before guests arrive. It’s also Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified, meaning that it’s been tested and verified as free from harmful levels of more than 300 substances. Price at time of publish: $25 Material: Cotton cover with polyester fill | Size: 27 x 15 inches | Care Instructions: Spot or wipe clean Keep in Mind: It’s only available in one size. The feather and down insert is ideal—it adds to the pillow’s luxurious feeling, making it both soft and supportive. There are several neutral colors to choose from, but it’s only available in one square size. Layer this pillow with other pillows of different materials and textures for a warm palette. Price at time of publish: $66 Material: Cover is 100% leather with a natural cotton back; insert is feather and down | Size: 22 x 22 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean Keep in Mind: It’s only available in one size. This pillow is offered in seven different colors, and it’s made with polyester fill to help maintain its circular shape. Price at time of publish: $29 Material: 100% polyester | Size: 15 x 15 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean Keep in Mind: It’s a beautiful cream color, which is also prone to showing stains. Be careful because you can’t throw this pillow in the wash. This quirky pillow is Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s been tested for 350 plus harmful substances to keep you and your family safe from chemicals common to textile manufacturing. Price at time of publish: $46 Material: Cover and insert are 100% polyester | Size: 17 x 11 inches | Care Instructions: Spot clean with soft, damp cloth. Blot to remove excess water. Air dry.
What to Know About Throw Pillows Before Shopping
Size
Throw pillows are offered in a variety of sizes. And there really is a rhyme and reason in how to choose them so that they’ll work in harmony in creating a cohesive pillowscape for your furniture. “Size-wise, it’s important to scale throw pillows to your sofas,” says Cindy Rinfret of Rinfret, Ltd.. “We use 22-inch down and feather throw pillows. On a regular three-seat sofa, we’d use four and possibly a lumbar in the middle. On a loveseat, we’d use a 19-inch, something a little bit smaller. It has to be proportioned with the size of the sofas.”
Fill Material
Typically, you’ll see the following types of inserts: polyester, feather, down, a combination of feather and down, and down alternative. Polyester is stiff and won’t offer the comfort level of a down or down alternative pillow. However, it works best in pillows that need to maintain a certain shape. It’s also a synthetic material, so if you want to stay away from chemicals, another pillow may be a better choice. With that said, some companies are using polyester responsibly, testing for harmful substances and certifying the product nontoxic. A feather or feather and down pillow insert is the softest and fluffiest of pillow inserts, but you will need to fluff it regularly so it doesn’t look too flat. And if you’re allergic to feathers or down, a down alternative insert is also soft and luxurious.
Care Instructions
Since throw pillows may have decorative accents and embellishments, or come in a high-end fabric, think about your lifestyle and where you’re placing them before choosing a pillow for your space. “If you have dogs and kids, you might want to buy a throw pillow with a performance fabric,” Rinfret says. “But generally, the throw pillow covers can be zipped and unzipped and sent to the dry cleaner.”
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean a throw pillow?
After shopping for the perfect throw pillows, you’ll want to know how to clean them so they can look their best. And fortunately, most throw pillows have a removable cover that can either be machine washed, hand washed, or dry cleaned. A good rule of thumb is to read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Overall, most throw pillow covers and pillow inserts can be spot cleaned with soap and water, and some quality inserts can even be machine washed in a commercial washing machine.
How do you style throw pillows?
There are some basic principles to follow in curating a mix of pillows, but at the end of the day, it’s your chance to personalize your space. “When choosing a throw pillow to complement your living space, first consider where the pillow is going in the room,” says Caitlin O’Keeffe, merchandise field manager at Serena & Lily. “For a sofa, a layered look with multiple sized pillows with pops of color and textures will add dimension and visual interest. A lounge chair with an upholstered back works best simply paired with a lumbar pillow, while a harder framed chair could benefit from a square pillow that also doubles as a cushion.” “Build the look around a single statement pillow that has dynamic patterns and textures such as tassels, corduroy, or embroidery details, and then balance out the selection with a solid color pillow to set the backdrop,” O’Keeffe adds. Stephanie Rapp, owner and principal designer of Stephanie Rapp Interiors, looks for a mixture of textures and finishes in pillows., “So maybe a touch of wool with a woven [pillow], or fur or velvet paired with a woven [pillow] and a couple of different shapes, like a large 24-inch square with a lumbar,” she says.
What size throw pillows do you need?
Choosing the size of throw pillows depends on the scale of your furniture, but Rapp says it’s better to go oversized than undersized. “Here’s an insider tip,” Rapp says. “If you’re buying pillow covers, I like to oversize the insert. So, if you’re buying a 22-inch pillow cover, buy a 24-inch insert, and then it really looks like a designer pillow. There’s nothing worse than having a flat pillow.”
Who We Are
Jennifer Carmichael is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she researched a variety of throw pillows, keeping in mind material, size, and care instructions. She also consulted Cindy Rinfret, owner and principal designer at Rinfret, Ltd.; Stephanie Rapp, owner and principal designer of Stephanie Rapp Interiors, and Caitlin O’Keeffe, merchandise field manager at Serena & Lily.
