Nobody needs a throw pillow. You can make your bed and plump your sofa cushions without adding a cushion or two (or five). With that said, a well-placed throw pillow can add color and texture to an otherwise boring space.
There are accent pillows with intricate patterns, as well as lumbar cushions for lower back support. A crushed velvet pillow could add a touch of glamour, while a leather look could toughen up a soft and squishy sofa. Throw pillows come in every size, shape, color, and material imaginable, so it can be difficult to know where to start.
That's where I come in. As an interiors enthusiast, I know exactly which pillow colors to avoid, and which designs will complement a wide range of spaces. And, as a shopping writer, I can tell the difference between the best pillows and a glorified piece of polyester. I've spent hours scouring the sites of the top home retailers to bring you the very best throw pillows.
I've narrowed it down to my top nine to suit every style of space and size of budget. Whether you're shopping for a cute cotton cover or a plush velvet pillow, I've found the throw pillow for you.
Best throw pillows
Handwoven from pure cotton into a intricate pattern of stripes and swirls, this throw pillow adds texture to soft surfaces. Since the yarn is hand-spun, it's prone to pilling, but that's nothing a gentle brush with a pilling comb can't fix. Where the cotton cover is delicate and soft to the touch, the polyester pillow is springy and resilient. You can squeeze it, squash it, or crease it, and it should bounce right back into shape.
This accent pillow comes in a wide range of colorways, from moss green to wine red. I like the cognac best. It's rich enough to pop against white bedding or lighter cushions, yet subtle enough to complement any color palette. If you're shopping a pillow that can hold its shape, opt for the polyester insert. If you'd rather have something you can squash and squeeze, plump for the plush feather.
A throw pillow should be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. These flax fibers are woven tightly together into durable, breathable linen. Since linen is naturally antimicrobial, you can settle this pillow on top of your bed or between your sofa cushions and keep those spaces safe from mold or mildew. If the Faye Linen Textured Pillow does get dirty, it's easy to clean. Just throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.
None of that cheap, plasticky pleather here: this is the real deal. The Surya Sheffield Pillow is covered in 100% leather, with all its natural cracks, creases, and tonal highs and lows. If you're looking to experiment with modern farmhouse decor ideas, you can't go wrong with a leather throw pillow: its warm, smooth texture should breathe life into the cold metals and rough woods.
I've never seen a throw pillow quite like this one. In many ways, the Faux Fur Floral Pillow reminds me of an Impressionist painting. Up close, you can pick out each individual tuft that makes up the whole pattern. From a distance, though, it really does look like a flower meadow. Richly colored in mauve, marigold, and moss green, this throw pillow would make a real statement against plain bedding or sofa cushions. If you're particularly keen on the pattern, you could shop the matching throw at Anthropologie.
For touchable texture, there's nothing like sheepskin. I have some of these pillows in my place, and I find it so soothing to run my fingers through the long, silky threads. The back of the cushion is covered in faux suede, which is a lot easier to maintain than sheepskin: I never have to worry about any hidden hairs tangling or matting over time. You can choose between a feather or a down-alternative insert, as suits your needs: or, if you like, you can purchase the pillow cover separately and slip it over your own insert.
With its neat pleat-like petals and a round little button right in the center, this throw pillow reminds me of a flower bud. It comes in red, brown, dark and light blue, but you can best see the fold and tuck detailing in plain white. You could nestle this throw pillow into a reading nook or cozy corner. That said, it's just the right size to use as a head rest or as a booster cushion for small children.
What first seems to be a plain white pillow gains depth and dimension from contrast piping. The black edges create a shadow effect that almost makes the pillow appear two-dimensional, like a drawing brought to life. The Carys Contrast Linen Pillow comes in two sizes: square, which is best for display, and rectangular, which is best for lumbar support. If I were you. I'd take care to avoid spills and stains: this throw pillow is dry clean only.
The Vitali Throw Pillow proves that supportive cushions can be stylish, too. Made from a unique blend of linen and cotton, the cushion cover is decorated with a modern geometric design, using an ancient embroidery technique. What at first appears to be a plain pattern of black and white is accented with gold thread, outlining each shape. This throw pillow could sit against any bedspread or sofa cushion and look good doing it.
Best throw pillow FAQs
Where can I buy throw pillows?
Most major home stores sell throw pillows. If you want to stick to natural textures and a neutral color palette, I'd recommend shopping at Crate & Barrel or The White Company. For bolder, brighter designs, try Anthropologie or Pottery Barn. The pillows at Lulu & Georgia and Ashley Homestore look premium, and they come with a premium price tag. If you'd like to save a little money, consider shopping at Walmart, instead: there are some hidden gems among their cheaper offerings.
What size throw pillow should I get?
It's partly a matter of personal preference, but what size throw pillow you should get largely depends on where you want to set it. Larger pillows will look better on bigger beds or sprawling sofas, while a smaller accent pillow could make a cute addition to a reading book or twin-sized bed.
How many throw pillows should I put on a bed?
How you arrange your bed pillows is completely up to you: don't feel that you have to stick to a set number of throw pillows. With that said, you should consider the size of your bed. You can balance a greater number of pillows against a taller, wider headboard. Feel free to mix and match throw pillows in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Why are throw pillows so expensive?
Not all throw pillows are expensive, but I take your point. Some of the best throw pillows cost upwards of $100, and that's a lot to spend on an inessential item. Many of the most expensive throw pillows are made from premium materials, such as leather, sheepskin or silk. If a pillow is embroidered, or printed with a pattern, that'll cost extra. If you're set on purchasing a throw pillow, but you'd like to save a little money, you should consider more affordable materials, such as cotton or faux fur.
Can throw pillows be washed?
We've written an entire article about how to clean throw pillows. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here are the headlines.
When it comes to cleaning throw pillows, there are two components to consider: the pillow cover and the pillow insert. It's easy to clean a cotton or fiberfill pillow insert: just throw it in the washing machine. Down pillow inserts are trickier to clean, as over-washing will reduce loft. To keep your pillow insert clean from day to day, you could spritz it with some fabric spray. Always check the care instruction tag before you start to clean.
As for the pillow covers, it depends on the material. Delicate fabrics such as wool should be washed on a gentler cycle, while cotton and linen covers can withstand higher temperatures.
It's important to dry each part of your pillow, either out in the fresh air or on the gentlest setting of your tumble dryer, to prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria.
Final thoughts
A few well-placed throw pillows will elevate any bed, but I wouldn't recommend sleeping on them. So that they don't become unwanted clutter, it's worth learning where to store throw pillows at night and keep yours in good condition for daytime display.
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