Throw pillows are a great way to add decorative flair to any room. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find the perfect one to complement any space.
However, throw pillows do not have to be for looks – they can provide extra comfort and support. Using throw pillow inserts with throw pillow covers is a foolproof way of achieving the desired look and feel you are going for.
In this article, we’ll discuss why you should use throw pillow inserts, provide a few ideas for different types of inserts you can use, and offer tips and tricks such as how to decorate with them and care and maintenance of your throw pillows.
What Are Throw Pillow Inserts?
Throw pillow inserts are cushioning material that goes inside throw pillow covers. They are made from a few different materials and come in various thicknesses and sizes. Throw pillow inserts are generally sold separately from the throw pillow covers.
Investing in the Right Throw Pillow Inserts
There are many throw pillow inserts to choose from, each offering unique benefits. Throw pillow inserts are a great way to make your decorative pillows more durable and comfortable based on your preferences.
They are also better for the environment as you can wash and reuse them with different pillow covers to create a unique look that can easily be changed.
Investing in throw pillow inserts can add style and comfort to any room in your home. Throw pillow inserts come in various sizes, materials, and thicknesses, making it easy to find the perfect one for your needs.
Different Types of Throw Pillow Fillings
The most popular types of throw pillow inserts are polyester fiberfill, down, feather, and foam inserts. Each type of insert has its benefits and may have some drawbacks depending on your preferences, so it is helpful to understand which would best fit your needs.
Polyester Fiberfill Throw Pillow Inserts
Polyester fiberfill inserts are a common type of throw pillow insert because they are hypoallergenic, low maintenance, and reasonably priced. However, they are not as supportive or comfortable as other types of fillers. They also may not hold their shape and may appear lumpy over time.
Down Throw Pillow Inserts
Down inserts are more expensive than polyester, but they provide a soft, fluffy, and plush feel. They are also considered to be more supportive and have the ability to conform to any shape.
However, down inserts can flatten quickly if not taken care of properly. Down pillows also require more maintenance – they need to be fluffed up and dried out every so often.
Feather Pillow Inserts
Feather inserts are another popular type of throw pillow insert. They are lightweight, supportive, and long-lasting. However, feather inserts can cause allergies, so you must fluff them up regularly to maintain their shape and supportiveness.
Memory Foam Pillow Inserts
Memory foam inserts are the most supportive type of throw pillow insert. They contour your body and provide excellent comfort and support. They can be expensive and may not look as aesthetically pleasing as other types of inserts due to their slightly bulky shape.
How To Choose the Right Pillow Inserts for Your Needs
A few things to consider when choosing the throw pillow insert right for you and the space you plan to use it.
If you plan to use the pillow for support and not just as a decorative touch, then you may want to choose a more supportive option, such as memory foam or down inserts that are comfortable and will hold their shape longer or that you can fluff up.
Suppose you plan to use your throw pillow inserts in a public place where many people will use them. In that case, it is safe to opt for polyester or memory foam inserts instead of down or feather inserts because they are hyper-allergenic.
Consider your budget and how many throw pillows you need, as some inserts may be more expensive than others. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then polyester fiberfill is an excellent choice as it is quite budget-friendly.
That said, polyester may not hold its shape if it receives a lot of wear and tear, so investing in a higher-quality insert, such as down, may be the best option if you use the pillow often.
Throw Pillow Insert Sizing Guidelines
People often buy throw pillow inserts that are smaller than their throw pillow covers, but that is not recommended. For the best results, try to purchase inserts slightly bigger than your pillow covers – this will create a full and aesthetically pleasing look.
As a common rule of thumb, you want to size up at least two inches of the length and width of your pillow cover when selecting an insert. For example, if your pillow cover is 18×18 inches, you want to choose an insert that is 20×20 inches for a fuller look.
If you buy a lumbar pillow, you want to select an insert about one inch wider than the cover. The fuller your pillow looks and the more defined the corners are, the better they will look. So, it is vital to size up your throw pillow inserts accordingly.
How To Insert a Throw Pillow Insert Into a Pillow Cover
Gently fold the pillow insert in and use the other hand to open the pillow cover. Insert the pillow insert into the pillow cover and ensure that all four corners are correctly aligned, so it does not look uneven or off-balance.
Once the insert is in place, zip up or button the pillow cover. If your throw pillow cover has a zipper, zip it up carefully so that no pillow edges get caught in the zipper. After zipping or buttoning up the cover, fluff and adjust the throw pillow insert to ensure it is comfortably placed inside the pillow cover.
Care and Maintenance of Throw Pillow Inserts
Throw pillow inserts should be cleaned 2-5 times a year, depending on how much you use them. They can carry dirt, dust, and mites if you do not clean them regularly and properly.
Be sure to follow the care instructions on the tag, as each type of throw pillow will differ depending on the filling inside. Wash the throw pillow covers at least once a month, as they will likely get dirty quickly.
If washing instructions do not come with the throw pillow insert, research the best way to clean the type of insert you have without ruining it. If you want to give your throw pillows a refresher, you can put the inserts in the dryer on a gentle, low-heat cycle with a few tennis balls. That will fluff up the insert and make them look new again!
Wrap Up
Throw pillows can instantly transform a room and make it more inviting, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. They are easy to maintain, comfortable, and can easily be customized to your preferences. With the right throw pillow inserts and covers, you can create a beautiful and unique look that you can keep for years or change out as the seasons change.