Throw pillows are small decorative cushions placed on sofas, armchairs and beds to add color, texture and back support. They are the quickest way to change the look of a room, since a new cover costs far less than new upholstery. This collection has nearly 300 designs, ranging from plain cotton squares to velvet, embroidered, tapestry and floral covers, plus seasonal prints and weatherproof pieces for outdoor seating.
Most list between about $40 and $70 per listed item, with a typical listing near $55; simple covers start around $13, and a handful of luxury pieces climb to well over $1,000. Some listings are a cover only, some include an insert and some are packs of two or four, so check what the price covers. Roughly 79% of the range is shown as in stock.
Cover Only or Cover With Insert?
Many products here are sold as throw pillow covers, without filling. That is a practical choice: you keep a few good inserts and swap covers by season. When shopping:
- Cover-only listings are cheaper to ship and store. Decorative throw pillow covers usually close with a hidden zipper or an envelope back.
- Complete pillows come filled and ready to use, which is simpler if you do not own inserts.
- Throw pillow inserts are best sized 1 to 2 inches larger than the cover. A 20-inch cover with a 22-inch insert looks full and holds a crisp shape; a same-size insert looks flat within weeks.
Inserts come in two main fills. Feather and down blends are soft, sink nicely when "chopped" in the middle, and last for years with regular fluffing. Polyester fiberfill is cheaper, hypoallergenic and springs back on its own, but it can go lumpy over time.
Sizing Throw Pillows to Your Sofa
The most common sizes in this collection are 20x20 and 18x18 inches, followed by 14x24, 16x16 and 22x22. A few European listings use 45x45 centimeters, which is close to 18 inches. Choose by seat depth and back height:
- 16 inches: armchairs, accent chairs and small loveseats.
- 18 inches: the standard size for most sofas with a regular back.
- 20 to 22 inches: deep sectionals and sofas with tall backs, where small cushions disappear.
- 24 inches and up: beds and floor seating.
Rectangular shapes like 14x24 are lumbar pillows, which sit in the small of the back. Those have their own collection under lumbar pillows. Square throw pillows layered in front of one lumbar is a classic sofa arrangement.
Fabric Choices and What They Suit
Velvet
Velvet throw pillows have a soft pile that catches light, so colors look deeper. They suit living rooms and bedrooms, especially in green, blue and gold. Velvet can crush where people lean; brushing it gently with a soft brush lifts the pile.
Cotton and linen
Cotton covers are breathable, easy to wash and good for casual or farmhouse rooms. Linen and linen blends add a slightly rough texture and soften with each wash, though they wrinkle.
Embroidered and tapestry
Embroidered designs and woven tapestry covers are among the most frequent styles in this range. The raised thread adds texture but can snag on pet claws or jewelry, so spot-clean them rather than machine washing.
Faux fur and plush
Plush covers add warmth for winter. Shake them out and fluff by hand; heat from a dryer can mat the fibers.
Outdoor fabrics
Outdoor throw pillows use water-resistant polyester or acrylic that resists fading in sun. Even so, store them in a deck box or indoors during storms so the inner fill does not stay wet and grow mildew.
Arranging Cushions on a Sofa or Bed
A few simple rules keep pillows from looking random:
- Start with a pair of larger squares in the corners, then add smaller squares or a lumbar in front.
- Mix one solid, one pattern and one texture. Repeat at least one color from the rug or curtains.
- Vary pattern scale: a large floral beside a small stripe works; two busy prints of the same size fight each other.
- For a gray couch, warm tones like rust, mustard or blush add contrast, while navy and green keep it calm.
- On a bed, line up big euro shams at the back, standard pillows next and two or three decorative cushions in front.
Buying throw pillow sets, or packs of matching covers, makes symmetric arrangements simple and often costs less per cover.
Holiday and Seasonal Covers
Christmas and holiday designs appear often in this range, from embroidered trees to tartan and gold accents. Because covers store flat, it is easy to keep a seasonal set in a drawer and swap it in over a weekend. Pair them with neutral inserts you use all year.
Washing and Care
- Check the label first. Cotton and many polyester covers can be machine washed cold, inside out, with the zipper closed.
- Spot-clean velvet, embroidery, tapestry and leather details with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Fluff and rotate pillows weekly so they wear evenly and stay plump.
- Air-dry covers to prevent shrinkage, and slip them back over the insert while slightly damp so they keep their shape.
For seat pads and cushions for chairs and benches, see the broader pillows and chair cushions collection.
Throw Pillow FAQ
What size throw pillow is best for a couch?
For most sofas, 18 or 20 inches square works best. Deep sectionals often need 22 inches so the cushions do not get lost against the back.
Should the insert be bigger than the cover?
Yes. An insert 1 to 2 inches larger than the cover fills the corners and keeps the pillow plump. A 20-inch cover pairs well with a 22-inch insert.
How many pillows should go on a sofa?
A standard three-seat sofa usually looks balanced with three to five. Two matching squares in the corners plus one lumbar or accent pillow in the middle is a simple starting point.
Can outdoor pillows stay outside in the rain?
Outdoor fabrics resist water and fading, but the fill can still soak through in heavy rain. Bring them in or store them in a covered box during storms to prevent mildew.
How do I clean velvet pillows?
Remove dust with a lint roller or soft brush and spot-clean marks with a damp cloth. Most velvet should not be machine washed; check the care label before trying.
Are pillow covers worth buying without inserts?
If you already own good inserts, yes. Covers cost less, store flat and let you change colors with the seasons without buying new filling each time.