Types of Throw Pillows and the Best Fabrics for Them

Have you finished decorating your living room or bedroom but feel like something is missing? Maybe you need to add a pop, color, or more texture to that couch, and you’re unsure how to do it. Throw pillows are the ace up your sleeve. And to make it easier for you, let’s look at the types of throw pillows and the best fabrics for them.

Types of Throw Pillows 

Throw pillows are adaptable enough to accommodate a wide range of materials in their construction. You must be careful with your selection to get the most out of your pillows and fabrics of choice. 

Consider the effect that different materials will have on the atmosphere of a space. Cotton is soft, light, and uncomplicated; velvet, in contrast, is luxuriously plush but also warm and fashionable. Wool, being much warmer and thicker, is an excellent choice for any space where people would want to curl up and get toasty on a chilly night.

Square Throw Pillow

Square-shaped throw pillows can be used decoratively on a wide variety of furniture, including sofas, chairs, and beds. Put them on display separately or in group sizes, depending on your needs.

They’re versatile and can be used for anything from cuddling on the couch while enjoying a movie to additional head support when lying in bed and reading a book. Square throw pillows come in a wide range of fabrics, from cotton and polyester blends to faux fur.

Round

Round throw pillows were more popular back in the day. They’ve fallen out of style because they aren’t compatible with many furniture pieces and don’t easily match all decor styles. 

If you choose to decorate with round throw pillows, try not to use too many of them. You can also use them for extra seat cushioning, especially if you have round dining chairs that match the seat size. 

So many looks can be achieved with a round throw cushion, from comfortable knits to elegant velvets. The diameter of a circular design often ranges from 18 to 22 inches, making it roughly the same size as a square throw cushion.

Since round pillows are mostly decorative, you’ll find them covered in eye-appealing materials, including cotton blends, velvet, or faux leather. 

Bolster

Bolster pillows are long and round and are typically used as armrests on the ends of couches but can also be found on beds. They were commonplace around ten years ago, but now they just make a space appear old. The use of round corners is discouraged unless it is necessary for comfort.

Neckroll pillows, which are shaped like large cylinders, are not only fashionable but also practical. They not only make use of otherwise unused space on long couches or on huge beds but also offer support for weary necks while the person is lying down. Standard dimensions hover around 6 inches in diameter and 12 in length or 7 in diameter and 20 in length. 

You often come across bolster pillows made from cotton, polyester, or wool. For leather couches, you can purchase bolsters covered in genuine or faux leather

Lumbar

The lumbar throw pillow is called a “rectangle pillow.” Regarding pillows, rectangles are second only to squares in frequency and versatility. They look particularly great when propped up against the back of a chair. Centered on couches or beds, they’re equally at home.

Since they’re often used as lumbar support, these pillows have covers made from comfortable and breathable materials, including cotton, different cotton blends, or linen. 

Is Fabric Texture Important?

You should constantly think about the throw pillows’ texture and how it complements the rest of the upholstery in the space. To achieve depth, it’s best to employ a variety of textures. 

Layering allows you to create contrast by combining seemingly incompatible textures and finishes, such as a shiny topcoat over a matte base. This becomes less crucial, though, if you employ numerous colors, patterns, or accessories. 

Embellishments like brooches, ribbons, buttons, and even tiny mirrors can be seen on throw pillows. Pillows look great when embellished, but if you plan to use the pillow for more than simply decoration (by leaning or resting on it), you shouldn’t use anything that might scrape or otherwise be uncomfortable.

FAQ

What Is the Difference Between Throw Pillows and Decorative Pillows?

The difference between throw pillows and decorative pillows is only the name. Throw pillows describe decorative pillows on chairs, couches, or beds. Even if their primary role is decorative, they can also serve other purposes. However, they are not meant to fully replace your regular sleeping pillow. 

Are Couch Throw Pillows Necessary?

No decorative item can be labeled as “necessary.” Still, they are essential if you want your interior decor to reach its full aesthetic potential. Make sure there’s a decorative pillow on each couch’s corner for a polished, finished effect. This means there should be at least one pillow on each end of a typical couch, with two pillows of varying sizes in each corner if that’s what you have in mind.

How Many Throw Pillows Go on a Bed?

You choose the number of throw pillows on a bed based on the size of the bed itself. For example, if you want to decorate a full-sized bed, consider adding two throw pillows and two regular sleeping pillows behind them.

What Do You Put in a Throw Pillow?

Throw pillows have standard dimensions, and plenty of throw pillow inserts are available to match them. Some common materials for throw pillow inserts include foam or polyfill. Down alternative or feather fills are also available. Although down pillows are typically very comfy, they tend to flatten over time. This is not an issue with synthetic fillers; they aren’t as comfy.

In the End

There is no better finishing touch than a few throw pillows. They’re great for sprucing up a space with color, pattern, and coziness quickly, and they’re simple to replace when you become bored. They’re ideal for those who wish to experiment with new hues or patterns without making a long-term commitment. If you’re ready to make throw pillows, grab the perfect fabric from our selection!

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