Throw pillow covers are the unsung heroes of home décor. Think about it – they’re basically outfits for your pillows, letting you dress up your living room or bedroom in an instant. Swap a cover, and voila! your couch goes from drab to fab. In this playful guide, we’ll explore the best-rated throw pillow covers (yes, those with thousands of glowing reviews) and why they matter. From materials like cotton, linen, and velvet to the latest design trends, we’ve got you – and your pillows – covered. So grab a cup of tea, fluff up those naked cushions, and let’s dive in!
Have you ever walked into a room and felt something was missing? 🧐 Chances are, the pillows needed a change of clothes. Throw pillow covers are more than just protective fabric; they’re a quick and affordable way to refresh your space. Tired of your living room’s look? Instead of buying all new pillows (and drowning in a sea of stuffing), just slip on some decorative pillow covers. Suddenly, that plain sofa pops with color and personality.
Not only do pillow covers transform your décor, they also protect your inserts from spills, slobber (looking at you, Fido), and everyday wear. Plus, they’re so much easier to clean – unzip, toss in the wash, done. No wrestling an entire pillow into the washing machine. In short, throw pillow covers let you express your style while keeping things practical. They’re the secret sauce to an easy room makeover, whether you crave a cozy boho den or a sleek modern lounge.
Ready to meet the top contenders that shoppers adore? Let’s jump to our curated list of the top throw pillow covers that have earned high ratings and rave reviews for their style, quality, and value.
We’ve rounded up some of the best throw pillow covers – the ones with the stellar customer ratings and reviews to back them up. Each pick is a fan favorite, bringing something special to the table (or couch!). We’ll cover their key features, what makes them stand out, approximate pricing, and include a handy links so you can easily check them out. Let’s fluff these up!
Those are our top seven picks, but they’re certainly not the only great ones out there. Honorable mentions go to brands like DEZENE and GIGIZAZA (known for velvet and faux linen covers with tens of thousands of reviews), and Phantoscope for trendy patterned covers. But the selections above offer a broad mix of materials and styles to get you started on your throw pillow cover adventure.
Now that we’ve covered the who’s who of pillow covers, let’s talk materials – what they’re made of can make a big difference in both feel and function.
Not all pillow covers are created equal – the material plays a huge role in how a pillow looks, feels, and lasts. Ever wonder if you should choose cotton, linen, or velvet pillow covers? How about chenille or faux fur? In this section, we break down the most common throw pillow cover materials and their benefits (or drawbacks) so you can pick what’s best for you.
In summary, choose your pillow cover material based on the look and feel you want (and a pinch of practicality). Cotton and linen = breezy, casual, and natural; velvet and chenille = cozy, plush, and inviting; faux fur = textured, fun, and glam; polyester blends = durable and easy-care; leather/faux leather = edgy and unique. Don’t be afraid to mix materials too – often the best pillow arrangements mix velvet with linen, fur with cotton, etc., for contrast.
Now that materials are under your belt, let’s talk style! What’s in vogue for pillow cover design these days?
Just like fashion, home décor trends evolve, and throw pillow covers are no exception (they are basically fashion for your home, after all). The good news: you don’t have to renovate your whole room to embrace trends – a few new pillow covers can do the trick. Here are some current design trends in throw pillow covers that are making waves:
In a nutshell, today’s throw pillow trends span from boho textures and neutral luxury to bold artistic statements. The key is to have fun and not be afraid to change things up. The beauty of pillow covers is that they’re temporary and affordable – you can be “trendy” this season and swap out for a new look next season. (Your closet might get jealous of how easily your living room can change outfits!)
Up next, an important part of pillow cover ownership: knowing how to keep them looking fresh. Let’s talk care and maintenance.
You’ve dressed your pillows in stylish covers – now let’s make sure they stay clean and vibrant. The good news is that most throw pillow covers are easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you maintain and clean your pillow covers so they last for many cozy movie nights to come:
Follow these care tips, and your throw pillow covers will continue to look as vibrant and inviting as the day you bought them. After all, you spent time choosing the perfect ones – let’s keep them looking perfect!
With cleaning and maintenance covered, let’s wrap up with some quick FAQs. You might still have a few burning questions about throw pillow covers, so let’s address those before we send you off on your pillow-covering spree.
Q: Do throw pillow covers come with pillow inserts? A: Typically, no – most throw pillow covers are sold without inserts (unless explicitly stated as a pillow with insert). This is pretty standard. The idea is you might already have inserts, or you can choose your own insert (down feather, polyester fill, memory foam, etc. to your liking). All the products we listed above are “cover only.” When shopping, look for wording like “pillow cover” or “pillowcase.” If it says “pillow” or “cushion” without mentioning cover, then it might include the insert – but 9 times out of 10, you’re just getting the cover. The upside is that separates make it cheaper to collect various covers and store them (way easier to tuck away a stack of covers than a bunch of full pillows!). Just be sure to have the right size inserts on hand. Pro tip: if you need inserts, Amazon and home stores sell them – a good down alternative insert or feather insert will make your pillows look plump and high-end.
Q: What size insert should I use for my pillow cover? A: This is a great question because sizing can affect the look of your pillow. The general rule: use an insert that’s slightly larger than your cover to get a full, plush pillow. For example, for an 18″x18″ cover, a 20″x20″ insert often gives a perfect snug fit (no saggy corners). If the cover is 16″, use an 18″ insert, and so on. Many designers follow the “2-inch rule” for covers 18” and up. For smaller covers (like 12” or lumbar pillows), 1 inch larger is enough. The only exception is if the insert is very stiff or overstuffed, then equal size can work, but most polyfill inserts have some give. Using a too-small insert will make the pillow look flat and underwhelming (nobody wants a flabby pillow!). So err on the side of a bit bigger. You’ll thank us when your pillows look like those fluffy ones in magazine photos.
Q: How can I stop my pillow covers from fading or discoloring? A: Fading can happen due to sunlight exposure or harsh washing. To keep colors vibrant: avoid leaving pillows in direct sunlight for extended periods, or rotate them if one side gets all the sun. UV rays can dull colors (cotton especially is prone to this). If you have outdoor pillows, make sure the covers are made from outdoor fabric or specified as fade-resistant. When washing, use cold water and mild detergent; hot water can fade dyes faster. Also, don’t use bleach on colored fabrics. Another tip: wash covers inside out to protect the outer color. If you’re really concerned about a particular vibrant cover, hand wash it separately the first time to see if any dye bleeds. But generally, high-quality pillow covers are made to hold color well. Many of the Amazon favorites (like MIULEE velvet or CaliTime chenille) have lots of reviews praising that the color stayed true even after washing. So, follow good laundry practices and your covers should stay bright.
Q: Are throw pillow covers standard sizes? A: The most common sizes you’ll find are 18×18 inches and 20×20 inches for square throw pillows, and 12×20 (or 12×24) for lumbar (rectangular) pillows. Those are kind of the standard decorative pillow sizes that come with couches or bedding sets. However, you can find covers in a range of sizes: 16×16, 22×22, 24×24 (Euro sham size), and other lumbar dimensions like 16×26, etc. Measure your inserts or the pillows you want to cover to be sure. If you have a couch with those big back pillows, you might even need larger (some back pillows are 24” or larger – there are covers for those too!). Also note, sometimes a cover might be listed as “18×18” but actually measure slightly smaller, like 17.5” – this is often intentional so that a standard 18” insert fits tightly. The product description or reviews usually mention if sizing runs small or true. In summary, yes there are standard sizes, but double-check the specific dimensions given and remember the insert rule above for a plump fit.
Q: Can I use indoor throw pillow covers for outdoor pillows (or vice versa)? A: You can, but it’s not ideal in the long run. Outdoor pillow covers are typically made from special fabrics (like polyester canvas or acrylic) that resist water, mildew, and UV fading. They’re built to handle sun and rain. Indoor pillow covers (cotton, velvet, etc.) might fade in the sun and certainly won’t like rain or moisture – they could get moldy or degrade. If you have a covered porch, using indoor covers out there is fine as long as they don’t get wet or sit in intense sun. But for patio furniture that gets rained on, stick to covers specifically labeled for outdoor use. Conversely, outdoor covers can be used indoors – they’re usually durable and stain-resistant (great for kids/pets situations). Just note outdoor fabrics sometimes have a bit of a different feel (not as soft as a velvet or cotton), but newer ones are quite comfortable. If you love a pattern on an “outdoor” pillow cover, don’t hesitate to use it inside – nobody will know, and the bonus is it’ll be tough as nails.
Q: What’s the easiest way to style throw pillows with different covers? A: This could be a whole article in itself, but in a nutshell: mix up your pillows with a combo of solids and patterns, vary the textures, and use an odd number of pillows for balance. A popular formula for a sofa is 5 pillows: two large (20”) at the ends with a solid color or subtle texture, two medium (18”) in front of those with a pattern or contrasting color, and one lumbar or smaller accent pillow in the center with a unique print or texture. For example, you might do two beige linen 20” covers, two 18” covers – one in a floral print that has pops of color, another in a complementary solid velvet – and a 12×20 lumbar in a stripe or with tassels to tie it together. The key is to pick up a color from one pattern in another pillow so they feel coordinated. Also, vary the scale of patterns: if you have one busy pattern, pair it with a simpler pattern (like wide stripes) or solids, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Throw pillow covers are low commitment. You can try different arrangements until it feels just right. Check out inspiration photos (search “throw pillow arrangement” or browse Pinterest) – you’ll notice the best looks mix patterns (floral + geometric + solid), textures (knit + velvet + smooth cotton), and shape (some square, one lumbar). Have fun with it; your couch is your canvas.
Throw pillow covers are the easy secret to keeping your home décor fresh and stylish. They let you play with color and design trends without breaking the bank. Hopefully, this guide has armed you with the knowledge to pick out the best throw pillow covers that suit your taste – whether you’re a boho-chic lover, a fan of velvet glam, or a minimalist at heart. Remember to consider material, enjoy the design process, and care for them well. Now go forth and give those pillows a makeover! Your couch will thank you, and your eyes will love the new view. Happy decorating and pillow-cover hunting! 🛋️✨
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