“Throw pillows are the perfect accessory to elevate your space,” says Tara Paquette, junior interior designer at Aspen & Ivy Interiors. “They can make your home look and feel comfier, and they help show off your personality.” To find the best throw pillows, we researched hundreds of options from best-in-class home brands, assessing them for style, comfort, and versatility. We also considered factors such as material, fill, care instructions, and overall value. For expert advice on buying and decorating with throw pillows, we tapped three interior designers from Aspen & Ivy Interiors—Paquette, senior designer Ria DaCosta, and senior designer Donna Gariepy. “Although throw pillows are often used for aesthetics, their functionality and comfort [are] key,” Paquette says. She recommends pillows that are made from durable, machine-washable fabrics and filled with cozy materials. Here are the best throw pillows for every style, space, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Nicole Curtis Tufted Checkers Square Pillow Viso Tapestry Pillow Lulu and Georgia Lucian Pillow Sunlit Decorative Throw Pillow Cover Minted Colored Pillow Serena & Lily Sunbrella Lido Pillow Threshold Oversized Cable Knit Chenille Throw Pillow The Citizenry Las Colinas Pillow Paradiso Pillow by Justina Blakeney X Loloi West Elm Classic Cotton Velvet Bolster Pillow

Who it’s for: People who want a throw pillow that’s colorful, printed, and fuzzy—but still easy to decorate with. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer throw pillows that are simple and classic. There’s a lot to love about Nicole Curtis’s Tufted Checkers Square Pillow. Packed with color, print, and texture, this accent pillow sounds like a maximalist’s dream. But it’s still versatile enough to spruce up any space, no matter what your style. We like that the checkerboard print consists of parallelograms instead of squares. This small switch makes a big difference, taking the pillow from something you’ve probably seen before to something you definitely want in your home. This throw pillow takes the checkerboard design even further with its two textures. Half the spots on the checkerboard are topped with colorful tufted cotton, and the rest expose the pillow’s neutral cotton cover. This unusual detail makes the pillow fun to look at and lovely to cozy up with—making it everything a great accent pillow should be. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People who want a pillow that’s budget-friendly and easy to decorate with. The Viso Tapestry Pillow is pretty enough to double as a work of art. This limited-edition pillow is lined with bold shapes, which look like they’ve been cut out of construction paper and collaged onto the pillow. Of course, they haven’t been: The shapes are printed onto the pillow’s cotton cover the way an ordinary plaid, polka dot, or floral pattern would be. What’s particularly cool about this pillow is that it doesn’t just come in six different colorways—it comes in six different variations, and each is a mini-masterpiece. Pillow 12 has jagged orange shapes and brown stripes, Pillow 136 boasts four quadrants filled with different shapes and colors, and Pillow 14 (which might be our favorite) is topped with a bunch of colorful, imperfect blobs. And since the options are so different, you could get away with buying all six if you wanted to. Product Details:

Size: 17 x 17 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: PolyamideColor/Design Options: Six

RELATED: The 10 Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper, According to Our Tests Who it isn’t for: People who want a pillow that comes in bright colors. Printed pillows can be tough to decorate with since they tend to be bold and eye-catching, and they sometimes clash with other pillows. But Lulu and Georgia’s Lucian Pillow is just the opposite—and that’s what we love about it. Though the pillow is printed, its grid-check pattern isn’t too flashy. The thin lines are so spread out that you might not even see them from far away. Plus, the pillow’s palette is just as understated. The crisp white background is topped with black or rust-orange grid lines, depending on the colorway you choose. In both cases, the grid lines are faintly dyed onto the pillow so they look subtle, rather than saturated. Combined, these features make this pillow one of the most versatile printed pillows you can buy. Product Details:

Size: 20 x 20 and 14 x 40 inchesCover Material: LinenFilling Material: DownColor/Design Options: Two

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to buy a pillow cover and an insert separately. Striped pillows are a classic for a reason: They look good in almost any space. And Sunlit’s Decorative Throw Pillow Cover is one of the best striped options we’ve seen. The pillow cover is available in five sizes (in select colors), so it’s easy to find an option that suits your style. It also comes in five different colors, including classic shades, like blue and gray, and unexpected ones, like green and purple. Another thing we like about this pillow cover is its unusual pattern. Its print alternates between two kinds of stripes: thick single stripes and clusters of thin stripes. And while the switch is subtle, it makes the pillow cover bolder than other simpler options. Thanks to this unexpected detail, your pillow will be eye-catching enough to stand alone and versatile enough to pair with others—making it a great accent piece to have in your arsenal. Just note that this pick does not come with a pillow insert. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 22 x 22, 24 x 24, and 26 x 26 inchesCover Material: Polyester, linenFilling Material: NoneColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People who prefer simple patterns, or who don’t want to customize their pillow from start to finish. Minted’s Colored Pillow isn’t the kind of pillow you’d find in a big-box store. Its unique print looks like it was hand-painted, and its palette features up to eight colors at a time. The pillow itself is completely customizable: You can control its shape, size, colors, and even the exterior fabric lining. For some people, making all those decisions surely sounds like a nightmare. But if you want a pillow that meets you halfway—inspiring you with a print, while letting you customize the rest—this pillow cannot be topped. The accent piece can read playful, striking, or subtle, depending on the colors you choose for it. And if you customize the pillow’s shape and size, you can also make sure it fits perfectly on your couch. Product Details:

Size: 12 x 21, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 24 x 24, and 40 x 40 inchesCover Material: Cotton or linenFilling Material: Feather down or down alternativeColor/Design Options: Nine

Who it isn’t for: People who want their pillows to feel soft and cozy—even if it means they’re less durable. Serena & Lily’s Sunbrella Lido Pillow is a great accent pillow that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The pillow is filled with durable polyester, and it’s covered with Sunbrella’s all-weather fabric, a material that can withstand everything Mother Nature throws at it. The performance material is water-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, and stain-resistant. It’s also easy to clean and UV-resistant, so its colors shouldn’t fade when exposed to intense sunlight. Of course, the pillow isn’t just useful—it’s also easy on the eyes. It comes in six classic coastal colors and is available in three different sizes, so you can snag the version that best suits your space. Product Details:

Size: 12 x 21, 20 x 20, and 24 x 24 inchesCover Material: Sunbrella all-weather fabric Filling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Six

RELATED: The 15 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Furniture Online Who it isn’t for: People who prefer pillows with dense, high-quality filling. Target’s Threshold Oversized Cable Knit Chenille Throw Pillow is eye-catching without being over the top—and that’s exactly why we like it. Covered in polyester chenille, the pillow ticks a lot of boxes. It’s soft, lightweight, and easy to clean. And with two oversized options (square and lumbar), it won’t look too small when placed on large sectionals or beds. But what makes the pillow special is its cable-knit design, which gives it a lot of texture without losing any versatility. Thanks to this striking pattern, the throw pillow is bolder than a plain design but still simple enough to avoid clashing with other decor. Available in pastel shades like pink, cream, and tan, this pick can add an anything-but-average touch to your home. Product Details:

Size: 24 x 14 and 24 x 24 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People looking for a budget-friendly throw pillow. The Citizenry’s Las Colinas Pillow is a fan favorite—and for good reason. It’s striking, versatile, and cozy all at once. Inspired by sand dunes, the throw pillow is lined with thick, wavy stripes in earthy colors—like terracotta, gray, and beige. The beautiful thing about this design? The stripes are thick and unobtrusive, so they’re easy to pair with other prints. And since the colors are pretty neutral, this pillow blends right into a range of different palettes. We also appreciate that the pillow is hand-woven from natural materials. Sheep’s wool lines the front of the pillow, and soft cotton lines the back—creating a cozy combination that looks and feels luxurious. These details make the pillow a truly special find, and they handily earned this pillow a spot on our list. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18, and 22 x 22 inchesCover Material: Wool, cottonFilling Material: Not listedColor/Design Options: One

Who it isn’t for: People who want a classic printed pillow that’s simple and versatile. Looking for a throw pillow that knows how to make a statement? Jungalow’s Paradiso Pillow has you covered. Designed by artist Justina Blakeney, this pillow looks like it came straight out of a Matisse collage. Big black leaves sit on top of a crisp white background, creating a pattern that feels both artsy and earthy. And the pillow’s neutral palette balances out its bold design, which makes this showstopper surprisingly easy to decorate with. Of course, looks alone don’t justify this pillow’s price point. The pillow is handcrafted from cotton and linen, so it feels textured, breathable, and soft. And it comes filled with your choice of lightweight polyester or squishy down, so you can customize the pillow’s fill based on what you find most comfortable. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: Cotton, linenFilling Material: Polyester or downColor/Design Options: One

RELATED: 25 Black-Owned Home Decor Brands to Shop Who it isn’t for: People who are in the market for a standard square pillow. If you don’t want to stick with a standard square pillow, West Elm’s Classic Cotton Velvet Bolster Pillow is a great alternative. The cylindrical bolster is 20 inches long and 8 inches wide, so it’s the perfect size and shape to toss on an armchair, tuck next to a couch arm, or place in front of the pillows on your bed. The pillow comes with a plush velvet cover, which has been washed to make the pillow feel even softer. We like that this velvet is made from sturdy materials—cotton and polyester—so that it’s still durable enough for everyday use even though it feels luxurious. Sold individually and in sets of two, the pillow is easy to stock up on because it’s available in five pretty colors—all of which come with striking white contrast trim. Product Details:

Size: 8 x 20 inchesCover Material: Cotton-polyester velvetFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People who’d rather have a cozy pillow for indoor use only than a rugged one. Pottery Barn’s Faux Natural Fiber Pom Pom Pillow may not bring much color into your home, but it’ll add a dose of welcome texture to any room you put it in. The indoor/outdoor pillow is woven from polypropylene and polyethylene, synthetic fibers that mimic the feel of jute and rattan. It’s packed with polyester filling, half of which was sourced from recycled plastic bottles. The pillow comes in two easy-to-decorate-with shades: black and tan. But despite its neutral palette, the pillow’s still a standout piece. Thanks to its braided exterior and pom-pom-lined edges, the pillow can make a subtle statement in any space—whether it’s dressing up your patio or cozying up your living room couch. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: Polypropylene, polyethyleneFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Two

Who it isn’t for: People who’d rather save money on a simpler solid-color pillow. Hay’s Outline Cushion is way more fun than the average solid-color pillow. Why? It comes in an array of unusual colors, like electric blue, pale yellow, and bright orange. Plus, its edges are trimmed with equally striking shades, so you get twice the pop of color you’d get from a classic pillow. The color combinations are so playful and unexpected that it’s hard to pick a favorite. And since they all play well together, you can mix and match a few versions of the pillow instead of stocking up on just one. The pillow is also ultra-comfortable, thanks to its linen-cotton cover and plush feather filling. And its removable cover is washer- and dryer-friendly. Machine-washability may not sound like a big deal, but it’s a tough feature to find in a throw pillow—and it makes this pillow one of our favorites for everyday use. Product Details:

Size: 19.75 x 19.75 inchesCover Material: Linen, cottonFilling Material: FeatherColor/Design Options: Seven

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t love faux fur. Take one look at Pottery Barn’s Luxe Faux Fur Sphere Pillow, and you’ll be ready to snuggle up on the couch. The fluffy pillow is filled with lightweight polyester and lined with shaggy polyester faux fur. And though faux fur might seem hard to decorate with, this pillow comes in a subtle ivory shade that’s actually pretty versatile. While the shaggy exterior is what first caught our eye, it’s the decorative pillow’s versatility that we fell in love with. The spherical pillow has a 10-inch diameter, so it’s about half the size of an average throw pillow—and the perfect size to pair with other pillows and blankets. Its unusual shape and neutral color make it an even better layering piece, allowing the pillow to complement other accent pieces without overshadowing them. Product Details:

Size: 10 x 10 inchesCover Material: Polyester faux furFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: One

RELATED: These Might Be the Most Practical Faux Fur Throw Pillows You Can Buy Who it’s for: People who want a printed accent pillow that’s striking but versatile. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer to decorate with simple, sleek prints. St. Frank’s Terracotta Classic Kuba Cloth Pillow is one of the most striking pillows we’ve laid eyes on—but it still knows how to play well with others. Its eye-catching print is inspired by Kuba cloth, a layered textile made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There, pieces of raffia are sewn together to create geometrically patterned fabrics. And while this pillow isn’t made from genuine Kuba cloth, its bold print pays homage to it. Traditional Kuba cloth features rich shades of brown, black, and beige, but this pillow comes in a pretty pale pink. And instead of being made from raffia, it’s covered in soft flax linen. Despite its bold print and unusual color, the pillow looks great next to other patterned pieces. And that’s what we love most about it: While decorating with statement-making pieces can be tough, this one is so versatile that it makes layering easy. Product Details:

Size: 16 x 12, 22 x 22, 26 x 26, 40 x 15 inchesCover Material: Flax linenFilling Material: DownColor/Design Options: One

Who it isn’t for: People who’d rather score a deal than invest in a luxe material. Equal parts fun and luxurious, Eastern Accents’s Tudor Square Leather Pillow is worth the splurge. On one side, the pillow is covered in genuine Italian leather, and on the other, it’s lined with matching velvet. It’s hard to imagine a more lavish combination. And since the pillow’s interior is packed with polyfill, a polyester filling that feels like down, the pillow isn’t just soft to the touch—it’s also comfy enough to snuggle up with. But what really sets this pillow apart is its punchy palette. It comes in classic colors, like black, brown, white, and gray, but it’s also available in unusual shades, like yellow, blue, and green. Even though they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of leather, these bold hues look incredible on this throw pillow. Product Details:

Size: 20 x 20 inchesCover Material: Leather, suedeFilling Material: Polyester

Color/Design Options: 10 Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to splurge on a matching throw pillow set. Industry West’s Urban Lumbar Cushion Set is the kind of statement-making pillow set even minimalists can get behind. At 16 inches tall and 24 inches wide, each of the matching pillows is shorter than a standard throw pillow but longer than the average lumbar pillow. And thanks to their unusual size and sleek abstract design, the pillows manage to feel simple and bold at the same time. Each pillow features just four elements: two black lines and two touching rectangles. And while that may not sound like a recipe for an eye-catching accent, in this case, it is. Most of these elements are clustered on one side of the pillow, making the design look artful and unbalanced. With these bold shapes, crisp lines, and uneven composition, the pillows look like something you’d find in a museum rather than your living room—and that’s exactly why they caught our eye. Product Details:

Size: 24 x 16 inchesCover Material: Polyacryl, wool, polyester, cotton, alpaca, polyamideFilling Material: Duck featherColor/Design Options: One

Who it isn’t for: People who want a cozy throw pillow that’s durable and easy to clean. EverGrace’s Amor Chenille Knit Pillow might be the coziest pillow on our list. The front is covered in a plush chenille, a synthetic material that feels smooth, fuzzy, and comfortable. The back of this throw pillow is lined with soft, breathable cotton, giving you two kinds of comfort to choose from every time you settle down on the couch. But what we love about this pillow is that it isn’t just nap-worthy—it’s also a great decor piece. The chenille side of the pillow is knit with a subtle checkerboard weave, so it’s a bit more eye-catching than the average solid-color pillow (although just as versatile). This combination makes the throw pillow ideal for decorating: It’s flexible enough to complement your boldest throws and pillows, but it’s still stylish enough to look great on its own. Product Details:

Size: 20 x 20 inchesCover Material: Polyester chenille, cottonFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Eight

Who it isn’t for: People who want a pillow that comes in multiple sizes and shapes. Gan Rugs’ Bandas Pillow B is showstopping in every way imaginable. For starters, the pillow comes in two punchy colors: red-orange and lemon yellow. And its checkerboard-inspired print is just as bold as its palette. Rectangles of varying sizes line the pillow. And since these shapes are hand-loomed from wool, the pillow stands out for its texture as well as its color and print. Even the size and shape are unusual. At 24 inches long and 16 inches wide, this throw pillow is shaped like a rectangle—not a classic square. And it’s a couple of inches bigger than the average lumbar pillow. It’s a splurge, but all these factors make for a pillow that’s unlike any other—and one that’s sure to make a statement in your space. Product Details:

Size: 16 x 24 inchesCover Material: WoolFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Two

Who it isn’t for: People who want an everyday pillow they can throw in the wash. Mercury Row’s Elaine Square Pillow is a decorator’s dream. The solid-color pillow comes in six pretty shades, and its unusual texture saves it from feeling basic or boring. The pillow’s cotton-blend cover is textured with tiny pom-poms, which are clustered together to form raised diamonds. These diamonds line the pillow, making it look printed—even though it’s the same color from top to bottom. Thanks to its texture, the pillow is equal parts eye-catching and versatile. And unsurprisingly, it’s really easy to decorate with. This throw pillow can play the starring role or the supporting role, depending on the pieces you pair it with—but it can easily stand on its own if you’d rather keep things minimal. Although the cover is removable, this pick should be dry cleaned. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Six

Who it isn’t for: People who want an accent pillow that’s simple and classic. Design Within Reach’s Knot Pillow is the perfect accent piece. Shaped like an intricate knot, this accent pillow is just 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide. That smaller-than-average size makes the pillow great for layering. And it also makes it ideal for dressing up pieces of furniture that are too small, sleek, or narrow for standard-size throw pillows. Woven from wool and acrylic fibers, this sculptural pillow is lightweight and cozy. We love that it’s also sturdy enough to toss in the wash. This combination makes it a great accent pillow for everyday use. And since the playful pick comes in 13 striking colors, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a shade that perfectly suits your space. Product Details:

Size: 12 x 12 inchesCover Material: Wool, acrylicFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: 13

Who it isn’t for: People who want a solid-color pillow that’s sleek and simple. Bold but versatile, Anthropologie’s Tasseled Teague Cotton-Linen Pillow strikes the happy medium you want when decorating. The pillow comes in five solid colors—ivory, gray, mauve, brown, and blue—so it’s easy to pair with other pieces. It’s trimmed with macrame tassels—a detail that keeps the solid-color piece from fading into the background. While the pillow’s top and bottom edges boast simple seams, its sides are lined with macrame tassels. And in most of the colorways, this trim is a shade darker than the rest of the pillow—adding a pop of contrast that won’t disrupt your color scheme. While the tassels feel fancy, the pillow’s linen-cotton blend cover keeps things casual. And since the pillow is plump, cozy, and machine-washable, it’s perfect for everyday use. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 and 22 x 22 inchesCover Material: Cotton-linen blendFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People who want to score a deal on a versatile, pretty pillow. The Paso Throw Pillow from Morrow doesn’t suit just one decor scheme—and that’s the thing we love about it. Though the pillow’s print is inspired by the 1970s, it doesn’t feel too retro. Its jagged stripes look modern, and its palette is simple and earthy. The handwoven cover is textured enough to pass as rustic, bohemian, or coastal, depending on the decor around it. That kind of versatility is hard to find in a patterned piece. What makes it so remarkable is that this decorative pillow’s bold pattern will stand out on your couch without competing with your other decor. And since it’s filled with plush feathers and down, you can rely on it for a cozy cuddle session, too. Product Details:

Size: 20 x 20 inchesCover Material: Wool, cottonFilling Material: Feather, downColor/Design Options: Two

Who it’s for: People who want a printed pillow that’s sleek but vibrant. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer soft colors and don’t want to splurge on a throw pillow. The Argo Pillow knows how to pack a punch. Hand-woven in Ethiopia (like all of the brand’s pieces), this throw pillow’s bold pattern and vibrant palette immediately draw the eye. These statement-making details are part of Bolé Road Textiles’s signature style, and they’ve made the brand’s pillows some of the most coveted around. This particular pillow is part of the Harar collection, which is a line of decor inspired by Harar, Ethiopia. The Argo Pillow is named after Harar’s Argoba gate, a large gate lined with geometric details. The pillow’s grid pattern nods to these architectural motifs without taking them too literally—and the result is a pillow that makes a statement on any couch. Product Details:

Size: 20 x 20 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: Polyester, acrylicColor/Design Options: Two

Who it’s for: People who want a boldly printed throw pillow that comes in a range of soft colors. Who it isn’t for: People who want pillows that come in multiple sizes. Johanna Howard’s Lagom Pillow is inspired by the brand’s best-selling Lagom Blanket, a cotton throw lined with vibrant chevron stripes. The pillow is designed with the same pattern. But since pillows are so much smaller than blankets, the chevron print sits off-center—making the pillow even bolder than the throw that inspired it. Just like the blanket, this throw pillow is available in an array of pretty colors, ranging from bright tangerine to subtle taupe. And it’s made entirely of cotton, so it’s ultra-soft and cozy. What’s also nice is that the 100-percent cotton pillow is also machine-washable, which makes it delightfully easy to clean, even if it gets heavy use. Product Details:

Size: 24 x 24 inchesCover Material: CottonFilling Material: CottonColor/Design Options: Four

RELATED: The 9 Best Beds for a Perfect Night’s Sleep Who it isn’t for: People who prefer pillows made from natural materials. World Market’s Fuzzy Plush Throw Pillow is one of the softest pillows you can find—especially at such a budget-friendly price point. The pillow is filled with fluffy polyester, which makes it feel plump but lightweight. It also comes inside a fuzzy polyester cover, which feels plush, cozy, and incredibly soft to the touch. Though this combination feels luxurious, the accent pillow is pretty low-maintenance: Polyester is sturdy enough for everyday use, and it’s easy to spot-clean, too. This—plus the pillow’s pretty colors—make it a truly incredible find. If your goal is to craft a couch that looks good, feels great, and is easy to take care of, you’ve officially found your throw pillow match. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: PolyesterFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Three

Who it isn’t for: People who prefer prints that are loud and colorful. HomeGoods is a great place to shop for throw pillows—and this is one of the most versatile tropical-inspired pillows we’ve ever seen. While lots of similar prints are packed with vibrant colors and kitschy details, this one is pretty simple. Its palette features a monochromatic color scheme that uses three different shades. And the decorative pillow’s pattern features a single type of plant—a palm leaf—printed on the pillow over and over again. This pared-down approach may seem like the antithesis of tropical decor, but it makes the pillow more versatile without sacrificing its fun feel. The tropical print pillow can still dress up your couch and make your living room feel like a getaway. It also plays well with other prints and fits into most color palettes—making it delightfully easy to incorporate into your home. Product Details:

Size: 24 x 24 inchesCover Material: Cotton, acrylic, polyesterFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Three

Who it isn’t for: People hoping to score an accent pillow in a neutral shade. Round pillows don’t get a lot of love, but this one from Urban Outfitters is the perfect counterpart to all the square pillows you’ve stocked up on. With its 16-inch diameter, the cushion is smaller than the average throw pillow but big enough to hold its own on your couch. And though it’s a simple solid-color pillow, its pintuck upholstery makes it a standout piece in any space. The plump pillow is filled with lightweight polyester and lined with soft-to-the-touch velvet—a material you’ll want to snuggle up with during a nap. To top things off, this decorative pillow comes in five different colors so you can easily find a version that suits your space. (Odds are, you’ll find a few.) Product Details:

Size: 16 x 16 inchesCover Material: Cotton velvetFilling Material: PolyesterColor/Design Options: Five

Who it isn’t for: People who want a printed pillow that’s smooth or colorful. Many pillows are emblazoned with pretty prints and bold patterns, but 54kibo’s Tunis Cream Decorative Pillow stands out from the rest. Its pattern isn’t merely printed on the pillow—it’s embroidered in thick black thread. This unique detail adds the perfect amount of texture to the pillow, making it more striking than the other printed pieces on your couch. Another thing we love about this pillow is that even though it’s bold, it isn’t tough to decorate with. Its versatile black-and-white palette goes with almost any color scheme. And since its lines are so simple, it doesn’t clash with other prints. Made of soft cotton, the pillow is also breathable and cozy. Product Details:

Size: 18 x 18 inchesCover Material: Cotton, black woolFilling Material: Not listedColor/Design Options: One

“To create visual interest, we like to vary pillow sizes on a sofa, starting with the largest in the corners and smaller ones as you work your way in,” DaCosta says. “This allows you to see the gorgeous pattern and colors on each pillow.”

Cover Material

To get a sense of how a pillow feels—or how easy it’ll be to take care of—take a look at its cover material. Synthetic fabrics and performance fabrics tend to be more durable, while natural fabrics like cotton and linen tend to be soft and easy to clean. Pillow covers that are chenille, velvet, and silk tend to be plush but are pretty high-maintenance. “If you have a family home with kids and pets, you’ll want to look for pillow covers that are hard-wearing and can be washed,” says DaCosta. “Alternatively, feel free to splurge on pillows [that are] made of silk or heavily embroidered, knowing that they require a little more care.”

Filling Material

When it comes to a throw pillow’s feel and durability, what’s inside matters just as much as what’s on the outside. That means you should check to see what a pillow is filled with—or if it’s filled at all. (Some pillows are sold as pillow covers, meaning you’ll have to buy the inserts separately.) Pillows are typically filled with a squishy, long-lasting down-feather blend or with lightweight, budget-friendly polyester. “The fill for me usually sets a pillow apart,” Gariepy says. “Down-feather is so much nicer in look. But if people have allergies, they might want a polyester fill.”

Style

Throw pillows are decorative accents for your living room, so look matters a lot. And since they come in different colors, shapes, prints, and textures, there are plenty of options to choose from. Not sure where to start? DaCosta suggests looking for colors, patterns, and materials that match what’s in your space. You can also do the opposite and use your pillows to add contrast. “Play around with different styles, [and remember your] pillows don’t all have to match,” DaCosta says.

Questions You Might Ask

How do you clean throw pillows?

Not every throw pillow can be cleaned the same way—some are machine-washable, while others are dry-clean or spot-clean only—so don’t whip out the laundry detergent until you’ve checked the care instructions. The label or tag should tell you exactly how to wash and dry your specific pillow—and following those instructions will help keep it in tip-top shape. Don’t forget to regularly fluff your accent pillows to prevent them from getting flat.

What’s a normal throw pillow size?

Throw pillows come in a range of sizes and shapes, but some silhouettes are more popular than others. “18 x 18 inches and 20 x 20 inches are the most standard,” Gariepy says. Other common sizes include 16 x 16 inches, 22 x 22 inches, and 24 x 24 inches.

How many throw pillows should you put on your couch?

Interior designers recommend utilizing two to five decorative pillows, depending on how big your couch is. “For large three-seater sofas, we would recommend five throw pillows: two in each corner and one lumbar style pillow in the middle,” DaCosta says. But if that sounds like too much, don’t be afraid to keep it simple. “Some people do not like throw pillows, so perhaps two is enough for them,” Gariepy says.

How do you choose the right throw pillow for your sofa?

To choose the right throw pillow, take a look at your space. Could it use a pop of color? Is it comfortable enough? Do you need to add an accent that brings the room together? Figure out what your space needs, then find an accent pillow that delivers it.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing lifestyle content. To decide which throw pillows to feature, Lindsey researched hundreds of options from popular home brands, considering things like size, style, and material. She also consulted three interior designers from Aspen & Ivy Interiors—junior designer Tara Paquette, senior designer Ria DaCosta, and senior designer Donna Gariepy—for expert advice on how to pick out and decorate with throw pillows.