The best couch in the world can feel lonely without a couple of comfy throw pillows. While some believe throw pillows just create more clutter, we disagree because they serve two very important purposes: aesthetic and function.
The best throw pillows not only make your space look comfortable and inviting but they can also serve as neck, back, and leg support. If you’re looking to add some life back into some old throw pillows or simply increase the comfort of some new purchases, you need to know about throw pillow inserts.
What is a throw pillow insert? It is simply an additional layer of stuffing inside the throw pillow cover. They come in different sizes and can help make your pillow more comfortable.
In This Article We'll Discuss
Throw Pillow Insert Materials
There are a few different types of throw pillow inserts you should be aware of:
- Down throw pillow inserts are stuffed with feathers of birds such as ducks. This natural material is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, lightweight, and durable.
- Fiberfill has a similar softness to down but is cheaper, making it a common material for a throw pillow insert. Fiberfill pillows are machine washable and hypoallergenic.
- Cotton is another common material. It is also hypoallergenic and durable. However, cotton throw pillow inserts are usually firmer compared to down and fiberfill.
- Mixed throw pillow inserts are also common. Some manufacturers use down and fiberfill, while others use a combination of different materials to achieve the desired comfort, softness, or firmness.
Throw Pillow Insert Dimensions
Throw pillow inserts come in many different sizes. Here some examples.
- Square shaped inserts generally come in 4 sizes:
- 30" Euro or Continental
- 26" Euro or Continental
- 18"
- 16"
- Rectangle throw pillow inserts also come in a variety of shapes and sizes:
- 20" X 36" King
- 20" X 26" Standard
- 14" X 36" Lumbar
- 12" X 24" Lumbar
- 12" X 16" Travel
- Round shaped pillow inserts commonly come in 2 sizes:
- 20" diameter X 4" gusset
- 14" diameter X 3.5" gusset
- Bolster Stuffing sizes are:
- 10" X 27"
- 8" X 30"
- 6" X 16" (also known as a neck roll)
The 7 Best Throw Pillow Inserts And Filling
- Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White) – Best Overall Throw Pillow Insert
- Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White) – Best Polyester Filling
- Edow Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2 – Best Down Alternative
- Oubonun 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts (Set of 2) – Best For Firm Decorative Use
- IZO All Supply Square Sham Stuffer Hypo-Allergenic Throw Pillow (6-pack) – Best Budget Pack
- Phantoscope 18 x 18 Outdoor Pillow Inserts (Pack of 4) – Best Water Resistant Throw Pillows
- Milliard 18×18 Pillow Inserts Shredded Memory Foam Cushion (Pack of 4) – Best Memory Foam
The Best Throw Pillow Inserts And Filling
People love throw pillows to accessorize their sofas, so there are tons of designs to choose from. If you’re confused about what type or brand to buy, we have some recommendations for you.
Best Overall Throw Pillow Insert
Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White)
Product Details
- Material: Fiberfill. White polycotton cover with siliconized fiberfill stuffing.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Comfort and affordability come in twos! If you’re looking for a throw pillow insert that provides both aesthetic and functionality, then this product is right for you.
These inserts from Utopia Bedding are extra fluffy for maximum comfort and softness. The fluffiness of the insert will also make your throw pillows look inviting. The 18 X 18-inch size is perfect not only on your sofa but also to provide a nice touch to your bed, divan or lounger.
This versatile insert can also provide adequate support, especially if you need to elevate your legs, prop your back, or ease pressure around certain areas in your body.
Best of all, the inserts are easy to maintain. Made from polycotton covering and stuffed with fiberfill, you can spot clean dirt or throw them in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
Best Polyester Filling
Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White)
Product Details:
- Material: Fiberfill. White polycotton cover with siliconized fiberfill stuffing.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Beauty and comfort are perfectly combined in this beautiful 2 pack from Utopia bedding.
This pack of 2 also gets our vote for the best polyester filling. Throw pillow inserts come in different materials, but fiberfill, which is made from polyester, is not only soft and fluffy, it is also durable.
Polyester is a good choice if you’re not sure what type of throw pillow insert to buy. Aside from being affordable, you can also choose the level of firmness. However, our favorite thing about polyester fiberfill stuffed throw pillow inserts is that they are hypoallergenic. They provide relief to allergy sufferers because they protect against common allergens like dust mites.
Aside from the 18 X 18-inch size, the Utopia Bedding Throw Pillow Inserts come in other sizes, such as 12 X 12 if you prefer a smaller style, or the largest 28 X 28 inches so that you can get maximum support, comfort, and allergy protection.
Best Down Alternative
Edow Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2
Product Details:
- Material: Upgraded microfiber polyester for better spring-back ability. Cotton polyester hybrid fabric for the cover.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Pure down throw pillow inserts can be expensive, so this product from Edow is a good choice for those who are looking for a more affordable alternative.
Just like down, microfiber polyester is versatile, soft, and fluffy, making it a good alternative to the more expensive down. These throw pillow also inserts easier to maintain compared to down-filled inserts. Just like fiberfill, you can spot clean it or wash it in the washing machine. Unlike down, however, microfiber polyester dries more quickly, and its elastic properties make it less susceptible to clumping. This means your insert should stay feeling fluffy, soft, and comfortable over extended periods of time.
This Edow product provides medium support, so it is not too soft or too firm. In other words, it is in the Goldilocks zone for throw pillow inserts.
Best For Firm Decorative Use
Oubonun 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts (Set of 2)
Product Details:
- Material: 3D Polyester filling with 100% cotton fabric covering.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Decorate your room, sofa, or divan with the Oubonun throw pillow insert. This pack of 2 is made with polyester filling and features a 100% cotton cover.
Pillow firmness is a matter of personal choice. However, a firm throw pillow insert can provide good support to people who like to sleep on their side, need lumbar support, or those who suffer from neck pain. Using this insert for additional support with a soft sleeping pillow can keep your neck and spine aligned for better quality sleep and the prevention of neck and shoulder pain.
Aside from functional properties, this product is also a good choice for people who get frustrated with overly soft pillows because they become limp and thin over time. This firm pillow inserts by Oubonun will remain firm for extended periods, even with repeated washing.
Other manufactures stuff their inserts 60-70%. However, Oubonun inserts are 90% stuffed, making them a practical and long-term choice for decorative throw pillow inserts.
Best Budget Pack
IZO All Supply Square Sham Stuffer Hypo-Allergenic Throw Pillow (6-pack)
Product Details:
- Material: Virgin fiber filling with non-woven fabric type covering.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Looking for an affordable option? Check out this 6-pack from IZO.
A sofa with lots of throw pillows can look comfortable and inviting. However, a big sofa needs many pillows to prevent it from looking sparse. Luckily, this 6-pack from IZO can give you a lot of bang for your buck.
Aesthetics is important, but so is practicality which is why this product gets our vote for the best budget pack. This product will give you an easy way to make your sofa comfortable and inviting. If you don’t like the cozy overstuffed look, you can use the extra pillows to decorate your bed, armchair, and other furniture in your house.
Best for indoor use, this pack from IZO is easy to maintain. You can wash them in the washing machine and dry them thoroughly, and they’re good to go.
Best Water Resistant Throw Pillows
Phantoscope 18 x 18 Outdoor Pillow Inserts (Pack of 4)
Product Details:
- Material: 100% hypoallergenic micro-polyester filled with water-resistant liner.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
Your pool loungers need some love, too, and you can give it to them with these outdoor throw pillow inserts from Phantoscope.
These inserts are waterproof, making them the most practical choice for pool loungers or for homes with young kids prone to making a mess.
Yes, many pillow inserts are easy to maintain, but what if they get soaked? Here’s where water-resistant lining can save the day. Even the hardiest polyester filling can admit defeat if they are constantly getting wet, either due to the elements or water from the pool. Just like any other material, throw pillows need to dry completely so that they can retain their shape and softness.
Luckily, waterproof materials can protect the filling inside, so maintenance is very low. Put on a waterproof throw pillow cover for extra protection and to make your inserts last longer.
Waterproof fillings do have a crinkly feel, so they are definitely not the most comfortable. However, you can’t beat them when it comes to practicality.
Best Memory Foam
Milliard 18×18 Pillow Inserts Shredded Memory Foam Cushion (Pack of 4)
Product Details:
- Material: Premiums shredded memory foam with polyester cover.
- Colors: White
- Dimensions: 18 X 18 inches (other sizes also available)
You can’t beat memory foam for support, and this pack of 4 throw pillows from Milliard is a top choice if memory foam is what you’re looking for.
Millard’s memory foam throw pillow insert is designed to adjust to your body’s curves. This insert is soft, fluffy, and very supportive. Want something softer? Just remove some of the foam to achieve your desired firmness.
This memory foam pillow can serve 2 purposes. It can be decorative and functional at the same time. Memory foam inserts are an excellent choice for those with neck or shoulder pain since the pillows can adjust to the contours of the body and provide support where it is needed most.
Aside from support, this pillow insert is also hypoallergenic, so it is also a good choice for those with allergies. Best of all, this pillow insert comes with 2 covers for extra protection. You can use the pillow by itself without a throw pillow case and remove the first layer if it gets dirty.
The throw pillow inserts from Milliard come in a pack of two or four, perfect for a range of different sofa sizes.
Best Throw Pillow Insert Buying Guide
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to throw pillow inserts. That means it can be challenging to figure out which pillow to buy. Luckily, we have a short guide to make the choice easier for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your next throw pillow insert:
- Material – Are you looking for soft or firm throw pillows? If soft, you may opt for down. Alternatively, a memory foam pillow will provide added support. If you have allergies, stick to hypoallergenic filling like fiberfill or memory foam. If you prefer down filling, check to see if it has been treated to protect you from allergens.
- Size – this is another important consideration for throw pillow inserts, as you need to buy the right size for your existing pillows. Check the measurements and buy accordingly.
- Price – you don’t have to buy the most expensive throw pillow insert in order to achieve the look you want. There are many budget-friendly options that still offer comfort and softness.
- Functionality – finally, think what your throw pillows are for. If they are only there for decoration, then you can easily get away with fiberfill inserts. However, if you need them for additional support, we suggest investing in memory foam inserts.
Best Materials For Throw Pillow Inserts
Materials are a personal preference. However, we prefer to choose materials based on what you intend to use your throw pillows for.
- Decorative – For this purpose, inexpensive materials like fiberfill with a polycotton covering will do the job. They are comfortable but affordable. In other words, they provide the best value for money.
- Support – people needing additional help for injuries should seriously consider the materials of their inserts. For those with neck injury or neck pain, throw pillow inserts with memory foam material can greatly alleviate pain. Side sleepers should consider firmer inserts in order to keep their spine aligned while sleeping.
- Versatility – people who want versatility are usually happy with fiberfill. It is affordable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. They can be used in the sofa, lounger, patio, and other areas of the house. Pop a waterproof cover on the insert, and they can even be used outdoors.
Pros and Cons of Different Materials
The most common materials for throw pillow inserts are down fiberfill, cotton, and mixed filling.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
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| Down |
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| Fiberfill |
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| Cotton |
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| Mixed Fill |
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Conclusion
Finding the best throw pillow insert is not that hard. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal choice. This is why we urge buyers to always put their comfort ahead of budget. Having a comfortable and functional throw pillow insert is better than having a useless but cheap one. If you want our advice, Utopia takes some beating.
Throw pillows can make your room look cozier and more inviting. Most of all, it can significantly affect your comfort, so make sure to choose wisely!