Best Throw Pillows to Instantly Update Your Couch

Like the whipped cream and cherry on top of a picture-perfect ice cream sundae, a comfy couch just doesn’t feel quite complete without a few extra toppings. “Throw pillows are one of my favorite layers to mix into my designs,” notes Becky Shea, founder of New York’s Becky Shea Design. Easily swapped in and out atop a loveseat, recliner, or bed, she adds, “they're a transitional element that allows you to inject cozy materials and colors you may not want to use for something like your sofa.”

With so many shades, shapes, materials, and designs to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to throw into the mix. No need to lose sleep, though. We asked Shea and other design pros to lay out the best options.

Our top picks for the best throw pillows

How I selected the best pillows

Along with a thorough internet scour of throw pillows from the most popular brands, I spoke with interior designers Dai and Shea, who provided their expertise on how to shop for the best pillows while sharing some of their favorites. Since individual style preferences differ, I focused the majority of my search on the most common throw pillow sizes (18”, 20”, 22”), and inserts that were durable (looking for materials like feather, polyester, and down alternatives) to help the pillow hold its shape best.

What to consider when buying throw pillows

Purpose

Mixing up various shapes “can add visual interest and depth to your décor,” notes L.A. designer Linette Dai, founder of Linette Dai Design, but they can also serve an important function. Consider, for example, “whether you need a smaller lumbar pillow for back support or want several large square ones for comfortable naps,” she poses, adding that extra-long lumbar pillows “can double as a beautiful accent as well as a body pillow for side support during sleep.”

Speaking of sleep, take into account if you plan to actually rest your head on these cushions or if they’re just there to look pretty on top of your bed sheets. As Dai puts it, “A throw pillow with a more intricate silk-detailed design may be suitable on a bed if it’s just for decorative purposes, or in a formal living room, but not for the family room where it would easily develop visible wear and tear.”

For the couch, she likes to choose a velvet piece or another smooth, yet, durable texture like wool, cotton, or linen. “This is an area where the pillows will typically get a lot of daily wear and use,” she explains, “so you want something that is comfortable to lean on or relax with and not have to worry about being fussy with it.”

Size

By all means, have fun here. “Couches often benefit from a mix of shapes, colors, and sizes that play with the room’s design,” notes Shea. Consider that your green light to mix it up with square shapes, round cushions, and extra-long lumbar pillows. Though, if you plan to change up your pillows on the regular, it might be smart to stick to more standard sizing (18, 20, and 22-inch versions) so that you can easily switch out covers without having to constantly purchase new inserts.

Fill

While a feather-and-down fill is a generally a softer, more luxurious option, Dai tends to gravitate toward a high-quality, down-alternative. “It holds its shape longer than feather down, and you don’t have to worry about feathers poking you or falling out over time,” she explains. “It’s also a safe option in case you have family members or guests who are allergic to down.”

Style

This is an anything-goes situation, but if you don’t know where to start, one fool-proof option is to follow the rule of three. Pull three different colors from your room and stick to those shades. Feel free to mix and match three different patterns (say, a solid, a geometric design, and a floral) as long as you keep to the color story.

What type of throw pillows are available?

Basically, the limit does not exist. Between square, round, rectangular, sham, and bolster pillows, “throw pillows come in many shapes and sizes,” says Dai. Choosing which ones you want in your home “comes down to the look you’re going for as well as function,” she continues. “Some people may want to stack their bed with layers for an eclectic maximalist style, while others may prefer to accessorize with just one or two.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which throw pillows hold their shape?

The ones that use this designer trick: “The secret to getting your throw pillow to hold its shape is to fill the pillow cover with an insert that’s two-inches larger,” says Dai (i.e. a 20-inch by 20-inch insert inside an 18-inch square cover). “This will keep it full and fluffy.”

Another piece of industry know-how is the fluff and puff. Gently drop them on your sofa or chair, making sure to rotate sides, instructs Shea. “A final hand ‘chop’ in the center of your pillow once it's in place is how you achieve that photo-shoot ready look.”

What is the best material for couch throw pillows?

One that feels decadently cozy, says Shea. “Throw pillows are the ones that you're going to be snuggling up with, so I tend to gravitate towards alpaca, wools, or cashmere,” she adds. “There's nothing wrong with cotton or linen, especially if you have children running around!”

What is the best fill for throw pillows?

For the most comfortable experience, says Shea you’ll want to choose either down or a high-quality down-alternative. “Make sure to invest in a high-quality synthetic and test out the fill before committing,” she suggests. While a down-alternative is smart for anyone with allergies or other sensitivities, “there are some really uncomfortable options out there!”

Are expensive throw pillows worth it?

Yes, and no. If you’re someone who likes to switch up their style on the regular, it’s probably best to stick with more wallet-friendly options. Same for any cushions that are there mostly as decorative pieces. However, Shea notes that “pillows you'll actually snuggle up with and enjoy on a regular basis are worth investing in. You'll realize the investment every time you curl up and feel the quality.” And if you’ve already added the best couches to your home, quality throw pillows can add to the look.

How many throw pillows are appropriate for a couch?

That depends on how many your roommate or partner will tolerate. As with most pillow-related purchases, “this comes down to personal preference,” says Dai. “For a laid-back vibe, going with an odd number is recommended, with one to two pillows on one side, and two to three on the other. However, if you are going for a formal look, then you can opt for a symmetrical look.”