With pointers from Epstein in mind, we researched standout options of various shapes, sizes, and fill materials. Our favorite is the Pillowflex Synthetic Down Insert, an exceptionally plush cushion that holds form with ease. Check out the best pillow inserts below. You can really feel the silkiness and weight of the fill through the cotton-poly shell, and you won’t have to worry about feathers poking through the fabric. This pillow holds its shape remarkably well, a perfect choice for creating the coveted hand-chop indentation. The core is even supportive enough for a comfy nap on the couch. This insert is available in a whopping 47 sizes, including squares and rectangles, so you’ll definitely find one that fits the cover you have in mind. The larger sizes are somewhat steep, but all things considered, we think the price range is reasonable. It’s conveniently machine-washable, too. Price at time of publish: $36 Your pillows will arrive in flat, compressed packaging. You’ll have to shake them out to achieve the full shape and fluff them frequently. They’re not machine-washable, but you can spot-clean them as needed. As for the shell, you’re looking at cotton twill sourced from farms in the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). There are four sizes available, including three squares and a rectangle. Just a heads up: this insert is machine-washable, but only in a commercial front-loading washer. Price at time of publish: $18-24 While it’s not RDS-certified, all down-filled products from Coyuchi are sourced from a single U.S.-based supplier that adheres to humane practices. We also like that this insert has an organic cotton shell. It’s on the pricier side, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find something of similar quality. Price at time of publish: $88-$148 It comes in 13 sizes, including squares and rectangles, each 5 inches thick. This insert isn’t machine-washable, but the removable zippered case makes it easy to clean. Price at time of publish: $18 It has a 100 percent cotton shell with a silky-smooth sateen weave. The price is a bit steep for a decorative pillow, but thanks to the double-stitched seams, this durable insert is machine-washable and dryer-friendly. And Parachute backs it with a three-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $49 Though we wouldn’t call it heavy, the silky weight of the fill material gives it a dense, gel-like feel. This insert will have no problem filling out your shams, but due to the snug fit, stuffing it in might be tricky. It isn’t machine-washable, but you won’t need to clean it as often as your bed pillows if you only use it for decorative layering. Price at time of publish: $55.25 for a Standard This insert comes in five sizes, including three squares and two rectangles. While it’s not machine-washable, you can hand-wash it as needed with soap and lukewarm water. But more important than the insert is having a weather-resistant cover for your outdoor pillows. Price at time of publish: $14.25
Shape
Square is the most common shape for pillow inserts. It’s generally versatile and creates a distinction between decorative pillows and those used for sleeping. However, you’ll also find rectangular and circular designs, as well as cylindrical bolsters and long, narrow lumbar pillows.
Fill Material
Fill material plays a crucial role in how shapely a throw pillow is. Epstein’s go-to is a 75/25 ratio of feathers and down. “It’s soft enough that it’s plush to lean against but has enough structure to stand alone,” she explains. (The closest we could find to this was a 90/10 feather-down ratio.) You’ll also find synthetic options, which are most often filled with poly fibers (very fine shreds of polyester). This type of insert is sometimes stiffer than feather-filled designs, but not always. Some are exceptionally lofty and plush.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance product reviewer and commerce writer specializing in home decor, textiles, and lifestyle. She interviewed Purple Cherry Architects lead interior designer Alex Epstein for buying tips and guidance on sizing and placement. After considering dozens of decorative pillow inserts, she selected options with a plush look and feel that hold their shape well, giving extra points for those that come in several sizes. In many cases, it’s simply how these items are sold. Read through the product description before buying a throw pillow to confirm exactly what’s included. “Additionally, most retailers will give you the option of purchasing the insert with the cover,” says Epstein. There are also 100 percent feather inserts, which are lightweight and fluffy but may contain pokey quills. And many are filled with down-alternative poly fibers, which can be incredibly plush with a slightly heavier feel. Theresa uses Pillowflex inserts for her couch pillows and Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillows for her bed shams. You can read more of her stories on MyDomaine, Travel + Leisure, People, and Byrdie.
