HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT DECOR PILLOW INSERTS

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT DECOR PILLOW INSERTS- There are a couple of secrets for having plump and pretty pillows! Inserts are a key factor!

If you have followed me for any time at all you will know my affinity for gorgeous pillows! Today we are talking about PILLOW INSERTS and how to choose the perfect ones for your decorative pillow covers! I think you might be surprised how important the right insert is to give your pillows a plump and pretty look!

 

Now let’s talk about my favorite decor topic… pillows!

 

 

Pillow covers are the best way to go when it comes to collecting pillows. When you want to change up your pillows you can take off the covers and store them much more easily than pillows that cannot be separated from their cover.

Here’s where I keep my “downstairs” pillow covers… in the drawers of my Curlacue chest in the living room.

Pillow covers fold up and can easily be stored until you need them again.

A gorgeous pillow is not only about the cover though! It has a lot to do with choosing the correct insert to go inside! There are just a couple secrets that will make your pillow covers look plush and full.

My favorite type of decor pillow insert is made with feather/down. I like them because they last for years, are easily fluffed up and look gorgeous in a pillow. These pillow inserts are strictly for use inside. If feather/down pillow inserts get wet and do not dry properly they will smell horrible and be ruined!

Opt for polyfill inserts for outdoor pillow covers.

The other big designer secret is correct sizing. Did you know a pillow insert should be 2 inches larger than the size of your pillow cover?

So if you have a 20 inch pillow cover you will need a 22 inch pillow insert to make it look fabulous, fat and fluffy! 

Here are some common pillow cover sizes and the perfect insert size for them…

  • 18 inch pillow cover… 20 inch pillow insert
  • 20 inch pillow cover…22 inch pillow insert
  • 22 inch pillow cover… 24 inch pillow insert
  • 24 inch pillow cover…  24 inch pillow cover or standard Euro sham insert
  • lumbar pillows… same size as inserts

Now you know what designers have been using to make their pillow look so attractive!

Here are some other tips for keeping those down pillows looking their best.

  • When stuffing a pillow cover with an insert make sure the corners of the insert reaches the corners of the pillow cover.
  • Evenly distribute the down in the insert so there are no sparse or overly puffy areas
  • To fluff, hold the pillow by the top then bottom corners and give the pillow (with the insert inside) a good shake
  • Put a pillow between your fists and punch your fists together. Do this several time over the pillow
  • To dust, shake pillow covers and inserts outside to get rid of surface dirt and dusk. 
  • Wash or dry clean pillows every once in a while to keep them fresh 

You might like to see HOW TO STORE PILLOW COVERS

 

 

 

 

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19 Comments

  1. I too, love pretty pillows and especially the pretty shams for the bedroom. Mine just never looked pretty and full like the picture on the wrapper or the display in the store until my niece told me the secret. She worked in an upscale department store and shared how they made the displays look so perfect — cotton batting. Insert your pillow and then stuff the batting into the corners and along the seams until they are tight and firm. Magic! Perfect pillows!

  2. Great pillow tips!! I wondered how you stored all you beautiful pillows… now I know you just store the covers!! Thanks for a very helpful post! I did know the inserts had to be larger than the cover which is so important!

  3. I am looking for the long lumbar pillows I see on beds in magazines. Love the look but do not find them for sale.Any ideas from my favorite decorator and pillow lover? Thanks Yvonne.

    1. Hi Kathy, many of these are custom made. I am going to do a very easy lumbar pillow diy this summer. Look for it.

  4. Wendy Howell says:

    I did not know to use a larger insert, thanks for that tip! And best of luck with your new shop 🙂

  5. Thank you! Now I know why the pillows in all the stores look so great and mine look so frumpy! I never knew about using a larger insert. Great info!

  6. Yvonne, I noticed a beautiful crewel type pillow cover in your stash in the drawer! It has a rosy coral flower on it…You have been hiding this one!!! I have never seen it before. When can you showcase it???

    I am anxiously waiting until Friday to see YOUR “SPA” collection on the online DTT Shop. Anita and Kelly have had some unique items listed this week. I hope other readers check it out…

  7. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says:

    Love all of your pillows..and yes, I find the best rule of thumb is to go 2 inches larger than your pillow cover for a great full pillow……Love your pillow drawer….Nice to see how others store their pretties!!…Have a fabulous weekend Yvonne!!!

  8. Melody Henley says:

    My daughter and I are allergic to down/feathers! Ugh! Any suggestions for high quality inserts that are allergy friendly? Love your blog and home…I have already gotten samples of your home paint colors and am working with a designer to get a similar look! 🙂

    1. Hi Melody, I’m so sorry to hear that! I really don’t have a suggestion as I have never been on a hunt for alternatives to down inserts. Sorry! I wish I could help you more.

    2. Leslie Rozzi says:

      Poly Silk is a down alternative that is fluffy with a long life. It doesn’t pack down like a standard cheap poly pillow will. I have poly silk bed pillows that I have used for over 7 years that still look great! I even wash and dry them.

  9. Mary formerly of the boondocks says:

    This is such a helpful post Yvonne. I too feel like it is a waste of space to have lots of pillows for each season. Its much easier to store the covers. I am in the market for some inserts, would you be able to recommend any?

  10. I have had down inserts but the feathers would always poke me. Where can I get good inserts where this won’t happen? At a reasonable price of course.

    1. Yes, probably because 1. they are not down but pin feathers 2. the weave of the casing is too loose.

  11. Can you tell me where you purchased the light blue and some light green floral pillow case ?

    1. Hi Melissa, that was part of my Soft Furnishings shop. It is now closed. However, Ballard Design has pillows in that pattern. Look there! Hope this helps.