What Size Pillow Insert?

March 27, 2024

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When it comes to choosing the perfect pillow insert size, the golden rule is to use a pillow insert that is 2 inches larger than the pillow cover to ensure a plump and luxurious look. For instance, if you have an 18-inch square pillow cover, you should opt for a 20-inch square pillow insert. This helps to fully fill out the corners of the cover, allowing for a neatly stuffed appearance that provides both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Understanding Pillow Inserts

Before diving into the specifics regarding pillow insert sizes, let’s explore what exactly a pillow insert is. Pillow inserts are the inner cushioning and support that you put into a pillowcase or cover. They are designed to offer both comfort and structure to throw pillows, decorative accents or bed pillows, and are typically manufactured from materials like down, feather, polyester, or a blend of these fibers.

Picking the Right Size Pillow Insert

Decorative Pillows

For decorative pillows on your couch or as an accent on your bed, it’s particularly important that they look full and hold their shape. If the cover is 16×16 inches, a good rule is to go one or two sizes up for the insert, thus a 17-inch or 18-inch insert would be best. For lumbar pillow covers, which are often 12×18 inches, a 13×19 inch insert can work well.

King and Queen Bed Pillows

For a queen-sized bed, standard pillow sizes are usually 20×30 inches while for a king-sized bed, the pillows tend to be 20×36 inches. Thus, for a queen pillow cover, you could use a 22×32 inch insert, and for a king cover, a 22×38 inch insert would be most suitable to ensure the pillow remains fluffy and firm.

Euro Shams

Euro shams are a larger square-shaped pillow quite popular in Europe, as the name suggests, and have become increasingly common worldwide for layering on beds. Generally measuring 26×26 inches, a 28×28 inch insert would be ideal to fill out all edges for a sharp and full appearance.

Material Considerations

The stuffing of your pillow inserts also contributes to the overall feel and appearance of your pillows.

Down and Feather Inserts

Natural down and feather inserts are known for their superior softness and ability to hold their shape well when fluffed. If you’re opting for a down or feather insert, you may not need to go quite as large in size compared to synthetic fills, as they tend to be plusher.

Polyester Inserts

Polyester is a common synthetic alternative that is more affordable than down. It can be somewhat stiffer, so going up in size is useful to achieve that desired fluffy look.

Foam Inserts

For those requiring firmer support, foam inserts hold their shape without needing frequent fluffing; however, they offer less of the traditional ‘pillow’ feel. When using foam, you need not size up as much as the firmness ensures the cover will be adequately filled.

Custom and Non-standard Pillow Covers

When dealing with custom sizes or non-standard pillow covers, the same principle applies: choose an insert that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the cover for the best fit. Measure your pillow cover from seam to seam and then decide on the increments you wish to add based on how full you want the finished pillow to be.

Considerations for Special Pillow Types

Body Pillows

Body pillows are designed for full-body support and are typically much larger than traditional bed pillows. For these, you’d want to stick close to the actual size of the body pillow cover to ensure the pillow is not overstuffed and retains its functionality for support.

Bolster Pillows

Bolster pillows are cylindrical and work in a slightly different way. They are usually well-stuffed to maintain their shape, so you should find an insert that matches the size of the cover quite closely, or just a little larger.

General Tips for Selecting Pillow Inserts

Always take note of the stitch quality and fabric of your pillow cover. A delicate fabric or loose stitching may not hold up well with an insert that is too large. Additionally, consider the use of the pillow; decorative pillows can be overstuffed for appearance, whereas sleeping pillows should accommodate personal comfort preferences.

Finishing Thoughts

Choosing the right pillow insert size may seem like a minor detail, but it can significantly impact the comfort and aesthetics of your living space. Remember, the best-looking pillows are usually those that are slightly overstuffed, so aim for an insert that’s 1 to 2 inches larger than your cover. Balance aesthetics with comfort and functionality to make sure you get the most out of your pillows. Whether you’re lounging on the couch, setting up a guest bed, or adding finishing touches to your master suite, the right pillow insert can make all the difference.