The right insert or filler is vital to an attractive looking decorative pillow. Read on to learn what you need to know to choose the right throw pillow inserts for you.
Size of Insert
It is best recommended to use inserts that are 2″ larger all around than your finished pillow size. Putting it simply, if you have an 18×18 pillow cover, choose to use a 20×20 insert. This will make sure that your pillow is filled out fully and looks richly rotund. If the pillow insert is very small, the pillow cover will look saggy. There are some exceptions to this rule like:
- Pillows smaller than 18×18 and all the lumbars- these do much better with inserts that are 1″ larger (opposed to 2″ larger)
- Extra large pillows (24×24 and larger)- these will also do best with inserts that are 3″ larger than the cover
- Extra dense inserts – this is uncommon, since they’re often not dense enough. However, at times small rectangular inserts (like 10×18) are plum enough to use with covers of alike sizes (for instance a 10×18 insert for a 10×18 cover).
The Fill Type
The best advise is going with feather down throw pillow inserts. Feathers give firmness, weight, body and support, while down makes for softness and comfort.
Feather/Down Ratio
A higher percentage of down means it is more luxurious. However, according to the use of the pillow, you’ll want to be careful not to exceed the limit on the down percentage, as it will make it excessively soft and unsupportive.
Pros and Cons of Various Ratios
95% feather / 5% down (95/5)
- Standard version for decorative throw pillows
- Economical and most easily available feather-down blend choice
- Firmest option
- Because of small percentage of down, some people may feel it is a bit stiff
- Owing to majority of the fill being feathers, can sometimes feel prickly since the quills have a higher chance to poke out
- Can be “karate-chopped”
90% feather / 10% down (90/10)
- It is a luxury option for decorative throw pillows
- A bit less soft but not too firm – offers support and flexibility
- Softer and more luxurious than 95/5 inserts as it has a higher down percentage
- Firmer than 75/25 and 80/20 inserts
- Can be “karate-chopped”
Price Points of Inserts
The majority of inserts you’ll see on the market are 95% feather and 5% down, These will be priced lower because the cost of feathers is lower than the cost of down. With an increase in percentage of down, the insert will get pricier.
Some of the other factors that affect price include: the location insert is made, where the feather/down is sourced from, and degree of fullness of the insert. Nevertheless, if allergies are a concern, top-end alternative down inserts that resemble the softness of down are the next best option.
The Nutshell
These are the factors that will influence the decision you make when it comes to choosing the right pillow insert for you.