Throw Pillow Sizes: How to Pick the Right Size [2023]

Do you want to reinvent the look of your living area? Throw pillows can make it very easier for you. Just by tossing these decorative pillows, you can achieve your desired look.

The colors, textures, and prints of these pillows are used to complement the environment. When it comes to pillow decor, besides colors and textures, picking proper throw pillow sizes means a lot for the look of a space.

For instance, if one would put a tiny pillow on a 4-seater, it would actually seem to be lost, isn’t it? Throw pillows are available in all different sizes, and choosing a perfect one from varieties makes it feel puzzling.

Here, we are giving you an insight into throw pillow sizes and methods to measure them so that you can come up with the right choice that would enhance the overall look of your space.

Throw Pillow Sizes Chart

There are a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to throw pillows. The most common throw pillows are square, but round, bolster and Lumber pillows are also popular. Let’s have a look at the most common decor pillow options.

See Webstory: The Formula For Arranging Throw Pillows

Square

These are the most classic pillows that can quickly change the look of your room. It can be easily mixed and matched to achieve the desired look.

Round 

Round throw pillows are a great way to add a modern look to your space. Their round shape and beautiful prints make them stand out. They come in similar sizes as square pillows and are generally used alone.

Lumbar 

The Lumbar pillows are a bit larger in size and were traditionally used for napping or just lounging around—they are great at supporting your spine. Nowadays, colorful lumbers are coupled with square and round pillows to decorate the room.

Bolster

Long cylindrical, bolster pillows are good for both providing back and arm support as well as embellishing the couches. They are a big addition to big couches and beds to get rid of negative space.

How to Measure Throw Pillow Sizes?

People make mistakes in measuring the size of a throw pillow and end up ordering the wrong one with different dimensions. Always bear in mind the dimensions of a pillow refer to the pillow’s cover length and width when it’s kept completely flat without an insert.

Measurement of pillows(unstuffed) is always taken along corners. Sizes obtained by measurements are rounded up to 0.5 inches (0.5″) ie. If the obtained measurement would be 19.6″×19.6″.It would be therefore called a 20″×20″ pillow.

Now, If you have a zipped pillow with removable inserts, you can measure it by putting the insert out. But if the pillow is fully stitched you have to stretch the top two corners and pull the top seam very tightly meanwhile, tell your friend or partner to measure it.

If you cannot make it linear, extend the measurement by around half-inch. You would get a closer value.

What Size is a Standard Throw Pillow?

Decorative pillows come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common size for a throw pillow are 18″×18″ & 20″×20″. But sizes can be bigger or smaller according to the sizes of sofas & sections. Sofas with higher backs may have 22″×22″ or even 24″×24″ pillows. For kids, smaller pillows are generally preferred. These sizes have a range of pillows to provide comfort and support as well as work like an accent piece in your home décor.

Buying Guide for Throw Pillows

Here is the buying guide to help you buy the perfect throw pillow. Go through each point below to get a clear insight into one’s priorities while taking the decision to buy pillows.

1. Throw Pillow Fill Material

Polyester

The most common type of stuffing is Polyester fiberfill, it is a lightweight, affordable alternative to other stuffing materials. It is often used in throw pillows and other household items. Polyester fiber is hypoallergenic and does not absorb moisture, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.

Down Feather

Down feather stuffing is often used in throw pillows because it is very soft. It is also durable and lightweight, making it ideal for use in a pillow. However, down feather stuffing can be expensive, so it is important to shop around before purchasing a pillow with this type of filling.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is also highly used in decorative square pillows. The memory foam provides a viscous feel and has the ability to retain its shape and firmness. The fill material is popularly used in the round and bolsters for its stiff look.

Cotton

Cotton fill is used in decorative pillows for its comfort and luxurious feel. The natural fibers of cotton allow it to breathe, making it a perfect choice for those who want a pillow that won’t make them sweat. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities. And because it’s so soft and plush, cotton fill is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to any pillow.

2. Throw Pillow Fabric

Pillow fabric should not just be well-looking but also comfortable. It should have the finest threads to make the fabric more durable and attractive. Some of the most popular fabrics include cotton, linen, and silk. Each fabric has its own unique properties that make it ideal for different purposes.

Cotton

It is a soft, breathable fabric that is commonly used in making pillows. It is easy to care for and maintain. 

Linen 

It is a strong, durable fabric that is often used in upholstery and home décor. Linen pillows generally require less maintenance and are hence ideal for houses with kids and pets.

Velvet

It is one of the smooth and attractive fabric options to consider. It adds a vibrant and cozy look to your space.

Wool/Fur

Wool and fur have become widely popular in recent years. Both wool and fur are available in a wide range of colors, from white to blue to black— making it a versatile material for use in home decor.

They are widely regarded as being a high-quality material due to their numerous benefits, which include their resistance to mold and moisture. 

3. Throw Pillow Colors and Prints

There are many factors to consider when choosing colors and prints for your pillows, including the overall style and color scheme of your room, the colors of your furniture, and your personal preferences.

If you have a neutral-colored room, you can add pops of color to your pillows. If your room is already brightly colored, you may want to choose more subdued pillow designs.

The colors of your furniture can also be helpful in selecting pillow designs. For example, if you have a dark sofa, you may want to choose light-colored pillows to help balance the look of the room.

In a similar way for prints of throw pillows, you need to analyze the surrounding of the room. If the room has a more modern feel, then geometric or abstract prints may be best. If the room is more traditional, then floral or paisley prints may be more appropriate. Moreover, to bring attention to your pillows you can go with contrasting options.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and prints! This can let you bring some new visual interest and texture to your space.

4. Price Range for Throw Pillows

Decorative pillows can range in price from $5 to $200. The price of the pillow depends on the materials used, the size, and the design. The most expensive pillows are usually made of silk or down and are custom-made.

Pillows that are mass-produced with synthetic materials generally cost less. The size of the pillow also affects the price, with larger pillows costing more than smaller ones. Finally, the design of the pillow can also impact the cost, with more intricate designs requiring more time and effort to create.

How to Choose Throw Pillow Size

Furniture piece sizes and styles (ie. modern & traditional ) are essential elements you should take into consideration while choosing a throw pillow.

• Match your pillow to your furniture sizes. Bigger pillows look overwhelming on smaller sofas & beds similarly, smaller pillows look underwhelming on bigger sofas & beds. Both cases mentioned above would look slouchy & awful so always go with pillows that are proportional to the size of the furniture                                                                      
• Creating depth and interest in the view looks very appealing. A combination of different-sized decorative pillows would trick the brain to produce more depth in the space. Adding depth to your space makes it look more open and welcoming. For regular couches or Loveseats layer bigger pillows with smaller ones.

ie. For smaller couches pair an 18″×18″ with a 16″×16″

Use symmetrical sizes and arrangements. Using lots of shapes & sizes can ruin the look to be messy & awful, so go with a decent no of combinations and layering to look polished & presentable.

For better views and combinations, we have to use a throw or decorative pillows of different dimensions. We would also add plain & accent pillows to complement each other.

Also Read: What Happened to Royal Velvet Pillows? [Know Here]

Throw Pillow Sizes for the Sofa

1. Small-Sized Sofas (2 People)

For smaller sofas, one to two layers of pillows would work well.

2. Regular Sofas (Three to Four People)

We should use up to 3 layers on standard sofas. For a minimalist look, one layer would work well, while to mix patterns and colors we can use two or three-layer

3. Longer and Wider Sofas (6-8 People)

We can add up to four layers on Longer and deeper sofas.

Did You Know?

An odd number of pillows looks more modern and stylish than an even number of pillows on the couches.

Throw Pillow Sizes for Sectionals

Commonly L-shaped or U-shaped sectionals are used for family rooms or large spaces. For such big sofas, we would suggest up to three layers

Throw Pillows for the Chair

It is  always preferred to have a single layer of pillows on chairs
Square 20″×20″ throw pillow or Lumbar pillow

[wptb id=297]

Throw Pillow Sizes for the Bed

1. Twin Bed

For a smaller bed, we would suggest one or two standard pillows, layered with a lumbar or a small decorative pillow

⦁ One or two-bed pillow Size: 20″×26″
⦁ Lumbar pillow or a small decorative pillow

2. Full Bed or Queen Bed

A full bed or Queen bed has a bit more space to mix and match. Here we would go with the classic style which includes two-bed pillows at the back layered with two square pillows, again layered with two Euro pillows & a small centered pillow.

⦁ Two queen pillows size 20″×30″
⦁ Two square pillows of 26″
⦁ Two accent pillows (22-20)”
⦁ One small centralized throw pillow

3. King Bed

King beds have enough space to put together different styles and sizes. One easy-on-the-eyes combination we prefer is to keep three Euro shams at the back, Layered with four king bed pillows and oversized Lumbar pillows at the front

⦁ Three Euro sham, size: 26″×26″
⦁ Three king pillows (accent), size: 20″×36″
⦁ Two decorative square pillows 18″×18″
⦁ A square pillow with patterns
⦁ A long  lumbar pillow

Now, You must be ready enough to pick the right throw pillow sizes for your space. If you feel enough confidence to choose between different sizes like a pro.

You can also give feedback by filling out the contact form.

Also Read:

• Sutera Pillow Review: Why this Pillow is so Popular
• 11 best pillow for back pain relief in 2022
• 6 Best Memory Foam Knee Pillow in 2022
• The Necklow Sleep Pillow: A Comprehensive Review

FAQs

Do you still have questions? Here we have tried to answer some common questions. If your question didn’t get answered then feel free to ask in the comment box. I will try to reply ASAP.