Throw Pillow & Cushion Buying Guide: Sizes, Fabrics & Styling

Throw pillows are the fastest, most affordable way to change how a room feels. New cushions can pull a sofa's colours together, add seasonal warmth, or give a tired armchair a second life — all without touching the furniture. Here's how to choose the right sizes, fabrics, and combinations with confidence.

What size throw pillows should I buy?

Size is what separates a styled sofa from a pile of pillows. A few reliable rules:

• Sofas: 20x20 in (51x51 cm) is the workhorse square — it suits most standard sofas. Go 22x22 in (56x56 cm) for deep or oversized sofas, and 18x18 in (46x46 cm) for loveseats and apartment-size pieces.
• Accent and lounge chairs: One 18x18 in (46x46 cm) or 20x20 in (51x51 cm) cushion is usually plenty.
• Lumbar pillows (the long rectangles, often 12x24 in / 30x61 cm or 14x26 in / 36x66 cm) are perfect layered in front of squares on a sofa, or as back support on a bench or office chair.
• Beds: Layer big to small — 20x20 in (51x51 cm) squares at the back, 18x18 in (46x46 cm) in the middle, and a lumbar in front. Three to five cushions total keeps a queen bed looking styled, not cluttered.

Bigger reads more modern and relaxed; smaller reads more tailored and traditional.

How many cushions do I need?

The designer trick is odd numbers — they look more natural and collected than even groupings.

• Standard sofa: 3 or 5 cushions. Try two 20x20 in (51x51 cm) squares in the corners, two 18x18 in (46x46 cm) leaning in, and one lumbar centred in front.
• Sectional: 5 to 7, clustered at the corners and the chaise end rather than spread evenly.
• Armchair: 1, occasionally 2.
• Bed: 3 for a minimalist look, 5 for a plush hotel feel.

If it starts feeling fussy, remove one. Restraint photographs better than abundance.

Which fabrics hold up best?

Think about how the cushion will actually live:

• Cotton and linen-look weaves are breathable, casual, and easy to clean — great everyday choices for family rooms.
• Velvet looks luxurious and wears surprisingly well; it also hides pet hair better than you'd think (a lint roller handles the rest).
• Bouclé and textured knits add tactile interest and are very forgiving of wrinkles and wear.
• Faux fur brings instant coziness for fall and winter — best as an accent rather than the whole sofa.
• Outdoor-rated fabrics exist for covered patios and balconies if you want the indoor look outside.

With kids or pets: choose washable covers in medium tones and forgiving textures. Bouclé, textured weaves, and patterned fabrics hide real life far better than flat, pale solids.

How do I mix patterns and colours without it clashing?

Start with a simple formula and you'll rarely go wrong:

1. Anchor with a solid. Pick one solid colour pulled from your rug, art, or sofa — this is your base.
2. Add one large-scale pattern (a bold floral, wide stripe, or oversized geometric).
3. Add one small-scale pattern (a ticking stripe, mini dot, or subtle texture).
4. Finish with texture — a knit, boucle, or faux fur in a solid tone ties everything together.

The 60-30-10 rule helps with colour: 60% a dominant neutral, 30% a secondary colour, 10% an accent that pops. And when in doubt, varying the scale of patterns matters more than matching their colours — two patterns in different scales almost always work together.

Cushion vs. cushion cover — what's the difference?

• A decorative pillow/cushion comes complete with its insert — ready to place.
• A cushion cover is the outer shell only (often 18x18 in / 46x46 cm), sold without the insert.

Covers are the budget-friendly way to refresh seasonally: keep a set of good inserts and swap covers for fall, holidays, or a new colour scheme. Just match the cover size to your insert — an 18x18 in (46x46 cm) cover needs an 18x18 in insert, or a 20x20 in (51x51 cm) insert for an extra-plump look.

How do I keep cushions looking plump, not sad?

• Fluff daily. Grab opposite corners and give each cushion a good shake and punch — ten seconds per cushion.
• The chop. That crisp crease down the centre of a cushion (the "karate chop") works best on feather- or down-blend inserts and instantly looks styled.
• Rotate and flip cushions weekly so they wear evenly, especially the ones everyone leans on.
• Wash covers, not inserts. Most covers are machine washable — check the label, wash cold, and air dry to avoid shrinkage. Inserts usually just need airing out in the sun occasionally.
• Replace tired inserts. If fluffing no longer works, the insert is done — a fresh insert in a good cover looks brand new.

Shop the look

• Decorative Throw Pillows

Frequently asked questions

What is the most versatile throw pillow size?
20x20 in (51x51 cm). It suits most sofas, works on beds and benches, and layers well with both smaller squares and lumbar pillows. If you buy only one size, make it this one.

How many throw pillows should be on a couch?
Three to five for a standard three-seat sofa. Odd numbers look best: start with two larger squares in the corners, add two smaller ones leaning inward, and finish with a lumbar in front if you like a fuller look.

Should throw pillows match the sofa or contrast with it?
Contrast, gently. Pillows that exactly match the sofa disappear; pillows that pull in colours from your rug, curtains, or art make the whole room feel designed. A safe formula: one solid drawn from the room, one pattern, one texture.

Are cushion covers worth it, or should I buy complete pillows?
Covers are worth it if you like to refresh seasonally — they're cheaper than full pillows and store flat. Keep quality inserts on hand and swap 18x18 in (46x46 cm) covers for a whole new look in minutes.

How do I stop throw pillows from looking flat?
Buy inserts slightly larger than the cover (a 20x20 in / 51x51 cm insert in an 18x18 in / 46x46 cm cover) for a plump, tailored fill, and fluff them regularly. Feather- and down-blend inserts hold their shape best over time.

Can I mix different pillow fabrics together?
Absolutely — mixing fabrics is what makes a grouping look collected rather than matchy. Combine smooth (cotton, velvet) with textured (bouclé, knit, faux fur), and keep the colour palette to two or three tones so the textures, not the colours, do the talking.