How We Home: Pillow Inserts 101
Choosing the right pillow insert may seem like an unimportant consideration, however, it can make all the difference. Read on to find out our tips & tricks for finding the perfect pillow inserts for the decorative pillows in your home!
Size Matters
Typically, we recommend finding a pillow insert that is two inches larger than the cover. For example, if you have a 20”x20” pillow cover, we recommend purchasing an insert that is 22”x22”. Doing so will ensure that your pillows look plump and sit correctly. If the insert is too small, you may find that your pillow will look saggy and flat.
There are some exceptions to this rule:
Pillows that are smaller than 18”x18” and most lumbar pillows can get away with an insert that is only 1” larger instead of the recommended 2”.
Extra large pillows (say a 24”x24” and larger) may look best with an insert that is 3-4” larger than the cover.
Filling Options
When choosing insert pillows, you may feel overwhelmed by the options for fillings. Our recommendation is choosing a feather down insert or down alternative inserts. We like feather down because they retain their shape better than a polyfill insert that gets lumpy over time. Also, feather down pillows offer better support and body as an insert.
The ratio that we utilize in the pillows in our store is 95% feather/5% down. This ratio is best for decorative pillows as it provides a firmness and fullness so that the pillow can have the perfect fluffy look to it!
Purchasing
While it may be convenient to head to the closest Hobby Lobby to pick up an insert, we recommend that you consider a different option. Big box stores may have inexpensive options, however, the chances of those inserts holding up are not very high. We offer affordable and quality pillow inserts in our brick & mortar store. However, if you are not local to Huntsville we have a couple of online retailers that might work for you!
Stuffing Tips
It can seem like a simple and mindless task to stuff an insert into a decorative pillow, but there is definitely a right and wrong way. Below are some of our Do’s and Don'ts of stuffing pillows:
DON’T try to shove your insert into the cover. This can cause damage to both the cover and the insert.
DO carefully fold your insert in the middle and slide it into the cover. Once inside, flatten and adjust the four corners of the pillow into the four corners of the cover.
DON’T force the zipper or buttons to close. This can cause unnecessary pressure on the closure that may cause it to eventually bust or break -- no matter how well it is sewn
DO adjust the pillow until you can close the cover without pushing or pulling. This may take some time to get everything just right, however, it is worth it to ensure that the closure doesn’t have too much pressure on it.
DON’T forget to gently but firmly fluff the pillow once it is completely inserted and closed.
DO watch our IGTV on Pillow Inserts!
We hope that this post has educated you as well as inspired you to find the best inserts for all the decorative pillows in your home!
Take Heart. Take Flight.
-Travel Patterns Team