All About Throw Pillows

Written by: Hannah Gardine

|

|

Time to read 2 min

Throw Pillows

The concept of throw pillows seems pretty straightforward, but it turns out that we see lots of questions about these comfy little decor pieces, so we're here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions people have.

throw pillows on bed

How to Clean Throw Pillows

How to clean throw pillows or “Can you wash throw pillows?” are the top questions regarding accent pillows. The answer depends on the type of throw pillow you have. Some can be machine-washed at home easily, like Cozy Earth’s striped throw pillow, which can be washed on cold and tumble-dried on low. Other throw pillows may be dry-cleaned only or have a cover that can be removed and washed, but the actual pillow itself should be spot-cleaned only. Be sure to read your specific pillow’s washing and care instructions.

Where to Buy Throw Pillows

These days, accent pillows are sold nearly everywhere, it seems. From big box stores and department stores to general stores and even hardware stores. We might be a bit biased, but we recommend purchasing your throw pillows right here at Cozy Earth. We carry a variety of high-quality, European flax linen, wool, and polyester throw pillows to suit every style.

How to Decorate with Throw Pillows

One of the best things about accent pillows is that you can choose how you want to use them. If you need to add a pop of color to your space or tie pieces together, throw pillows are an excellent way to do that. They can also be used to incorporate patterns, metallics, stripes, florals, and more; though we recommend following design best practices and sticking to a maximum of three patterns per space to avoid it feeling overcrowded and disconnected.


As a general rule of thumb, square pillows that are 18-24 inches are best for larger furniture while smaller accent pillows work best for more compact items; however, you can layer throw pillows in descending height order if you wish to decorate with a variety of sizes or types of pillows. This works particularly well on beds and couches.


Some people opt to swap out their throw pillows based on the season or upcoming holidays. Linens and florals are great for spring and summer, while polyester and wool work well for winter and fall. You can also incorporate holiday-specific themes via colors, prints, etc., for an extra boost of festive spirit.

How to Measure Throw Pillows

If you’re wondering what size throw pillows you should purchase for a couch, chair, bed, or another piece of furniture, grab a tape measure and first check the height followed by the width. Be sure to pull the fabric tight in the corners and measure along the bottom edge (not the diagonal line through the middle). Throw pillow measurements are displayed as height (inches) x width (inches). The same goes for lumbar pillows.

Throw Pillows Made Simple

Throw pillows are a fun and easy way to add comfort and style to any room. They come in all kinds of materials, sizes, and designs, so there’s something for everyone. Cleaning them depends on the type—some can go in the wash, while others need a little more TLC, like spot cleaning or dry cleaning. When it comes to decorating, throw pillows are perfect for playing with colors, patterns, and textures, and you can even switch them out for different seasons or holidays. Just make sure to choose the right size so they fit your furniture perfectly!