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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Throw pillows are an easy way to add colorful—and comfortable—decor accents to your space.
We researched the top throw pillows available online, evaluating quality, ease of care and cleaning, and value. Our best overall pick, the Wayfair Basics Throw Pillow Set, includes two machine-washable, polyester-filled pillows that are affordable and stylish.
Here are the best throw pillows.
Best Overall
Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillow, Set of 2
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Includes two pillows
Standard size
Machine-washable inserts and covers
Covers are not removable
If you want to add to your throw pillow collection, consider an option that balances color, texture, and value. The Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillow is our top-rated choice for checking all of these boxes so well. This affordable and fashionable set of two pillows comes in striking color options you can match to any seating area in your home.
These pillows measure 18 x 18 inches and comfortably fit on a standard couch or even a loveseat. Each pillow comes with a polyester foam filling that provides structure and support. The covering is a polyester and microfiber blend available in 26 colors, from neutrals to vibrant red, yellow, and orange shades, making these versatile and attractive pillows an easy accent to any space.
Though you can't remove the covers, cleaning this pillow set is no hassle. You can throw both pillows into the washing machine and dryer for easy maintenance. Just make sure to give the inserts extra time to dry.
Price at time of publish: $13
Weight: 2.5 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 4 inches | Material: Polyester | Fill: Polyfill
Best Budget
Mainstays Solid Chenille Decorative Square Pillow
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Courtesy of Walmart
Includes two pillows
Budget-friendly
Available in a variety of colors
Minimal design
Spot-clean only
Available in one size
Throw pillows are a great way to spruce up your space, especially if you're working with a budget. Take the Mainstays Chenille Decorative Square Throw Pillow, for example, which includes two throw pillows at an affordable price point.
The pillows are offered in an assortment of 12 shades, from a vibrant yellow to chocolate brown, so you can choose which one will complement any existing decor you already have. The best part? Since it's a set, you can place them both on your couch or bed for a cohesive look, or separate them into different rooms in your home.
Price at time of publish: $15
Weight: 2.3 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Polyester chenille | Fill: Not listed
Best Outdoor
Arden Selections Leala Outdoor Throw Pillows
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Comes in a set of two
Weather-resistant for outdoor spaces
UV-resistant to prevent fading
Smaller than standard throw pillows
You can make your patio feel like a second living room with the Arden Selections Leala Outdoor Throw Pillows, which come in a set of two. They’re a little smaller than your average decorative pillow, measuring 16 x 16 inches, but they have a weather-resistant design that makes them ideal for any outdoor space.
These pillows come in more than a dozen fun colors and patterns, and the fabric is water-repellent and UV-resistant to prevent fading in the sun. The pillows are filled with polyester fiber, and the company does recommend bringing them indoors when not in use to make them last longer.
Price at time of publish: $25
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 16 x 5-inches | Material: Polyester | Fill: Polyester
Best Coastal
Dakota Fields Derreck Square Pillow Cover & Insert
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Wayfair
Elegant textured design
Neutral color palette
Pricey
Spot-clean only
If you’re after a beachy vibe in the form of a luxe throw pillow, look no further than the Derreck Square pillow cover and insert from Dakota Fields. The striped design is created with complementary textures in light and sandy tones, so you can evoke a coastal grandma aesthetic no matter how far you are from the ocean.
At 20 by 20 inches, it’s on the larger side for a throw pillow, while still a versatile enough size to mix into your living room or bedroom decor without overwhelming it. Also worth noting is that the recommended care is spot-clean only. While it may take a bit more effort to maintain your investment, we think it’s worth it to be able to enjoy vacation vibes while relaxing on your couch.
Price at time of publish: $120
Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 5 inches | Material: Wool blend | Fill: Polyester and polyfill
Best Boho
Anthropologie All Roads Yucca Pillow
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Offered in three different shapes
Neutral color combination
Textured design
Dry clean only
Expensive
Textures and unique prints are staples of bohemian design, and the All Roads Yucca Pillow fits the criteria perfectly. It features a cool asymmetrical design with tassels, looped yarn, and other natural textures, and it comes in several sizes, including black, black and white, and neutral.
This boho pillow is made from a combination of cotton, viscose, and acrylic, and it’s stuffed with polyfill. Because of its textured construction, you will have to dry clean it if the pillow ever gets dirty, but the unique design is sure to make a statement in your home.
Price at time of publish: $88
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 18 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton, viscose, acrylic | Fill: Polyester
Best Farmhouse
Better Homes & Gardens Button Square Decorative Throw Pillow
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Includes two pillows
Farmhouse design
Available in several colors
Budget-friendly
Spot-clean only
Dress up your farmhouse-style space with these throw pillows from Better Homes & Gardens, which come in a set of two. The 20 x 20 inch pillows feature a horizontal band that’s “fastened” with a cute button detail, giving them a distinctly farmhouse appearance. Plus, they come in several color options, all of which have a muted color palette.
The covers are made from a cotton-polyester blend with a zipper closure, and the insert contains a feather pillow for extreme plushness. However, keep in mind that they should only be spot-cleaned.
Price at time of publish: $25
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Fill: Cotton
Best Soft
Threshold Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Pillow
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Target
Fun texture
Three available sizes
Machine washable
Budget-friendly
Limited color choices
This super soft faux fur throw pillow from Target will have you looking for excuses to snuggle up. It comes in three sizes, is reasonably priced, and best of all, has a great texture that will stand out on most couches, accent chairs, or bedding. The cover is removable, and it’s machine washable so you can easily keep it looking clean and crisp.
The color options are neutral enough to blend in with most decor styles, but the light color palette is fairly limited—if you’re looking for a bright, bold, or dark design for your next throw pillow, you won’t find it here. When you’re in the mood for comfy and cozy though, these pillows are a great addition to your space.
Price at time of publish: $15
Weight: 1.39 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 6 inches | Material: Faux fur | Fill: Polyester
Best Oversized
AllModern Judy Textured Square Cotton Pillow Cover & Insert
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Courtesy of AllModern
Good for oversized furniture
Neutral color
Textured design
Zippered closure
Dry clean only
Expensive
Whether you have oversized furniture or want to mix styles and shapes, AllModern's Judy Cotton Throw Pillow Cover & Insert would make a great addition to your collection. The neutral throw features an abstract, tufted design that can act as a cozy yet stylish focal point of your space.
At 24 x 24 inches, the pillow is significantly larger than other options on the market. However, the khaki color makes it easy to combine with other decorative accessories, so it won't overshadow anything you already own. And, thanks to its zipper closure, it's easy to remove the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned.
Price at time of publish: $109
Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches | Material: Cotton | Fill: Polyester
Best Lumbar
Lulu and Georgia Arlo Linen Long Lumbar Pillow
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Available in several colors
Stuffed with down feathers for plushness
Invisible zipper
Dry clean only
Expensive
Lumbar pillows, like the Lulu and Georgia Arlo Lumbar Pillow, have a long, narrow form that makes them a great addition to any space, whether it be a bedroom, living room, or kitchen nook. The Arlo design is 36 x 14 inches and is made with a beautiful linen fabric that comes in several subtle shades.
There are so many lovely details to appreciate with this pillow, from its tonal stitching to the flange trim, and as an added bonus, it’s stuffed with down feathers for a plush, lofty feel. It has an invisible zipper that lets you access the inner cushion, but it's worth noting that it does need to be dry cleaned if it ever gets dirty.
Price at time of publish: $148
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 36 x 14 inches | Material: Linen | Fill: Down
Best Leather
Strick & Bolton Lindi Leather 22-inch Throw Pillow
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Courtesy of Overstock
Available in multiple colors
Minimal design
Expensive
Material can scratch easily
For a seriously sophisticated design, look no further than Strick & Bolton's Lindi Leather Throw Pillow. The pillow features a minimal design and would look right at home in a farmhouse, midcentury, or industrial space.
This pillow is 22 x 22 inches and is offered in six neutral colors, from chestnut brown to ivory. No matter the color, you'll get a handmade pillow with a distressed, stitched design that'll look great in your living room or bedroom. The best part? Like your favorite leather jacket, the pillow will show signs of aging over time and keep getting better.
Price at time of publish: $73
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 22 x 22 inches | Material: Leather | Fill: Feather
Best Modern
Society6 Arch Balance Green Throw Pillow
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Can be made for either indoor and outdoor use
Available in several sizes
Cut and sewn by hand
Custom orders may take a while to ship
The Arch Balance Green Throw Pillow has a cool modern design that’s sure to earn compliments on your sofa. It’s available in several square sizes, ranging from 16 to 24 inches, and you can even have it made as an outdoor pillow if desired.
The pillow features a green half-circle and a series of looped black lines that are printed on a polyester twill fabric. It comes with a faux down pillow insert, and every order is individually cut and sewn by hand.
Price at time of publish: $37
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: Various sizes | Material: Polyester twill | Fill: Faux down
Best Set
A&B Home Tan and Black Pillows
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Courtesy of Overstock
Includes two pillows
Multicolor set
Textured design
Expensive
When it comes to throw pillows, it can be tough to find the perfect pair. That's what makes sets, like the A&B Tan and Black Pillow set, so handy. It includes two pillows in different yet complementary colors that make decorating your home easy.
The set includes two 17.7-inch pillows that feature a textured design throughout. Though they're two different colors—black and tan—they make for a perfect pair that would work well with other pillows and accessories you may already have.
Price at time of publish: $56
Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 17.7 x 17.7 inches | Material: Polyester | Fill: Polyester
Best Round
Gold Flamingo Teen Imani Round Cotton Pillow Cover & Insert
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Available in multiple colors
Minimal design
Removable cover
Dry clean only
Available in one size
Expensive
Incorporating different shaped pillows onto your couch or bed is a simple yet effective way of making a statement in a space. Though square is the typical pillow shape, round options like Gold Flamingo's Imani Round Cotton design are worth considering. The pillow is offered in eight different hues and includes a 100 percent cotton velvet shell. And while it's certainly a more minimal design, it features a buttoned middle and tufted detail for a bit of texture.
Price at time of publish: $30
Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Cotton velvet | Fill: Polyester
Overall, we recommend the Wayfair Basics Square Throw Pillows (view at Wayfair) because the set of two pillows is affordable, features a minimal design, and is offered in a variety of colors. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Mainstays Chenille Decorative Throw Pillow (view at Walmart), because it includes two pillows and is available in 12 different shades.
What to Look for in a Throw Pillow
Size
A standard throw pillow is usually an 18 x 18 inch square, but if you have a larger (or smaller) piece of furniture to decorate, you may want a pillow that matches its scale. There are also throw pillows of various shapes, whether round, rectangular, or lumbar, which often work well when you’re layering pieces for a visually interesting display.
Material
Throw pillows can be made from a wide range of materials, ranging from your average cotton or polyester fabric, to more unique choices such as leather or velvet. These materials all have a different feel, appearance, and care requirements, so you’ll want to think about the best option for your needs.
Cleaning Requirements
If you have pets or children (or just like to eat on the sofa), there’s always a chance your throw pillows will get dirty, and in these situations, it’s best to opt for pillows that can be machine-washed. Some specialty pillows are spot- or dry-clean only, which makes them much more challenging to get clean.
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How do you wash throw pillows?
The way that you wash throw pillows will depend on what they are made from, as well as if they are constructed. If your throw pillow has a removable cover, remove it and wash according to care instructions or according to its fabric type. If your pillow is sewn shut, be sure to check that its stuffing is washable. If your throw pillow is machine washable, use cold water and a gentle cycle so the stuffing doesn’t become deformed. You can hand wash some throw pillows by submerging them in warm soapy water, letting them soak briefly, then rinsing in cool water and gently pressing excess water out before leaving them to dry. Any throw pillow can be vacuumed gently with a hose attachment to clean off surface dust and dirt, and many pillow fabrics can be carefully spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and a mix of water and mild detergent and left to air dry.
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How many throw pillows do you put on a couch?
Depending on the style of your sofa, your overall decor scheme, and your feelings about throw pillows, you can add as few as one or as many as you can fit. A midcentury style sofa with a low back and fitted upholstery will generally look best with fewer pillows that add interest without overwhelming the style’s clean lines. An overstuffed couch with large detachable back and seat pillows might need no throw pillows at all, or one or two small pillows in a contrasting fabric to add interest. On a couch, a pair of pillows will look more traditional and formal than groupings of three (or six, or nine, depending on the size of your sofa).
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What size is a standard throw pillow?
Throw pillows come in varying sizes. Standard squares tend to be 18 x 18 or 20 x 20 inches, but as sofas have increased in size, so have throw pillows, and you can find 22 x 22 or 24 x 24-inch models amongst other sizes. You can also find decorative throw pillows such as knotted styles or in other shapes such as round or rectangular in a range of sizes.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer, product tester, and expert on all things home. Her writing can also be found on MyDomaine. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many throw pillows, and the Wayfair Basics Throw Pillows are some of her favorites for layering. To make this list, she considered each pillow's size, material, and cleaning requirements.