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The Spruce / Kevin Liang
Throw pillow covers are an easy way to upgrade your living space without having to buy new pillows. They are versatile, allowing you to quickly transform a room and switch them up as needed. Pillow covers also provide an additional layer of protection from dirt, spills, and wear and tear. Thanks to their removable design, most options are a breeze to clean and maintain their appearance.
When shopping for throw pillows, there are several important factors to consider. You may want to choose a design that reflects your style and complements the room’s aesthetic. Whether you prefer bold patterns, rich textures, or neutral hues, there’s a pillow cover out there for you.
The material will impact both comfort and durability. Size matters too; choosing the right cover ensures a proper fit and a neat overall appearance. All of these factors combined will help you find a throw pillow cover that is both visually appealing and functional.
Best Boho
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Amazon
If you want to achieve a bohemian vibe, keep an eye out for throw pillow covers with rich textures or vibrant patterns such as tribal prints, mandalas, or Southwestern-inspired designs. Covers made from cotton, linen, or wool can create an earthy, laidback feel and capture the essence of boho style. The Vince Geometric Jute Blend Throw Pillow features an eye-catching medallion pattern in red, blue, and mustard tones, while the jute fabric brings a cozy, textured vibe.
To further enhance the aesthetic, consider covers with decorative elements such as tassels or pom poms, like the Half Moon Accent Throw Pillow Cover or Banilla Bohemian Round Pillow Cover. These subtle accents add depth and dimension to your space, making the pillows feel unique and one-of-a-kind.
Best Rustic
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Amazon
If you’re going for a rustic aesthetic, focus on natural materials that evoke earthy warmth and simplicity. Linen and burlap options, like the Anickal Rustic Linen Pillow Covers and Miulee Decorative Throw Pillow Covers, are excellent choices because they have a rougher texture and an all-around organic feel. Opt for muted and earthy tones like dark greens, warm browns, and burnt oranges to maintain a rustic and organic ambiance.
Consider pillow covers with leather accents or wooden buttons, like the Cygnus Throw Pillow Covers, to add extra character and up the rustic charm. These small details give the pillows a handcrafted feel like well-worn and loved pieces. You could also go with a 100% vegan leather cover, like the Homfiner Faux Leather Throw Pillow Covers.
Best Classic or Contemporary
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Wayfair
When choosing throw pillow covers for a classic or contemporary look, you should focus on clean lines and refined textures. Classic styles, like Pottery Barn’s Everywhere Velvet Pillow Cover, tend to favor elegant fabrics like velvet, high-quality cotton, or silk. They often come in solid colors or sophisticated patterns such as damask or stripes, like the Ugasa Velvet Lumbar Throw Pillow Cover.
If you want to combine classic with a more modern style, consider a cover with a geometric pattern, like the Hpuk Decorative Pillow Covers. Likewise, a solid cover with a subtle, attractive sheen, such as Pottery Barn’s Everywhere Velvet Pillow Cover, is a great way to add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming a room. For the best of both worlds, check out the Homechoice International Group Color Reversible Pillow Cover, which features a high-end trim that adds refined contrast.
Best Coastal
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West Elm
For a coastal-themed living room, the goal is to evoke a beachy and relaxed vibe. Covers that incorporate natural elements such as coral or seashells in their motif, like the West Elm Seaside Origin Pillow Cover or Tritard Nautical Coastal Throw Pillow Covers, are excellent options. However, you might prefer softer, muted tones of blues, whites, and beige, like those featured on the BlissBlush Store Decorative Throw Pillow Cover.
Striped patterns and nautical themes like anchors or ropes can also enhance a coastal aesthetic and maintain a laid-back vibe. Since texture is another important factor in creating a coastal feel, consider covers made from natural materials like jute, raffia, or sisal, which invoke the feel of sand dunes. The Klavate Square Natural Jute Cover is a good option if you're aiming for a more subtle, understated vibe.
Best Glam
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Amazon
Aiming for a playful yet sophisticated look? Textures play a crucial role. Faux fur pillows, like this offering from Pottery Barn, can easily upgrade any space with their plush, luxurious feel. Pillows with a metallic sheen, such as the Teias Round Throw Pillow, will add a touch of drama and sophistication to any couch or armchair.
For the ultimate glam aesthetic, opt for throw pillows that incorporate embroidery, crystal beading, or mirrored accents, like the ZariMoon White Pearl Beaded Pillow. Alternatively, you might choose a cover with a unique shape that reflects your personal style. For example, those with a penchant for sunflowers may appreciate the intricate detail and bold color of the JWH Handmade Flower Throw Pillow.
How We Picked the Throw Pillow Covers
When selecting the best throw pillow covers, we took three important factors into consideration: design, size, and material. Since most options on this list require an insert, determining the right dimensions ensures a seamless look and fit. Whether you’re layering your pillows on a couch or using them as accent pieces on a bed, we selected a variety of sizes to give you lots of flexibility when styling.
We categorized our picks by design types, to help you decide on a cover that complements your decor. We chose a mix of classic, rustic, coastal, and bohemian patterns to suit a variety of tastes.
Material was equally important because it affects the look and durability of throw pillow covers. We recommend soft fabrics like cotton and linen for a cozy, relaxed feel, and more elegant options like velvet if you’re aiming for a refined look. Taking all of these factors into account, we curated a diverse selection of pillows that are both stylish and functional.
What to Look For in a Throw Pillow Cover
Design
When deciding on a design, you’ll want to choose a throw pillow cover that complements your existing decor and reflects your personal taste. For a boho style, look for covers that incorporate rich textures like woven fabrics, tassels, fringe, and embroidery. The Bayeux Tassels Cotton Reversible Throw Pillow is a lumbar option offered in nine earthy tones; it also features tassels at each corner for a playful, boho touch.
In contrast, classic throw pillows lean towards clean lines and neutral or monochromatic color schemes, making them a versatile choice that works well with a variety of interior styles.
With soft, airy colors like seafoam, sand, and light blues, coastal throw pillows create a beachy atmosphere and bring a sense of tranquility. They may also incorporate nautical patterns such as anchors, stripes, and coral prints for the ultimate seaside-inspired vibe. The Tritard Nautical Coastal Throw Pillow Covers are a prime example with their marine life prints and artistic flair.
Rustic throw pillows are perfect for those seeking a more natural, earthy aesthetic, and often come in deep browns, rusty reds, and forest greens. Made from natural linen and available in 12 solid colors, the Anickal Rustic Linen Pillow Covers are an easy way to add rustic charm to a couch, bed, or other furnishings.
Size
Standard-sized throw pillows typically measure 18 x 18 inches. For a tailored look, be sure to choose a pillow insert that is the same size as the cover. If you prefer a more relaxed, oversized look, opt for an insert that is slightly larger than the cover, which will give the pillow a fuller, more plush appearance.
Lumbar pillows, which usually measure 12 x 20 inches, are another popular size and can be grouped together or used as a single accent piece on a chair. If you’re working with larger furniture, such as a king-sized bed or sectional, you could mix and match different sizes to create a cozy, layered effect.
Like many of our picks, the Ugasa Velvet Lumbar Throw Pillow Cover comes in multiple sizes, including several square options and a rectangular lumbar, giving you plenty of flexibility when decorating.
Material
When choosing a throw pillow, material is a crucial factor because it impacts both the look and feel of the pillow, as well as its durability and ease of cleaning. Soft fabrics like cotton and linen are comfortable to the touch and create a casual, relaxed vibe in any space. On the other hand, more luxurious fabrics like velvet and faux fur are ideal for adding a touch of glamor and sophistication.
The material also affects how easy the cover is to maintain. For example, machine-washable fabrics like cotton and polyester are easy to clean, while heavier fabrics like faux leather and jute can only be spot-treated as needed. A subtle yet sophisticated option, Pottery Barn’s Everywhere Velvet Pillow Cover is yarn-dyed to cast an elegant sheen and provide long-lasting color–plus it’s machine washable for added convenience.
Why Trust The Spruce?
A home design enthusiast, Sage McHugh has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she carefully selected the best throw pillow covers on the market, choosing options that complement a wide range of decor schemes.
Along with her own research, she consulted home design experts to gain valuable insights on the latest styles, materials, and best methods for proper sizing. She has written numerous related articles, including best room dividers, best stair treads, and best string lights for bedrooms.