Switch Up Your Decor With The 11 Best Throw Pillow Covers (2024)

• Our Picks

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

This budget-friendly set of two pillow covers is a great neutral that works with just about any style. It is made of soft corduroy and comes in 20 solid colors. There are a couple of bright colors available, such as orange and lemon yellow.

But most of the colors are neutral or muted. You can also choose between seven sizes, all square, ranging from 16 inches to 26 inches. There is one lumbar pillow shape, which measures 12 by 20 inches.

You can wash and dry the pillow cover at home but you should not iron or dry clean it. The corduroy is meant to have some volume and texture, which can be impacted if you run an iron over the top.

Using the right size pillow insert, sold separately, can help keep the corner and edges crisp without an iron. To ensure a plush look, the company also recommends getting a pillow form a size larger than the cover.

_{Dimensions: 12 x 20, 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 22 x 22, 24 x 24, 26 x 26 inches | Material: Blend}

If you want the warmth and coziness of faux fur in a snuggle-friendly pillow, the cozy teddy faux fur pillow cover from Pottery Barn is just the thing. You can get it with a down feather insert, down alternative insert, or cover only. This may be a more expensive option than sourcing a less costly pillow insert or using one you already have, but it does make the process easier to do it all in one purchase.

This pillow cover only comes in three colors: ivory, tobacco, and sage. It is solid-colored and works well as part of a layered look. Because its texture is part of the appeal, you should be careful when washing. You can wash it on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low, as well as iron, if needed.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester}

Getting a pair of throw pillow covers is a good idea if you are building a look from scratch. These pillow covers are made of linen and come in solid colors, perfect for creating a base for your couch, chair, or bed that you can update with more decorative accents seasonally. They are also super affordable and come in six sizes and 12 colors.

Because there are so many size options, it’s important to pay close attention when you are ordering to make sure that they are compatible with the pillow forms, which are sold separately. Five of the options are square and one is a rectangular lumbar pillow.

Remember that these are a pair so you will get two covers of the same size. If you want to mix things up with multiple sizes or colors, you will need to get another set.

_{Dimensions: 12 x 20, 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 22 x 22, 24 x 24 inches | Material: Linen}

The rich faux leather of these pillow covers gives a modern look. They are made of vegan leather that has just the right amount of grain and texture to give them interest and the caramel color works well with traditional, classic, or modern farmhouse style.

They come in pairs or individual lumbar pillows, although you can also opt for a pair of rectangular lumbar pillows as well. There are eight size options in all.

In case of any spills, you can spot-treat these covers clean but avoid putting them in the washing machine (to maintain the texture, you shouldn’t even wash them by hand). However, if you do stain them, you can turn them over since they are the same on both sides.

_{Dimensions: 12 x 20, 12 x 12, 14 x 14, 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 22 x 22, 24 x 24 inches | Material: Vegan leather}

This plush pillow cover from West Elm comes in eight colors, with an emphasis on rich, jewel tones that look great in velvet. It is made of cotton velvet that has just enough sheen to add a luxe touch to your style.

It also comes in a 20-inch square, a 12-inch by 21-inch rectangle, or a circle with an 18-inch diameter. You will need to purchase the right pillow insert for the size that you order, so pay close attention when deciding.

The pillow cover has a linen border but is otherwise pretty simple. The details come from the texture and by pairing the pillow with other seasonal or decorative options like a velvet sofa.

This pillow cover is a bit pricey for its size. Since it can work with any season or style, it is good to have as a base for your overall design.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches, 12 x 21 inches, 18 inch round | Material: Linen, cotton}

For classic style in a super-soft, organic cotton fabric, consider the Crate & Barrel Organic Peach Washed Cotton Velvet pillow cover. It is made of all organic fibers, a great feature if you plan to sleep on your throw pillows or have them close to your face.

This version is also super soft thanks to the velvet texture. You can opt to get it with a feather or down-alternative insert or just as the pillow cover.

It is only available in one size, however. Fortunately, the 20 by 20-inch size is one of the most popular and works as a base for a grouping of pillows or on its own as an accent. It comes in 17 colors, which are all solid colors. The visual interest comes from the texture, although these work best as a base for other accent pillows.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Organic cotton}

This affordable pair of pillow covers is a good option that can be used as a neutral base as well as provide some visual interest. Each pillow cover has a burlap trim detail that makes the borders interesting while still ideal for mixing and matching with a variety of throw pillow styles.

The front has a texture and weave similar to linen. But it is machine washable and doesn’t show signs of wear or wrinkling.

This pair comes in six colors. There are plenty of neutral options, including gray, beige, and an off-white tone that Dovecove calls “nature.” The blue and teal options are muted and a good choice for coastal or breezy looks.

You will need to get a separate pillow insert, since you won't have the option to add one to this purchase. Dovecove recommends sizing up to a 22 by 22-inch insert for a full look.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester}

For an outdoor-friendly throw pillow cover, the Sunbrella fabric of the Veracruz pillow cover is a top option. Sunbrella fabrics are made of acrylic that won’t fade or wear, even when kept outside. It also resists water and mildew accumulation but is still soft enough to be used indoors as well.

The pillow features embroidered palm trees and details in contrasting colors to the white or light blue background. Like most Sunbrella fabrics, which last for years even in rain, snow, and harsh UV light, it is quite expensive.

It comes in a 20 by 20-inch square pillow cover or a 12 by 21-inch lumbar pillow. You will need to get an insert in both cases. After removing the insert and turning the pillow cover inside out, you can wash it.

For the best results, get a pillow insert that is also machine washable so that you can periodically clean the entire setup when it gets wet or dirty.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20, 12 x 21 inches | Material: Acrylic}

It’s not surprising that a pillow cover from AllModern has a modern, geometric look. This black and white pillow features a mirror image design that is inspired by Southwestern textiles. It is made of a blend of wool and cotton that creates a similar structure and heftiness that is often associated with the rugged, all-weather fabrics used in the Old West.

You can get it as just a pillow cover or with a down or polyester insert. You will need to be careful when cleaning. It is not machine washable. AllModern recommends just spot cleaning as needed.

The pillow cover is only available in one size. Fortunately, it is 20 by 20 inches, which is one of the more common throw pillow sizes and it is easy to find a pillow form that works.

AllModern has other pillow covers that complement this one with slightly different rustic designs and color palettes. You can also use it in modern decor if you want to highlight the black and white colors.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 inches | Material: Wool, cotton}

This pillow cover from Ballard Designs gives you the chance to create just what you want with a fully customizable setup. You start with a blank canvas and can select fabric from their list of over 250 or supply your own.

You can choose different selections for the front and back to create a reversible option. The pillows are then custom-made, including piping and hidden zippers.

They are available in lumbar pillows, as well as square pillows of various sizes and seat cushions. You can create a coordinating look or go for something that contrasts throughout your home.

Because they are custom, these pillows are expensive and take a bit longer to make and ship. You also can’t return them unless there are manufacturing defects.

_{Dimensions: 12 x 20, 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 22 x 22, 26 x 26 inches | Material: Various}

The raw silk used in the Serena & Lily Wiltshire pillowcase is handspun for extra luxuriousness. It is super soft and delicate. It also has a subtle sheen that adds visual interest and texture to a grouping of pillows. It is a solid color and comes in five coastal-inspired colors.

But due to the slight variation in each handspun thread of silk, there is just enough depth to the color to keep things interesting. Each pillow cover is unique.

These pillow covers are expensive. When you consider that you will also need to get a pillow insert, which is sold separately, the cost can really add up. It is also dry clean only. If you do spill things frequently or have small children or pets, you may want to opt for something that is not so expensive to launder.

_{Dimensions: 18 x 24, 22 x 22 inches | Material: Silk}

FAQ

• Should a throw pillow be bigger than the cover?

  A throw pillow insert should be the same size as the cover for a tailored look and one size larger than the cover for a full look. The best option for your throw pillow cover will depend on the style that you want to achieve as well as what is available.

• How long do throw pillow covers last?

  Throw pillow covers can last for years with the right care and cleaning. If you want your throw pillow covers to remain in great shape, make sure to follow the care instructions.

  “If the care label indicates that the cover is machine washable, then you can wash it in a washing machine using a gentle cycle and a mild detergent,” says Angela Brown, host of the Ask a House Cleaner show. “If the pillow casing has embellishments, like sequins or beads, placing it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the decorations during the wash is a good idea.”

• Do my throw pillow covers need to match?

  No, your throw pillows do not need to match. In fact, creating a grouping of coordinating, but not matching, throw pillows can make your space more interesting and provide plenty of texture. You might even want to go with contrasting colors or patterns for a wow factor, such as when styling couch pillows.