Pillows, pillows, and pillows! Let's talk about it!

Can you live without a pillow? No, I don’t think so! Let’s have a little pillow talk between us about some buying tips and particular pieces that have caught my eye.

Contemporary pillows. Image created using AI via Imagine.

Pillow Tip #1 - Pillow Insert

Many retailers, especially mid to high end, only sell the pillow cover. It can be misleading because you’ll see this big beautiful fluffed pillow online or in a store and think you’re getting the whole thing…what a deal! Look closely at the price tag. It’s often only for the cover, insert sold separately and you need to get that yourself. I’ve noticed many people don’t realize that buying an insert that is the same size as the cover will actually make your pillow look flat and cheap, not that voluptuous pillow you cradled in the store. What you need to make it more fluffy is to buy an insert that is two inches larger than the cover. For example, you buy a square pillow cover that is 18” x 18” and you get a pillow insert that is 20” x 20”. It will fit, trust me…and then you’ll get that designer store pillow look you want.

Transitional pillows. Image created using AI via Imagine.

Pillow Tip #2 - Type of Pillow Insert I recommend

I recommend you get a feather-down pillow insert because they “re-fluff” better than the alternatives like cotton, polyester, and various foams. I’ve had experience with all different types of pillow inserts and after having them for years; the pillow shape deforms after medium to heavy use. It can become ugly and you would want to throw it away. Having a feather-down pillow insert will help your pillows to stay in great shape after years and still create a luxury look. I understand that feather-down pillow inserts are not for everybody due to allergies or vegans, then I would recommend a natural hypoallergenic down alternative.

Modern eclectic neutral pillows. Image created using AI via Imagine.

Pillow Tip #3 - Please do not chop the pillows!

I have no idea who started this chopped pillow trend. The pillows are for decorative purposes, not karate practice stunt. Let’s please admit that these chopped pillows look odd and used. There is a better way to make your pillows look good. You use both of your hands to hold two corners of the top pillow then shake it and place it back into shape. Yes, it’s a pretty simple way to make it look nice again after use. Stop the chop!

Mid-century modern foyer with pillows. Image created using AI via Imagine.

Pillow Tip #4 - Pillows don’t have to be matchy-matchy

It depends on what home style you like/live in. Some styles like Bohemian, Eclectic, California Casual, Scandinavian, Industrial, and some more - you don’t have to have matchy-matchy pillows on the sofa or sectional, chairs, and bed. You can mix the pillows to add a personal touch to your home. It’s ok to have different colors, textures, and patterns all in the mix of the pillows.

Industrial reading nook with a neutral pillow. Image created using AI via Imagine.

Pillow Tip #5 - How many pillows are too much?

It depends on where you want to put the pillows on. For the sofa - I would recommend 2 to 5 pillows. Loveseat - 2 pillows; chair 1-2 pillows, bench 1-3 pillows, sectional 3-7 pillows, and bed - (not counting the standard pillows for sleep on) 1-5 pillows. Some furniture pieces might need more than what I recommended depends on the furniture design or size itself.

Here are some pillows that I am obsessed with lately, even overlooking that chop. Sadly, I can’t have them all in my home without being called a pillow hoarder, but perhaps you might find a loving place in your home for some of these designs.

You can purchase any of them by click the image.

If you have any questions about the pillows, please feel free to ask it by leave the comment on this blog below.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and by clicking on them incur no additional cost to you.  JJones Design Co. will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that JJones Design Co. has experience with all of these vendors, and recommends them because they provide excellent customer service and quality products.  We do not base our designs off of vendors that provide affiliate link commissions.  Do not feel obligated to spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals for your design.