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How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Throw Pillows: Different Fabric Types

April 12, 2022

Choosing the Right Pillow Fabric for Your Home and Style?

Wondering which decorative pillows you should choose to perfectly style your sofa or bed? There are a lot of factors that go into your choice – size, color, pattern, your overall décor style – but keep in mind that the fabric content of the pillow might also come into play.

Not sure whether cotton, velvet, polyester, linen, or another pillow fabric is right for you? Each one has their strong suits, so it depends on your texture preferences, style, user needs, and more.

We’re providing a breakdown of four common fabrics used in our throw pillow covers and tips on whether they’re the right fit for you.

Cotton

Cotton is known as the most popular material in the world, likely due to its versatility and durability. It’s a soft, natural fabric and has the added bonus of being hypoallergenic. If you’re new to pillows, you can’t go wrong with a cotton choice. Plus, many of the beautiful printed designs we love are done on cotton.

Linen

Linen is similar to cotton. It’s made from natural fibers and is known for being absorbent, cool, smooth, and durable. However, it can sometimes feel rougher than cotton fabric and if you’re choosing pillows for your bed (for example) you want to opt for cotton. On the other hand, line is a good choice if the pillows will get a lot of wear and tear. The best of both worlds is often a cotton/linen blend.

Polyester

Polyester is the first fabric on our list that’s man-made. It has a greater durability than natural fibers and is also known for its hydrophobic qualities. Polyester can be a great option for children’s rooms, or for people who have allergies as they are easy to keep odor free. Lots of great patterned pillows can be found in Polyester blend materials.

Velvet

Originally made from silk, velvet was a very expensive textile and reserved for royalty and the noble class. Today’s blends are more affordable and quite durable, while also feeling luxurious. Use velvet to add soft texture and rich layers to your design.

What about a mix?

Many throw pillow covers are created with a blend of fabrics, so you get the best of two (or three!) worlds. There are so many options, it’s easy to find one that suits your home décor needs. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend!