Throw Pillow Styles

Shape and Size

Throw pillows can be virtually any shape and any size. Consider squares, rectangles, circles and cylinders. Combine several 14-by-14-inch squares with a 3-foot bolster. Add a couple of circular throw pillows, and you have a wonderful display for your sofa or bed.

A box pillow has a top, bottom and sides. It often has piping around the top and bottom edges. A knife-edge pillow is tapered at the sides. The cover of a flange pillow is longer and wider than the pillow itself. The flange frames the pillow. An envelope cover is sometimes used on a knife-edged pillow. An embellished pillow has decorative fringe around the sides, tassels at the corners or ribbon ties that fasten the cover to the pillow form.

Fortunately, pillows are no longer stuffed with straw or leaves, though sometimes balsam pine needles are used today for their scent. Pillow forms made of a single piece of form are common. Shredded foam is also used. Down and feathers are popular for people who are not allergic to them. Synthetic down-type fillings are available for those who are allergic. Another option is synthetic polyester filling that looks and feels a lot like cotton candy.

Almost any kind of fabric, from the least expensive cotton or mixed broadcloth to heavy brocade can be used as a pillow cover. Alternative materials for pillow covers include needlepoint or embroidered panels, applique, patchwork, fur and kilims and other fabrics associated with specific cultures, from Mexican folk art to magnificent Navajo weavings.

Removable covers are often a good idea, especially if your pillows will get a lot of use. Removing the pillow cover to clean it is often much easier than cleaning the whole pillow. Closures can include buttons, zippers, fabric or ribbon ties. You can also find or make removable pillow covers that require no closure at all, such as envelope-style covers.