How Do I Choose the Best Sofa Throw Pillow?

A sofa throw pillow is a small pillow, usually intended to be decorative, that is placed on a sofa or couch. As with most décor options, choosing the best such pillow is a matter of finding the combination of features that best fits your needs. Considerations include size, shape, material, pattern, color and price. You might also want to consider how you intend to use the pillow.

One major consideration when choosing a sofa throw pillow is size. You'll want to think about the number of pillows you intend to buy and the furniture on which you intend to place them. For instance, a small throw pillow would be lost on a large, overstuffed couch, but a large pillow could overwhelm a settee or love seat. Size and firmness might also matter if you intend, for example, to use the pillow for afternoon naps on the couch.

You'll also want to consider shape. Such pillows can be square, round, oblong or specialty-shaped. Long, cylindrically shaped pillows called bolsters are also available. Consider which shape would go best with your décor and also which makes the most sense in terms of how you want to use the pillows. If the only intent is decoration, choose whichever you like, but if, for example, you are looking for a pillow that can also be used to provide lower back support, consider a bolster or a small, firm rectangle or oblong pillow.

Material is another very important factor when selecting a sofa throw pillow. Cover fabrics such as velvet, silk shantung and corduroy have very distinct textures that become part of the design element. Filler materials can range from firm to very soft. You'll also want to consider whether or not you want the pillows to be washable, particularly if you have children or animals.

Pattern and color probably contribute most to the overall look of a sofa throw pillow. You'll want to decide whether you want a pillow in a solid or a pattern, and whether you want details such as trim or tufting. You'll also need to decide if the pillow should be covered in the primary color of your décor or if you want to select one in an accent color. Alternatively, you might choose a multi-colored pillow that picks up many of the hues in your room.

Size, availability and material can all play a major role in determining the price of a sofa throw pillow. You'll want to think carefully about how much you want to spend because such pillows come in a vast range of price points. When setting a budget for pillows, consider how long you think the pillow will last, assess the quality and estimate how long you think you will keep your current décor.