Decorative Bed Pillows

Pillows are undoubtedly bedding essentials. Yet unlike the bed pillows you sleep on nightly, which might have a cooling cover or a filling of microfiber or memory foam, decorative pillows solely add style. Update your bedroom in minutes with luxury decorative pillows in different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. You can change them with the seasons or mix and match them depending on your duvet cover or comforter.

This depends on the materials, but designers say you can clean many decorative pillows at home, including those containing fiberfill, cotton, feathers, and down.

First, check whether you can remove the inner pillow from the outer cover. There might be a hidden zipper or other fastener. Check any labels for care instructions.

Covers made from delicate materials such as wool, velvet, or silk — or that have a lot of decorative trim or embellishments — should be dry-cleaned. However, you might be able to spot-clean one of these covers carefully using cotton swabs dipped in mild detergent. Dab onto any spots and blot with a dry cloth, then hang to dry completely.

For any washable pillows or covers, wash them separately using a mild detergent in warm water on a gentle cycle, or hand wash them. Hang the covers to dry. For the pillows, designers suggest using the spin cycle at least twice to remove as much water as possible. Then, pop them in the dryer on low heat with two clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to fluff up the filling. Again, this depends on the material.

Foam pillows can’t survive the washing machine because the agitation can crumble the material. They can’t handle the dryer, either, because they can catch fire. However, you can spot-clean them with a gentle detergent or stain remover, then vacuum them with an attachment to remove dust.

There are several sizes and types of decorative pillows that you can layer (or mix) for the most attractive arrangement:

• Throw pillows: Also called accent pillows, these are square and range from about 16x16 inches to about 22x22 inches.
• Round pillows: These are similar in size to square throw pillows and often have fun touches, such as pom-pom fringe or button-like puckers in the center.
• Euro pillows: Consider these throw pillows on the larger side, such as 27x27 inches. They make a grand backrest against a headboard or sleep pillows.
• Lumbar pillows: These rectangular pillows can range from 10x20 inches to 12x40 inches. They provide great spinal support and contrast against sleep pillo
• Bolster pillows: Long and cylindrical, these come in sizes such as 6x12 inches and 7x20 inches. Designers often use these to fill negative space on a bed, adding an accent color or pattern.

To complete your new bedroom look, coordinate your pillows with a  bed skirt or duvet covers and  duvet inserts .