A look at the best fabric for throw pillow covers, pillowcases & inserts
Throw pillows and cushions come in different colors and sizes, but have you ever thought about—what is the best material for a pillow?
Throw pillows are an easy + convenient trick to brighten up a room with some color and coziness, without the cost or commitment involved with more permanent ways to update or remodel a home. There's nothing faster and easier than using a few throw pillows to really jazz up a space with texture and color.
Choosing the best material for pillows is about finding ones that complement your home decor and are made out of clean, nontoxic materials. However, choosing the best material for throw pillows can be a bit challenging, since not all fabrics and stuffing are created equal.
In this article, we'll take a look at what is the best material for pillow cases for both indoor and outdoor use, the pros and cons of different pillow inserts, and some tips to care for and style your pillow collections.
How to Choose Accent Pillows
Why your throw pillow materials & fabrics are important
First things first— let's consider how to choose accent pillows. Your first step is choosing the right fabric for your throw pillows. Different fabrics not only impact the design vibes, but also the pillow's performance and durability... Here are three important questions to ask yourself to help determine the best fabric for pillow cases and decorative pillows.
Do I need a pillow that's machine washable?
Is my pillow's comfort a priority?
What style speaks to me and fits the space?
If you have a busy household with kids or pets, my suggestion would be to choose throw pillow fabrics that can be thrown in the laundry. Look for machine washable coverlet materials like cotton blends, viscose, and linen for example.
Comfort is really important when it comes to pillows meant for relaxing and unwinding at home, especially in areas where you want to kick back and take it easy. Simple and soft materials like cotton and linen are well-loved for their breathability and cozy feel, while options such as velvet and silk add a luxurious feel for a more refined touch of style.
Functionality definitely plays a role in the proper size of your pillow. Perhaps your back hurts after sitting at the computer for a while. Rather than getting a full size pillow for your chair back, consider a stylish lumbar pillow which provides the proper support for long periods of sitting.
Fabrics can also impact the way a space feels. For example, tossing a few velvet pillows on your sofa can instantly make your living room feel more elegant and sophisticated. Both leather pillows and accent pillows with embellishments like tassels or jewels can add a fancy and stylish vibe. Whereas, soft pillows made from natural materials such as cotton or linen can make your room feel more casual and inviting.
EVERYDAY LIVING:
The Best Fabric for Decorative Throw Pillows
When it comes to decorative and throw pillows, there are literally hundreds of fabrics to choose from.
Combining materials like velvet, linen, and cotton can add depth and make your space feel thoughtfully curated.
Whether you're looking for something super cozy or a fabric that really makes a statement, there's definitely an option out there for you. Being choosy about the materials matters though, as some options will produce fumes from chemical treatments which aren't beneficial for a healthy space. Here are some of the best fabric options to check out...
Linen
Linen is an awesome choice for throw pillows! It's breathable and has a natural, authentic look that adds a cozy feel to any space. Plus, it's super sturdy and can handle a bit of wear and tear, making it perfect for casual or minimalist settings. And the best part? Linen actually gets softer and comfier over time!
Did You Know? Linen is made from natural plant-based flax fibers and is one of the oldest textiles in the world. Its durability and charm have kept it popular for thousands of years.
Cotton
You can't go wrong with cotton. It's versatile, soft to the touch, and really easy to care for. With a wide range of colors and patterns available, finding cotton throw pillows that match your style is really easy and fun! Since cotton covers are usually machine washable, they're also perfect for everyday use. Win win! Just make sure your cotton is natural, meaning there are no chemical fire retardants or stain repellants applied. And for a pillow that can survive forts, snacks, and playtime in the kids' room, the best throw pillow material is trusty, washable cotton.
Tip: Cotton is great for homes with kids or pets since it's durable and easy to clean. It's also breathable, so your pillows will stay comfy all year-round.
Velvet
If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your space, velvet pillows are the way to go. Their plush texture of velvet exudes elegance and sophistication—perfect for making your living room or bedroom feel extra elegant. Just keep in mind that velvet is best kept in areas with less traffic to keep it looking fabulous over time. Usually velvet is made from a blend of cotton, polyester and/or viscose rayon. Viscose is made from bamboo which grows fast and is naturally pest resistant, which means no pesticides are used to grow it.
Style Suggestion: Pair velvet pillows with metallic accents or rich colors to make your space really stand out. They're perfect for creating a focal point in any room.
Leather
Leathers are available as just the hide or hair on hide. Opt for real genuine leather that's ethically sourced and not treated with harsh AZO dyes or tanning chemicals. You'll know right away if the leather has a solvent odor or strong "leather smell". Fake leather, sometimes called vegan leather, is also a material that we avoid, as it's made from a particular type of PU (polyurethane) plastic that offgasses chemicals. You'll recognize that is has a plastic "beach ball" smell.
Tip: Leather hides are typically from a cow, however goat, alpaca or deer leathers are other beautiful options, too. We take care to source our leathers from tanneries that use hides that are a byproduct of the meat industry, so no part of the animal is wasted.
Wool
Wool is a renewable textile for accent pillows and has a soft and fuzzy texture and is super warm. The look and feel of undyed natural wool is truly timeless and surprisingly easy to keep clean. Wool fabric is usually spun from sheep's wool but sometimes you'll find cashmere spun from camel wool or alpaca wool, which are even warmer and incredibly soft. The best part about alpaca wool is it doesn't contain lanolin, which causes a contact allergy for some. The only negative is that some wool is not washable, so you'll want to spot clean those pillows.
Did You Know? Wool is naturally naturally resistant to flames and is one of the only natural materials for beds that wasn't required to have added chemical fire retardants applied. Thankfully regulations no longer require by law the addition of fire retardants to certain upholstered items.
Sustainable Fur & Suede
Looking to add a touch of natural chic and a little luxury to your pillows?
Sustainable natural fur might just be the perfect pick for you!
This type of fur comes from sources that focus on ethical and environmentally responsible practices—like using fur that's a byproduct of the food industry or gathered through humane farming methods.
What's even better is that sustainable fur is processed without harmful chemicals, toxic dyes, or fire retardants. That means it's nontoxic and safe to snuggle in, for you and your family.
Suede pillows have a soft, velvety texture that adds a touch of sophistication to your decor. These pillows can make your space feel a bit more upscale while still being comfy!
OUTDOOR LIVING:
The Best Material for Outdoor Pillows
Our Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture post said it best—the best material for outdoor pillows means factoring in their resistance to harsh weather conditions outdoors and whether they're chemical free. Here are some weatherproof materials that work well for outdoor pillows:
Polyester & Polypropylene (PP)
The last thing you want when you go to sit on your outdoor furniture is a moldy, soggy decorative pillow.
When it comes to outdoor cushions and pillows, polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) are real superstars! They're both water-resistant and super durable so that it can handle all kinds of weather—sunshine, rain, humidity—you name it.
Look for UV-resistant fabrics that don't use vinyl-coated materials, such as vinyl coated polyester. The vinyl coating can offgas fumes in the sun, and BPA can be absorbed through skin contact.
Polypropylene is our go-to for outdoor pillows. This fabric - also known as olefin - is a fantastic and safe option for outdoor pillows. Polypropylene is resistant to stains, water, mildew, and even sun damage. Since olefin is waterproof by the way it's woven, there's no need for chemical waterproofing agents to be applied or any PFAS, making it the healthiest option.
If you want outdoor pillows that can handle the elements and still look great, polypropylene is definitely a safe material to consider. Sunproof is a company that makes clean chemical-free PP material for outdoor pillows. The Healthier Homes outdoor living collections feature pieces made with recycled PET and PP, including some outdoor pillows.
Polypropylene is super durable and free of nasty chemical additives. And at the end of it's useful life, it can be recycled!
Are Sunbrella Fabrics Safe?
When choosing fabrics for outdoor pillows, often times you'll find solution dyed acrylics. Acrylic outdoor fabrics can have waterproofing chemicals sprayed on the surface, which can in turn leach into your skin. This class of chemicals is known to be toxic and even cause cancer.
You've probably heard of the popular outdoor fabric brand Sunbrella, which uses solution dyed acrylic fabrics. Sunbrella's fabrics include chemical waterproofing agents, in addition to chemical stain treatments. Sadly most outdoor furniture is made with Sunbrella fabrics or something similar, so be sure to ask. We recommend avoiding Sunbrella and all solution dyed acrylics for this reason.
BEDROOM PILLOWS:
The Best Fabric for Pillowcases
First things first: what's the difference between Pillow Covers vs Pillow Cases?
A pillow cover is like a protective sleeve for your pillow, usually with a zipper. It keeps your pillow safe from dust and spills and comes off for easy cleaning. On the other hand, a pillowcase is the pretty fabric for bed pillows that matches your sheets—you slip the pillow with its cover into the pillowcase to make your bed look nice.
When it comes to pillowcases, you want to look options that are comfortable and good for your skin's health. Let's talk about some top-quality fabrics that are ideal for pillowcases, such as organic cotton, silk, rayon and more.
Silk Pillow Cases
Silk pillowcases are all about luxury and a touch of indulgence! Made from the fine threads produced by silkworms, silk is so popular for its smooth and gentle feel. Not only does it feel amazing against your skin, but it's also beneficial for your hair and sensitive skin.
Silk fabrics reduce friction with your pillowcase, which can lead to fewer wrinkles and less hair breakage. Mulberry silk is considered the most luxurious and soft silk material. We love silk! Just make sure your silk pillow cases isn't treated with pesticides.
Vegan Silk Pillowcases
(Cupro, Beechwood and Eucalyptus Fabrics)
For a more sustainable (yet equally as soft) alternative to silk, we turn to our favorite fabrics that come from trees and grasses. Cupro and Eucalyptus fibers are amazing options! Cupro is made from cotton linter or viscose linter, a byproduct of the yarn production. It feels incredibly silky and smooth. It's breathable and drapes well, giving you that luxurious feel.
Eucalyptus fibers, often branded as Tencel or Lyocell, are derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees. Bamboo (also called viscose or rayon) and modal from beechwood trees are other super soft and sustainable pillow case option.
These plant-based alternative silk fabrics are super soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable—perfect for sensitive skin. Two gold stars for these hypoallergenic superstars that are naturally resistant to dust mites and bacteria, which can help keep skin irritations at bay. Plus, they're environmentally friendly due to the closed-loop eco-conscious production process.
Organic Cotton Pillowcases
You really can't go wrong with organic cotton pillow cases for your bed. Oeko-Tex and GOTS are reliable certifications that mean your cotton pillow cases are free from concerning chemicals and dyes, as are certified organic cotton pillowcases. Cotton is naturally soft, comfortable, and breathable, making for a relaxing sleep experience.
Side note: pillows just like all home goods, don't necessarily need a certification to be clean and chemical free. Small businesses and artisans make some of the cleanest home goods on earth and simply don't have the means to pay for expensive certifications.
Cotton pillow cases are super easy to care for; just toss them in the washing machine! It's a convenient choice for everyday use and comes in a variety of colors, shapes and patterns to match your home style. We love long staple cotton (sometimes referred to as Egyptian cotton) which is used not only for bedding but also super soft towels—because it has longer fibers that make the pillowcase extra smooth and durable.
When choosing a pillowcase fabric, think about what's most important to you. If you want luxury and skin benefits, go for silk or vegan silk. For comfort and easy care, cotton or cotton-blends are a classic.
The Best Fabric for Pillow Covers
For the best material for pillow covers that's easy to maintain and clean, cotton tops the list! Here's why.
Nontoxic. Organic cotton is grown without harsh chemicals or pesticides and left unbleached, so this nontoxic cotton is as pure as it gets.
Soft, comfortable, breathable. With the exception of some linens, most natural fibers including cotton are incredibly soft—and they get even softer with every wash. Plus, cotton is breathable, helping you stay cool and comfy all night long.
Easy to clean. A great advantage to cotton is that you can simply toss these pillowcases in the washing machine. We've found blends of lyocell and cotton to be amazing for this reason. The cotton makes them durable wash after wash, while the lyocell adds a silky soft feel.
Tip: If the pillow stuffing is removable, it's referred to as a pillow insert. If your pillow doesn't have a zipper or enclosure that opens, this means your stuffing is not easily removable and the pillow can be spot-cleaned only.
The Best Material for Pillow Stuffing
Ever given much thought to what goes inside of a pillow? Out of sight, out of mind—right? Not exactly... Even though you can't see it, the stuffing inside a pillow can affect your indoor air quality, impact your level of comfort and even cause allergies for some. Pillow stuffing comes in a variety of materials.
The top 3 most common pillow stuffing materials:
Down Feather Pillow Stuffing
Feathers are a classic and cozy option for pillow stuffing. They're incredibly soft and lightweight, which means your pillow can mold to your shape for ultimate comfort. Feather pillow stuffing definitely has the most loft. So if you love a fluffy pliable pillow to snuggle into, down feathers might be just the thing for you!
Many of our throw pillows and bed pillows include feather down inserts. Our feathers down is ethically sourced, meaning it is a byproduct of the meat industry.
Styling tip: Throw your down pillow onto the ground with some force, and watch the feathers inside plump back up like brand new. Do this a couple of times a month to maintain fluffy pillows.
Down Alternative Pillow Inserts
For some, pillow down fill presents a challenge due to feather allergies. Hypoallergenic down alternative pillow stuffing is usually made out of spun polyfil (polyester). Both cotton stuffing and polyfil are safe and nontoxic pillow stuffing options, however keep in mind they won't feel quite as fluffy as premium feather pillow stuffing inserts.
Did you know? Most feather allergies are actually a reaction to the dust present on the feathers and not the actual feathers. The down content in our down feather inserts is washed as many times as it takes to ensure the feathers are pristine and clean.
Memory Foam Pillow Stuffing
Memory foam pillows provide a lot of support, especially if you're looking for neck support. They adapt to the shape of your head and neck, giving you targeted support that can help relieve neck or back pain discomfort.
While memory foam pillows are comfy and supportive, they can emit VOCs. If you're still wanting to use foam pillow inserts, we recommend foam pillows made from either natural latex or certipur-US certified foam. Some newer foams are made from blends of soy and polyurethane, which should still be certipur-US certified. Allowing foam pillows to air out outside for a few days after removing them from their packaging is also a good idea.
Memory foam can retain more heat compared to natural fillings, so if you're a hot sleeper or tend to sweat during sleep time, you might want to look for moisture-wicking pillow cover materials or consider other materials for your pillow stuffing.
The Best Fabric for Throw Pillows
When it comes to the best fabric for throw pillows, these three materials top our list for a beautiful blend of style and functionality:
Cotton
Cotton tops our list for the best material for throw pillows and is a crowd-pleaser for a reason! It's breathable, easy to care for, and fits seamlessly into almost any decor style. Whether your home is modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, cotton throw pillows are versatile and comfy. Plus, they're perfect for everyday use and can handle a bit of wear and tear.
Leather & Suede
Leather accent pillows are the ultimate statement piece for a living room couch or bedroom ensemble. Not only is real genuine leather incredibly durable but it also provides beautiful matte textures and an unrivaled aesthetic that can't be imitated by faux leather pillows.
Linen
Flax linen provided a clean, crispy and tailored look—without the need for fabric starch nor the hassle of ironing. Plus it's hypoallergenic!
Throw vs Accent Pillows: what's the difference?
While both are decorative pillows, the main difference between accent pillows vs throw pillows is in their purpose:
ACCENT PILLOWS: These are chosen intentionally to stand out or enhance the room's design. Think bold colors, unique patterns, or interesting textures that tie the space together.
THROW PILLOWS: These are more versatile and often used for primarily for comfort but also decoration, too. They don’t always have to make a statement but still add charm and coziness to a space.
Essentially, all accent pillows are throw pillows, but not all throw pillows are accent pillows 😉
Styling Tips: Figuring out how to choose decorative pillows for couch, sofas or accent chairs is easier than you think!
Use pillows as unique accent pieces, just like the name implies
Go for pillows that vibe with your decor theme—whether it’s minimalist, boho, modern, or something else... If your space is neutral, go bold with vibrant or patterned pillows. If your room already has lots of color, stick to softer tones or simple designs to balance it out.
Mix up pillow shapes & sizes
Opt for covers that can be easily removed
How to Keep Your Throw Pillows Looking Like New
Now that we’ve figured out what the best material for a pillow is, let’s talk about some easy ways to keep your pillows looking fresh and fabulous!
Plump up your throw pillows regularly to keep them wrinkle free and shaped properly. Pls they just look pretty and feel comfy when fluffy :)
Spills happen. If you come across any spills or stains, clean the spot area with a mild soap and a soft cloth. Don't forget to test a small, hidden spot first to make sure the color isn't affected before cleaning the entire area. The sooner a stain is removed, the better chance it will come completely clean.
Rotate your pillows regularly to keep things fresh and interesting. If your pillows sit in direct sunlight, make sure to rotate them regularly. This helps prevent one side from fading and makes sure they wear evenly over time, so they stay looking great!
Change your pillow covers with the seasons to keep your space feeling updated and comfortable. Go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in the summer, and swap to cozy options like velvet or knits for the colder months. It’s an easy way to refresh your home without a big effort!
Pro tip: use a PFAS free nontoxic fabric protector to make the cleaning process even easier!
The best throw pillow materials balance: style, comfort & function
Accent pillows are a wonderful way to express your own design personality! Picking the right throw pillow material is all about finding accent pieces that speak to you.
Consider a sweet spot between durability and comfort, as well as style and functionality. The best fabric for decorative pillows should be chemical free, complimentary to your existing decor, and easy to care for. Whether you love the cozy elegance of velvet and leather or the simple and inviting feel of cotton and linen, the fabric (and stuffing) you choose can make or break the look and feel of a room.
Ready to find your perfect pillows?
Check out the Healthier Homes throw pillow collections here!
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