"Throw pillow" covers more ground than most people expect — squares and lumbars, velvet and linen, down and down-alternative. Knowing the types is what turns pillow shopping from guesswork into design. Here is the full taxonomy: every shape, size, fabric, and fill, and where each one belongs.
Types by Shape and Size
- Standard squares — 18x18 and 20x20. The workhorses. Right-sized for most sofas and chairs, and the layer that usually carries the pattern.
- Oversized squares — 22x22 and 24x24. The anchors. They sit at the back corners of a sofa or bed arrangement and give smaller pillows something to layer against.
- Lumbar pillows — 12x24, 14x36, and extra-long 12x48. Rectangular pillows that support the lower back and add a horizontal line that finishes a stack of squares. The long 12x48 spans the width of a king bed for a dramatic final layer.
- Euro shams — 26x26. The large squares that stand against a headboard as the backdrop of a styled bed.
- Bolsters and rounds. Occasional shapes that break the grid — one is an accent, several is a theme.
The full size-by-room logic — which sizes suit which sofas, beds, and chairs — is in our pillow size guide.
Types by Fabric
- Velvet. Soft, light-catching, and rich — the fastest way to add depth to a tonal scheme.
- Linen. Breathable and relaxed, with a natural slub that reads effortless rather than flat.
- Cotton and blends. Durable, easy-care, and the usual base for printed patterns.
- Wool and hand-loomed weaves. Tactile, one-of-a-kind texture — mudcloth, kilim, and artisan weaves fall here.
- Faux leather and performance fabrics. Smooth, wipeable, and family-proof; outdoor-rated versions handle patios and porches.
Types by Fill
- Down. The classic luxury fill — soft, moldable, holds the "designer chop." Needs regular fluffing.
- Feather and blends. Firmer structure at a lower price; suited to high-use seating.
- Down-alternative. The modern default: the same plush profile, hypoallergenic, machine-washable, and vegan. Our down-alternative inserts come in every size, and the honest down-vs-alternative comparison is in Do You Really Need Down Pillow Inserts?
- Foam and polyfill. Structured and budget-friendly — best for purely decorative spots nobody leans on.
Whatever the fill, size the insert one to two inches larger than the cover so the corners stay full.
Types by Style
Beyond construction, throw pillows sort by the look they create: farmhouse stripes and checks, global and artisan weaves, vintage florals, crisp modern solids, and bold graphic stripes. Most rooms want a mix: one patterned statement, one quiet solid, one texture, all inside a shared palette. How to combine them — colors, arrangements, and room-by-room placement — is covered in our decorative throw pillow styling guide and our designer's guide to throw pillow colors.
Shop by Type
Browse all designer pillow covers, start from a pre-paired curated set, and finish every cover with a down-alternative insert sized up one inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of throw pillows?
By shape: squares, lumbars, euro shams, bolsters, and rounds. By fabric: velvet, linen, cotton, wool weaves, and performance fabrics. By fill: down, feather, down-alternative, and foam.
What sizes do throw pillows come in?
Squares run 18x18 to 24x24, lumbars run 12x24 to 12x48, and euro shams are 26x26. 18x18 and 20x20 suit most sofas; 22x22 and up anchor larger sofas and beds.
What is a lumbar pillow?
A rectangular pillow — typically 12x24, 14x36, or 12x48 — that supports the lower back and adds a horizontal finishing layer in front of square pillows.
Which pillow fill is best?
Down for the classic luxury feel if you don't mind fluffing; down-alternative for the same plush profile with hypoallergenic, machine-washable practicality. Either way, size the insert 1–2 inches larger than the cover.
What type of throw pillow is most versatile?
A 20x20 solid or subtly textured cover in a neutral tone — it layers into nearly any arrangement, season, and palette.
