DEAL OF THE DAY: Get up to 70% off at Walmart's luggage clearance sale!
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Throw Pillow Inserts

Last updated on September 20, 2023
Best Throw Pillow Inserts

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Decorative throw pillows are a great way to liven up the décor of any room. You can use them as accents on your sofas and chairs or set them on your bed each day after you make it.

At one time, to buy throw pillows, you’d have to go to a furniture or décor shop and purchase them. But these days, you can buy the outer shell separately, then fill it with an insert pillow of choice. This lets you customize the weight and pliability of the pillow without having to worry about finding the perfect color or pattern to match your furnishings.

With throw pillow inserts, it’s all about the fill. Sure, the material that houses that shell is important in that it needs to be durable. But chances are, nobody will ever see the pillow, so plain white is fine. You’ll find fill in a variety of types, but microfiber polyester and siliconized fiber are the most popular, replacing the traditionally popular down and feathers, which can be problematic for those with allergies.

When you’re buying a pillow insert, it can be easy to assume that the insert should be the same size as, if not a little smaller, than the cover you’re filling. But if you buy one that’s slightly bigger than your cover, you’ll get a more plush, cushy pillow. Manufacturers recommend buying one that’s two inches larger than your pillow cover.

MORE: The Best Pillows

Our Picks For The Top Throw Pillow Inserts

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Utopia Bedding Long-Lasting Plush Throw Pillow Inserts, 4-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Utopia

Bedding Long-Lasting Plush Throw Pillow Inserts, 4-Pack

Sold in sets of four, these white polyester pillow inserts are 16 by 16 inches. They have a siliconized fiber filling and white polyester cotton covers. You can clean them with mild detergent; spot cleaning and hand washing only is recommended.

Overall Take

Bulk Pack for DecorIf you need to fill several pillow covers, this set of four is an ideal choice.

 Top Pick

Utopia Bedding Cotton Blend Throw Pillow Inserts, 2-Pack

Utopia Bedding

Cotton Blend Throw Pillow Inserts, 2-Pack

Available in a variety of sizes, you can find a filler to fit most throw pillows. You'll get two inserts, sealed compactly in vacuum packaging, and each pillow measures 20 by 20 inches. The cover is made from cotton, while the filling features siliconized fiber.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionThis set includes two inserts in a variety of size options.

 Runner Up

Utopia Bedding Polycotton Throw Pillow Inserts, 4-Pack

Utopia Bedding

Polycotton Throw Pillow Inserts, 4-Pack

Four white square pillows are included in this set, each sized 20 by 20 inches. They can be used as inserts or as accent pillows if you need throw pillows that are solid white. Each pillow features a white poly-cotton cover and siliconized fiber filling to keep them plumped.

Overall Take

Durable, High-Quality FabricThe high-quality brushed poly-cotton fabric of these pillows make them both attractive and durable.

 Runner Up

Phantoscope Microfiber Fill Throw Pillow Insert, 4-Pack

Phantoscope

Microfiber Fill Throw Pillow Insert, 4-Pack

In this set, you'll get four pillow inserts vacuum sealed for portability during shipping. The filling is hypoallergenic microfiber polyester, which offers durability and comfort. The exterior is upgraded polyester that is tightly stitched to ensure you get a robust insert that lasts.

Overall Take

A Comfy OptionEach insert in this set is filled with 100% hypoallergenic microfiber polyester.

What to Look For

  • Throw pillow inserts are typically sold in multiples. You’ll most often find them in sets of two or four, but you can find single inserts if you only need one.
  • You’ll need to measure your outer shell and find a throw pillow that matches. Ideally, you’ll choose one that is two inches larger than the exterior.
  • When ordering online, your pillow inserts will typically arrive in compact, vacuum-sealed packaging to make them easy to ship. You may need to let them settle for several minutes before they reach their full plushness.
  • With some throw pillow inserts, tossing them in a dryer for a short time can help fluff them up.
  • The stitching of the inserts plays a big role in its durability. Look for a manufacturer that pays attention to detain when making its inserts.
  • Microfiber polyester filler is especially popular in insert pillows. Some feature upgraded microfiber polyester that makes it easier for the pillow to spring back to its original shape after being compressed.
  • Occasionally, you might need to clean your throw pillow inserts, especially if you’ve spilled something on it. Most cannot be cleaned in the washing machine. You’ll need to remove the insert and wipe what you can before letting it dry. But there are some that are machine washable, as long as you just set it out to dry.

More to Explore

You might not want to know just how dirty that pillow you sleep on every night is. As you sleep, your body sloughs off dead skin cells, and those tend to gather in your pillow, mattress and bedding. If not washed regularly, your pillow can harbor bacteria, fungus and dust mites.

MORE: The Best Pillow Spray

So how do you wash your pillow? With down, fiberfill and feather pillows, you may be able to toss them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle using warm water, but it’s important to read the care directions. Foam needs to stay out of the washing machine but you can run it through the dryer for 20 minutes on an air/cool cycle, then use a washcloth with warm, soapy water to remove any spots. Foam can tear easily, so use care when handling.

More to explore