Throw Pillow Styles

By Real Simple
Updated August 29, 2014
Ellen Silverman
How a pillow is trimmed makes a big impact. Consider your options.
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Box-Edge Pillow

Ellen Silverman

A box-edge pillow has squared-off edges rather than narrowed corners. Contrasting piping, or welting, adds definition.

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Knife-Edge Pillow

Ellen Silverman

Popular because of their polished look, knife-edge pillows taper into sharp corners with little or no added ornamentation.

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Flange Pillow

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A flange is a piece of fabric that extends well beyond the seam, giving the pillow a soft, fluttery effect.

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Self-Welt Pillow

Ellen Silverman

Self-welting―in this case, light blue cotton piping―is made from the same fabric that covers the pillow.

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Embellished Pillow

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A pillow with an embellished edge has an elaborate trim fashioned from a fabric in a different pattern or color.

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Types of Pillow Stuffers

Ellen Silverman

Down:

All down requires regular fluffing, so many pillow makers favor a down-feather mix, which holds its shape and gives more back support.

Synthetics: Rubbery stuffers are a thing of the past―today's synthetic fills are as comfy as down and feathers. Synthetic is an especially smart choice for pillows that experience a lot of wear and tear.

Tips for buying: The filling should be encased in a tightly woven fabric, like cotton with a high thread count; this keeps the contents where they belong (and not poking out where they don't). The insert should fill a pillow's corners. If you're buying the pillow cover separately, make sure it's an inch or two smaller on each side than the insert.

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