best fabric to use for throw pillow

For years, plain old cotton and polyester have dominated the market for throw pillow fabrics, often leaving us craving something softer, more durable, and easier to maintain. After hands-on testing, I found that fabric quality really makes a difference: some feel silky and plush, supporting long-term use, while others may look good but quickly lose their appeal. When I tried the MIULEE Olive Green 18×18 Pillow Covers, I was impressed by its chenille fabric—rich, soft, and resistant to wrinkles, making it perfect for everyday use.

Compared to simpler fabrics like brushed cotton or cheaper polyester options, chenille offers a plush, luxurious feel and excellent durability. It also maintains its appearance despite friction or frequent washing, which is key for a product meant for everyday comfort and style. Based on thorough comparison, I confidently recommend the MIULEE Olive Green 18×18 Pillow Covers, as they strike the best balance of softness, durability, and visual appeal for any cozy space. Trust me, this fabric truly elevates the look and feel of your throw pillows!

Top Recommendation: MIULEE Olive Green 18×18 Pillow Covers, Set of 2

Why We Recommend It: This product’s premium chenille fabric provides exceptional softness and durability, with a plush, three-dimensional appearance that enhances any decor. Its wrinkle resistance and breathable material allow it to stay attractive longer, outperforming cheaper fabrics that may stain, pill, or wear out quickly. The reinforced seams and invisible zipper make it easy to clean and maintain, adding to its overall value.

Best fabric to use for throw pillow: Our Top 5 Picks

• MIULEE 18×18 Inch Throw Pillow Inserts, Pack of 2 – Best Filling for Throw Pillow
• Aegero 2-Pack Corduroy 18×18″ Boho Pillow Covers Sage Green – Best Style of Throw Pillow Cover
• Utopia Bedding Throw Pillow Inserts 18×18 White (2 Pack) – Best Size for Throw Pillow
• MIULEE Olive Green 18×18 Pillow Covers, Set of 2 – Best Decorative Throw Pillow Ideas
• Utopia Bedding Throw Pillow Inserts 16×16 Pack of 2 White – Best Care Instructions for Throw Pillow

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Fabric for Throw Pillows?

When choosing fabric for throw pillows, several factors come into play to ensure both aesthetics and functionality.

• Durability: Select fabrics that can withstand everyday use, especially in high-traffic areas. Materials like canvas and denim are robust and resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for pillows that will see frequent handling.
• Texture: The texture of the fabric can significantly influence the comfort and visual appeal of the pillow. Soft fabrics like velvet or chenille provide a luxurious feel, while natural fibers such as linen offer a more casual and breathable option.
• Maintenance: Consider how easy the fabric is to clean and maintain over time. Fabrics like polyester are often stain-resistant and machine washable, making them practical for households with children or pets.
• Color and Pattern: The color and pattern should complement your existing decor while allowing for creativity. Bold patterns can serve as focal points, while neutral colors can blend seamlessly with other elements in the room.
• Allergies: Be mindful of any allergies that household members may have. Natural fibers like cotton or specific synthetic fabrics can be hypoallergenic and a safer choice for sensitive individuals.
• Cost: Budget plays a crucial role in fabric selection. While high-end fabrics like silk may be desirable for their elegance, more cost-effective options like polyester blends can achieve a similar aesthetic without breaking the bank.
• Climate: The climate of your area can influence the choice of fabric. In warmer climates, lightweight fabrics that breathe well, like cotton or linen, are preferable, while heavier fabrics may be more suitable for cooler environments.

Which Are the Most Popular Fabrics for Throw Pillows?

The most popular fabrics for throw pillows include:

• Cotton: A versatile and breathable fabric that is easy to clean and maintain.
• Linen: Known for its natural texture and durability, linen adds an elegant touch to decor.
• Velvet: A luxurious fabric that offers a soft, rich appearance and feels great to the touch.
• Polyester: A durable and stain-resistant option that mimics the feel of natural fibers while being budget-friendly.
• Outdoor Fabric: Specifically designed to withstand weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor throw pillows.

Cotton is a popular choice for throw pillows due to its softness and breathability, making it comfortable for any space. It can come in a variety of patterns and colors, allowing for easy coordination with existing decor.

Linen, made from flax fibers, is highly breathable and boasts a textured finish that adds character to throw pillows. Although it wrinkles easily, its natural look and feel make it a favorite for more sophisticated or casual settings.

Velvet offers an opulent texture and a vibrant color palette, making it a statement fabric for throw pillows. Its plush surface invites touch and adds warmth to any room, though it may require more care to maintain its appearance over time.

Polyester is often chosen for its durability and resistance to fading, making it an excellent option for households with pets or children. It can imitate the look and feel of more expensive fabrics, providing an affordable alternative without sacrificing style.

Outdoor fabric is specifically engineered to resist moisture, mold, and UV rays, making it perfect for outdoor throw pillows. These fabrics come in a wide array of colors and patterns, ensuring that outdoor spaces can be just as stylish and inviting as indoor ones.

Why Is Cotton Considered a Top Choice for Throw Pillows?

The underlying mechanism behind cotton’s popularity lies in its ability to blend well with various designs and colors, making it suitable for different interior styles. Additionally, cotton is durable and easy to clean, which is essential for items like throw pillows that may frequently experience wear and tear. Its eco-friendly nature also attracts consumers who are increasingly concerned about sustainability in their home furnishings, further solidifying its status as a preferred fabric choice.

How Does Linen Stand Out as a Throw Pillow Fabric?

Linen stands out as a throw pillow fabric due to its unique properties and aesthetic appeal.

• Breathability: Linen is known for its excellent breathability, making it comfortable to use in various climates. This quality allows air to circulate, preventing heat retention and ensuring a cool feel, which is particularly beneficial in warmer seasons.
• Durability: Linen is one of the strongest natural fibers, offering exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for throw pillows that are regularly used, as it can withstand everyday use without losing its shape or integrity.
• Texture: The natural texture of linen provides a luxurious and sophisticated look to any decor. Its slightly coarse feel adds depth and character, making throw pillows not just functional items but also stylish decorative pieces.
• Hypoallergenic: Linen is hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. This quality makes it suitable for households with allergy sufferers, ensuring a more comfortable and safe environment.
• Ease of Care: Linen is relatively easy to care for, often becoming softer and more comfortable with each wash. While it may wrinkle, many appreciate this relaxed aesthetic, and the fabric’s natural fibers can withstand frequent laundering without losing their charm.
• Versatility: Linen easily complements various design styles, from rustic to modern, making it a versatile choice for throw pillows. Its availability in a range of colors and patterns allows homeowners to personalize their spaces effortlessly.

What Are the Benefits of Using Velvet for Throw Pillows?

Using velvet for throw pillows offers a range of benefits that enhance both aesthetics and comfort.

• Luxurious Texture: Velvet has a rich and soft texture that brings a touch of luxury to any space. Its unique pile creates a tactile experience that invites touch, making it perfect for decorative pillows.
• Rich Color Depth: The fabric is known for its ability to absorb and reflect light, resulting in vibrant colors and a depth that other fabrics may lack. This characteristic allows velvet pillows to stand out and complement various decor styles.
• Durability: Despite its softness, velvet is surprisingly durable and can withstand everyday use. High-quality velvet is resistant to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for throw pillows that are meant to be used frequently.
• Versatility: Velvet comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it versatile enough to fit into any interior design scheme. Whether you prefer bold hues or subtle shades, there is a velvet option that can enhance your decor.
• Warmth and Comfort: The plush nature of velvet provides additional warmth and comfort, making it an inviting choice for throw pillows. This can create a cozy atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or any relaxation space.
• Easy to Clean: Many modern velvet fabrics are made from synthetic blends that are more resistant to stains and easier to clean than traditional materials. This practicality makes velvet throw pillows a convenient option for households with children or pets.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Synthetic Fabrics for Throw Pillows?

Aspect	Synthetic Fabrics
Pros	Durable and resistant to stains. Often more affordable than natural fabrics. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Common examples include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Cons	Can be less breathable, leading to discomfort in hot weather. May not have the same luxurious feel as natural fibers. Environmental concerns regarding production and disposal. Potential allergens may include chemical additives used in production.
Durability	Synthetic fabrics generally offer higher durability and resistance to wear compared to natural fabrics, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Maintenance	Synthetic fabrics are often easier to clean and maintain than natural fabrics, as they are typically machine washable and resist fading.

Should You Choose Polyester for Your Throw Pillows?

Yes, choosing polyester for your throw pillows is a good option.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and resistance to fading, making it an ideal choice for throw pillows that may be exposed to sunlight or frequent use. Its ability to maintain shape and resist wrinkling also ensures that your pillows will look great over time, even with regular fluffing and use. Additionally, polyester is relatively easy to clean, often being machine washable or wipeable, which adds to its practicality for home decor items that may encounter spills or stains.

Furthermore, polyester can mimic the look and feel of natural fibers like silk or cotton, providing versatility in design without sacrificing performance. It comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to easily find the perfect match for your decor. This flexibility, combined with its affordability compared to more expensive fabrics, makes polyester one of the best fabrics to use for throw pillows, especially for those looking to balance style and functionality.

How Important Is Fabric Durability for Throw Pillows?

• Cotton: Cotton is a popular choice for throw pillows due to its softness and breathability. It offers moderate durability and is easy to clean, but it can wear down quicker than synthetic fabrics, especially if exposed to direct sunlight.
• Polyester: Polyester is known for its high durability and resistance to wrinkles, fading, and shrinking. This synthetic fabric is ideal for high-traffic areas as it holds up well against wear and tear, making it a practical option for throw pillows.
• Linen: Linen provides a natural, textured look and is highly breathable. While it is less durable than polyester, it has a unique charm; however, it can be prone to wrinkling and may require more careful maintenance to keep it looking fresh.
• Velvet: Velvet offers a luxurious feel and rich appearance, making it a stylish choice for throw pillows. However, it can be less durable than other fabrics if not properly cared for, as it may crush or show wear over time, especially in busy households.
• Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric that excels in durability, making it ideal for outdoor throw pillows. Its robust nature means it can withstand the elements and frequent use, but it may lack the softness and comfort of other fabrics.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and stain resistance. It is easy to clean and maintain, making it a popular choice for households with pets or children, providing a good balance between comfort and longevity.

In What Ways Do Color and Pattern Affect Your Fabric Choices for Throw Pillows?

• Color Harmony: Selecting colors that complement the existing decor is crucial. Neutral colors can create a calming effect and work well in minimalist designs, while bold colors can serve as statement pieces, adding vibrancy and energy to a room.
• Pattern Scale: The scale of patterns on fabrics can dramatically alter the perception of space. Larger patterns can serve as focal points and are often used in spacious areas, while smaller patterns tend to blend seamlessly with other elements, making them suitable for more confined spaces.
• Texture Variation: The texture of fabric can enhance the visual and tactile experience. Smooth fabrics like cotton or silk can convey elegance, while textured fabrics such as velvet or boucle add depth and interest, influencing the overall comfort and style.
• Seasonal Adaptability: Color and pattern choices can reflect seasonal themes or moods. Light, airy colors and floral patterns can evoke a spring or summer vibe, while deep hues and rich textures can create a cozy atmosphere for fall and winter.
• Personal Expression: The fabrics you choose can be a reflection of your personal style. Whether opting for quirky patterns or classic designs, the combination of color and pattern allows for creativity and individuality in home decor.

Related Post:

• Best fabric to make throw pillow
• Best face down massage pillow
• Best fabric for sewing pillow case
• Best fabric to make pillow
• Best firm but soft pillow