design tips…
for selecting the perfect decorative pillow insert
My 3 tips for enjoying the perfect decorative pillow… its all about the insert…
Tip 1: Get Stuffed
What’s inside makes all the difference.
You may have heard the terms feather and down used interchangeably when discussing pillow inserts, but they’re not actually the same thing.
What is a Down Pillow? - Down is a soft grouping of fibers made from duck or goose feathers that come from the undercoating of the bird. These quill-less down clusters have insulating qualities due to the structure of the feathers and the soft fibers that trap air for a fluffy fill.
What is a Feather Pillow? - The filling of feather pillows comes from the wing and back feathers of ducks or geese. These quill-containing feathers also provide a soft and fluffy filling for pillows, but are flatter and heavier than down, with a tendency to lose their shape as the quills shift and gradually align so they’re parallel to each other. These feathers also have a tendency to poke through the insert and pillow cover.
Down tends to 'self plump', meaning that the insert will expand and plump-up more than a 100% feather insert after being compressed, so if you are looking for a more affordable but still good quality decorative pillow insert, consider a feather-down combination. Typically sold in a 95% feather to 5% down mix, even this small amount of down can make a big difference to the look and feel.
Worried about allergies? Look to down-alternatives or feather/down inserts that have undergone a cleaning process that guarantees hypoallergenic comfort.
Tip 2: Make It Last
To lengthen the life and preserve the integrity of your pillow, I recommend using a Pillow Protector. This insert shell should be made of a fabric with a minimum 200 thread count (TC). The denser woven fabric goes a long way to preventing the feather quills from poking through.
Wash your inserts in the washing machine once a year to get rid of any dust mites and bacteria, as well as dirt, sweat, stains, and oils from use. Washing them actually reinvigorates them and can restore them to their original fluffiness. Follow the instructions on the insert to get the best results, but I recommend washing them in cool water using less detergent than normal on the delicate cycle. Use an extra rinse and spin cycle, to get rid of any excess moisture and soap residue on the feather filling. Before placing in the dryer, remove the excess water by placing the pillow between two towels and pressing down on it. Be careful not to twist or wring the pillows, as this may damage the feathers. Then pop in the dryer using a no-heat setting. Once dry, hold the pillow by its corner shaking and massaging any clumps to remove them.
Tip 3: Size Matters
To get that plump look make sure your pillow insert is 2” larger than your pillow cover, on all sides. For example, a 20 x 20” pillow cover should have a 22 x 22” pillow insert.
Need help selecting throw pillows for your bedroom, or living room? Purchase the Perfect Pillow Package and let me select the right combination of pillows to put a designer finishing touch on your space.