Cushions are an essential part of any well-decorated home. Beyond just adding comfort, pillows can make a strong style statement and pull a room together. With so many different types of cushions available today, it helps to know the lingo so you can find the perfect options to suit your needs. This guide will cover all the essential pillow terminology you need to know.
The Anatomy of a Pillow
Before diving into all the different types of cushions, it helps to understand the basic anatomy. Here are the main elements that make up a pillow:
- Fill – The stuffing inside the pillow that provides comfort and support. Common fills include down, feathers, poly-fill, foam, and down alternatives.
- Fabric – The outer material covering the fill. Popular fabrics for pillows include cotton, linen, velvet, silk, and polyester.
- Insert – The inner lining that encases the fill and separates it from the outer fabric. Often made of cotton.
- Trim – Decorative embellishments like tassels, cording, or fringe along the edges.
- Closure – Usually a hidden zipper that provides access to the insert and fill material.
- Shape – The overall form of the pillow, ranging from classic squares and rectangles to round bolsters.
- Size – Dimensions specified by length x width or diameter. Standard bed pillow sizes include 20”x26” and 20”x28”.
Styles of Pillows
Now that you know the basics of pillow construction, let’s review the lingo used to describe the most common cushion styles:
Accent Pillows
- Throw pillows – Small, decorative pillows (usually 18”x18” or 20”x20”) placed atop beds, sofas, and chairs.
- Floor cushions – Large, low-profile cushions used on the floor or in place of ottomans. Great for additional casual seating.
Backrest Pillows
- Lumbar pillows – Provides lower back support and conform to the natural curve of your spine. Ideal for sofas and office chairs.
- Bolster pillows – Long cylindrical pillows that offer comfortable back, arm, and neck support. They can lean against headboards or serve as armrests.
Sleep Pillows
- Standard bed pillows – Rectangular pillows meant specifically for sleeping. Usually come in pairs.
- Body pillows – Extra-long full-body pillows that run 3-4 feet in length. Provide comfortable support for side sleepers.
- Wedge pillows – Triangular pillows used to elevate the head, torso, legs, or even under the knees to improve alignment and circulation.
- Neck rolls – Cylindrical pillows that support the neck when placed in the nape area. Help maintain proper neck and spine positioning.
- Travel pillows – Compact, portable pillows with chin supports designed for comfortable sleeping while traveling.
Floor Pillows
- Pouf – A small, lightweight floor cushion or ottoman, usually with no back or arms. Available in a variety of shapes.
- Floor cushion – A larger, low-profile floor pillow great for casual lounging and seating. Usually filled with a pouf fill like beads, down, or foam.
- Pillow seat – A floor cushion with a built-in solid backrest for added support. Allows upright seating on the floor.
- Gaming pillow – A husband pillow with extended side arms giving the look and comfort of a chair perfect for gaming or reading on the floor.
Pillow Fill Materials
The fill material inside a pillow has a big impact on its comfort, support, and longevity. Here are some of the most common types of fills:
Down – Small, fluffy clusters that come from goose or duck feathers. Very soft and lightweight. Provides great insulation. More expensive option.
Feathers – Soft feather fill provides medium density and firmness. Less allergenic than down. Quill shafts can sometimes poke through the fabric.
Polyester Fiberfill – Budget-friendly synthetic made of polyester fibers. Maintains shape but tends to flatten overtime. Good hypoallergenic option.
Memory Foam – Responds to pressure and heat to conform closely to the body’s contours. Provides excellent support and retains shape very well.
Latex Foam – Made from the sap of rubber trees, so it’s naturally hypoallergenic. Provides light, airy support with slight bounce. Resilient and retains shape.
Cotton – Breathable, natural fiber with medium density and support. Softens over time so requires regular fluffing.
Microbeads – Small polystyrene beads that conform to the body. Lightweight and portable but can flatten with use. Make rustling sounds.
Wool – Natural fiber that regulates temperature well. Provides good comfort and resists dust mites. Slightly prickly texture is not for everyone.
Kapok – Silky, lightweight plant fiber similar to cotton but more resilient. Hypoallergenic and breathable option.
Outer Pillow Fabrics
The outer material or shell of the pillow should complement your room décor while providing the aesthetics, durability, and easy care you desire. Here are some favorite fabric choices:
Cotton – Natural fiber that’s soft, breathable, and durable. Requires ironing but launders well. Affordable option.
Linen – Made from flax plant fibers, linen has a casual, rumpled look. Wrinkles easily but makes up for it in strength and longevity.
Silk – Extremely soft and lustrous but harder to care for. Needs dry cleaning or hand washing. Adds elegance but not very durable.
Velvet – Luxuriously soft with a plush, opulent look. Shows wear quickly. Best for accent pillows. Requires special care when cleaning.
Faux Fur – Fun, textured synthetic fabric that mimics real fur. Provides softness and warmth without harming animals.
Outdoor Fabric – Durable, all-weather acrylic or polyester fabrics resistant to fading, mildew, and stains. Great for patio and poolside.
Microfiber – Affordable synthetic made from very fine polyester fibers. Extremely soft with a suede-like finish. Wears and washes well.
Faux Suede – Polyester microfiber fabric brushed to resemble suede leather. Provides softness without high cost or special care requirements.
No matter your style, budget, or needs, there is a pillow fabric to suit you. Focus on finding ones that provide the right mix of visual appeal, coziness, durability, and easy care.
Closure Types
Pillows use closures to allow easy access to the fill for adjustments, washing, or replacement. Here are some closure options:
- Zipper – Most common closure. Provides full access to the interior. Usually hidden on a side seam for discreet access.
- Snaps – Simple plastic button closures. Offer easy access but are visible on the outer fabric.
- Hook & Loop – Velcro-like fabric closures that join when pressed together. Allow easy opening while keeping fill secure.
- Overlapping Envelope Back – A folding envelope-style closure along the back. Offers a simple hidden opening without fasteners.
- Button & Loop – Small cloth loops on the front slip over fabric button tabs on the back. Easy to open while looking decorative.
No Closure – Some pillows have permanently sewn seams with no closures for accessibility. This offers a smoother look but no way to adjust fill.
Zippers or hook and loop closures provide the best balance of fill access, security, and discreet aesthetics. Just be sure any visible closures coordinate well with your pillow’s design.
Questions and Answers
What are the standard bed pillow sizes?
The most common bed pillow sizes are 20”x26” (standard size), 20”x28” (queen size), and 20”x36” (king size). Euro pillows are larger at 26”x26”. Body pillows can range from 3 to over 4 feet long for full body support.
How many pillows should you have on a bed?
It’s recommended to have at least 2 pillows per person on a bed. Optimal support can be achieved with a stack of 2 to 4 pillows – 1 or 2 for head/neck support and 1 or 2 additional pillows for back, knee, or arm comfort and alignment.
What fill is best for allergies?
Memory foam, latex and polyester pillows are the best options for allergy sufferers since they are naturally hypoallergenic. Wool and kapok are also good choices that resist dust mites. Avoid pillows with feather or down fill if you have allergies.
Should you wash new pillows before use?
Yes, it’s recommended to launder new pillows before first use to freshen them up and remove any residual chemicals or odors from manufacturing and packaging. Just be sure to follow any included care instructions.
How often should you replace your pillows?
Most pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. Signs your pillows need replacement include visible wear, lumps or loss of shape, musty odors, and lack of support. Memory foam pillows may last slightly longer – up to 3 years with proper care.
What’s the difference between a pouf and a floor cushion?
A pouf is a small, lightweight ottoman usually filled with a soft filling like feathers or beads. Floor cushions are much larger, offer more support, and often incorporate firmer fills like dense foam. Poufs are for decoration while floor cushions can be used for lounging or casual seating.
Conclusion
With this overview of common pillow terminology, styles, fills, and fabrics, you now have the lingo to shop for cushions like a pro. Keep fill density, cover materials, shapes, and sizes in mind to find pillows that perfectly suit your personal comfort and decor needs. Don’t be afraid to fluff, flip, and arrange your cushions to create an inviting look that feels as good as it looks. Sweet pillow talk dreams!
