How to Choose the Right Pillow Insert Size for 16×16, 17×17, 18×18, and 24×24 Covers

Choose an insert 1-2 inches larger than your cover. For a 16×16 cover, use an 18×18 insert.

Choosing the right pillow insert size is crucial for both comfort and aesthetics. A well-fitted insert ensures your pillow looks plush and inviting. It prevents sagging and maintains the pillow’s shape over time. Inserts that are too small can make the pillow appear flat and unattractive.

Conversely, too large inserts might strain the seams and cause discomfort. Opting for an insert slightly larger than the cover, generally by 1-2 inches, creates a fuller, more luxurious look.

Why Choosing The Right Pillow Insert Size Matters

Understanding why the right pillow insert size matters will help you make better choices for your home decor and personal comfort.

Impact Of Insert Size On Pillow Shape And Comfort

The size of the pillow insert directly influences the pillow’s shape and comfort. If the insert is too small, the pillow appears flat and uninviting. On the other hand, an insert that’s too large can make the pillow look overstuffed and bulky.

Key impacts of using the right insert size include:

• Maintaining Pillow Shape: A correctly sized insert keeps the pillow looking full and well-formed.
• Comfort: The right insert offers proper support for your head and neck, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
• Durability: Proper sizing prevents unnecessary wear and tear, extending the pillow’s lifespan.

For example, a 16×16 cover needs a 17×17 insert for a plump look. This slight difference ensures the pillow fills out the cover without being too tight or loose.

Pillow Cover Size	Recommended Insert Size
16×16	17×17
17×17	18×18
18×18	20×20
24×24	26×26

Aesthetic And Functional Benefits Of Proper Sizing

Proper pillow insert sizing offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. A well-sized insert helps the pillow maintain its shape and look elegant.

Aesthetic benefits include:

• Visual Appeal: A correctly filled pillow looks inviting and enhances your decor.
• Consistency: Matching insert sizes create a uniform look across all your pillows.

Functional benefits include:

• Support: Properly sized inserts provide the right amount of support for your head, neck, and back.
• Longevity: Using the right insert size reduces strain on the pillow cover, making it last longer.

For example, a 24×24 cover with a 26×26 insert looks plush and offers excellent support. This combination is ideal for both decorative and functional purposes, ensuring your pillows are both beautiful and comfortable.

Understanding Pillow Insert Sizing Basics

The right insert ensures your pillows look plush and feel comfortable. Let’s dive into the essentials to make the best choice for your home decor.

How Pillow Inserts Differ From Pillow Covers

Pillow inserts and pillow covers serve different purposes. Pillow covers are the decorative fabric cases that you see and touch. They come in various designs and materials. Pillow inserts, on the other hand, are the internal components that provide shape and comfort. They are usually filled with down, feathers, or synthetic materials.

Key differences include:

• Material: Covers are made from fabrics like cotton, linen, or velvet. Inserts are filled with materials like down, feathers, or polyester.
• Function: Covers are for aesthetics and easy cleaning. Inserts provide support and comfort.
• Size: Cover sizes are exact. Insert sizes are usually slightly larger to ensure a full look.

For example, a 16×16 cover should have a 17×17 or 18×18 insert to look full and not saggy. Inserts need to be slightly larger to fill out the corners and maintain a plump appearance.

General Rule Of Thumb For Choosing Insert Sizes

The general rule of thumb for choosing pillow insert sizes is to select inserts that are 1-2 inches larger than the pillow covers. This rule helps achieve a fuller, more luxurious look. Let’s break it down for common pillow cover sizes:

Pillow Cover Size	Recommended Insert Size
16×16	17×17 or 18×18
17×17	18×18 or 19×19
18×18	19×19 or 20×20
24×24	25×25 or 26×26

For instance, if you have an 18×18 pillow cover, choose a 19×19 or 20×20 insert. This ensures the pillow looks plump and inviting. Avoid using inserts that are the same size as the cover. They may look flat and less appealing.

Remember, larger inserts create a more inviting and luxurious look. Smaller inserts can make pillows appear saggy and under-filled. Always aim for a snug fit. It not only looks better but also provides better support.

Choosing The Right Pillow Insert For 16×16 Covers

This section focuses on finding the right pillow insert for 16×16 covers.

Ideal Insert Size For A 16×16 Pillow Cover

For a 16×16 pillow cover, the ideal insert size can make a significant difference. Using the right size ensures that your pillow looks plush and inviting. Generally, the best practice is to use an insert that is 1-2 inches larger than the cover size. So, for a 16×16 cover, you should choose an insert that is 17×17 or 18×18.

Here’s a quick reference:

Pillow Cover Size	Ideal Insert Size
16×16	17×17 or 18×18

Using a larger insert ensures that your pillow cover is filled out completely. This prevents any sagging or flat spots, making your pillow look more appealing. A 17×17 insert will give a slightly full look, while an 18×18 insert will give a very plump and firm appearance.

Benefits of using a larger insert:

• Creates a fuller, more luxurious look
• Helps maintain the shape of the pillow
• Improves overall comfort

Tips For Achieving A Full, Fluffy Look With 16×16 Inserts

Achieving a full, fluffy look for your 16×16 pillow cover is easy with the right tips. First, always choose a high-quality pillow insert. Low-quality inserts can lose their shape quickly and may not fill out the cover properly.

Here are some tips to help you get that perfect fluffy look:

1. Choose a Down or Down-Alternative Insert: These types of inserts are known for their plushness and ability to retain shape.
2. Fluff Your Pillow Regularly: Give your pillow a good fluff every few days to maintain its fullness.
3. Use an Insert That is 2 Inches Larger: As mentioned, using an 18×18 insert for a 16×16 cover ensures maximum fullness.
4. Consider the Fabric: Stiffer fabrics can make your pillow look fuller, while softer fabrics may need a bit more help.
5. Check the Filling: Make sure the filling is evenly distributed within the insert. Adjust it as needed to avoid any lumps.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your 16×16 pillow cover always looks its best. A well-filled pillow not only enhances the look of your space but also provides better comfort and support.

Selecting The Perfect Insert For 17×17 Pillow Covers

Let’s dive into the specifics of selecting the perfect insert for 17×17 pillow covers.

How To Pick The Correct Insert For 17×17 Covers

Choosing the right insert for a 17×17 pillow cover is crucial for achieving a plush and full look. A common rule of thumb is to choose an insert that is 1-2 inches larger than the pillow cover. This ensures your pillow looks full and inviting.

• For a 17×17 cover, opt for an 18×18 or 19×19 insert.
• An 18×18 insert will give a firm and full look, while a 19×19 insert will be extra plump.

Consider the fill material:

• Down or feather inserts offer a luxurious and soft feel.
• Synthetic or foam inserts provide more structure and firmness.

Below is a table summarizing the recommended insert sizes for different cover sizes:

Pillow Cover Size	Recommended Insert Size
16×16	17×17 or 18×18
17×17	18×18 or 19×19
18×18	19×19 or 20×20
24×24	25×25 or 26×26

Common Mistakes To Avoid With 17×17 Pillow Inserts

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your pillow looks and feels great:

• Using an insert that is too small: This results in a saggy and deflated look. Always choose a slightly larger insert.
• Overstuffing with too large of an insert: While a larger insert is good, going too big can damage the pillow cover.
• Ignoring the fill material: Not all inserts are created equal. Choose the right fill material based on the desired comfort level.

Do not overlook the quality of the insert. A high-quality insert will last longer and maintain its shape better. Below is a quick checklist to avoid these mistakes:

1. Measure your pillow cover accurately.
2. Choose an insert 1-2 inches larger.
3. Select the right fill material.
4. Ensure the insert is of high quality.

Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of comfort and aesthetics for your 17×17 pillow covers.

The Best Insert Size For 18×18 Pillow Covers

For 18×18 pillow covers, getting the best insert size is crucial for a comfortable and attractive finish.

Finding The Right Balance Between Insert And Cover For 18×18 Pillows

For an 18×18 pillow cover, the right balance between the insert and the cover is key. An insert that is too small will make the pillow look flat and underwhelming. On the other hand, an insert that is too big may not fit or could make the pillow look overstuffed.

The ideal insert size for an 18×18 pillow cover is usually 20×20 inches. This size provides a snug fit, making the pillow look full and plush without being too tight.

Here are some reasons why a 20×20 inch insert works best:

• Fullness: A larger insert fills out the cover, giving a luxurious look.
• Shape: It helps maintain the pillow’s shape over time.
• Comfort: A fuller pillow offers better support for your back and neck.

Consider the material of the insert as well. Down or down-alternative inserts offer a soft and fluffy feel, while foam inserts provide more firmness. Choose according to your comfort preference.

How To Avoid Overstuffing Or Understuffing An 18×18 Pillow

Overstuffing or understuffing your pillow can lead to discomfort and a less appealing look. Here are some tips to avoid these issues:

For Overstuffing:

1. Measure the Cover: Ensure your pillow cover is precisely 18×18 inches.
2. Choose the Right Insert: Stick to a 20×20 inch insert for optimal fullness.
3. Test the Fit: Place the insert inside the cover to check for any tightness.

If the insert is too tight, it may cause the seams of the cover to stretch or tear.

For Understuffing:

1. Check the Insert Size: Avoid using inserts smaller than 18×18 inches.
2. Fill the Corners: Make sure the insert fills all corners of the cover.
3. Adjust the Insert: Fluff the insert before placing it in the cover to distribute filling evenly.

Using the right insert size ensures your 18×18 pillow covers look their best and provide the comfort you need.

What To Know About 24×24 Pillow Inserts

This guide will help you navigate the specifics, especially focusing on what to know about 24×24 pillow inserts.

Correct Insert Size For Large 24×24 Pillow Covers

For large 24×24 pillow covers, using the correct insert size ensures a full and plush appearance. A common rule of thumb is to use an insert that is 2 inches larger than the pillow cover. Therefore, for a 24×24 pillow cover, a 26×26 pillow insert is ideal.

Here are some benefits of using a larger insert:

• Fuller appearance: A larger insert fills out the corners, creating a plump look.
• Enhanced comfort: More filling provides better support for lounging or sleeping.
• Luxurious feel: The extra fluff makes the pillow feel more high-end.

To summarize, use the following table for reference:

Pillow Cover Size	Recommended Insert Size
24×24 inches	26×26 inches

Tips For Filling Oversized Pillow Covers For A Luxurious Look

Filling oversized pillow covers can be tricky, but these tips will help you achieve a luxurious look:

Choose High-Quality Inserts: Opt for inserts with high down or feather content for a plush feel. Synthetic fills can also work but may not offer the same luxury.

• Fluff Regularly: Fluff your pillows daily to maintain their shape and fullness.
• Layer Inserts: For added volume, you can use two inserts, one slightly smaller than the other.
• Distribute Filling Evenly: Make sure the filling is evenly distributed to avoid lumps and uneven surfaces.

Additionally, consider the fabric of your pillow cover. Thicker fabrics can hold their shape better and appear more luxurious. If using thinner fabrics, ensure the insert is very full to prevent a saggy appearance.

Remember, the key to a luxurious look is a combination of the right insert size, high-quality materials, and regular maintenance.

Choosing The Right Pillow Insert For 12×20 Covers

Understanding the correct size and tips for fluffing your pillow insert will ensure your cushions look inviting and feel cozy.

Ideal Insert Size For A 12×20 Pillow Cover

For a 12×20 pillow cover, the ideal insert size is slightly larger than the cover itself. This ensures a snug fit, giving your pillow a fuller, more luxurious appearance. Using an insert that is 1-2 inches larger is generally recommended. Here’s a quick guideline:

• 12×20 Cover: Use a 14×22 insert for optimal fullness.

Choosing a larger insert prevents the pillow from looking flat and underfilled. A well-filled pillow not only looks more appealing but also provides better support and comfort.

Pillow Cover Size	Recommended Insert Size
12×20	14×22

When selecting an insert, consider the material as well. Feather and down inserts offer a plush, high-end look but require regular fluffing. Polyester inserts are more affordable and hypoallergenic but may not provide the same level of plushness.

Tips For Achieving The Perfect Fluff With 12×20 Inserts

Achieving the perfect fluff for your 12×20 pillow insert involves a few simple steps. Fluffing helps maintain the pillow’s shape and comfort. Here are some effective tips:

• Manual Fluffing: Hold the pillow insert at both ends and push in and out several times. This redistributes the filling evenly.
• Daily Maintenance: Give your pillows a quick fluff each day to keep them looking their best.
• Shake and Pat: Shake the pillow vigorously and pat the sides to remove any clumps.

For feather and down inserts, consider these additional steps:

1. Use a Dryer: Place the insert in the dryer with a few clean tennis balls. Dry on low heat for 15 minutes to restore fluffiness.
2. Sun Exposure: Occasionally, place the pillow in the sun for a few hours. The heat helps the feathers regain their loft.

Regular maintenance ensures your pillows remain plush and inviting. A well-fluffed pillow enhances both the look and comfort of your living space.