Are Expensive Throw Pillows Worth It?

Throw pillows are a popular home decor item, with the average American household spending around $9.60 per year on throw pillows and other decorative pillows (source). Despite the prevalence of throw pillows, many wonder if investing in more expensive designer throw pillows is really worth the extra cost compared to cheaper options. This article will analyze the key differences between inexpensive and high-end throw pillows across factors like materials, quality, design, environmental impact, and cost per use. By weighing the pros and cons, readers can determine if splurging on luxury throw pillows is a worthwhile investment for their home.

Price Comparison

The price range for throw pillows is quite vast, with inexpensive options starting around $5-10 and high-end designer pillows costing over $100 or more. On the lower end, discount stores like IKEA, Target and Walmart sell basic polyester pillows for as little as $5-15. These are very affordable but likely won’t last more than a year or two with regular use.

Mid-range pillows from stores like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and West Elm typically cost $25-60. These offer better quality fabrics like linen, velvet or wool blends, unique patterns and embroidered details. Expect them to last several years with care.

Luxury designer throw pillows from brands like Home Treasures, Kevin O’Brien Studio and Kravet can run $75 to over $200 per pillow. These use extremely high-end fabrics like silk, cashmere, mohair and Belgian linen. They often have intricate embroidery, beading, or hand-sewn details. With proper care, these pillows become family heirlooms that last for decades.

So while cheap throw pillows have an obvious price appeal, longer lifespan and better quality materials make the expensive ones an arguably better value over time. Paying more also gives access to exclusive, upscale designs.

“Average Cost of Throw Pillows,” Curated Interior, https://curatedinterior.com/english-country-throw-pillows.

Material Differences

The materials used can make a big difference between cheap and expensive throw pillows. Cheap pillows often use polyester or other synthetic down fills, while more expensive pillows use natural materials like real down, silk, wool, linen, velvet or chenille fabrics.

Polyester and other synthetic fills like microfiber are inexpensive and readily available. They are lightweight and easy to wash. However, they are not as soft, fluffy or durable over time compared to natural materials according to this source. Polyester pillows tend to get lumpy or flat over time.

Natural down filling, often from duck or goose feathers, provides exceptional softness and fluffiness in premium pillows. Down is breathable, durable, and provides cushioning. However, down pillows are more expensive. Silk, wool, linen, velvet and chenille are also luxurious natural fabrics often used in high-end throw pillows. According to this source, velvets and chenille are soft and comfortable choices.

Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of throw pillows can vary greatly depending on the materials used. Down-filled pillows are known for their softness and ability to “plump up”, but tend to flatten out over time and require more maintenance. Polyester pillows hold their shape better but may not feel as soft or luxurious initially.

Linen and cotton covers are breathable and get softer over time, but can pill or stain more easily. Wool, silk, and velvet look more luxurious but require dry cleaning. Performance fabrics like Sunbrella are designed to resist fading and withstand the elements. Handmade pillows often use higher quality fabrics and filling than mass-produced options.

Well-constructed pillows with reinforced seams will withstand daily use and last for years. Lower quality pillows may lose shape or come apart at the seams within a year. Down-filled pillows may need re-fluffing while polyfill lasts longer before compressing. Proper storage and care is key – regular fluffing, spot cleaning, rotating, and off-season storage can extend a pillow’s lifespan.

Overall, higher quality materials and craftsmanship lead to more durable, long-lasting throw pillows that justify a higher price point. But mass-produced pillows can still offer decent longevity at a lower cost.

Design and Style

Expensive throw pillows tend to have more intricate and unique designs compared to cheaper options. High-end designers put significant thought into the patterns, fabrics, textures, and visual appeal of their pillows. For example, luxury throw pillows may have hand-embroidered detailing, custom-printed fabrics, embellishments like beads or tassels, and coordinated piping or ruffles to finish the edges.

The overall aesthetic of premium throw pillows aims to elevate a space and reflect the owner’s personal style. Instead of basic geometric shapes or generic floral prints, expensive pillows exhibit creative patterns, artistic motifs, and on-trend colors. They transform from a household necessity to a decorative accent that demonstrates taste and artistry.

Luxury home brands also release throw pillow collections that follow current interior design styles. This allows high-end retailers to offer unique, fashion-forward pillows each season. From vintage bohemian to modern minimalist and everything in between, expensive throw pillows give consumers more options to find designs that perfectly complement their décor.

Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship of expensive designer throw pillows is vastly superior to cheaper mass-produced options. High-end pillows are often handmade with great attention to detail, using artisanal techniques perfected over many years. This level of skill and care results in pillows that are precisely constructed with neatly finished seams, intricate embroidery and applique work, and impeccable tailoring of the pillow cover (source).

In contrast, cheaper throw pillows are churned out quickly in factories using machines. Less care is taken in the construction, with rough seams, uneven stitching, and lower quality materials. The finished product often looks and feels flimsy. For those wanting pillows that will stand the test of time and become decorative showpieces, the craftsmanship of high-end designer brands is worth the splurge (source). Mass-produced pillows simply cannot compare to the artistry and durability of those made by skilled artisans.

Environmental Impact

When evaluating the environmental impact of throw pillows, one of the biggest considerations is the material used for filling. The two most common options are down filling from birds like geese or ducks, or synthetic polyester filling made from petroleum.

Down filling has faced scrutiny in the past for unethical sourcing practices, like live-plucking of feathers from birds. However, responsible down standards like the Responsible Down Standard now certify ethically sourced down where birds are never live-plucked or force-fed (source). Once sourced ethically, down filling is sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable.

On the other hand, polyester filling is made from non-renewable petroleum resources. Production of polyester emits significant greenhouse gases and the material never fully biodegrades. Studies show down pillows have a 85-97% lower environmental impact compared to synthetic polyester pillows across all sustainability metrics analyzed (source).

Therefore, ethically sourced down pillows are a more environmentally friendly choice over synthetic pillows. However, it’s important to ensure the down is certified responsibly sourced.

Cost Per Use

Since pillows need to be replaced every 1-2 years on average [1], calculating the cost per use can help determine if an expensive pillow is a good investment. For example, if a high-end pillow costs $100 and lasts 2 years before needing replacement, that’s about $0.14 per day of use. Compared to a budget pillow that costs $20 and lasts 1 year (<$0.06 per day), the premium pillow may seem expensive upfront but ends up costing only slightly more per day over its lifespan. The premium materials and quality construction lead to better sleep support and potentially outweigh the small difference in daily cost. However, those on a tight budget may determine the extra comfort is not worth 4x the upfront investment. Calculating cost per use for pillows of different price points can help find the sweet spot between quality, comfort, and affordability based on your budget and needs.

Resale Value

The resale value of luxury throw pillows depends on the designer brand, condition, material, and desirability. According to The RealReal, an authenticated luxury consignment retailer, designer throw pillows can retain significant value over time. For example, Hermès pillows in excellent condition have resold for over 50% of the original retail price. More common designer brands like Ralph Lauren and Lulu DK tend to have lower resale values around 20-30% of retail. Vintage or limited edition pillows also command higher prices. Materials like silk, velvet, leather and unique embroidered designs hold value better than synthetic materials and basic styles. The overall condition greatly impacts resale value – pillows that are stained, faded or show wear and tear will have little to no resale value. Proper care and storage is needed to maintain pristine condition. For those looking to invest in pillows as collectibles, focusing on iconic luxury brands can maximize potential resale value down the road.

Conclusion

In summary, whether expensive decorative pillows are worth the higher price tag depends on your priorities as a consumer. If longevity, premium materials, unique designs, and artisanal craftsmanship matter most, then splurging on pricier pillows could be a wise investment. The higher-end options are generally of better quality, hold their shape and appearance over time, and add a luxurious touch to any space. That said, cheaper pillows can still accent a room nicely while allowing you to refresh your decor frequently by purchasing new ones each season. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, décor goals, and how much value you place on pillows as decorative objects versus functional supporting items. Before making a purchase, think carefully about your needs and weigh the pros and cons.

The final verdict: expensive pillows may be worth it for some shoppers who appreciate fine details and see them as long-lasting furnishings. But there are also many affordable, attractive options for those wanting to switch up their style often or who don’t prioritize pillows as statement pieces. Consider your personal preferences and room needs to decide if premium prices are justified.