What Is The Most Popular Throw Pillow Size?

Throw pillows are small, decorative pillows that add comfort and style to sofas, beds, and other furniture. Unlike regular bed pillows, throw pillows are not used for sleeping on. Instead, they serve mainly aesthetic purposes, providing pops of color, texture, and visual interest to living spaces. Throw pillows come in a huge variety of sizes, from petite 12″ square pillows to giant floor pillows over 3 feet long. This allows people to choose throw pillow dimensions based on their furniture size and personal style. Among the many throw pillow sizes available, a few standard dimensions tend to be the most popular choices for home decor.

Throw Pillow Basics

Throw pillows, also known as decorative pillows, serve both aesthetic and functional purposes in home decor. Unlike regular bed pillows, throw pillows are primarily decorative accent pieces that add comfort, color, and visual interest to sofas, beds, chairs, and other furniture.

Throw pillows help make seating more comfortable by providing extra cushioning and back support. Their removable covers also allow for easy cleaning and seasonal style updates. By mixing colors, patterns, textures and shapes, throw pillows provide an easy way to complement a room’s existing decor or add a pop of color.

Unlike bed pillows which see daily use, most throw pillows serve mainly as decorative accessories. Their removable covers have hidden zippers, making them easy to take on and off for cleaning. With the wide array of throw pillow styles and fabrics available today, they have become a popular way to inexpensively refresh the look of a room.

Standard Pillow Sizes

Throw pillows come in a variety of standard square and rectangular sizes. Some of the most common square sizes are 12″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, and 24″ (Source). Rectangular sizes like 12″x16″, 12″x18″, 12″x20″, and 14″x24″ are also popular (Source). Round and bolster shaped throw pillows provide yet another option for decor.

12″ Square

At just 12 inches per side, the 12″ square throw pillow is one of the smallest standard sizes (Source). Its compact dimensions make it a great option for adding a pop of color or texture without taking up much space. The 12″ square works particularly well for chair cushions and other tight areas where a larger pillow might overwhelm the furnishings.

Despite its small size, the 12″ square throw pillow can still make a statement and bring visual interest to a room. This versatile size provides flexibility in design and can be mixed and matched with other pillow sizes for a coordinated yet eclectic look. For those short on space but wanting to incorporate stylish pillows, the 12″ square is a perfect solution.

16″ Square

The 16″ square throw pillow is on the smaller side of standard pillow sizes. At 16″ x 16″, it’s well-suited for apartment sofas, loveseats, and smaller seating areas where you want pillows to fit neatly without overwhelming the furniture. This versatile size makes it easy to mix and match different 16″ throw pillows to create coordinated yet eclectic arrangements. Designers often recommend a combination of square and rectangular throw pillows in a space, and the 16″ square is a foundational size that pairs nicely with many longer rectangular options.

16″ square throw pillows strike a nice balance between providing comfort and visual interest, without going overboard on size. They add a decorator’s touch to livening up a sofa or bed, while still leaving ample seating and sleeping space. This versatility and flexibility contributes to the enduring popularity of the 16″ size among throw pillow shoppers and interior designers alike.

Sources:

https://www.royalfurnish.com/throw-pillows?filtersize=16%22+x+16%22+Inch

18″ Square

The 18″ square throw pillow is considered a mid-range size that’s not too big or small. With dimensions of 18″ x 18″, it balances well with other pillows on sofas by providing good proportions. This versatile size can be mixed and matched easily with standard 12″, 16″, 20″, 22″ and 24″ pillows depending on personal style and décor.

Many interior designers recommend 18″ square throw pillows because they provide good lumbar support when lounging on sofas or beds. The larger surface area and square shape allow the pillow to tuck neatly behind lower backs. This makes 18″ pillows a popular choice for enhancing comfort.

According to Bed Bath and Beyond, 18″ is among their top-selling throw pillow sizes. The retailer carries a wide selection of 18″ square pillows in various colors, fabrics and fills to suit any décor.

20″ Square

One of the most popular standard sizes for throw pillows is the 20″ square. At this size, the pillow provides substantial decorative impact that can significantly change the look and feel of a sofa or bed. The 20″ square pillow is big enough to be useful for resting arms, propping up backs, and laying heads, while still being an appropriate proportional size for most furniture. This versatility and visual prominence makes the 20″ square one of the best selling and most commonly used throw pillow dimensions on the market.

22″ Square

22-inch square throw pillows are towards the larger end of standard sizes. With measurements of 22 inches wide by 22 inches long, they make a bold statement when used on beds, sofas, and chairs.

The larger dimensions offer ample support for people’s backs and necks when sitting. The substantial size allows the pillow to be leaned on comfortably without seeming skimpy.

Some homes decorate with a pair of 22-inch square pillows on sofas or beds for a balanced, symmetrical look. The generous size allows for eye-catching designs and patterns.

Custom-made 22-inch throw pillows can be found at stores like Hampton’s Furniture starting around $395.

24″ Square

The 24-inch square throw pillow is the largest of the common square sizes. With its generous proportions, it makes a dramatic decorative statement and can anchor the look of a sofa or bed.

According to Target, 24-inch throw pillows are “oversized” and create “a bold, luxurious feel” (https://www.target.com/s/24+inch+throw+pillows). Their ample surface area allows for bolder print designs and provides maximum support for lounging or leaning against them to watch TV or read.

As French Country Furniture notes, 24-inch throw pillows are “large and in charge” (https://www.frenchcountryfurnitureusa.com/24-inch-throw-pillows/). Their substantial size makes them perfectly suited for large sofas and sectionals where smaller pillows would get lost.

For many decorators, the 24-inch square throw pillow hits the sweet spot between being big enough to command attention but not so oversized as to overwhelm. Their generous proportions make them popular choices for both contemporary and traditional home decors.

Conclusion

When it comes to the most popular throw pillow sizes, the smaller 12″ and 16″ square sizes tend to be the most commonly used. The 12″ size provides a nice accent pop of color and texture without taking up too much visual space, while the 16″ size offers a bit more presence and luxury. These compact square shapes can easily be mixed and matched with all styles of decor.

Larger sizes like 18″, 20″ and 22″ are popular for sofas and beds, as they provide ample comfort and support. The oversized 24″ pillows make a dramatic decorative statement, but may not be as versatile. The choice ultimately comes down to personal style, furniture dimensions, and desired aesthetic.

When mixing throw pillow sizes in a common space or seating area, it’s generally best to limit the selection to 2 or 3 coordinated sizes for a tidy, curated appearance. Varying the pillows in terms of color, pattern and texture creates interest while maintaining a cohesive look. Arrange the pillows with larger back cushions and smaller front cushions for balance and comfort.