The best fabric for throw pillows depends on where they’ll live and how you use them. For high-traffic living rooms or family rooms where kids and pets are active, you need something tough. Look for fabrics with a high rub count (measured in Martindale or Wyzenbeek). A count of 15,000 or more is generally good for residential use, but 30,000+ is ideal for durability. Polyester, performance fabrics, and certain blends often excel here.
If your throw pillows are mostly for show on a formal sofa or a bed in a low-traffic area, you have more flexibility. You can opt for delicate fabrics like silk or certain velvets that offer a luxurious feel and appearance. Consider the texture: a nubby linen provides a casual vibe, while a smooth satin feels more elegant.
Understand fabric types and their pros and cons
You’ll encounter many fabric options. Knowing their characteristics helps you pick wisely.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that’s breathable, soft, and versatile. It takes dye well, offering a wide range of colors and patterns. However, 100% cotton can wrinkle, fade in direct sunlight, and may not be the most stain-resistant option without a performance treatment.
- Pros: Breathable, soft, natural, good for printing.
- Cons: Wrinkles easily, can fade, not inherently stain-resistant.
- Best for: Everyday use, casual settings, printed designs. Consider a cotton blend for added durability.
Linen
Linen is another natural fiber known for its strength and breathability. It has a beautiful, slightly slubby texture that adds depth and a relaxed feel to a room. Linen wrinkles very easily, which some people find part of its charm, giving it a lived-in look. It’s also more durable than cotton.
- Pros: Strong, breathable, unique texture, drapes well.
- Cons: Wrinkles significantly, can be more expensive, may not be ideal for very formal settings.
- Best for: Coastal, farmhouse, or bohemian decor. Good for a more relaxed, upscale look.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that’s highly durable, resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkles. It’s also excellent at resisting stains and fading. While 100% polyester can sometimes feel less luxurious than natural fibers, modern polyester blends often mimic the feel of natural materials very well.
- Pros: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, affordable.
- Cons: Less breathable than natural fibers, can sometimes feel less premium.
- Best for: High-traffic areas, homes with pets and children, outdoor use (specific types).
Velvet
Velvet offers a plush, luxurious feel and a rich sheen. It can be made from silk, cotton, polyester, or rayon. Polyester velvets are very durable and stain-resistant, making them a practical choice for statement pillows. Silk and rayon velvets are more delicate and best suited for low-use areas.
- Pros: Luxurious look and feel, deep color saturation, can be very durable (especially polyester).
- Cons: Can show crushing or wear marks if not cared for, some types are delicate.
- Best for: Adding a touch of opulence, formal living rooms, bedrooms. Check out our velvet decor pillows guide.
Performance Fabrics
These are often polyester or acrylic blends engineered for extreme durability, stain resistance, and fade resistance. Brands like Sunbrella or Crypton are popular. They are ideal for outdoor pillows or indoor pillows in demanding environments.
- Pros: Highly durable, water-repellent, stain-proof, fade-proof, easy to clean.
- Cons: Can sometimes feel stiff or less natural, often more expensive upfront.
- Best for: Outdoor furniture, children’s rooms, kitchens, pet-friendly homes.
Blends
Combining fibers like cotton-polyester or linen-rayon can offer the best of both worlds. For example, a cotton-polyester blend can provide the softness of cotton with the wrinkle resistance and durability of polyester.
- Pros: Can balance desirable qualities like softness, durability, and wrinkle resistance.
- Cons: Properties depend heavily on the ratio of fibers.
- Best for: A balanced choice for most situations.
Consider the pillow’s purpose and location
A pillow that lives on your covered porch needs different fabric properties than one destined for a formal living room sofa.
Indoor use
- High-traffic areas (living room, family room): Prioritize durability and ease of cleaning. Look for fabrics with high rub counts, stain resistance, and fade resistance. Performance fabrics, durable polyester blends, and treated cottons are good choices.
- Low-traffic areas (guest room, formal sitting room): You can choose more delicate or luxurious fabrics like silk, fine linen, or plush velvets. Appearance and feel are key here.
- Children’s rooms: Durability, washability, and hypoallergenic properties are paramount. Cotton blends, sturdy polyesters, and washable performance fabrics are recommended.
Outdoor use
Outdoor throw pillows require fabrics specifically designed to withstand UV rays, moisture, and mildew. Look for 100% acrylic or polyester fabrics treated for outdoor use. These are often water-repellent and fade-resistant.
Size, shape, and construction matter
The fabric choice can also influence how a pillow drapes and holds its shape. Heavy fabrics like thick canvas or durable wool might be too stiff for small accent pillows but work well for larger floor cushions. Lighter fabrics like silk or chiffon might require a firmer insert to maintain their shape.
If you’re planning to make your own throw pillows, consider the weight and drape of the fabric. A fabric that’s too thick can be difficult to sew, especially for beginners. For ready-made pillows, the construction—like piping, tassels, or embroidery—should complement the fabric choice.
For more on choosing pillows that last, see our guide on choosing decorating throw pillows that last.
Special considerations for fabric throw pillows
Washability
How easy is it to clean the fabric? Check the care label. Some fabrics can be machine washed, while others require spot cleaning or professional dry cleaning. If you have pets, children, or tend to eat on the sofa, machine-washable fabrics like cotton blends or certain polyesters are essential.
Durability and wear
Consider how the fabric will hold up over time. Will it pill (form small balls of fiber)? Will the color fade? Will it snag easily? High-quality synthetics and tightly woven natural fibers tend to wear better.
Allergies
If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, opt for hypoallergenic fabrics. Natural fibers like organic cotton or linen are often good choices, but ensure they are free from harsh dyes or chemical treatments. Hypoallergenic polyester fill is also available for pillow inserts.
Texture and feel
The tactile experience is important. Do you want something soft and cozy, or something with a more textured, natural feel? This is subjective and depends on the desired ambiance. A plush velvet offers a different sensory experience than a crisp linen.
Style and color
The fabric’s color, pattern, and texture should align with your overall decor. Bold patterns can make a statement, while solid colors or subtle textures can provide a grounding element. Consider how the fabric will interact with other elements in the room, such as curtains, rugs, and wall color. For specific color ideas, explore options like plum accent pillows.
DIY versus buying pre-made
If you’re crafty, making your own throw pillows can be cost-effective and allow for complete customization. You can choose from an endless array of fabrics. However, buying pre-made pillows offers convenience and often professional finishing. Ensure that any pre-made pillows you buy use quality materials and construction, as outlined in our buyer’s guide to throw pillow pillows.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t choose a delicate fabric like silk for a heavily used sofa. It will wear out quickly and look shabby. Avoid untreated natural fibers for outdoor use; they will mildew and fade rapidly. Ensure you have the correct pillow insert size and density for your chosen fabric and desired look—a fabric that’s too flimsy needs a firmer insert to avoid sagging.
For those looking to enhance wall aesthetics, explore how fabric can be used differently. Our guide on fabric wall covering options offers insights into a related application.