Pillow inserts, often overlooked in the realm of home decor, are as crucial to our comfort as a mattress on a bed frame. Furthermore, a high-quality pillow insert bestows your pillow with a designer aesthetic and a luxurious feel. Are you seeking a moldable insert that maintains its “V-shape”, or do you prefer a bouncier, more resilient option? In this guide, we'll delve into the advantages and drawbacks of various insert materials and suggest reliable sources where you can find the perfect inserts for your needs.
Where to get the perfect pillow inserts
For those of you who already have a clear preference for the type of pillow insert you're seeking, I'm pleased to offer recommendations for trusted sources with links where you can find the perfect inserts for Ciélle Home pillows sizes, whether you're in search of square, lumbar, or bolster pillow inserts. As a general rule, we recommend choosing inserts that are about 2" larger than your pillow covers.
Insert Type |
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Pillow Cover Size |
Down / Feather |
Down Alternative / Microfiber |
Polyester with Woven Cover |
Square 18x18" |
Ballard Design 20x20" Insert |
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Square 20x20" |
Ballard Design 22x22" Insert |
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Square 22x22" |
Ballard Design 24x24" Insert |
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Square 24x24" |
Ballard Design 26x26" Insert |
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Square 26x26" |
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Lumbar 14x20" |
Ballard Design 14x22" Insert |
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Lumbar 14x36" |
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Lumbar 12x48" |
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Special note for bolster pillows
At Ciélle Home, we proudly offer optional firm foam inserts for all our bolster pillow sizes, which range from small neckrolls to oversized kings. These upholstery-grade foam inserts provide firm to extra-firm support, enhancing both the comfort and the designer aesthetics of your bolster pillow.
Conversely, if you prefer a softer yet still bouncy option, we recommend bolster insert in down/feather or bolster insert in down alternative or Perma Soft from Pillowxpress. Please remember to order the appropriate insert size: a 7x18” insert for our 6x18” neckroll bolster, a 9x24” insert for the 8x24” twin bolster, a 9x36” insert for the 8x36” queen bolster, and a 9x48” insert for the 8x48” king bolster.
Comparing Key Types of Pillow Inserts
If you find yourself uncertain about which type of pillow inserts to select, I invite you to refer to the chart below, which provides a concise summary of the key characteristics of each option.
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Down/Feather Insert |
Down Alternative / Microfiber Insert |
Polyester Insert with Woven Cover |
Softness |
Relatively soft and crisp, with increased softness as the down content rises |
Soft and smooth |
Soft and smooth |
Bounciness |
Not bouncy. Needs frequent fluffing to retain its sumptuous appearance |
Bouncier compared to down/feather inserts |
Remarkably bouncy and resilient |
Moldability |
Ideal for decorative purposes, as it's moldable and maintains its V-shaped top |
Modest moldability, retains some V-shaped structure |
Typically lacks moldability and the ability to maintain a V-shaped top |
Support |
Limited support, tends to flatten and not regain shape easily |
Provides relatively good support for the head and back |
Offers excellent support for the head and back |
Cleaning |
Potential allergen due to dust mite accumulation; Requires professional cleaning |
Hypoallergenic; Generally washable |
Hypoallergenic; Generally washable |
Weight |
Medium weight, lending a substantial feel |
Light-medium weight |
Light weight |
Cost |
Generally more expensive, with higher down content leading to increased cost |
Typically more affordable |
Typically more affordable |
Other* |
Most contain less than 10% down and mostly feathers; Feathers may protrude from the cover over time. (Read below for the difference between down and feathers) |
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Let's break it down further: 'down' refers to the fine feathers located beneath a bird's outer, tougher plumage. These feathers are typically sourced from the bird's soft belly, where they provide exceptional insulation to maintain warmth. Down fibers are known for their light and fluffy nature and their absence of quills. Conversely, 'feathers' are what you likely picture as the more common bird plumage, featuring a central spine with fibers or hairs fanning out to create the recognizable leaf-like shape. Due to its relative scarcity, down is much pricier than feathers.
In My Opinion...
When considering all these factors, my recommendation often leans towards opting for down alternative or high-quality polyester inserts rather than traditional down/feather fillings. After all, your decorative throw pillows don't need to provide insulation and warmth like comforters do. So, why not choose options that are low-maintenance while still offering the desired look and feel?
Cielle Song
The founder of Ciélle Home, a self-taught textile designer turned entrepreneur, embarked on her creative journey with a fervent passion for crafting exceptional soft furnishing goods. In 2022, she transformed her artistic vision into reality by establishing Ciélle Home that resonates with elegance and comfort. Prior to that, she was a CPA and worked at Goldman Sachs for six years. This career transition underscores her unwavering commitment to pursuing her true calling and translating her innate creativity into beautifully curated soft goods that enrich homes worldwide.
