Cushion Fillers: Your Questions Answered

While we're predominantly known for our curtains, the second part of our name does tell you we also specialise in interiors.

Specially, we focus on the little flourishes that make all the difference when it comes to interior design. A carefully selected throw or pillow can create a cosy or ambient environment that begs you to spend time in it. This is why we often urge our clients to carefully consider their cushions and pillows. When we discuss pillows, we inevitably begin to discuss cushion fillers. Most people don't have any real filler reference points, so we get plenty of questions. We've compiled some of the most common questions to make this information more accessible.

What are cushion fillers?

Cushion fillers, cushion inserts or pillow inserts are the inner, supportive components of cushions or throw pillows. They provide the cushion with its shape, volume, and comfort. These fillers are typically placed inside a fabric cover, which is often decorative and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

Cushion fillers can be made from various materials, each offering different levels of support and comfort. The most common types of cushion fillers include:

1. Polyester Fill: This synthetic filling material is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and affordable. It provides a soft and plush feel but may flatten over time and require fluffing.
2. Feather Fill: Cushions filled with feathers, usually from ducks or geese, offer a luxurious and soft feel. They can be plumped up and reshaped easily, but they may require regular fluffing and are unsuitable for people with allergies.
3. Down Fill: Down is the fine, soft undercoating of feathers, known for its superior softness and insulation properties. Down-filled cushions are very soft and comfortable but can be expensive.
4. Foam Fill: High-density foam inserts provide excellent support and maintain their shape over time. They come in various firmness levels, making them suitable for seating and decorative cushions.
5. Memory Foam Fill: Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that conforms to the body's shape. It is known for its comfort and pressure-relieving properties, making it a popular choice for cushions for back support or added comfort.
6. Polyfill: Polyfill, short for polyester fiberfill, is a synthetic filling made of polyester fibres. It balances softness and support and is often used in decorative throw pillows.
7. Wool Fill: Wool-filled cushion inserts provide natural insulation and moisture-wicking properties. They are durable and offer a comfortable, medium-firm feel.

The choice of cushion filler depends on your preferences for comfort, support, and allergies, as well as the intended use of the cushion. For decorative throw pillows, softer fillers like polyester or polyfill are common. For seating cushions, you may prefer foam or memory foam for better support and durability. Feathers and down are often chosen for luxurious and cosy cushions.

 Should cushion inserts be bigger than a cover?

As a general guideline, it's recommended that the cushion insert should be 1-2 inches larger than the cushion cover. This ensures a full and well-maintained appearance, ensuring the cushion is adequately filled and comfortable. It's important to note that cushion inserts may vary in size due to the brand and the filling they use.

How do I choose cushion fillers?

A cushion insert that is too small for the cushion cover will make the cushion look flat and low-quality. A cushion insert larger than the cushion cover will fill it and give it a plump and luxurious appearance. This is the effect you want to achieve with your cushion insert. Therefore, you should choose an insert size bigger than the cover size.

Still, have questions on cushion fillers? Then please get in contact with our workshop today.