What Size Pillow Insert for 20×20 Cover

What Size Pillow Insert for 20×20 Cover

Are you scratching your head over what size pillow insert to get for your 20×20 cover? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This common question plagues many home decorators. Let’s dive into the world of pillow inserts and covers to help you create the perfect, cozy look for your space.

Quick Answer: For a 20×20 pillow cover, use a 22×22 insert for the best results. This slightly larger size ensures a full, plump appearance.

The Pillow Puzzle: Why Size Matters

Picture this: you’ve just bought a beautiful 20×20 pillow cover, excited to spruce up your living room. You pop in a 20×20 insert, only to find your pillow looking sad and deflated. What gives? The secret lies in the art of oversizing your insert.

Using a bigger insert than your cover might sound odd, but trust me, it’s the key to pillow perfection. It’s like giving your pillow a little extra oomph to stand proud and plump.

The Golden Rule of Pillow Inserts

Here’s a handy rule to remember: Go 2 inches bigger on each side. For a 20×20 cover, that means a 22×22 insert is your best bet. This extra size fills out the corners and gives your pillow that professional, magazine-worthy look.

My Pillow Epiphany: A Personal Story

Let me share a quick story. Last year, I was redecorating my den. I bought some gorgeous 20×20 covers with a fun, bold pattern. Excited, I rushed to the store and grabbed 20×20 inserts, thinking, “Perfect match!”

Boy, was I wrong. When I put them together, my pillows looked like deflated balloons. Disappointed, I did some digging and learned about the oversizing trick. I swapped out for 22×22 inserts, and bam! My pillows went from sad to fab in seconds. It was like magic!

Breaking Down the Numbers: Insert Sizes Explained

Let’s break this down with some common pillow sizes:

• 16×16 cover? Go for an 18×18 insert
• 18×18 cover? Grab a 20×20 insert
• 20×20 cover? You guessed it – 22×22 insert
• 24×24 cover? Yep, a 26×26 insert

See the pattern? Always go up by 2 inches on each side. It’s like giving your pillow a little breathing room to look its best.

Beyond Size: Other Factors to Consider

Fill Material: What’s Inside Counts

Size isn’t the only thing that matters. The stuff inside your insert plays a big role too. Let’s look at some common fill types:

• Down: Super soft and squishy, great for that luxury feel
• Polyester: Budget-friendly and easy to care for
• Memory foam: Firm support that holds its shape
• Feather: Classic and fluffy, but may poke through thin covers

Each type has its pros and cons. Think about how you’ll use the pillow. Is it for show, or will you be cuddling up with it every movie night?

Cover Material: The Outer Layer

Don’t forget about your cover material. Some fabrics, like velvet or thick cotton, might need a slightly smaller insert to avoid looking overstuffed. On the flip side, thinner materials might benefit from an even larger insert for a fuller look.

The Shape Game: Not All Pillows Are Square

While we’re focusing on 20×20 covers here, it’s worth mentioning that the same principles apply to other shapes too:

• Round pillows? Add 1-2 inches to the diameter
• Rectangular pillows? Add 2 inches to both length and width
• Bolsters? Go 1-2 inches longer and 1 inch wider in diameter

DIY Insert Sizing: Getting Crafty

Feeling crafty? You can actually make your own custom-sized insert! Here’s a quick guide:

1. Measure your cover
2. Add 2 inches to each measurement
3. Cut two pieces of fabric to this size
4. Sew three sides together
5. Stuff with your chosen fill material
6. Sew the final side closed

Voila! A perfect-fit insert that’s uniquely yours.

Pillow Care: Keeping Your Inserts in Shape

Now that you’ve got the right size insert, let’s talk about keeping it looking great:

• Fluff daily: Give your pillows a good shake and pat to redistribute the fill
• Sun them occasionally: Fresh air and sunlight can help prevent mustiness
• Follow care labels: Some inserts are machine washable, others aren’t
• Use pillow protectors: These can extend the life of your inserts

Mixing and Matching: Creating Pillow Harmony

Here’s a fun tip: mix up your pillow sizes for a designer look. Try this combo on a standard sofa:

• Two 22×22 inserts in 20×20 covers at each end
• Two 20×20 inserts in 18×18 covers in front
• One small lumbar pillow in the center

This creates depth and interest, making your space look professionally styled.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Perfect Pillows

Decorating on a budget? No problem! Here are some money-saving tricks:

• Buy insert sets in bulk for better prices
• Look for sales on high-quality inserts
• Use old pillows as stuffing for DIY inserts
• Rotate your covers seasonally instead of buying new pillows

Common Pillow Problems and Solutions

Let’s troubleshoot some common pillow issues:

• Flat pillows: Time for a larger insert or more stuffing
• Overstuffed look: Your insert might be too big; size down or remove some fill
• Lumpy appearance: Fluff and reshape, or consider replacing the insert
• Allergies acting up: Switch to hypoallergenic materials

The Environmental Angle: Eco-Friendly Inserts

For the eco-conscious decorator, consider these green options:

• Organic cotton fills
• Recycled polyester inserts
• Bamboo-derived rayon fills
• Buckwheat hull inserts (great for support!)

These options help reduce your carbon footprint while still looking great.

Wrapping It Up: Your Perfect Pillow Awaits

So, there you have it! The mystery of the perfect pillow insert size, solved. Remember, for your 20×20 cover, go for that 22×22 insert. It’s the sweet spot for that plump, professional look.

Pillows might seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in how your room feels. With the right insert, your pillows will look fuller, feel comfier, and last longer.

Ready to transform your space? Grab those 22×22 inserts for your 20×20 covers and watch your room come to life. Happy decorating!

Next Steps:

1. Measure your current pillow covers
2. Shop for inserts 2 inches larger on each side
3. Experiment with different fill types to find your perfect comfort level
4. Share your pillow makeover photos with friends and family!

Remember, the perfect pillow is just an insert away. Go forth and create your cozy corner of the world!