Finding the right size insert for a 12×20 pillow cover is a common question. Getting the correct fit makes all the difference in how your pillow looks and feels. A pillow that’s too small will look slouchy and underfilled, while one that’s too big will be overstuffed and strained. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get that perfect, professional-looking plump every single time.
What Size Insert For 12×20 Pillow Cover
The standard and recommended answer is to use a 14×22 inch pillow insert. This is the industry standard for achieving a full, luxurious look. The insert should be 2 to 4 inches larger in both dimensions than the cover. For a 12×20 cover, this means an insert measuring 14×22 inches is your ideal choice. This size difference ensures the cover is completely filled out with no empty corners.
Why a Bigger Insert is Better
You might think the insert should match the cover size exactly. But in the world of decorative pillows, that actually leads to a flat, sad result. Here’s why sizing up is the golden rule:
- Fullness and Plumpness: The extra volume of the insert pushes against the fabric of the cover, creating that desirable, inviting plumpness.
- No Sagging: A correctly sized insert eliminates wrinkles and sagging in the cover, giving a crisp, tailored appearance.
- Shape Retention: Overstuffed inserts help the pillow maintain its shape better over time, even after lots of use.
- Professional Finish: This is the technique used by interior designers and high-end home decor brands to make pillows look expensive.
What If You Prefer a Softer Look?
Personal preference always matters. If you like a softer, more relaxed pillow that’s easier to squish, you have options. You can choose an insert that is only 1-2 inches larger, like a 13×21 inch size. Alternatively, you can select a 14×22 insert but choose one filled with a less-dense material, like a standard polyester fiber. Down or down-alternative inserts will be very plush at the 14×22 size, so for a softer feel, you might need to drop down to a 13×21.
Pillow Insert Fill Materials Explained
The material inside your insert drastically changes the final look and feel. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Polyester Fiberfill
This is the most common and affordable option. It’s hypoallergenic and machine washable. Fiberfill inserts can range from soft to firm based on how densely they are stuffed. They are a great, budget-friendly choice for achieving the full look with a 14×22 insert.
Down and Feather Blends
Down (the soft undercoating of waterfowl) is the gold standard for luxury. It offers exceptional softness, loft, and moldability. Down/feather blends (often 80/20 or 70/30) are more common and provide a good balance of support and price. These inserts in a 14×22 size will give a very luxurious, high-end feel. They require fluffing and are not suitable for those with severe allergies.
Down Alternative
These are synthetic fills designed to mimic the feel of down. They are hypoallergenic, often machine washable, and more affordable than real down. A down alternative 14×22 insert will give you a similar plumpness without the allergens or higher cost.
Memory Foam
For very structured, supportive pillows (like for a bed or lower back support), memory foam inserts are used. For a 12×20 decorative cover, a foam insert would need to be cut to the exact interior dimensions (12×20) or slightly smaller, as foam does not compress in the same way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring and Choosing
Follow these simple steps to ensure you get the perfect insert everytime.
- Measure Your Cover Accurately: Lay the pillow cover flat. Use a fabric tape measure to measure the width and length from seam to seam. Confirm it is 12×20 inches. Always measure the inside dimensions if possible.
- Apply the Size-Up Rule: Add 2 to 4 inches to each of your cover’s dimensions. For a 12×20 cover, your target insert size is 14×22 inches (adding 2 inches to each side).
- Consider Your Fill Preference: Decide if you want a firm, plump look (dense polyester or down) or a softer look (less dense fiber or a slightly smaller insert).
- Check the Insert’s “Actual” Size: Before buying, read product descriptions carefully. Some inserts are labeled by the cover size they are intended for (e.g., “for a 12×20 cover”) but are physically larger. Look for the actual insert dimensions.
- Read Reviews: Customer photos and reviews are invaluable. They often show how the insert looks inside a cover, revealing its true fullness and quality.
Where to Buy 14×22 Pillow Inserts
This specific size is widely available because it’s a standard pairing for 12×20 covers. You can find them at:
- Home Goods Stores: Like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock have vast selections with many filter options.
- Craft Stores: Joann Fabrics and Michaels often carry basic insert sizes.
- Specialty Online Shops: Sites like Pillowflex or The Company Store focus specifically on pillow inserts and covers.
How to Insert the Pillow Correctly
Getting a large insert into a smaller cover can be tricky. Here’s the best method:
- Lay the cover inside-out on a flat surface.
- Roll or fold the pillow insert as tightly as you can, like a sleeping bag.
- With the cover’s opening facing you, start pushing the rolled insert into the cover, focusing on getting the corners in first.
- Once the insert is fully inside, grab the two far corners of the insert through the fabric and shake vigorously. This helps it unfurl and settle.
- Fluff and pat the pillow into shape, ensuring the insert’s corners align with the cover’s corners.
Troubleshooting Common Fit Problems
My Pillow Still Looks Flat
If you’re using a 14×22 insert and the pillow looks underfilled, the insert’s fill is likely not dense enough. The solution is to either:
- Add more fill: You can carefully open the insert’s inner seam and add a bag of polyester stuffing.
- Use a pillow pad: Place a smaller, firm foam pad inside the insert before putting it in the cover to add structure.
- Buy a higher quality, denser insert.
The Cover is Straining at the Seams
This means the insert is too large or too dense for the cover’s fabric. You can:
- Switch to a 13×21 insert.
- Remove some filling from your current insert to reduce its volume.
- Use a cover made from a fabric with more stretch, like a knit or a looser weave.
Corners Won’t Fill Out
This is often called “dog-earing.” To fix it:
- Before closing the cover, physically reach in and pull the insert’s corners into the cover’s corners.
- Choose an insert with “baffle box” construction, which has walls inside to keep fill evenly distributed.
- Give the pillow a good, firm fluffing and shaking from different angles.
Care and Maintenance Tips
To keep your pillows looking their best:
- Most polyester and down alternative inserts can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and tumble dried on low with tennis balls or dryer balls to re-fluff.
- Down/feather inserts can often be professionally cleaned or, if the care label allows, washed very carefully at home.
- Use pillow protectors underneath your decorative covers if they will be subject to heavy use, like on a bed or sofa where people nap.
- Fluff your pillows daily to maintain their shape and distribute the fill evenly. This is especially important for down fills.
FAQ Section
Can I use an 12×20 insert for a 12×20 cover?
You can, but it will likely look flat and underfilled. For a decorative pillow, it is not recommended. The insert should be larger than the cover for a full, plump appearance.
What is the best insert for a 12 by 20 pillow cover?
The best insert is typically a 14×22 inch insert. The “best” material depends on your budget and preference: down alternative for a luxury feel at a mid-range price, or a dense polyester fiberfill for a firm, affordable option.
Where can I find a 14×22 pillow insert?
They are widely available online on Amazon, Wayfair, and at home decor stores like Pottery Barn. Search for “14×22 pillow insert” or “insert for 12×20 cover.”
How much bigger should a pillow insert be?
The pillow insert should be 2 to 4 inches larger in both length and width than the cover. This rule applies to most standard decorative pillows for optimal fullness.
What if my 12×20 pillow cover has a zip?
A zipper closure makes inserting a larger pillow much easier. Just be sure to roll the insert tightly and use the method described above to avoid damaging the zipper.
Final Thoughts on Sizing
Remember, the goal is a beautiful, inviting pillow. Starting with a 14×22 inch insert for your 12×20 pillow cover is your safest bet for that designer look. Always consider the fill material and density as part of the equation—it’s just as important as the dimensions. With this knowledge, you can confidently choose the perfect insert to make your pillow covers look fantastic, adding the perfect finishing touch to any room in your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment slightly with size or fill to find your personal perfect squish.