Finding the right pillow insert can make all the difference in your home decor. If you’re wondering what size pillow insert for 20×20 cover you need, the simple answer is to go one size up. For a 20×20 inch cover, you should choose a 21×21 or 22×22 inch insert. This ensures a plump, full look without any sagging corners.
What Size Pillow Insert For 20×20 Cover
Let’s break down the golden rule. A pillow insert should typically be 2 to 4 inches larger than its cover in each dimension. For a 20×20 inch decorative cover, this means your insert needs to be bigger. A 21×21 inch insert offers a nicely filled look, while a 22×22 inch insert creates a luxuriously plump and overstuffed appearance. The exact size you choose depends on the look you want and the thickness of your cover’s fabric.
Why a Bigger Insert is Essential
Using an insert that’s the same size or smaller than your cover leads to a flat, sad-looking pillow. The extra inches of filling are compressed inside the cover, creating tension. This tension is what gives the pillow its structured, inviting shape. It prevents the corners from looking empty and ensures the pillow holds it’s form after you fluff it.
Think of it like wearing a shoe. A shoe that’s exactly the size of your foot might fit, but it won’t be as comfortable or supportive as one with a little room for your foot to settle. The pillow insert needs that “room” to expand and fill the cover completely.
Measuring Your Cover Accurately
Before you buy anything, double-check your cover’s size. Some covers, especially handmade or vintage ones, can vary.
- Lay the cover completely flat on a hard surface.
- Use a soft measuring tape to measure from seam to seam.
- Measure both the width and the height. Don’t assume it’s a perfect square.
- If the cover has a flange (a decorative border), measure the inner pillow area, not the outer edge of the flange.
Consider the Cover’s Fabric Thickness
The material of your cover affects the insert size you need. A thick, heavy fabric like velvet or a tightly woven tapestry needs more filling to overcome its stiffness. For these, lean towards the larger 22×22 inch option. A thin, stretchy cover like linen or cotton sateen might work well with a 21×21 inch insert, as it will more easily stretch to accomodate the fullness.
Choosing the Right Fill Material
The type of fill changes the pillow’s feel and how it conforms to the cover.
Down and Feather Blends
This is the gold standard for a luxurious, moldable feel. Down clusters provide softness and loft, while feathers add structure. A down blend insert will easily compress to fit into the cover and then expand to fill every corner. For a 20×20 cover, a 22×22 down insert often gives the best result.
Polyester Fiberfill (Hypoallergenic)
This is a budget-friendly and allergy-sensitive option. Polyester fills can vary in quality. Look for terms like “siliconized” or “high loft” for a softer, more resilient feel. Because it’s less compressible than down, you might find a 21×21 inch fiberfill insert is sufficient for a 20×20 cover, but going up to 22×22 can prevent it from looking lumpy over time.
Memory Foam or Shredded Foam
These offer firm, structured support, great for lower back pillows or floor cushions. They don’t compress as much, so sizing is crucial. A 21×21 inch foam insert is usually the maximum you’d want for a 20×20 cover, as it will be very firm. Make sure the cover has a sturdy closure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Inserting Your Pillow
- Prepare the Insert: Before inserting, give it a good fluff. Shake it, punch it gently, and let it air out for an hour if it’s been compressed in packaging.
- Open the Cover Fully: Find the closure (usually a zipper, envelope, or buttons) and open it as wide as possible. Turn the cover inside out halfway if the closure is small—this can create a wider opening.
- Fold the Insert: Compress the insert by folding it in half or rolling it up. This makes it much easier to manuever into the cover.
- Insert and Position: Place the folded insert into the center of the cover. Make sure the corners of the insert are aligned with the corners of the cover.
- Shake and Fluff: Hold the cover closed and give it several vigorous shakes. This helps the insert unfurl and settle into the corners. Then, gently knead the corners from the outside to push the filling into place.
- Final Adjustments: Zip or close the cover. Pat, punch, and fluff the pillow into its final perfect shape.
Fixing Common Pillow Problems
Even with the right size, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to solve them.
Corners Won’t Fill Out
This is usually a sign the insert is too small. If you’re stuck with a smaller insert, you can add extra filling. Buy a bag of polyester fiberfill and carefully unstitch a small section of the insert’s seam. Add handfuls of extra fill, focusing on the corners, then re-stitch the seam. It’s a simple fix that can save your pillow.
Pillow Looks Lumpy or Uneven
This often happens with lower-quality fiberfill. To redistribute the filling, put the entire pillow (cover on) into the dryer on a no-heat or air fluff cycle with a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls. The tumbling action will break up clumps. You can also manually massage the lumps apart through the cover.
Insert Shifts Inside the Cover
If your pillow insert seems to slide around or twist, you can use a few simple techniques to secure it. The easiest method is to add two or three safety pins through the insert and the inner seam of the cover in inconspicuous spots. For a permanent solution, hand-stitch the insert to the cover’s inner corners with a few strong threads.
Special Cases and Considerations
For Covers with a Tight Closure
Some covers, like sham with a narrow envelope flap, can be tricky. In this case, the “turn the cover inside out” method is your best friend. Turn the cover halfway inside out, place the folded insert into the pocket created, and then pull the cover right-side-out over the insert. It sounds more complicated than it is, and it prevents a struggle.
Outdoor Pillow Covers
Outdoor fabrics are often less flexible. They also need inserts made from quick-drying, mold-resistant materials like polyester. Because the fabric doesn’t give as much, you might opt for a 21×21 inch insert for your 20×20 outdoor cover to avoid putting too much strain on the seams, especially if the pillow will be in bright sun which can weaken fabric over time.
Making Your Own Insert
If you sew, making a custom insert is easy. Simply cut two squares of muslin or a basic cotton fabric to your desired insert size (e.g., 22×22 inches). Sew them together with a 1/2 inch seam, leaving a 5-inch opening on one side. Turn it right-side out, fill it firmly with your chosen material, and then hand-stitch the opening closed. This gives you total control over the size and firmness.
Maintaining Your Pillows
To keep your pillows looking their best, regular care is key. Most decorative covers are removable and machine washable—always check the label. The insert itself rarely needs washing. Instead, freshen it by putting it in the dryer on a no-heat cycle. For down inserts, you can wash them in a front-loading machine with a gentle detergent, but be prepared for a long drying time with dryer balls to prevent clumping.
Fluff your pillows every few days. This isn’t just for looks; it helps maintain the loft and resilience of the filling, especially for down and feather blends. A good shake and a few pats will keep them from getting permanently flattened on one side.
FAQs: Your Pillow Insert Questions Answered
Can I use a 20×20 insert for a 20×20 cover?
You can, but you shouldn’t. The pillow will look underfilled and flat from day one. The corners will likely appear empty, and the cover will wrinkle because the insert isn’t creating enough tension to smooth it out. Always size up for a professional, plump look.
Is 21×21 or 22×22 better for a 20×20 cover?
It depends on your desired look. A 21×21 inch insert gives a “well-filled” appearance, suitable for a more tailored, neat style. A 22×22 inch insert creates a “overstuffed,” luxurious, and casual look. Consider your cover’s fabric thickness—thicker fabrics usually need the 22×22 option.
What if my pillow cover is an odd shape, like a bolster or lumbar?
The same rule applies: the insert should be slightly larger. For a cylindrical bolster, the insert’s diameter should be about 1-2 inches wider than the cover’s diameter. For a lumbar pillow (e.g., 12×20 cover), look for an insert that is 13×21 or 14×22 to ensure it fills the long tube shape completely.
How do I make a pillow insert less fluffy?
If your new insert is too firm or fluffy for your taste, you can remove some filling. Carefully open a seam, take out a small amount of material, and re-stitch it. For down inserts, you can sometimes compress them by placing them under a heavy object for a day or two to reduce the initial loft.
Can I put two inserts in one cover?
Yes, this is a clever trick for achieving extreme fullness or using up inserts you already have. For a 20×20 cover, you could use two 20×20 inserts. This creates a very firm, solid pillow. It can be harder to get into the cover, but the result is a very structured shape that won’t lose it’s form.
Choosing the correct pillow insert size is a small detail with a huge visual impact. By remembering to size up—opting for a 21×21 or 22×22 inch insert for your standard 20×20 inch cover—you guarantee a polished, comfortable, and inviting result. Paying attention to the fill type and your cover’s specific fabric will further refine your choice. With the right insert securely tucked inside, your decorative pillows will look professionally styled, adding the perfect finishing touch to your sofa, bed, or favorite chair.