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There are a handful of products interior designers use again and again because they’re just that good. In this new series, we ask a pro to share a current holy grail item.
Swapping out your throw pillows for new ones is the oldest design trick in the book for a reason—it really can change the look of a sofa or bed. But deciding between stripes and florals or velvet and linen, aren’t the only factors you should be considering. Grab said pillow, be it a lumbar or a sham, give it a good squeeze, and ask yourself: How does this feel? If the answer isn’t plump, then you need interior designer Lizzie Green’s quick, affordable fix.
“The thing I always use in every project is Pottery Barn’s down alternative pillow inserts,” says Green, the San Diego-based founder of Popix Designs. “They make any pillow feel instantly more luxurious.” The inserts range from a mere $17 to $35 depending on the size you need (there are seven options total). The synthetic polyester fill is hypoallergenic, “making it a no-brainer for any client,” she adds.
Her hot tip? Buy one size bigger than your pillow cover. In other words, if your cover is 20”x20,” go for the 22”x22” option. “It will make it feel extra full,” says Green. That’s how you’ll achieve that plush look and feel, which is especially important when you’re putting a pillow on a hard surface where it’s more likely to slump.
The pro also uses pillow inserts as an opportunity to shop for unique (and often vintage) covers. Check out her current favorites below.
Shop Her Favorite Pillow Covers
