Discover the best pillow inserts for throw pillows—down, polyester, cotton, and more. Learn how to choose the right size and fill for handmade, non-toxic home decor.
When it comes to styling your throw pillows, choosing the right pillow insert is just as important as selecting the perfect cover. The fill inside not only affects the look and feel of your pillows but also plays a big role in comfort, durability, and even indoor air quality. Whether you prefer natural or synthetic fillings, understanding the different types of inserts—and how to size them correctly—will help you create beautiful, long-lasting pillows that complement your handmade, non-toxic home decor.
What Size Pillow Insert Should I Buy?
Always choose a pillow insert that’s one or two inches larger than your pillow cover. For example, if you have a 20x20” pillow cover, opt for a 22x22” insert. Why? A slightly oversized insert ensures a full, plump look and prevents sagging corners. It gives your handmade or artisan pillow covers the shape and structure they deserve.
Natural Pillow Insert Fillings: Cotton, Buckwheat, and Latex
In the world of sustainable and non-toxic home decor, natural pillow insert fillings offer eco-conscious alternatives to synthetic and animal-based materials. These fillings are ideal for those prioritizing natural living and artisan-crafted products.
Understanding the Different Types of Down for Pillow Inserts
When it comes to luxury pillow inserts, down filling is often considered the gold standard. It's soft, moldable, and provides that signature "karate chop" look that high-end interiors love. But not all down is created equal. Here's a breakdown of the most common types you’ll find:
1. Goose Down
Quality: High
Loft: Excellent
Softness: Ultra-soft and fluffy
Insulating Ability: Superior
Goose down is the most luxurious and insulating type of down. It's harvested from the undercoat of geese, typically larger birds, which produce larger down clusters. This translates into inserts that feel more plush and retain their shape longer.
Best For: Premium handmade pillow covers, luxury bedding, and eco-conscious consumers seeking long-lasting comfort.
Sustainability Tip: Look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or DownPass certifications to ensure the down was ethically sourced.
2. Duck Down
Quality: Medium to high
Loft: Good
Softness: Soft, slightly less lofty than goose
Insulating Ability: Moderate to high
Duck down is similar to goose down but usually comes with a slightly lower price point. It’s a good option for those looking for softness and quality on a budget. The down clusters are typically smaller, which can mean a bit less loft—but still very comfortable for throw pillows.
Best For: Casual handmade decor or non-toxic home accents that balance comfort and affordability.
3. Feather & Down Blends
Blend Example: 95% feathers / 5% down
Feel: Firmer with more structure
Weight: Heavier
Price: Lower cost than pure down
These blends combine the loft and softness of down with the firmer structure of feathers. The small feather quills provide more support, which is great for decorative pillows that need to hold shape on a couch or bed.
Best For: Artisan pillow covers in formal settings where shape and support are priorities.
Note: Feather-filled inserts may sometimes poke through the cover, so high-quality ticking (inner lining) is important.
Down Insert Pro Tip:
No matter which type of down or blend you choose, always check for the following:
Fill Power: A measure of loft; higher numbers mean better fluffiness (look for 600–800 for pillows)
Certifications: RDS, DownPass, OEKO-TEX for ethical sourcing and chemical safety
Shell Fabric: Opt for 100% cotton or down-proof ticking to prevent feathers from poking out
Other natural materials:
5. Cotton Pillow Inserts
Feel: Firm, dense, breathable
Best For: Vegan households, people with allergies
Pros: 100% plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic
Cons: Compresses over time, less fluffy than down
Cotton inserts are filled with carded cotton batting and wrapped in a breathable cotton cover. They’re a great option for those seeking a vegan, sustainable, and hypoallergenic fill. While they don’t offer the plushness of down, they hold their shape well and suit structured, modern pillow styles.
Tip: For best results, fluff cotton inserts regularly and pair with heavier-weight artisan pillow covers to help maintain structure.
6. Buckwheat Hull Pillow Inserts
Feel: Moldable, firm, slightly noisy
Best For: Lumbar pillows, meditation cushions, neck support
Pros: Naturally cooling, eco-friendly, adjustable fill
Cons: Heavier than other inserts, not ideal for soft lounging
Buckwheat hulls—sourced from the outer shell of buckwheat seeds—are a unique fill commonly used in Eastern wellness traditions. These inserts conform to your body while offering excellent support, making them great for decorative pillows that double as functional supports.
They’re completely natural, compostable, and non-toxic, aligning perfectly with holistic and low-waste living.
7. Latex Pillow Inserts (Natural Latex)
Feel: Bouncy, resilient, springy
Best For: Allergy-sensitive homes, long-term support
Pros: Naturally antimicrobial, dust-mite resistant, durable
Cons: More expensive, less “choppable” than down
Latex—tapped from rubber trees—is a fantastic non-toxic option for those avoiding petrochemical-based fills. It offers consistent support and won’t lose shape over time. Natural latex is ideal for homes focused on chemical-free comfort and longevity.
Look for: GOLS-certified organic latex to ensure purity and sustainability.
Synthetic Materials:
8. Down Alternative - Polyester Pillow Inserts
Feel: Soft to medium firmness, lightweight
Best For: Allergy-friendly homes, budget-friendly decor, easy-care pillows
Pros: Affordable, hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, machine-washable
Cons: less breathable, may flatten over time.
Polyester inserts are made from synthetic fibers so they are long lasting. Look for OEKO-TEX® or Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certifications and recycled polyester fills made from plastic waste to reduce environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right insert filling isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about values. Whether you want the luxury of goose down, the convenience of polyester, or the sustainable integrity of cotton, buckwheat, or latex, there’s an insert to match your style and standards.
At Atacama Home, we believe what’s inside matters. When you pair the right pillow insert with a handmade, artisan pillow cover, you’re creating a healthier, more beautiful home—one thoughtful detail at a time.