throw pillow

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A typical throw pillow.

A throw pillow, or toss pillow, is a small, decorative type of pillow. Throw pillows are usually placed on sofas or armchairs but are also frequently used on beds and day beds. Throw pillows serve both an aesthetic and a functional purpose. Decorative pillows are commonly used to tie in color accents within a room, often drawing on the colors in drapes, walls or area rugs. From a functional perspective, throw pillows may provide back, neck and head support, although some throw pillows are very uncomfortable.

Throw pillows typically feature a removable cover with a feather pillow form stuffed inside and come in various sizes and shapes. The most common size throw pillow is 16 to 18 inch square. However, rectangular, circular and cylindrical throw pillows, called bolsters, are also popular. Outside the United States, throw pillows are more commonly referred to as cushions.

Throw pillow and decorative cushions are made from a wide range of textiles including silk, leather, microfibre or faux suede, cotton, linen and hemp. In recent years, decorative pillows have been revived as an artistic medium. Fashion designers have become increasingly attracted to the lucrative home textiles or furnishings market and this has led to a wide range of more embellished looks and styles.

Company logos and photos are placed on pillows as well to give a personalized look.