pillows are the ultimate design cheat code. Want to refresh a room without breaking the bank? Add a few new pillows. Need a splash of color, texture, or personality? Pillows to the rescue. But here is the secret: it is not just about the fabric or the pattern. The shape of a pillow can completely change the look and feel of a space.

From the classic and cozy square to the charming little round pillows, from sleek lumbar styles to those chic and elegant bolsters, every pillow shape brings its own unique energy. Some are made for comfort, others for layering, and a few exist simply to look fabulous,

In this post, we will explore the different pillow shapes, what makes each one unique, and how to style them like a true design professional. Also, please stop karate chopping. It looks odd, and frankly, the pillows are not fans either.

Start from the pillow insert now we here

Choosing the right pillow insert is just as important as selecting the right cover. Inserts determine how a pillow feels, how it sits, and how luxurious it looks. A general design rule is to use an insert that is one to two inches larger than the pillow cover for a fuller, more luxurious look. For example, if your pillow cover is 20 inches by 20 inches, a 22-inch insert will create the perfect full appearance. Common options include down and feather inserts, and polyester (poly) inserts. Each material brings different qualities to your decor and impacting not just comfort, but the overall aesthetic and longevity of your pillows.

Down & Feather Insert

Down, which comes from the fluffy undercoating of ducks or geese, offers an incredibly lightweight and soft feel, while feathers provide more structure and subtle firmness. These inserts lend a luxurious, high-end feel, and they easily mold and reshape, making them ideal for creating a plush, inviting look.. They may also trigger allergies for some individuals unless a hypoallergenic down option is selected.

However, not all down and feather inserts are created equal. The ratio of down to feather plays a huge role in the feel, loft, durability, and cost of your pillows. Just fyi if you allergies just skip to the hypoallergenic down option!

95/5 (Feather/Down)

This blend contains 95% feather and only 5% down. It offers the firmest feel among down blends, with noticeable weight and structure. It is great for those who prefer a more supportive pillow at a more budget-friendly price point. However, it will not have that ultra-soft, cloudlike quality associated with higher down contents.

90/10 (Down/Feather)

A 90 percent down and 10 percent feather blend is a luxurious and highly moldable option. These inserts feel incredibly soft, lightweight, and plush, making them ideal for achieving a sumptuous, relaxed look perfect for layered styling. They are typically more expensive, may require occasional refluffing, and can sometimes allow feathers to poke through if the fabric casing is not of high quality. In terms of comfort, these pillow forms are like a perfect powder day at Deer Valley: soft, supportive, and effortlessly smooth beneath your skis.

80/20 (Down/Feather)

A slightly firmer alternative to the 90/10 blend. It offers much of the same plushness and softness but holds its shape a bit better thanks to the higher feather content. It is often a more economical choice without sacrificing a luxurious feel.

75/25 (Down/Feather)

Offering even more structure while still being quite soft, the 75/25 blend is ideal for those who want a little more firmness under the softness. This blend is particularly good for larger pillows that need to stand up and support themselves better.

50/50 (Down/Feather)

As an even split, 50/50 inserts feel significantly firmer and heavier. They still allow for some moldability but are best suited for areas where you need pillows to maintain a full, upright shape with minimal maintenance.

Choosing between these options depends largely on the look and feel you want to achieve. For the most luxurious, relaxed, and high-end look, 90/10 or 80/20 is ideal. For more budget-friendly, everyday pillows that still feel good but offer more structure, 95/5 or 50/50 blends may be better choices.

Poly Inserts

Polyester inserts, on the other hand, are a synthetic and budget-friendly alternative. They maintain a pillow's shape firmly over time, are hypoallergenic, and are easy to clean, making them particularly good for high-use areas, children’s rooms, or outdoor settings. Although polyfill inserts offer practical durability and a crisp, consistent shape, they can feel stiffer compared to down, lack the plushness and may flatten with extended use. Still, they remain an excellent choice where affordability, easy care, and firmness are priorities.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SHAPE BABY

Square Pillow

Square pillows are the most common and versatile shape in interior design, offering a timeless and balanced look that works well in almost any space. Typically found as throw pillows on sofas, chairs, or beds, their symmetrical form provides visual stability and an easy platform for layering textures and patterns. They usually come in sizes ranging from 18 by 18 inches to 24 by 24 inches, with 20 by 20 inches being the most popular.

At Williams Metcalf Interiors, we love using square pillows to add depth and coziness by stacking them just right, one in front of the other like a little pillow parade. Did we just give away a trade secret? Maybe, but we are happy to share the magic.

Rectangular (Lumbar) Pillows

Lumbar pillows, with their elongated rectangular shape, bring both style and function to a space. Often considered the workhorse of the pillow world, they provide essential support, especially after a long day walking the trails of Round Valley. Originally designed to support the lower back while sitting, lumbar pillows have evolved into one of the most elegant and versatile decorative options. Standard sizes typically measure around 12 by 24 inches, although variations are available to suit different furniture dimensions and design needs.

Check out more pillow madness on our Squib Project

Round Pillows

Yes, we are seriously suggesting a round pillow, or even better, a beach ball pillow. Why? Because at Williams Metcalf Interiors, we believe interiors should be stylish but never too serious. Round pillows bring a playful, unexpected twist to a room, breaking up the sea of straight lines and right angles that tend to dominate furniture. They are a reminder to think outside the box, quite literally, when it comes to shape and style. Typically ranging from 14 to 18 inches in diameter, round pillows come in an endless variety of colors, fabrics, and embellishments. Whether you choose something sculptural, vintage inspired, or as cheeky as round beach ball, these pillows add a layer of fun and softness that instantly livens up any space.

Bolster Pillows

Bolster pillows, known for their distinctive cylindrical shape, offer a stylish and sculptural accent to any room. Their typical length ranges from 20 to 36 inches, with a diameter between 8 to 12 inches, making them suitable for beds.

Euro Pillows

Euro pillows are oversized square pillows, usually 26 by 26 inches, traditionally used as backrests on beds. Their large size makes them perfect for layering behind standard bed pillows to create an opulent, hotel-like aesthetic. We love adding them to a bed because they make our clients feel as if they are on vacation, even when they are right at home in Park City. Placing two or three Euro pillows across the back of the bed instantly creates a luxurious and welcoming look. They also offer practical support for sitting up in bed to read or watch television. We are officially giving you permission to begin an entire new season of White Lotus, because we certainly do.

Petite or Mini Pillows: Subtle Details

Petite or mini pillows may be small in size, often around 12 by 12 inches or even smaller, but they can have a big impact on a room’s overall style. Just like Ted in our office, who may be the smallest dog but always claims the biggest dog bed. Mini pillows are perfect for accenting occasional chairs, layering in front of larger pillow arrangements, or highlighting a particular color or design motif.

Novelty Pillows

Our favorite novelty pillow is the needlepoint pillow. Needlepoint pillows have carved out a beloved place in interiors thanks to their unique blend of vintage craft and modern attitude. Whether adorned with cheeky sayings, charming motifs, or bold patterns, these pillows are more than just decorative — they are conversation starters. Unlike mass-produced prints, each needlepoint design brings a sense of individuality, nostalgia, and texture that adds warmth and wit to a room.

A special favorite in the world of modern needlepoint is Mopsey Designs, whose pillow canvas are equal parts playful and refined. Known for clever phrases, beautifully curated color palettes, and detailed patterns. Mopsey’s creations feel like heirlooms with a sense of humor. Whether you are looking to add a dose of personality to a traditional room or liven up a more contemporary space, a Mopsey needlepoint canvas turned into a pillows offers that perfect wink.

Trim Trim Cher-ee, Trim Trim Cher-oo

One often overlooked detail in pillow design is trim, and it can make all the difference. Trim adds a layer of detail that takes a pillow from simple to special. Options such as piping, fringe, tassels, beads, welting, and decorative braids can dramatically change the overall tone of a space. Whether subtle or bold, trim introduces texture, color contrast, and a tailored, custom look that elevates even the most basic pillow.

Piping creates a crisp, structured edge that feels refined and classic, making it an excellent choice for formal or traditional settings. For a more relaxed or eclectic look, fringe or tassels can soften a pillow’s silhouette and add movement and playfulness. Beaded trim or bullion fringe can bring a touch of old-world glamour or vintage drama, while flat tape trim in a bold hue can lend a graphic, modern edge.

The placement of trim matters as well. A border around the edge offers definition and polish, while inset trim or corner tassels introduce unexpected detail. When choosing trim, consider whether you want it to blend in or stand out. A tone-on-tone application feels elegant and subtle, while a contrasting color can make a statement and tie in other design elements in the room.

TIME TO ZIP IT NOW

At Williams Metcalf Interiors, we often treat trim like the jewelry of a pillow. It finishes the look and adds personality. Whether it is a thick brush fringe on a luxurious velvet or a delicate flange detail on a crisp linen, a thoughtfully selected trim brings texture, movement, and visual interest to the space. It is a small detail that makes a very big impact.

Of course, this guide only begins to skim the surface of what is possible with pillows. From shapes and inserts to fabric choices and finishing touches, the options are endless. We hope this inspires you to see the power a well-chosen pillow can bring to a space. Whether you are looking for a full refresh or simply want to breathe new life into a corner of your home, sometimes all it takes is a single, perfectly placed pillow.

We would love to be part of that process. And do not worry—your beautiful Park City view will always remain the star of the room. We are just here to help frame it with comfort, texture, and a touch of personality.

ARE YOUR PILLOWS THE ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM?