Polyfil vs Down: Do I Need a New Pillow Insert?

A space never seems completely finished until there are throw pillows in the room.  They can tie together different design elements, bring pops of color into a space, and even make deep chair or sofa more comfortable to sit in. One of the best parts of ordering custom pillows from Cozy Giraffe is that you can customize every aspect of your pillow. With all the choices in fabric, size, and shape, the options are endless. On top of that you can customize what the pillow is filled with. That will make your custom throw pillow look and feel great, and it will be sure to best suit to your needs.

Do I need even need a new pillow insert? Can’t I just reuse the insert I have?

A great way to save money when redecorating is to reuse your pillow inserts. But that’s only a great choice if the insert is still in good shape and high-quality to start with. The first time you order a custom pillow from Cozy Giraffe you will get a high-quality insert that can be used for years to come. If you feel like changing a space in the future, you can just get new pillow covers rather than entirely new pillows. I would only recommend this with inserts that are high-quality that still have plenty of life left in them. If they are constantly needing to be fluffed or are not the right size and you will definitely need new pillow inserts.

What can you stuff a pillow with?

The filling inside your throw pillows can significantly impact both how a pillow looks and feels.  There are two primary options for throw pillow fillings: down and polyfill.  (There are other options, but they’re not nearly as common.) They both have their pros and cons. There is not a single right answer as to which one to use. It really will depend on the purpose of the pillow and personal preference.

Down Throw Pillows:

Down-filled throw pillows are considered the high-end option and are used most by designers.

1. Comfort.  Down is soft and squishy

2. Higher-end look.  Down holds the “karate chop” look

3. Fills out corners.  The malleability of down filling allows it to work into the corners of a pillow, which can make it appear better-stuffed

4. Durability.  High-quality down pillows can withstand the test of time with proper care, ensuring your investment will last

That is not to say that down throw pillows are the answer for every situation. They do require regular fluffing. They will look squished after they’ve been sat against for a bit of time.  They can look sunken. While they do offer some support, even the best stuffed down insert is not going to be as supportive as a high-quality polyfill throw pillow.  Also, you should not use down outdoors or if someone is allergic to feathers or down.

Polyfill Throw Pillows:

Polyfill is a synthetic alternative to down, and there are many types. An inexpensive polyfill can feel rough and get very lumpy overtime. There are higher end options that are better alternatives but more expensive than a cheap fill.  Polyfill has a lot of good sides.

1. Budget-Friendly. They’re just less expensive.  Period.

2. Hypoallergenic.  It is a must-use if someone has an allergy to down or feathers (Luckily, you can find polyfil that feels luxurious.)

3. Consistent Appearance and support.  Polyfill pillows maintain their shape and loft, which means you do not need to fluff them on a regular basis like you do with down and they can be more supportive than down.

4. Can be used outdoors.  Polyfill is the only stuffing Cozy Giraffe suggests for pillows that are going to be outdoors in the elements.

The choice between down and polyfill depends on your design preferences and budget (so long as you are putting the pillows indoors). If you desire the opulence of high-end decor, down-filled throw pillows are likely the way to go. They offer an elegant and inviting aesthetic that’s hard to match. The down in the down/feather inserts that Cozy Giraffe offers use down and soft, small feathers that are ethically sourced.

Then again, if budget considerations, hypoallergenic features, and ease of maintenance are your priorities, polyfill throw pillows are a good choice.  You don’t sacrifice too much style when you use a good quality polyfill insert from Cozy Giraffe, because we offer the highest quality polyfill inserts.