Choosing pillow cover sizes is mostly about the furniture they sit on and the look you want: full and plump, or soft and relaxed. This guide covers the common sizes, how to arrange them, and how to pick an insert. All measurements are in inches.
The common sizes
- Square: 16 × 16, 18 × 18, 20 × 20, 22 × 22, 24 × 24 and 26 × 26 are the sizes most people use on sofas and beds. Smaller squares (12 × 12 and 14 × 14) suit chairs and children's rooms.
- Lumbar: rectangles such as 12 × 20, 14 × 20, 14 × 24 and 12 × 26 support the lower back and sit in front of square pillows.
- Long lumbar: 12 × 36, 14 × 36 and 16 × 42 stretch across a bed or bench.
The sizes each design comes in are listed on its product page, and our pillow cover size guide lists every size we offer.
Sizes by place
Sofa
On a standard sofa, 18 × 18 or 20 × 20 are the usual choice. On a deep sofa or sectional, larger squares (22 × 22 to 26 × 26) sit better against the back, with a smaller square or a lumbar in front.
Bed
On a queen or king bed, two or three large squares against the headboard with a long lumbar in front is a simple arrangement. A 12 × 36 or 14 × 36 lumbar covers most of the width of a queen bed.
Accent chair
One lumbar (12 × 20 or 14 × 20) or one 16 × 16 square is usually enough. A large square can push you forward in the seat.
Bench or window seat
A long lumbar works well, or two or three matching squares in a row.
Arranging and mixing
- Place the largest sizes at the back and work forward to smaller ones.
- Odd numbers (three or five) look relaxed; pairs look more formal.
- Mix one or two patterned covers with a plain one. A solid linen pillow cover in a colour taken from the print ties the group together.
- Vary the scale of the patterns: a small booti print sits well next to a larger floral.
Choosing the insert
Our covers are sold without inserts. For a full, plump look, choose an insert one size larger than the cover, for example a 22 × 22 insert in a 20 × 20 cover. For a softer look, use the same size. Feather and down inserts compress more than polyester, so they suit sizing up.
Quick answers
What is the most popular pillow cover size?
For sofas, 18 × 18 and 20 × 20 are the most common.
What size is a lumbar pillow?
Common lumbar sizes are 12 × 20 and 14 × 20. Longer lumbars, such as 12 × 36, are used on beds and benches.
Should the insert be bigger than the cover?
For a fuller look, yes, by about 2 inches. For a relaxed look, use the same size.
Browse pillow covers or read our care instructions.