How To Accurately Measure Throw Pillows For Perfectly Fitting Covers Every Time

Throw pillows are the finishing touch that brings comfort and style to any living space. But nothing disrupts a well-designed room like a cover that’s too tight, too loose, or visibly misshapen. The key to achieving that crisp, tailored look lies in one simple step: accurate measurement. Whether you're replacing an old cover, custom-ordering a new one, or sewing your own, precise dimensions ensure a flawless fit. This guide walks through the essential techniques, tools, and insider tips to get it right—every single time.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

A throw pillow cover that doesn’t fit properly can wrinkle, stretch awkwardly, or leave gaps at the corners. These issues don’t just look unprofessional—they shorten the lifespan of both the cover and the insert. A too-small cover strains seams and fabric, while a too-large one sags and loses its shape. Properly measured covers stay taut, maintain structure, and enhance the overall aesthetic of your décor.

Moreover, standard sizes (like 18x18 or 20x20 inches) vary slightly between manufacturers. Assuming your pillow matches a generic size can lead to costly mistakes, especially when ordering online or commissioning custom work. Measuring eliminates guesswork and ensures consistency across multiple pillows.

Tip: Always measure your actual pillow insert—not the label on the packaging. Over time, inserts compress and shrink, making pre-purchase dimensions unreliable.

The Essential Tools You’ll Need

Accurate measuring requires more than just a tape measure. Using the right tools ensures precision and repeatability:

• Flexible tape measure – Ideal for soft materials; rigid rulers can compress plush inserts.
• Pencil and notepad – Record measurements immediately to avoid confusion.
• Straight edge or ruler – Helps verify squareness and corner alignment.
• Level (optional) – Useful if checking symmetry on oddly shaped or bolster pillows.

Keep these tools in a designated drawer so they’re always ready when you need to re-cover or rotate pillows seasonally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Throw Pillows

Follow this sequence to capture all necessary dimensions with confidence:

1. Remove the current cover (if present). Measure the insert directly—fabric can stretch or bunch, skewing results.
2. Lay the pillow flat on a hard surface. Avoid carpets or sofas, which compress the base and distort measurements.
3. Measure length and width. Place the tape from edge to edge across the center, pressing gently to eliminate puffiness without compressing the core.
4. Record depth or thickness. For envelope-style or snug-fitting covers, measure vertically from front to back at the center.
5. Check for squareness. Compare diagonal corners—if they differ by more than ½ inch, your pillow may be warped and require special tailoring.
6. Note seam allowances. If sewing your own cover, subtract ½ inch from each dimension for a ¼-inch seam allowance on both sides.

Tip: Measure twice, cut once. Even experienced sewers benefit from double-checking before cutting expensive fabric.

Special Cases: Non-Standard Shapes

Not all pillows are square or rectangular. For unique forms, adapt your approach:

• Bolster pillows: Measure length end-to-end, then circumference around the fattest part.
• Rounded or kidney-shaped: Identify maximum width and height, then trace the outline on paper for pattern reference.
• Decorative tufted or pleated styles: Account for extra volume by adding ½ inch to depth measurements.

Common Measurement Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even small errors can result in poorly fitting covers. Here’s what to watch out for:

Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Measuring over a cover instead of the insert	Extra fabric adds bulk, leading to oversized covers	Always remove and measure the inner pillow
Pressing too hard with the tape	Compressed reading results in a too-tight cover	Apply light, consistent pressure only
Ignoring depth	Cover gapes open or zippers won’t close	Include thickness, especially for thick down inserts
Assuming all “18-inch” pillows are equal	Inconsistent sizing across a sofa set	Measure each pillow individually

Expert Insight: What Interior Designers Know About Fit

Professional designers emphasize that fit is as important as color and texture when curating cohesive spaces. A clean silhouette signals attention to detail.

“Clients often focus on fabric choice but overlook measurement accuracy. One ill-fitting pillow can throw off an entire vignette. We always remeasure inserts—even if they came from the same batch.” — Lena Torres, Interior Stylist & Home Editor, *Design Living Quarterly*

This discipline extends beyond aesthetics. Well-fitted covers protect inserts from dust, oils, and wear, ultimately saving money over time.

Checklist: Pre-Measurement Preparation

Before you begin, use this checklist to ensure reliable results:

• ☐ Remove all existing covers
• ☐ Fluff and reshape the insert to restore original form
• ☐ Choose a flat, firm surface (e.g., table or floor)
• ☐ Gather your tape measure, notepad, and pen
• ☐ Verify tape measure units (inches vs. centimeters)
• ☐ Take photos of the pillow from multiple angles (helpful for custom orders)

Real Example: Fixing a Mismatched Set

Sarah, a homeowner in Portland, ordered six linen pillow covers labeled “20x20” online for her sectional. When delivered, two were noticeably looser than the others. After measuring each insert, she discovered three were actually 19.5 inches wide due to long-term compression. By remeasuring and providing exact specs to a local seamstress, she had five new custom covers made—one slightly smaller—to create a uniform appearance. The result? A magazine-worthy couch that guests consistently compliment.

This scenario underscores a critical point: consistency matters more than nominal size. Custom solutions based on real data deliver superior results.

FAQ: Common Questions About Measuring Throw Pillows

Should I size up or down when choosing a cover?

For a tailored, hotel-like finish, choose a cover that is ½ inch smaller than your insert. This creates slight tension, eliminating sagging. For a softer, overstuffed look, go 1–2 inches larger—but only with down or feather inserts that compress easily.

What if my pillow isn’t a standard size?

No problem. Many specialty inserts fall between common sizes (e.g., 17x22). Use your exact measurements to order custom covers or adjust patterns accordingly. Most online retailers offer made-to-order options.

How often should I re-measure my pillows?

Every 1–2 years, especially if they’re used daily. Inserts lose loft over time, shrinking by up to 10%. Updating measurements ensures future covers still fit perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Precision Pays Off

Taking a few minutes to measure your throw pillows correctly saves hours of frustration and prevents wasted money on ill-fitting covers. Whether you’re refreshing your living room, styling a client’s home, or crafting DIY décor, accurate dimensions are the foundation of a polished look. With the right tools, methodical approach, and awareness of common pitfalls, you can achieve professional-grade results at home.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your pillow game? Grab your tape measure today, remeasure your inserts, and invest in covers that fit like they were made just for you. Share your before-and-after results in the comments—we’d love to see your transformations!