Quick answers by size
- What size insert for a 16x16 cover? An 18x18 insert.
- What size insert for an 18x18 cover? A 20x20 insert.
- What size insert for a 20x20 cover? A 22x22 insert.
- What size insert for a 22x22 cover? A 24x24 insert.
- What size insert for a 24x24 cover? A 26x26 insert.
- What size insert for a 26x26 Euro cover? A 28x28 insert.
- What size insert for a 12x20 lumbar cover? A 12x22 insert.
- What size insert for a 14x36 queen lumbar cover? A 14x38 insert.
- What size insert for a 14x48 king lumbar cover? A 14x50 insert.
- What size insert for a 9x36 bolster cover? A 9x36 insert.
Full pillow cover size chart
| Cover size | Insert size | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| 16" x 16" | 18" x 18" | Accent chairs, small settees, layering at the front |
| 18" x 18" | 20" x 20" | Loveseats, reading chairs, a third layer on a bed |
| 20" x 20" | 22" x 22" | Standard three-seat sofas and most sectionals |
| 22" x 22" | 24" x 24" | Deep or oversized sofas, corner anchors |
| 24" x 24" | 26" x 26" | Large sectionals, back layer on a queen or king bed |
| 26" x 26" | 28" x 28" | Euro size. Back row on a king bed, floor cushions |
| Cover size | Insert size | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| 12" x 20" | 12" x 22" | Chairs, window seats, the front layer on a sofa |
| 12" x 22" | 12" x 24" | Slightly wider chairs and benches |
| 14" x 24" (Twin) | 14" x 26" | Across the front of a twin bed |
| 14" x 30" (Full) | 14" x 32" | Full bed, or a long bench |
| 14" x 36" (Queen) | 14" x 38" | Queen bed, wide window seat |
| 14" x 48" (King) | 14" x 50" | King bed, daybed, long entryway bench |
| Cover size | Insert size | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| 9" x 24" Bolster (Twin) | 9" x 24" | Twin bed, chaise, window seat |
| 9" x 30" Bolster (Full) | 9" x 30" | Full bed, upholstered bench |
| 9" x 36" Bolster (Queen) | 9" x 36" | Queen bed, daybed |
| 9" x 48" Bolster (King) | 9" x 48" | King bed, long banquette |
All measurements are the finished size of the pillow cover, not the insert. Bolsters are the exception to the +2" rule, because a round bolster is already firm at matching size.
What size pillow do I need for my sofa or bed?
Start with the furniture rather than the pillow.
- Standard three-seat sofa: two 20x20 covers in the corners and one 12x20 lumbar in front.
- Deep or sectional sofa: 22x22 or 24x24 at the corners, so they don't disappear into the depth.
- Accent chair: one 18x18, or a 12x20 lumbar if the chair has low arms.
- Queen bed: two 22x22 at the back, two 20x20 in front, one 14x36 lumbar.
- King bed: two 26x26 Euro at the back, two 22x22 in front, one 14x48 lumbar.
- Window seat or bench: a 9x36 bolster at each end with lumbars between.
These are starting points, not rules. For the full walkthrough (how many pillows a sofa actually needs, when to break symmetry, and how to mix scale), read our complete throw pillow size guide, or see how to arrange throw pillows on a bed.
Pillow sizing questions
What size insert do I need for a 20x20 pillow cover?
A 20x20 pillow cover needs a 22x22 insert. The extra 2 inches fill the corners so the pillow looks full rather than flat. This same rule applies to every square size we make: order the insert 2 inches larger than the cover.
Should a pillow insert be bigger than the cover?
Yes, for square and lumbar covers. An insert 2 inches larger than a square cover, or 2 inches longer than a lumbar, is what creates the plump, designer look. An insert the same size as the cover leaves the corners empty and the pillow reads as underfilled. Bolsters are the one exception and take a matching size.
What size pillow covers do you make?
Parker Home Designs makes 16 sizes: six squares from 16x16 to 26x26, six lumbars from 12x20 to 14x48, and four bolsters from 9x24 to 9x48. Every cover is cut and sewn to order in our Charlotte, NC studio with a heavy-duty YKK invisible zipper.
Do you sell pillow inserts?
No. Every listing is a cover only. We use PillowFlex down alternative inserts in all our photography, and a down or down-alternative fill is what gives the shape you see in the listing images.
Can you make a custom pillow size?
Yes. If a bench, headboard or window seat needs something outside this chart, email hello@shopparkerhomedesigns.com with the finished dimensions and we'll quote within 48 hours.
What if I order the wrong size?
Every cover is cut for your order, so all covers are final sale and we can't accept returns or exchanges. Measure the furniture before ordering, and order a $5 fabric sample if you're unsure about a colour. Screens and dye lots both vary more than people expect.
More questions about shipping, care and returns? See our full FAQ.
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