If you love patterned designer pillows and want to achieve that effortlessly layered style like Amber Interiors and Studio McGee, this post is for you! Keep reading to discover the best trending designer inspired pillow covers under $20.
Where to buy affordable throw pillows
Decorative throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to elevate the look of a room or refresh a space for a new season. Designer patterns can cost upwards of $80 per cover, but thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the same look!
My go-to stores to shop for throw pillows on a budget include Amazon, Etsy, H&M, Target and Woven Nook. Amazon in particular has really stepped up their pillow game within the last year, and offer the widest selection at the best prices. For today’s roundup, I ordered several from Amazon to test in person and narrowed down my top 16 affordable patterned covers for a designer look.
Aside from the price point, the best thing about these pillows is that they come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can be mixed and matched. No need to worry about clashing, as they all have classic patterns and neutral earth tones that pair together beautifully.
Tap on any pillow to shop:
Beyond these floral and block print patterns, Amazon also has a huge selection of other pillow designs and textures with a high-end look. You can find a larger roundup of pillows (and more textiles) on my storefront.
Throw pillow insert recommendations
I have to mention inserts as they are just as important as the covers themselves. Here are the three I use most:
- Pillowflex Synthetic Down: These are the best quality, hold their shape well and very comfortable. They’re also the most expensive.
- Basic Home Feather Down: A more affordable option than the Pillowflex, great for ‘karate chopping’ and will never become lumpy. However, you’ll have to deal with feathers poking out.
- Oubonun Down Alternative: These have held up great for a year in our rental. They’re soft and squishy, and don’t keep their form quite as well as the Pillowflex—but it’s barely noticeable and they’re half the price.
A note on polyester fill inserts: in my experience, you get what you pay for. Most of the pillow sets you’ll find at big box stores or for $10 on Amazon are the cheap poly fill. They don’t hold their shape, and become lumpy in no time. It’s definitely worth the investment to have high quality inserts that you won’t have to replace down the road.
And on that note, always opt for pillows with a removable insert. Throw pillows take up a lot of storage space, and it’s much easier to swap out just the covers when you want a new look.
Now that summer’s over, I’m in full-on fall mode and can’t get enough of these colors and patterns. Do you have a favorite combination?
Christy Mesik says
Have you ever seen outdoor pillow covers? I have an outdoor couch and chairs and would love to change up the pillows. They would be on a covered porch but there is a chance they could get wet so outdoor fabric is probably the most appropriate, unless you have other ideas!
Jenna Sue says
You can look for Sunbrella outdoor fabric pillow covers, and also get waterproof pillow enclosures. I still wouldn’t leave them outside 24/7 in the rain though!
Jamey says
Hi I am looking for pillow link for the rectangle one, I’m probably just not seeing it. Need a cute lumbar pillow for my bed. Thank you for being willing to share so many great resources!
Jenna Sue says
Hi, it’s this one! https://amzlink.to/az0rpzcbJfYuC You can select the 12×20″ size for many of the pillows.
Jamey says
Thank you so much! In case it helps anyone else I had to choose “unavailable options” than it took me to click what was available which was only the 12×20 cream but that color works for me.
Thank you thank you!
Anna says
Could you please share the source of the burgundy behind the cluster of pillows? Or a recommendation to something similar? Thanks!
Anna says
*Burgundy THROW….sorry.
Jenna Sue says
Hi Anna, unfortunately the burgundy throw has been discontinued. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find anything like it online!
lorcan says
hi Jenna great advice..hey I have the same lamps plus couch as the photos….are the pillows 24×24 with a 26×26 insert and have you found any great matching replacements? Last I checked lamps plus was out of the replacement slipcover but not even sure if it includes new pillow covers!
Jenna Sue says
Hi! Are you asking about the patterned pillows or the pillows that come with the sofa? The patterned pillows range in size from 18″ to 22″. I’m not sure about the sofa replacement covers as I’ve never looked into it, sorry!
Sandy says
Love all of these pillows. I want to mix some of these with a darker grey sofa for a more neutral look – which colors work better with grey?
Jenna Sue says
I consider gray a neutral, so honestly any of those pillows could work! I would decide based on the rest of the room (especially rug, curtains).
KJ says
I bought travel or toddler size down and feather inserts on Etsy. They are the perfect size and squish to support my back. Commercial inserts are just too fat, although they look better. I just bought custom pillow covers on Etsy in nice fabrics in solid colors with nice trim or a good texture. That will provide enough visual interest for me. Even though I require pretty I also require useful. Good thing I do not have to appeal to renters, only guests. Nonetheless, your choices are absolutely lovely.
Al says
Wait…Fall isn’t until Sept. 22nd. Summer is not over.
Nice pillow round up.
Jenna Sue says
Not officially, but for many folks (myself included) the season begins after Labor Day weekend 😉 I’m ready for it!
Kathrin says
Hi Jenna,
I love this post and the vibe that you created with the affordable pillows. The interesting thing is that there is not a single pillow that really takes my breath away but the combination of them makes all the difference. BEAUTIFUL! It is the combination of the tones and the patterns that are not the same but in the same family that I really like and that gives this special touch. Love, love, love!!!
Do you have a similar great source for curtains and drapes? I adore the drapes that are in the background of your sofa – the off white, creamy-peachy drapes…. What brand are they and what color? Are they custom made? I have very tall windows (118″) and shopping for drapes became quite the ordeal and turned out really expensive. Do you have any advice?
Jenna Sue says
So glad you liked it, Kathrin! My drapes are custom from Barn & Willow years ago. I shared a roundup with a handful of similar but more affordable drapes in this post: https://www.jennasuedesign.com/how-to-make-windows-look-bigger-with-curtains-and-shades/ I hope this helps!
Kathrin says
Thank you, Jenna.
I know you don’t do private consultations but it alway feels like it :))). Whenever I have a question, you help immediately and I really appreciate it.