A guide to cushion inserts
Choosing a cushion insert type
There are SO many different varieties of cushion inserts available it can be overwhelming! In this short guide we’re narrowing it down to our two fave types, poly-fill and feather
Polyester Fill:
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Pros: Affordable, easy to care for (machine washable and dries quickly) hypoallergenic, available in different firmness levels
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Cons: Can flatten and lose fluffiness over time, can form clumps and bumps, may lack the luxurious feel of natural fills
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Best For: High-traffic areas, if you have kids or pets and need to frequently wash your cushions, works for outdoor cushions due to its durability
Duck down/ feather:
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Pros: Extremely soft, provides a luxurious feel and that ‘WOW’ factor, machine washable, long lasting - with the right care you probably won’t ever need to buy a new insert!
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Cons: More expensive, requires regular fluffing, can possibly cause allergies, machine washable but can retain moisture so takes longer to dry than synthetic fibres
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Best For: Indoor cushions where comfort and appearance is a priority - yes you CAN tell the difference between poly-fill and feather simply by looking at a feather down cushion
Choosing the right size cushion insert
Selecting the right size cushion insert for your cover is super easy once you know these tips:
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Measure Your Cover: Measure the width and length of your cushion cover from seam to seam
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Add a bit extra for square cushions: For a full look, choose an insert that is approximately 5 centimetres larger than the cover. For example, a 45 x 45 cm cover would benefit from a 50 cm x 50 cm insert
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Same Size for Rectangular Covers: For rectangular cushions, use an insert that is the same size as the cover to ensure a snug fit. For example, a 30 cm x 50 cm cover should use a 30 cm x 50 cm insert
Where to buy the best inserts
Some recommendations for where to buy quality cushion inserts are:
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Ikea - they have a decent range of shapes and sizes and are very affordable
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Pillow talk - they sell a variety of sizes in duck down feather* inserts
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Adairs - you can also find beautiful duck down feather* inserts here
We’ve trailed and tested inserts from these shops in our own home and are pleased with their quality! There are of course many other places to purchase inserts, whether it’s online or in person, and we encourage you to do your research and find what best suits you and your home!
*Animal welfare is of the utmost importance to us. Please ensure that any duck feather inserts you purchase are Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. If a business does not specify this certification, it's best to assume they are not RDS certified.
We hope you found this guide helpful!