Pillow covers are one of the fastest ways to change how a room feels without buying new furniture. This guide breaks down which fabric fits which room, how to get sizing right the first time, and how to style covers so they actually look intentional.
What Is the Best Fabric for Pillow Covers?
The best pillow cover fabric depends on where the pillow lives and what it needs to do — cotton for everyday bedroom use, linen for relaxed living spaces, velvet for visual richness, satin for overnight hair and skin comfort, and solution-dyed acrylic for anything outdoors. There's no single "best" fabric; there's a best fabric for each use case.
Cotton Pillow Covers
Cotton is the most practical all-around choice for Canadian homes because it's breathable, machine washable, and comfortable against skin. It's the right pick for bedroom pillows you actually sleep against, and it holds its shape and colour through repeated washing better than most budget fabrics.
Linen Pillow Covers
Linen brings a relaxed, textured look suited to natural, Scandinavian, and minimalist interiors. Unlike most fabrics, linen actually improves with use — it softens with every wash instead of wearing thin.
Velvet Pillow Covers
Velvet adds immediate richness and depth, which is why it's the go-to for formal living rooms or cozy fall and winter styling. Look for a tight, dense pile — it holds colour and shape through regular handling better than a thin, loosely woven velvet.
Satin Pillow Covers
Satin reduces friction against hair and skin, which makes it the practical choice for overnight pillows if you're trying to prevent frizz, tangling, or sleep creases on your face. It also adds a soft sheen that reads as quietly upscale in bedroom styling.
Outdoor Pillow Covers
Outdoor pillow covers need to survive UV exposure, humidity, and rain without fading or growing mildew. Solution-dyed acrylic or polyester with a water-resistant finish is the standard for patio and balcony cushions that need to hold up through a Canadian outdoor season.
| Material |
Best For |
Key Trait |
| Cotton |
Bedroom pillows, everyday use |
Breathable, easy to wash |
| Linen |
Living room, casual decor |
Textured, softens over time |
| Velvet |
Formal or statement decor |
Rich colour, heavier drape |
| Satin |
Overnight sleep pillows |
Reduces hair/skin friction |
| Outdoor acrylic |
Patios, balconies |
UV and moisture resistant |
What Size Pillow Cover Should You Buy?
The most common pillow cover mistake is buying a cover that matches your insert's exact dimensions instead of sizing up. A cover that's too large looks deflated and saggy; one that's the same size as the insert looks stretched and stiff — neither gives that full, tailored look designers use.
Sizing Rule of Thumb
Buy an insert that's 1 to 2 inches larger than your cover size. For an 18x18 inch cover, use a 20x20 inch insert. This overstuffing is what creates a plump, structured look instead of a flat one.
Standard Sizes by Use
-
18x18 inches — the most versatile size, works on nearly any sofa, chair, or accent spot
-
20x20 inches — better for deep-seated sofas or sectionals where a larger backdrop pillow is needed
-
12x20 inches (lumbar) — best for lower back support on accent chairs or layered in front of larger pillows on a bed
-
24x24 inches and up — used for floor cushions or oversized statement pieces
-
26x26 inches (Euro sham) — sits against the headboard on queen or king beds
Bedroom Pillowcase Sizes (for sleeping pillows, not decorative covers)
Sleeping pillowcases follow your pillow insert's dimensions rather than decorative sizing: standard pillows generally use a 20x26 inch case, queen pillows use roughly 20x30 inches, and king pillows use roughly 20x36 inches. Always check the label on your specific pillow insert, since sizing can vary slightly by manufacturer.
How to Style Pillow Covers by Room
Good pillow styling comes down to three habits: use odd numbers, vary texture within one colour story, and separate indoor from outdoor covers so nothing fades or mildews out of season.
Living Room
Style in odd numbers — three pillows for a loveseat, five for a larger sofa — since asymmetry reads as more intentional than a perfectly even set. Mix textures like linen, velvet, and a patterned cover within a consistent colour palette rather than matching every pillow exactly. Reversible covers are worth considering if you want to refresh a room seasonally without buying new inserts.
Bedroom
Layer three types: sleeping pillowcases in cotton or satin closest to the headboard, decorative shams in a complementary tone behind them, and one or two smaller accent pillows in front. A cover set that pulls a colour from your duvet ties the whole bed together without needing to match everything exactly.
Outdoor Spaces
Keep outdoor pillow covers physically separate from indoor ones — using an indoor cover outside, even briefly, accelerates fading and can introduce mildew. Store outdoor covers inside during winter and off-season months to extend their lifespan through multiple summers.
Caring for Different Pillow Cover Fabrics
Care requirements vary enough by fabric that a one-size-fits-all washing routine will shorten some covers' lifespan. Cotton and linen tolerate regular machine washing; velvet and satin need gentler handling to protect texture and sheen.
-
Cotton: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.
-
Linen: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle; air dry to avoid excess shrinking.
-
Velvet: Spot clean when possible, steam instead of ironing, and avoid compressing the pile in storage.
-
Satin: Hand wash or use a gentle cycle in a mesh bag, and skip high heat drying, which dulls the sheen.
-
Outdoor acrylic: Hose off or spot clean, and let air dry fully before storing to prevent mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pillow cover material for sleeping?
Cotton is the best all-round choice for sleeping pillowcases because it's breathable, washable, and comfortable against skin for nightly use. If hair frizz, breakage, or skin sensitivity is a concern, satin is worth the upgrade since its smoother surface reduces overnight friction.
How do I choose the right size pillow cover?
Match your cover size to your insert, then size your insert up by 1 to 2 inches for a fuller, firmer look instead of buying an insert that exactly matches the cover. For decorative use, 18x18 inches is the most versatile size; for sleeping pillows, match standard, queen, or king dimensions to your specific pillow.
Can I use the same pillow covers indoors and outdoors?
No. Indoor pillow covers aren't built for UV exposure or moisture and will fade or grow mildew quickly outside. Use covers specifically made with outdoor-rated fabric like solution-dyed acrylic for patios and balconies.
What are reversible pillow covers, and are they worth buying?
Reversible covers have two different fabric faces on one pillow, giving you two styling options without buying a second cover. They're a practical way to refresh a room's colour story seasonally without replacing inserts.
How do I keep velvet pillow covers looking their best?
Fluff velvet pillows regularly, avoid leaving them compressed under other items, and spot clean rather than machine washing when possible. Steaming instead of ironing helps maintain the pile and keeps deep colours from flattening.
What's the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow cover?
A pillowcase is a functional textile for sleeping pillows, usually cotton or satin and sized to match a specific pillow insert. A pillow cover, sometimes called a cushion cover, is decorative, made for throw pillows, and prioritizes visual impact over overnight comfort.
How many throw pillows should I use on a sofa?
Odd numbers generally look more intentional than even ones — three pillows suit a loveseat or smaller sofa, and five works well on a larger sectional. Varying texture and size within the set, rather than using identical pillows, is what makes the arrangement look designed rather than generic.
Do I need a pillow protector under a decorative cover?
A pillow protector is worth adding if you have allergies, pets, or want to extend the life of the insert underneath a decorative cover. It's a separate layer from the cover itself and mainly matters for hygiene and insert longevity rather than appearance.
Best Pillow Covers in Canada: Materials, Sizes, and Styling Tips
Pillow covers are one of the fastest ways to change how a room feels without buying new furniture. This guide breaks down which fabric fits which room, how to get sizing right the first time, and how to style covers so they actually look intentional.
What Is the Best Fabric for Pillow Covers?
The best pillow cover fabric depends on where the pillow lives and what it needs to do — cotton for everyday bedroom use, linen for relaxed living spaces, velvet for visual richness, satin for overnight hair and skin comfort, and solution-dyed acrylic for anything outdoors. There's no single "best" fabric; there's a best fabric for each use case.
Cotton Pillow Covers
Cotton is the most practical all-around choice for Canadian homes because it's breathable, machine washable, and comfortable against skin. It's the right pick for bedroom pillows you actually sleep against, and it holds its shape and colour through repeated washing better than most budget fabrics.
Linen Pillow Covers
Linen brings a relaxed, textured look suited to natural, Scandinavian, and minimalist interiors. Unlike most fabrics, linen actually improves with use — it softens with every wash instead of wearing thin.
Velvet Pillow Covers
Velvet adds immediate richness and depth, which is why it's the go-to for formal living rooms or cozy fall and winter styling. Look for a tight, dense pile — it holds colour and shape through regular handling better than a thin, loosely woven velvet.
Satin Pillow Covers
Satin reduces friction against hair and skin, which makes it the practical choice for overnight pillows if you're trying to prevent frizz, tangling, or sleep creases on your face. It also adds a soft sheen that reads as quietly upscale in bedroom styling.
Outdoor Pillow Covers
Outdoor pillow covers need to survive UV exposure, humidity, and rain without fading or growing mildew. Solution-dyed acrylic or polyester with a water-resistant finish is the standard for patio and balcony cushions that need to hold up through a Canadian outdoor season.
What Size Pillow Cover Should You Buy?
The most common pillow cover mistake is buying a cover that matches your insert's exact dimensions instead of sizing up. A cover that's too large looks deflated and saggy; one that's the same size as the insert looks stretched and stiff — neither gives that full, tailored look designers use.
Sizing Rule of Thumb
Buy an insert that's 1 to 2 inches larger than your cover size. For an 18x18 inch cover, use a 20x20 inch insert. This overstuffing is what creates a plump, structured look instead of a flat one.
Standard Sizes by Use
Bedroom Pillowcase Sizes (for sleeping pillows, not decorative covers)
Sleeping pillowcases follow your pillow insert's dimensions rather than decorative sizing: standard pillows generally use a 20x26 inch case, queen pillows use roughly 20x30 inches, and king pillows use roughly 20x36 inches. Always check the label on your specific pillow insert, since sizing can vary slightly by manufacturer.
How to Style Pillow Covers by Room
Good pillow styling comes down to three habits: use odd numbers, vary texture within one colour story, and separate indoor from outdoor covers so nothing fades or mildews out of season.
Living Room
Style in odd numbers — three pillows for a loveseat, five for a larger sofa — since asymmetry reads as more intentional than a perfectly even set. Mix textures like linen, velvet, and a patterned cover within a consistent colour palette rather than matching every pillow exactly. Reversible covers are worth considering if you want to refresh a room seasonally without buying new inserts.
Bedroom
Layer three types: sleeping pillowcases in cotton or satin closest to the headboard, decorative shams in a complementary tone behind them, and one or two smaller accent pillows in front. A cover set that pulls a colour from your duvet ties the whole bed together without needing to match everything exactly.
Outdoor Spaces
Keep outdoor pillow covers physically separate from indoor ones — using an indoor cover outside, even briefly, accelerates fading and can introduce mildew. Store outdoor covers inside during winter and off-season months to extend their lifespan through multiple summers.
Caring for Different Pillow Cover Fabrics
Care requirements vary enough by fabric that a one-size-fits-all washing routine will shorten some covers' lifespan. Cotton and linen tolerate regular machine washing; velvet and satin need gentler handling to protect texture and sheen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pillow cover material for sleeping?
Cotton is the best all-round choice for sleeping pillowcases because it's breathable, washable, and comfortable against skin for nightly use. If hair frizz, breakage, or skin sensitivity is a concern, satin is worth the upgrade since its smoother surface reduces overnight friction.
How do I choose the right size pillow cover?
Match your cover size to your insert, then size your insert up by 1 to 2 inches for a fuller, firmer look instead of buying an insert that exactly matches the cover. For decorative use, 18x18 inches is the most versatile size; for sleeping pillows, match standard, queen, or king dimensions to your specific pillow.
Can I use the same pillow covers indoors and outdoors?
No. Indoor pillow covers aren't built for UV exposure or moisture and will fade or grow mildew quickly outside. Use covers specifically made with outdoor-rated fabric like solution-dyed acrylic for patios and balconies.
What are reversible pillow covers, and are they worth buying?
Reversible covers have two different fabric faces on one pillow, giving you two styling options without buying a second cover. They're a practical way to refresh a room's colour story seasonally without replacing inserts.
How do I keep velvet pillow covers looking their best?
Fluff velvet pillows regularly, avoid leaving them compressed under other items, and spot clean rather than machine washing when possible. Steaming instead of ironing helps maintain the pile and keeps deep colours from flattening.
What's the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow cover?
A pillowcase is a functional textile for sleeping pillows, usually cotton or satin and sized to match a specific pillow insert. A pillow cover, sometimes called a cushion cover, is decorative, made for throw pillows, and prioritizes visual impact over overnight comfort.
How many throw pillows should I use on a sofa?
Odd numbers generally look more intentional than even ones — three pillows suit a loveseat or smaller sofa, and five works well on a larger sectional. Varying texture and size within the set, rather than using identical pillows, is what makes the arrangement look designed rather than generic.
Do I need a pillow protector under a decorative cover?
A pillow protector is worth adding if you have allergies, pets, or want to extend the life of the insert underneath a decorative cover. It's a separate layer from the cover itself and mainly matters for hygiene and insert longevity rather than appearance.