Pillow Perfection: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are delightful accents that add personality, comfort, and style to any space (we believe at the shop, the more the merrier!), but without proper care, they can lose their luster over time. Whether you have a collection of vibrant decorative pillows or cozy accent cushions, we’re here to share essential tips and tricks to keep them looking their best. From the life cycle of a Nell Hill’s pillow, to cleaning techniques to storage solutions, let’s explore the secrets to maintaining the longevity and beauty of your throw pillows! Shall we? Get ready to give your pillows the tender loving care they deserve and ensure they remain the perfect finishing touch to your home decor for years to come. Let’s dive in and discover how to keep your throw pillows fresh, plump, and oh-so inviting!

The Process of Creating a Nell Hill’s Pillow

I think it’s important to first understand how a Nell Hill’s pillow is made, to better appreciate the care that goes into maintaining these often one-of-a-kind pieces. At Nell Hills, crafting our throw pillows by hand is a meticulous and artful process that ensures the utmost attention to detail and quality. Each pillow is carefully created from start to finish, with every element considered and crafted individually. 

We begin by selecting the dimensions of the pillow we want to create which determines the size of the pillow fill. This is followed by choosing the perfect pattern placement. Pillow fronts and backs are then cut by hand, intentionally finished 1″ smaller than the fill to achieve that beautifully overstuffed look we love. If trims are incorporated, they are thoughtfully sewn to the fronts in a vertical, horizontal, or framed design. For those who desire monograms or other designs aded to their pillows, they are carefully embroidered onto the fronts. 

Next, we carefully select the perimeter trim, which can vary from contrast cording to self-welt, 1″ flange, ruffled edges, knife pleats, and more, providing various options to suit our customers’ individual tastes. A hidden zipper is then attached to the bottom with a back flap, allowing our customers to effortlessly change up their pillow shams seasonally. Once the fronts and backs are sewn together, turned, and pressed, we add the finishing touch of a Nell Hill’s label, discreetly tucked under the zipper flap. Each and every pillow we create is a labor of love, meticulously sewn together by professional seamstresses who share a deep passion for their craft. We take immense pride in crafting pillows that are not only functional and comfortable but also works of art that enhance any spaces they adorn.

Opt For a Plump Pillow Look

To achieve a fuller and more luxurious look, a trick employed here at Nell Hill’s is to use a pillow insert that is slightly larger than the size of the sham. This technique creates a plump and inviting appearance, adding an extra touch of opulence to your pillows. We make our custom shams 1′ smaller than the fill to achieve the really full look. (However, if the client prefers otherwise, we don’t have to!) By selecting a fill that extends beyond the sham edges, you can achieve a beautifully overstuffed look that exudes elegance and comfort. This signature pillow styling technique ensures that your pillows become a focal point of your decor, providing a touch of lavishness to any room. 

When ordering pillows from Nell Hill’s, our fills are typically a goose/down mixture, but as it is a completely customizable experience, we can order a dacron (synthetic) fill if you so choose! (Which is a fantastic option for clients with allergies.  But, one thing to keep in mind is that a synthetic fill doesn’t have the same fullness as and feel of down.) At Nell Hill’s, we believe that ordering pillows should allow you to create a room as unique as you are, and be tailored to your unique preferences. And the great thing is, you don’t even have to be local to Kansas City to get your dream pillows as we help clients all over the country to create their very own custom experience. 


With our extensive range of fabrics, patterns, and designs, you have the freedom to create pillows that perfectly complement your personal style and decor. From selecting the ideal fabric to choosing the perfect size and shape, our team of experts will guide you through the process, ensuring that every detail is curated to your satisfaction.  Experience the joy of bringing your vision to life as we transform your ideas into beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind pillows.

The Proper Way to Store Your Throw Pillows

One of the best things about throw pillows is that they are easy to swap with the seasons, and can absolutely transform the look of a room with each new succession. This is a trick that Mary Carol uses to refresh spaces in her own home. But, when it comes to storing your throw pillows that are not in use, proper care is key to ensure their longevity. 

Typically, I reuse the inserts and rotate and store the shams. Before stashing them away though, it’s essential to clean the pillows according to their specific material and care instructions. Once they are clean and dry, consider using breathable storage bags or pillowcases to protect them from dust, dirt, and potential damage. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew or odors. Find a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to store your pillows, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. If space allows, try to store them in a horizontal position to maintain their shape. By taking these simple storage precautions, you can ensure that your throw pillows remain fresh, plump, and ready to adorn your living spaces whenever you decide to bring them back out.

When it comes to handling your pillows, it’s essential to follow proper care techniques to maintain their pristine appearance. Avoid the temptation to grab them by the corners (or even a single corner, gasp!) and toss them around. Instead, opt for a gentle approach by scooping them up from the sides or grasping them at the top and bottom. This technique prevents distortion of the fabric and ensures that your pillows retain their original shape. Grabbing the corners can lead to stretched-out corners, which can detract from the overall aesthetic of your pillows – not a good look. 

Cleaning Your Throw Pillows

When it comes to caring for your custom throw pillows, bedding, and draperies, we highly recommend opting for professional dry cleaning. This method ensures that your cherished pieces are handled with the utmost care, preventing any potential shrinkage and maintaining their original color vibrancy. Dry cleaning is particularly beneficial for delicate fabrics and intricate designs, as it helps preserve their beauty and longevity. Trusting the expertise of professional cleaners will give you peace of mind, knowing that your custom items are in the hands of skilled professionals who understand the intricacies of proper care.

To freshen up feather pillow inserts, a simple and effective method is to place them in a tumble dryer on low heat or the air cycle for about 10 minutes. This gentle process helps fluff up the feathers, reviving their loftiness and restoring their softness. It’s important to avoid high heat as it can damage the feathers. Additionally, adding a clean tennis ball or dryer balls can aid in the fluffing process by gently agitating the pillows. By following these steps, you can enjoy freshly rejuvenated feather pillows that provide the ultimate comfort for a restful night’s sleep.

Taking proper care of your throw pillows is essential for preserving their beauty and functionality. By following the tips and techniques shared in this blog post, you can extend the lifespan of your pillows and ensure they continue to enhance your home decor for years to come. Remember to regularly fluff and rotate your pillows, clean them appropriately, and store them properly when not in use. By investing a little time and effort into maintaining your throw pillows, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful accessories that provide a fresh, inviting, and cozy atmosphere in your living spaces. So, give your throw pillows the care they deserve and enjoy the comfort and style they bring to your home. Until next time, happy pillow care!