Cushions are the perfect way to add comfort, colour and personality to your home. Whether you’re styling a cozy corner, decorating your living room, or adding a touch of luxury to your bedroom, the type of cushion insert you choose will affect the look and feel of your space.
Choosing your cushions inserts comes down to personal preference. Do you love the sink-into feel of cushions with a relaxed, casual, lived in look or a cushion for support with a plump look?
Trying to decide between a feather fill, polyester (poly) fill or a micro blend fill is as important as choosing your cushion covers.
We are here to help you choose which cushion insert is best for you and your home.
Cushions with a feather inner insert are a known for their soft, sink into feel.
These cushion inserts offer a plush, luxurious feel that moulds around you as you lie on them, perfect for cosy relaxing on your sofa.
A favourite amongst interior designers and stylists Feather filled cushion inserts are loved for their elegant yet lived in look. Add the “Karate chop” to the top of your feather filled cushion for a natural, relaxed look.
Cushions with a feather fill hold their shape and stay put. Perfect for leather or vinyl furniture that can be slippery, Feather filled cushions don’t slide down and keep the shape you’ve fluffed them into.
Feather fill cushions offer excellent shape retention, thanks to the natural resilience of feathers. While they may require regular fluffing to maintain their fullness, feather cushions can bounce back to their original shape, providing consistent support over time.
Feathers are a natural material, making feather fill cushions an environmentally friendly choice. They’re biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious option, feather fill is a great choice.
Feather fill cushions are naturally breathable, helping to regulate temperature. This means they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making them comfortable year-round. The breathability of feathers also helps prevent moisture build-up, which is particularly beneficial in humid environments.
With proper care, feather fill cushions can last for many years. Their durability and long-lasting comfort make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking cushions that will stand the test of time.
While feather fill cushions have many benefits, there are a few things to consider:
Not all feather inserts are made equal: Some feather inserts are filled with heavy, thick quill feathers that tend to poke through the fabric and are uncomfortable.
For the plushest and comfortable cushion, we recommend premium feather inners made by Weave with 100% white duck feather and a 100% cotton down proof cover. This means no feathers pierce the cover and escape into your living room or bedroom. Our Weave feather inners are filled with 1000 grams of fill, giving a luxurious density to your cushion.
Allergies: Some people are allergic to feathers, which can make feather fill cushions unsuitable for them. If you or someone in your household has feather allergies, it might be better to explore alternative options like polyester fill or a micro-blend cushion insert.
Maintenance: Feather filled cushions are easily moulded to suit your comfort requirements and give a premium weight to your cushions. As feathers flatten and mould against your body, they do need to be “fluffed up” for a plump cushion. An occasional airing out to keeps them in top condition. While this is a small price to pay for their comfort, it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a low-maintenance option.
Polyester fill cushions are a popular choice for their practicality, affordability, and ease of care. They offer a range of benefits that make them suitable for various settings, from family homes to outdoor spaces.
One of the most significant advantages of polyester fill cushions is their affordability. They’re generally less expensive than feather fill cushions, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget or for anyone looking to decorate multiple rooms without spending too much.
Polyester (Polyfill) cushion inserts are plumper than feather and micro-blend cushions. These cushion inserts are all about practicality and ease. Due to their firmness, poly fill cushions are often used on deep sofa’s where you need more back support.
Polyester fill cushions are incredibly low maintenance. They don’t require regular fluffing and typically bounce back to their original shape with minimal effort. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas or for those who prefer a fuss-free home decor solution.\
Polyfill Cushions are a popular choice for those that have feather allergies. Made from synthetic polyester fibres, poly fill is widely used in furnishings and bedding for its hypoallergenic properties and durability.
Polyester fill is more resistant to moisture than feather fill, making these cushions a practical choice for outdoor use or in areas where spills are common, such as a kitchen nook or playroom. The moisture-resistant nature of polyester fill also means these cushions dry quickly if they do get wet.
While polyester fill cushions are practical, they do come with a few considerations:
Firmness: Polyester fill cushions tend to be firmer than feather fill cushions. While some people appreciate this added support, others might miss the plush softness of feathers. As poly fill cushion inserts are firmer and spongier than feather inserts, take extra care when inserting them into your cushion covers. To avoid damaging the insert or the cover.
Breathability: Polyester is less breathable than natural materials like feathers, which means polyester fill cushions can sometimes feel warmer, especially in hot weather. If you prioritize breathability, this is something to keep in mind.
Durability: Polyester fill cushions may lose their shape and firmness over time, especially with heavy use. They might need to be replaced more frequently than feather fill cushions, particularly in high-use areas.
If you’re looking for a cushion insert that combines the features of both natural and synthetic materials, the Weave Fill micro blend fill inner might be the perfect solution. This blend offers a balanced combination of softness, support, and durability, making it a versatile option for any home. It mimics the look and feel of feather inserts while being ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and an ideal vegan choice.
While standard polyester inserts may look full at first, they tend to flatten and lose their shape over time, leading to a flat and saggy appearance. In contrast, our specially crafted microfibre blend maintains its plumpness and firmness throughout its lifetime, providing both softness and support.
The Weave Fill micro blend cushion inserts are hypoallergenic, odourless and mildew proof, making them a great choice those who suffer from allergies.
Cushions with a micro blend inner require less maintenance than feather fill cushions but may need a bit more care than polyester fill cushions. Occasional fluffing can help maintain their shape and softness, while their synthetic component ensures they are relatively low maintenance.
This blend is lightweight, making these cushions easy to move around and versatile for various spaces in your home. Whether you’re looking for cushions for your living room, bedroom, or outdoor patio, a micro-blend offers flexibility and ease of use.
Micro-blend cushion inserts offer good durability. While they might not last as long as feather fill cushions, they tend to outlast polyester fill cushions, especially with proper care.
While Weave Fill Micro Blend insert offers a good balance of features, there are a few things to consider:
Cost: These cushions are typically priced between feather fill and polyester fill cushions. While they offer a good balance of quality and affordability, they might be slightly more expensive than polyester fill cushions.
Fluffing Needed: Although these cushions are lower maintenance than feather fill, they may still require occasional fluffing to maintain their fullness and comfort.
Not as Plush as Feather Fill: While a micro blend cushion insert offers softness, it may not provide the same luxurious, sink-in feel as 100% feather fill cushions. If you’re looking for ultimate plushness, feather fill might still be your top choice.
Choosing the right cushion insert comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and how you intend to use your cushions. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
You Love Luxurious Comfort: Feather fill cushions offer a plush, sink-in softness that’s perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
You Prefer Natural Materials: Feathers are a natural, eco-friendly choice that offers breathability and sustainability.
You Want Cushions That Hold Their Shape: Feather fill cushions provide a good balance of softness and support, with excellent shape retention.
You’re Looking for Affordability: Polyester fill cushions are more budget-friendly, making them a practical choice for decorating multiple rooms or for anyone on a budget.
You Need Hypoallergenic Cushions: Polyester fill is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with allergies or sensitivities.
You Prefer Low-Maintenance Decor: Polyester fill cushions are easy to care for, require no fluffing, and are durable enough to withstand everyday use.
You Want a Balanced Option: A Weave Fill Micro Blend insert offers a mix of softness and support, combining the best features of natural and synthetic materials.
You Need Hypoallergenic Comfort: This blend is hypoallergenic, providing a safe and comfortable option for allergy sufferers.
You’re Looking for Durability and Moderate Maintenance: A Weave Fill Micro Blend insert offers good durability with less maintenance than feather fill and slightly more care than polyester fill.
No matter which type of cushion insert you choose, proper care will ensure they stay comfortable and attractive for years to come.
Fluff Regularly: Keep your feather fill cushions looking and feeling their best by fluffing them regularly.
Spot Clean When Necessary: Use a mild detergent and water to spot clean any stains, and make sure to dry the cushion thoroughly.
Air Out Occasionally: To prevent odours and maintain freshness, air out your feather fill cushions from time to time.
Spot Clean with Ease: Polyester fill cushions can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Thanks to their moisture-resistant properties, they dry quickly.
No Fluffing Needed: These cushions bounce back to their original shape without the need for fluffing, making them a breeze to maintain.
Replace When Needed: Keep an eye on the firmness and shape of your polyester fill cushions and replace them when they start to lose their bounce.
Fluff Occasionally: To maintain the balance of softness and support, give these cushions an occasional fluff.
Spot Clean: Like polyester fill cushions, a 50/50 blend can be spot cleaned with ease.
Monitor Wear: Check for any signs of wear over time and replace as needed to keep your cushions looking fresh and comfortable.
If you’re torn between the luxurious softness of feather inserts and the practical support of polyfill, consider combining them. For example, use a larger decorative pillow with a polyfill insert for reliable support, and layer a smaller pillow with a feather insert in front for extra comfort and style. This way, you get the firm support of polyfill and the plush, cozy feel of feather inserts.
Both feather and polyfill inserts can enhance your home decor in their own ways. By understanding their differences, you can make a choice that best fits your lifestyle and style.
Choosing between feather fill, polyester fill, or a micro-blend cushion inserts depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize luxury, practicality, or a balance of both, each type of cushion insert offers unique benefits that can enhance your living space.
At Beautiful Home Decor, we offer a wide selection of cushion inserts and covers to suit every style and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the plush comfort of feather fill, the ease of polyester fill, or the balanced option of a micro-blend, we’ve got the perfect cushions and inserts to complement your home decor.
Explore our cushion collection today and find the cushion covers and inserts that are just right for you. No matter which types you choose, we’re here to help you create a home that’s both stylish and comfortable!
Happy decorating!