What Size Pillow Insert For A 12x20 Cover

Okay, picture this: I recently found the cutest little lumbar pillow cover at a flea market. Seriously, it had tiny embroidered cacti on it. Cacti! I was so excited, I practically skipped home. Then… reality hit. I had no idea what size insert to actually stuff into the poor little guy. It was a 12x20 cover, and I was staring blankly, feeling like I'd stumbled into some weird math problem disguised as home décor.

Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone. Figuring out the right pillow insert size can feel surprisingly complicated. But fear not, intrepid decorator! I'm here to guide you through the 12x20 cover conundrum.

The General Rule: Bigger is (Usually) Better

The most common piece of advice you'll hear? Go bigger than your cover. I know, it sounds counterintuitive, right? But trust me on this. A pillow insert that's the exact same size as your cover will likely leave you with a sad, floppy, under-filled pillow. Nobody wants that.

Think of it like this: you want your pillow to look plump and inviting, not like a deflated balloon. Exactly! So, the golden rule of thumb is to go 1-2 inches larger than the stated dimensions of your pillow cover.

So, What Size Insert for a 12x20 Cover Then?

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. If you're following the "bigger is better" rule, for a 12x20 inch pillow cover, you'll likely want to use a 13x21 or even a 14x22 inch pillow insert.

Now, why the range? Good question! It depends on a few factors:

• Fill Material: Down and feather inserts tend to be more pliable and compress more easily than synthetic fills like polyester. So, you might be able to get away with a slightly larger insert if you're using down.
• Desired Firmness: Do you want a super firm, karate-chop-able pillow? (I always secretly do!) Or something softer and more squishy? A larger insert will generally result in a firmer pillow.
• Cover Thickness: A thicker, heavier fabric cover might require a slightly larger insert to fill it out properly. Think about that gorgeous velvet number you spotted!

Essentially, the insert has to fill up all the corners of the cover and create that nice, plump look without stretching the fabric too much. (We don't want any seams bursting!) That's the key!

The "Karate Chop" Factor & Other Considerations

Speaking of firmness, let's talk about the "karate chop." You know, that satisfying indent you can make in a well-stuffed pillow? If that's your goal, definitely err on the side of a larger insert. A smaller insert just won't give you that structural integrity.

Beyond the karate chop, also consider how the pillow will be used. Is it purely decorative? Or will it actually be providing lumbar support? If it's for support, you'll probably want a firmer pillow, which, again, points to a slightly larger insert.

A Little Experiment Never Hurt Anyone

The best way to know for sure what works best? A little trial and error! If you happen to have a couple of different sized inserts lying around, try them out. It’s the only true way to see what will look the best.

If you're buying online, check the return policy! That way, if the insert you choose isn't quite right, you can easily exchange it for a different size. Phew, right?

The Bottom Line (and a Few Final Thoughts)

Choosing the right pillow insert for a 12x20 cover isn't rocket science, but it does require a little bit of thought. Start with the 13x21 or 14x22 inch range, consider the fill material, desired firmness, and cover thickness, and don't be afraid to experiment. Most importantly, have fun with it! Decorating should be enjoyable, not stressful.

And hey, if all else fails, you can always buy two different sizes and see which one you like better. That's what I ended up doing with my cactus pillow! Now it's perfectly plump and ready to add a touch of desert charm to my living room. Good luck with your pillow adventures! You've got this!