21 Fall Throw Pillows to Transform Your Space This Season

Looking to add seasonal charm to your home this autumn without the hassle or cost of over-the-top decorations? The answer is simple: a tasteful selection of fall throw pillows, which can pay homage to the season while seamlessly blending into your existing home decor style. Read on for expert recommendations for the best fall throw pillows and pillow inserts to shop this autumn and styling tips from designers.

How to Decorate With Fall Throw Pillows

“I recommend using fall pillows as seasonal layers, rather than overdoing the theme. Introduce warm shades like rust and terracotta. And olive. And combine them with different textures,” says Nancy Dow, an interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. She recommends decorating with mostly neutral pillows, adding one or two patterned pillows as accent pieces.

Similarly, Seymen Usta, interior design specialist and cofounder at Seus Lighting, says his favorite fall pillows suggest seasonality “through color and texture, not obvious graphics.” This also goes for spooky styles. “A small embroidered motif, subtle black-and-cream pattern or muted seasonal detail can acknowledge Halloween in a sophisticated room,” he says.

Is it better to buy throw pillows or throw pillow covers and inserts separately?

Both experts recommend buying pillow inserts and rotating out the covers instead of buying full pillows. Not only is it more affordable, but inserts are also easier to store. As for material? “I prefer down or down-alternative inserts with substantial fill for decorative pillows, as they look softer and fuller than flat polyester inserts,” Usta says.

“For a fuller, professionally styled appearance, I usually recommend choosing an insert about two inches larger than the pillow cover. For example, a 20-inch cover will typically look fuller with a 22-inch insert,” Dow says. However, she warns that if your cover is very tightly constructed, sizing up can strain the seams.

The Best Throw Pillow Styles for Fall and Beyond

Here are pillows to incorporate into your home this fall, inspired by expert-recommended styles. Most are fall throw pillow covers with a built-in option to bundle with an insert. However, we’ve also included a few full pillows if that’s your preference.

Plaid Pillows

“Plaid is probably my favorite traditional fall style, because it immediately brings warmth and a sense of familiarity to an interior,” Usta says.

Subtlety is key, though. Dow recommends choosing “a muted autumn plaid” to avoid the pillows feeling “too themed.”

“A subtle plaid generally feels more sophisticated than using several competing patterns,” Usta agrees. He recommends “seasonal and timeless” color combinations of cream, brown, rust, olive and/or charcoal.

This Multi Plaid Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn captures the colors of fall foliage without being too loud, featuring muted olive and rust. We also love options like the dual-toned brown pillow from Joon Loloi and a tasteful khaki/gray plaid from Target.

Textured Pillows

Textured pillows are another way to bring in seasonality to your home. Dow is a fan of woven and chunky-knit styles, specifically in cream. “They add softness and balance out darker fall colors, keeping the arrangement light,” she says. Usta also recommends woven pillows in oatmeal and beige.

Plus, we can’t forget about our good friend velvet. “Velvet catches and reflects light, giving a sofa or chair more depth,” Usta says. Look for them in such burnt-orange shades as rust and terracotta, which bring warmth and sophistication to a space while complementing neutral-colored sofas. And while Dow is still a proponent of understated designs, she does appreciate a “subtle botanical print,” which often comes in a textured, embroidered style.

This chunky hand-knit pillow cover from Quince is peak comfy-cozy, like your favorite sweater. We’ve also included simple rust velvet covers from Amazon and a unique knotted alternative from Lulu and Georgia. We’re also drawn to options like a gorgeous cover from West Elm that brings a touch of fall foliage indoors.

Faux-Fur & Bouclé Pillows

Turn to faux-fur or bouclé pillows to make your space feel homey without traditional fall colors, or use them as an accent piece to balance other styles. “They're especially effective in minimalist or contemporary interiors where adding several decorative patterns might feel too busy,” Usta says.

He recommends bouclé pillows in the same light shades as he does for woven styles, so this pillow from Walmart’s Mainstays line fits the bill perfectly. Though the beige color is simple, the tan border helps add dimension and sophistication. Other neutral options like a lush faux-mink pillow from Pottery Barn are hard to resist. Plus, check out faux-fur pillows in seasonal colors like olive and charcoal.