Pillows vs Cushions: Fill Types, Firmness & How to Choose

Pillows and cushions get used interchangeably in conversation, but they're built for different jobs — one supports your neck through eight hours of sleep, the other holds its shape on a sofa for years. Picking the wrong fill for the wrong job is the most common mistake.

Sleep pillows: fill types

• Microfiber — soft, affordable, hypoallergenic, and machine-washable. A safe everyday choice.
• Memory foam — contours to the head and neck, holds its shape without flattening over time, best for side and back sleepers who want consistent support.
• Cotton-fill — breathable and lightweight, suited to warmer climates, though it flattens faster than foam or microfiber.

Choosing firmness by sleep position

• Back sleepers — a medium pillow that supports the neck's natural curve without pushing the head too far forward.
• Side sleepers — a firmer, slightly thicker pillow to fill the gap between shoulder and head.
• Stomach sleepers — a soft, flatter pillow, or the neck ends up overextended.

Decorative cushions: what actually matters

Unlike sleep pillows, cushions are chosen for how they hold shape and look on a sofa or bed, not just softness.

• Fibre-fill cushions — plush and soft, but can flatten with regular use and need occasional fluffing.
• Foam-core cushions — firmer, hold their shape longest, better for cushions that get sat against daily.

Sizing cushions for a sofa

As a rough guide, 16–18 inch cushions suit most 3-seater sofas for everyday styling, while larger 20–24 inch cushions work better for bigger sofas or a fuller, more relaxed look. Mixing two sizes usually looks more intentional than using all one size.

See our pillow and cushion collections for fill type and size on every listing.