Standard throw pillow cover sizes are 45x45 cm (18x18 in), 50x50 cm (20x20 in) and 60x60 cm (24x24 in) for squares, plus 30x50 cm (12x20 in) lumbar covers. Pick 45 to 50 cm for most sofas, and choose an insert 2 to 5 cm larger than the cover for a full, plump finish.
A throw pillow cover is one of the fastest ways to refresh a room, but only if the size is right. Too big and it looks floppy and half empty. Too small and the insert bulges at the seams. This guide breaks down the sizes in cm and inches, shows how the cover and insert work together, and helps you match the right size to your sofa, bed or chair.
How sizing actually works
Throw pillow covers (also called scatter cushion covers) are measured flat, seam to seam, and described by their square dimension, such as 45x45 cm. That number is the finished cover size, not the insert size, and the fill inside is what gives a pillow its shape.
Covaba plain stretch covers are made from soft-touch microfibre with a quiet two-way stretch, so they hug the insert and smooth the corners. That stretch also means one plain cover comfortably fits standard square inserts across a small range, which makes sizing more forgiving than a fixed woven cover.
Throw pillow cover size chart (cm and inches)
Match a cover size to its best use and the insert that keeps it looking full.
| Cover size (cm) | Cover size (in) | Best for | Recommended insert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 x 40 cm | 16 x 16 in | Small chairs, layering | 45 x 45 cm |
| 45 x 45 cm | 18 x 18 in | Most sofas (the go-to) | 50 x 50 cm |
| 50 x 50 cm | 20 x 20 in | Deep or large sofas | 55 x 55 cm |
| 60 x 60 cm | 24 x 24 in | Large sectionals, floor seating | 65 x 65 cm |
| 30 x 50 cm | 12 x 20 in | Lumbar support, layering | 35 x 55 cm |
For a full, structured look, size the insert up. Match cover and insert exactly for a softer, more relaxed shape.
The three things that decide the right size
- The cover dimension. 45x45 cm (18x18 in) is the everyday go-to for sofas, 50x50 cm suits deeper seats, 40x40 cm is ideal for layering or slim chairs, and 55 to 60 cm makes a bolder statement.
- The insert relationship. Your insert should be roughly 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) larger than the cover. A 45x45 cm cover looks plumpest with a 50x50 cm insert.
- The shape. Square covers do the bulk of the styling, but a 30x50 cm lumbar cover adds support and breaks up a row of squares.
Shop popular pillow covers
Start with a confident colour, then layer in texture. Tap any cover to choose your shade.
Need back support? Add the Plain Stretch Lumbar cover in Soft Blush at £20.99. Browse the full cushion covers collection to compare colours and weaves.
Which size for which need
For a sofa: build with an odd number of covers, usually three or five. A reliable formula is a pair of 50x50 cm squares in the corners, a pair of 45x45 cm in front, and one 30x50 cm lumbar in the centre.
For a bed: lead with larger 50 to 60 cm squares at the back and step down to 45x45 cm and a 30x50 cm lumbar at the front for a made, hotel-style finish.
For an armchair: a single 40x40 cm or 45x45 cm cover is usually enough. Anything larger can crowd the seat.
Common sizing mistakes
- Buying an insert the same size as the cover, which leaves the pillow limp. Size the insert up.
- Using one size everywhere. Mix at least two square sizes and add a lumbar.
- Ignoring the sofa scale, where small covers on a large sectional simply vanish.
- Forgetting texture. Two covers in the same colour but different weaves read as far more considered.
Caring for your covers
Covaba plain stretch covers are machine washable at 30°C on a gentle cycle, then tumble-dried low or hung to dry. Remove the insert first, close any zip before washing, and reshape the cover while slightly damp so it slips back on cleanly.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
What size are standard throw pillow covers?
The most common square sizes are 45x45 cm (18x18 in), 50x50 cm (20x20 in) and 60x60 cm (24x24 in). Lumbar covers are typically 30x50 cm (12x20 in). For most sofas, 45 to 50 cm squares are the safest starting point.
How many throw pillows should I put on a sofa?
An odd number usually looks best, so three or five. A common set is two larger squares in the corners, two smaller squares in front, and one lumbar in the centre.
What size insert should I use?
Choose an insert about 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) larger than the cover. A 45x45 cm cover looks fullest with a 50x50 cm insert. Matching the sizes exactly gives a softer, less structured shape.
What size is a lumbar pillow cover?
Lumbar covers are rectangular for back support and layering. Covaba lumbar covers come in a 30x50 cm (12x20 in) size that sits neatly against the back of a sofa or at the front of a bed.
Do stretch pillow covers fit different sizes?
Yes. Covaba plain stretch covers use a two-way stretch microfibre that hugs the insert, so a single cover comfortably fits standard square inserts across a small range rather than one fixed size.
Can I mix throw pillow sizes?
Mixing sizes is exactly what makes an arrangement look designed. Combine at least two square sizes with one lumbar, and vary the textures rather than repeating the same weave.
Bringing it together
Pick 45 to 50 cm squares for most sofas, add a 30x50 cm lumbar for balance, and always size your insert up for a full finish. Shop the Covaba cushion covers collection and find the sizes and shades that suit your space.
