Pillow Talk - Under the Slip Cover

FORMULATED is a journal about the rituals we create around the home, the objects that bring us joy, and the stories behind how things are made.

Pillow Talk - Under the Slip Cover

Not all sofa pillows are made equal; a high quality feather pillow even photographs differently than its polyfill counterparts. The real test is how they support your sofa activities. In Andrea’s home, those include reading, watching movies, and kid gymnastics. 

Our testing began with a comprehensive exploration of various fill materials:

Feather Inserts: Known for their structure and support, feather-filled pillows maintain a polished appearance, making them ideal for decorative purposes.​

Down Inserts: Offering a plush, sink-in comfort, down provides a relaxed, lived-in feel. However, its softness comes at the expense of structure.

Polyfill Inserts: A synthetic alternative that's hypoallergenic and more sustainable, polyfill lacks the breathability and luxurious feel of natural fills.

Like Brownie the dog, we prefer a relaxed pillow silhouette.
Photos by Maria Algara

After extensive testing, we settled on a 10% duck down and 90% duck feather blend. This combination offers the structure needed to maintain form with just the right softness. Duck feathers are often a byproduct of the food industry, making them a more sustainable choice than goose. For a perfect fit, each 20 x 20" insert is made-to-order for our slightly roomier 18.5" x 18.5"covers. The sizing achieves a relaxed, inviting silhouette without the overstuffed "v-chop" appearance.

A Pillow Care Guide: Fluff regularly. Spot clean. Store wisely. A Little sun.

Fluff regularly

Fluffing helps maintain the loft and shape of your pillows, preventing them from becoming flat over time. We prefer a slightly flatter pillow instead of an overstuffed look. Our slipcovers are ½” larger than the usual 18x18” size for a 20x20” pillow insert. 

Spot clean spills

Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean minor stains instead of fully washing your pillow.

Store wisely

Never store feather or down pillows in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew or mold growth. Instead, use a breathable cotton storage bag to keep them fresh when not in use.

A Little sun

Occasionally place your pillows outside in indirect sunlight to keep them fresh and prevent odors.

  1. Read more: Pillow Talk - Under the Slip Cover
    Pillow Talk - Under the Slip Cover

    Pillow Talk - Under the Slip Cover

    We believe that every element of the home deserves thoughtful consideration—even what lies beneath the surface. When it came to our throw pillows, we dove into the world of pillow inserts to ensure that comfort, sustainability, and aesthetics were all in harmony.

    Read more 
  2. Read more: The Shape of Stories - Inside the Dumbo Bookend Campaign
    The Shape of Stories - Inside the Dumbo Bookend Campaign

    The Shape of Stories - Inside the Dumbo Bookend Campaign

    In our latest campaign, we return to the essence of the Dumbo Bookend—a study in balance, structure, and color. Photographed by Sarah Forgie, this series captures the quiet interplay between soft, draped papers and the rigid geometry of steel forms.

    Read more 
  3. Read more: How Tariffs Are Reshaping Home Goods
    How Tariffs Are Reshaping Home Goods

    How Tariffs Are Reshaping Home Goods

    For small businesses like Tortuga Forma, every decision—where and how we produce, which materials we source, and how we price our products—comes with careful consideration. We don’t just manufacture; we honor craft traditions, working with partners who bring generations of expertise to our collections. But the recent tariff changes will affect prices across the home goods industry...

    Read more