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. 

For a structured and polished look, there is nothing like goose or duck feather pillows, filled with outer feathers with quills. Feather filled pillows provide excellent structure, making them ideal for decorative cushions that need to hold their shape.

Down pillows are made from the soft, quill-less underlayer of feathers, giving them a lightweight, plush feel and a relaxed, lived-in look. Down pillows are less structured and supportive, but perfect for a dreamy sleep pillow.

Polyfill or polyster fiberfill is the most hypoallergenic (and sustainable) option for those sensitive to feathers or dust mites. It's also less breathable and is missing the sink-in comfort of the more luxurious feather and down options.

Duck or goose feathers - what’s the difference? Sustainability-conscious buyers may find duck feathers to be a more responsible choice since they are commonly raised for meat and eggs, making their feathers a natural byproduct of the farming industry. Goose feathers are more exclusive and a premium option due to the warmth and insulation, but their feathers are often collected from farms that primarily breed them for down or foie gras, which raises ethical concerns. Responsibly sourced goose feathers are certified by organizations like RDS and TDS, which ensure ethical treatment of birds. 

We love all animals - like Brownie the spaniel, photographed lounging on our pillows. We also didn't want to compromise on breathable comfort, so we chose a blend of 10% duck down and 90% duck feather for a structured but soft insert under our signature Japanese shantung slipcovers. Each insert is made-to-order for a slightly flatter and softer fit inside our 18.5 x 18.5" slipcovers.

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.