This Amazon Basics throw pillows review is for anyone who wants a cosy, finished-looking sofa without spending a fortune. Throw pillows are one of the cheapest ways to change a room, but cheap ones can go flat or fall apart after one wash.
Honesty note: this review is based on the product specs, listed features and customer feedback, not a lab test. Prices change often, so I give only rough ranges — check the current price before buying.
What You Get in the Set
Amazon Basics throw pillows come mainly in sets of two or four — usually cheaper per pillow than singles, and easier to colour-match.
The most common sizes are 18 x 18 inches and 20 x 20 inches. The 18-inch size works well on a standard sofa or armchair; the 20-inch size suits a bigger sofa or sectional. Some sets also offer a rectangular lumbar size.
Colour choice is a strong point. The sets come in plain, solid colours — grey, beige, navy, black, white, sage green, blush and mustard — rather than busy patterns, so they mix easily with a rug, a throw, or cushions you already own. Each pillow usually comes complete, cover plus insert included.
Cover Material
Most covers are made from 100% polyester: generally soft to the touch, more wrinkle-resistant than cotton or linen, and less likely to fade quickly in normal indoor light.
The fabric is usually a soft, smooth weave rather than a textured linen or velvet look. If you want a rich, high-end feel, these will look plainer; if you want a clean pillow that blends in, the plain finish is the point.
The covers typically have a hidden zipper, so you can remove the cover for washing or swap covers if you change your colour scheme. For help picking colours, see our guide to home decor styles.
Comfort: The Insert and How It Feels
The insert is usually a polyester fibre fill, designed to feel plump when new and to spring back after a quick fluff. Out of the packet, the pillows often look compressed from vacuum packing, so shake them well before you judge them.
In everyday use, the comfort is medium-soft: soft enough to lean on while you read or watch TV, and supportive enough to prop behind your back.
That suits most people, but not everyone. If you like a firm bolster, or a feather insert you can chop and mould, you will probably find these a little too soft.
On a sofa, they work best as back support or decoration at the corners; on a bed, a pair in front of your sleeping pillows adds a finished look. Fluff them once or twice a week and rotate them to keep them looking fuller.
Durability After Washing
Washing is where a budget pillow proves itself. The removable cover is the big advantage: in most sets it can be machine washed, which matters for a pillow that collects dust, pet hair and the occasional spill.
Follow the care label on your set, as instructions vary slightly. Buyers commonly wash the cover on a gentle cycle in cold water, then air dry or tumble dry on low, avoiding very hot water or a high dryer setting. The insert is usually spot-clean only, so do not machine-wash the whole pillow unless the label says you can.
Customer feedback on durability is mixed, as you would expect at this price. Many buyers say the covers hold up well through several washes; others report the fabric looking less crisp, or the insert losing plumpness over months of daily use. With gentle washing, they should last a year or more and still look presentable.
Value for Money
Amazon Basics throw pillows are typically sold in the budget range, often roughly a few dollars per pillow in a set of four, and a little more per pillow in a set of two — noticeably less than most homeware-store cushions of a similar size.
Against other budget pillows, they are competitive but not dramatically cheaper. Against mid-range cushions, they are a clear saving; against premium linen or feather, much cheaper — but simpler.
Before you buy, check the price per pillow, not just the set price — a set of four is no bargain if you only need two. Prices change frequently, so check the current price before buying. For more ways to avoid wasting money, read our guide to the budget home decor mistakes to avoid.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good value as a set: two or four together keeps the price per pillow low.
- Useful sizes: 18-inch and 20-inch options suit most sofas and beds.
- Easy colours: plain solid colours mix well with rugs, throws and cushions.
- Removable covers: hidden zippers make washing and swapping covers simple.
- Ready to use: cover and insert are included, so no extra insert to buy.
- Light and practical: easy to move, fluff and clean; a sensible pick for busy households.
Cons
- Plain look: polyester looks simpler than linen, velvet or textured covers.
- Medium-soft fill: not ideal if you want a very firm or feather-soft pillow.
- Fill can flatten: needs regular fluffing, and may lose plumpness over time.
- Basic finish: fabric and stitching feel budget, not premium, up close.
- Washing limits: covers are usually washable, but inserts are spot-clean only.
Who Should Buy Them — and Who Should Skip Them
These pillows suit renters and first-home owners who want a quick, low-cost refresh. If you have just moved in and your sofa looks bare, a set of two or four is a low-risk way to test a colour. They also suit a guest room or home office, where a tidy, simple look matters more than luxury.
Skip them if you want a statement cushion with texture, pattern or a premium fabric — a velvet, linen or hand-woven cushion will look and feel richer, and cost more for a reason. Also skip them if you need a firm pillow for back pain or long sitting, as the fibre fill is softer than firm foam or feather.
A good middle ground is to mix them: use these pillows as your everyday base layer, then add one higher-quality textured cushion as the feature piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Amazon Basics throw pillows good quality?
For the price, yes. The covers are simple polyester with a hidden zipper, and the fibre fill is medium-soft and comfortable. They are not premium quality, but the build is reasonable for a budget set.
What sizes do Amazon Basics throw pillows come in?
The most common sizes are 18 x 18 inches and 20 x 20 inches, sold in sets of two or four, with a lumbar size in some listings. The 18-inch size suits a standard sofa or armchair; the 20-inch size suits a larger sofa, sectional or bed.
Can you wash Amazon Basics throw pillow covers?
In most sets, yes — the removable cover can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water, following the care label. Air drying or tumble drying on low is usually recommended. The insert is generally spot-clean only.
Do the pillows go flat after a while?
Like most fibre-filled pillows, they can lose a little plumpness with daily use, especially if never fluffed. Regular shaking, fluffing and rotating helps them keep their shape, and they should look presentable for a year or more.
Are Amazon Basics throw pillows worth it?
If you want a cheap, practical, washable pillow in a plain colour, yes — the set price keeps the cost per pillow low, and the insert is included. If you want a luxury feel or a very firm cushion, spend more on a single feature pillow instead.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
- Pick the right size: 18 inches for a standard sofa or armchair, 20 inches for a larger sofa or bed.
- Choose a colour that works: contrast a plain sofa, or calm down a patterned one.
- Check what is included: cover and insert.
- Read the care label: confirm the cover is machine washable before you buy.
- Compare the price per pillow: a set of four is not always better value if you only need two.
- Check the current price before buying: prices change often, so verify the price on the day you order.
- Plan your mix: add one textured feature cushion alongside these plain pillows.
If you want a simple, affordable way to make your sofa look finished, these are a sensible buy. They are not the most luxurious cushions you can buy — but for a budget pillow that is soft, washable and easy to live with, they do the job.
