Let’s face it. Decorating for Christmas can be simply overwhelming. There’s the tree to put up, the exterior lights to hang and the garlands to string. But what if we told you there was an easier way to bring holiday cheer to your living room? No, we’re not suggesting you should skip putting up the Christmas tree, but we do think adding Christmas pillows to your couch is the absolute easiest way to decorate in December.
These pillows feature Christmassy patterns, designs and images. They range from holiday movie-themed screen prints to hand-painted Santa Claus portraits. But there are a couple of things to consider before diving headfirst into this fun decorating trend.
First, you’ll need to decide whether you want to buy a complete pillow that features both the insert and the pillow cover or if you just need the cover. The former is usually more expensive and less versatile, while the latter requires some assembly after purchase as you have to put the cover on your pre-existing inserts.
Second, if you choose to buy just a cover, you’ll need to ensure you already have the right size insert. You also need to make sure you buy the right size pillows to look attractive on your couch. In general, throw pillows are available in the following sizes:
- 18 by 18 inches (The most popular size)
- 20 by 20 inches (The second most popular size)
- 22 by 22 inches
- 5 by 15 inches
- 12 by 20 inches
- 10 by 18 inches
If you’re ready to take some of the hassle out of holiday decor, grab one of the 13 best Christmas pillows we’ve rounded up below. These also make great gifts for friends and family who love the holiday season.
Related Stories
1. CDWERD Christmas Throw Pillow Covers
BEST OVERALL
Unpack these Christmas pillows and they will instantly transport you back to Christmas at grandma’s house as a child. The four covers each feature vintage-inspired images, like a jolly Santa Claus, a reindeer and stockings hung over the fireplace. The covers, which measure 18 by 18 inches to fit over most throw pillow inserts, are made of high-quality cotton and linen so that they can be used and enjoyed rather than just looked at. Put these on your couch or your bed for that holiday feeling every time you get comfortable.
2. OurRusticHomeDecor Merry and Bright Christmas Pillow Cover
RUNNER UP
Simple and sincere, the OurRusticHomeDecor Merry and Bright Christmas Pillow Cover does Christmas without being overly gaudy. The pillow cover is printed with the words “Merry & Bright” in a cheerful cursive that fits with most modern decor. Mix this pillow cover with a red and a white cover as well for a complete display or keep it simple and throw this pillow cover on your couch next to your existing covers. Thanks to its off-white and black color theme, it matches pretty much any color you already have on your couch.
3. Aoopistc Christmas Pillow Covers
BEST MOVIE-RELATED
“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.” If you know this line from the Christmas classic, Home Alone II, this may be the best pillow cover for you. With a simple design featuring the famous words, this green and red cover appears just like any other Christmas pillow until you look closely enough to see the phrase written on the front. Plus, the 18 by 18-inch pillow cover can be machine washed for cleaning convenience. And if this movie-related pillow isn’t right for you, Aoopistc makes 14 other fun Christmas pillow designs.
4. PSDWETS Merry Christmas Pillow Covers
BEST FARMHOUSE CHIC
Ideal for people who have a rustic interior design theme or love farmhouse chic decor, the PSDWETS Merry Christmas Pillow Covers feature a set of four beautiful images with red plaid backgrounds. In addition to a deer, a moose and an old-fashioned pickup hauling a Christmas tree, one of the covers sports the Christmas lyrics, “Baby, it’s cold outside.” These four covers measure 18 by 18 inches to fit over most throw pillow inserts (which are not included), and they feature invisible zipper closures for an attractive all-around appearance.
5. MissPatchDesigns Christmas Family Cushion Cover
BEST PERSONALIZED
Why settle for any old Christmas pillow when you can have one with your family name on it? The MissPatchDesigns Christmas Family Cushion Cover comes personalized with the phrase “Christmas with the ____’s.” Naturally, your name goes in the blank. The cover is available with either a red or green background and white or gold font. It measures 18 by 18 inches to fit over a standard throw pillow insert, which you must purchase separately. In addition to making a great piece for your own couch, this could be a nice Christmas gift for family or friends.
6. Sunnyglade Six Pieces Christmas Throw Pillow Covers
BEST SET
Whether you have multiple couches to fill or you like a lot of cushions on your single couch, the Sunnyglade Six Pieces Christmas Throw Pillow Covers will do the trick. This set of six Christmas covers all boast a bright red and white them to match each other, but each one has its own unique image, from Santa Claus with his big bag of toys to a Merry Christmas wreath. The 100% cotton linen covers are comfortable to the touch, and, like most of the other covers on this list, they measure 18 by 18 inches.
7. TastebudsShop Dear Santa Christmas Pillow
MOST HUMOROUS
To add a bit of humor to your Christmas display, check out the TastebudsShop Dear Santa Christmas Pillow. The owners of this pillow clearly lead a very adventurous life and one that Santa Claus may not agree with. Besides the laugh out loud design, there are a couple of other features that set this pillow apart from the rest. First, it doesn’t feature the traditional Christmas red. Instead, it offers a more muted burgundy that might blend better with your existing decor. Second, the pillow measures 20 by 20 inches, instead of the traditional 18 by 18 inches, so you may need to buy a bigger insert or your Christmas cover may fit loosely.
8. OliverandOliviaKids Personalized Christmas Pillow
BEST FOR KIDS
Sharing Christmas with children is one of the best parts of the holidays, so why not get your kids their own Christmas pillow to decorate their rooms? This OliverandOliviaKids Personalized Christmas Pillow is perfect for little ones. It’s covered in sequins, which are silver on one side. On the other side, they form a Christmas picture that can be personalized with your child’s name. Run your hand across the pillow, and you’ll move the sequins from one side to the other, revealing and covering up the picture as you go.
9. NordECO HOME Faux Fur Fleece Pillowcase
MOST MULTIFUNCTIONAL
The thing we like the most about these NordECO HOME Faux Fur Fleece Pillowcase is that they make amazing winter decorations but you can use them year-round, too, if you’d like. The furry pillowcases feel lush to touch thanks to the long faux fur and fleece underneath. Because they come in white, they almost look like a fresh pile of snow, and they’re sure to blend well with your other holiday decor. Each order comes with two pillowcases for your couch, bed or office, and the covers are available in a variety of sizes, from 12 by 20 inches to 22 by 22 inches.
10. PrimitiveMarketPlace Ho Ho Ho Pillow
BEST 3D
Although not the most comfortable to lay on, pillows with 3D bits and bobs sure do catch the eye. That’s exactly what these Ho Ho Ho Pillows do thanks to the red or green buttons that replace the o’s in “ho.” Each pillow measures 15 by 5 inches, so these are more appropriate as decor on benches or a display on a mantelpiece than as functional head pillows. Hand-embroidered on hand-dyed muslin, the PrimitveMarketPlace Ho Ho Ho Pillow is really a great example of the amazing handmade products available on Etsy.
11. Abbykatepillows Nativity Scene Pillow
BEST RELIGIOUS
If you’d like to be reminded of the religious meaning of Christmas rather than the commercial one, consider this lumbar pillow with its nativity scene. The pillow measures 10 by 18 inches and comes with both the cotton canvas cover sewn around a polyester filling. The scene on the front of the pillow is hand-painted by the seller. Not only does the Abbykatepillows Nativity Scene Pillow look like a lovely piece of holiday decor, but it also fulfills one of the key pillars of Christmas, giving back. That’s because a percentage of the profits from these pillows is donated to a mission the seller supports.
12. WildRabbitsBurrow Christmas Tree Pillow
BEST NOVELTY
Sometimes Christmas pillows don’t look like pillows at all. Instead, they look like Christmas trees, like the WildRabbitsBurrow Christmas Tree Pillow. This colorful pillow is 22 inches tall by 17 inches wide across the base, and it’s made from fleece in three shades of green and other colors for the lights. The pillow, which is completely hand-stitched, is also filled with extra plump polyfill, making it similar to a stuffed animal crossed with a pillow. Plus, if you don’t like the tree design, the seller also makes a similar and equally cute pillow using a cactus base.
13. SippingIcedTea St. Nicholas Hand-Painted Pillow Cover
MOST UNIQUE
For a Christmas pillow that you’ll use for years to come, look no further than the SippingIcedTea St. Nicholas Pillow Cover. This cover, which measures 18 by 18 inches to fit a traditional throw pillow insert, is hand-painted and signed by the artisan. It’s made from a medium-weight canvas to make the painting of Santa Claus stand out across the front of the pillow. Thanks to the more muted colors used, this pillow fits in well with rustic or country style decors. It also features an easy-to-access back flap so that you can fit the insert in the pillow cover in a matter of seconds.
These Christmas Lights Will Make Yours the Best-Looking House on the Block This Year