Why are decorative pillows so expensive and what are options

[Radiance]

Hi

So, I did move to a 350sq ft studio/efficiency and...I L O V E IT!
It has taken a lot of decluttering and organizing but is it becoming the cutest thing.

I kept my queen bed (mattress over box spring) it was the most frugal option, expense: $0...But I want it to look nice during the day so I wanted decorative pillows and make it look almost like a daybed.

Well, even the medium size are at least $49 each...! and they can go all the way to $500 ...for a pillow!>?!?!?!?! And I am going to need at least 6 or 8 of those.

What are options? Thanks!

[phantom]

If you're feeling crafty, and if you can find a sewing machine to borrow, you could try modifying some cheap standard bed pillows. Go some place like like Walmart where you can get a plain white pillow for under $10. Quality shouldn't matter since you're not going to be sleeping on these pillows. Cut open one end and remove some of the stuffing. The more you leave in, the plumper the pillow will be. Then cut the case to be a square and sew it back up. Make a pillow case for it out of whatever fabric you like. The easiest way to make the case would be to just sew a piece of fabric on either side. But, if you want to make the case removable, I would suggest using a square piece of fabric on one side and overlapping rectangles with a split between them on the other. (I'm not sure how best to describe this without drawing a picture, so if you really want to try it and don't understand what I'm suggesting, just ask.)

I did this a few years ago when I decided I wanted a pillow that would double as a game board. So, I did complicated things like adding velcro to the case and crafting velcro game pieces. But, without all that, it would have been a very simple project. I found cheap standard pillows to be much less expensive than stuffing or decorative pillows that happened to be square already.

If you're looking for a solution that doesn't take any work, I would check Kohl's. Most of the decorative pillows in my house came from Kohl's. I am pretty sure you can find decorative pillows there for around $20, especially if you find a sale and use a 20% or 30% off coupon.

[disneysteve]

Well, even the medium size are at least $49 each

Personally, I can't stand when people put all of those decorative pillows on their bed, but if you must, I certainly wouldn't pay $49. Go to Target or WalMart or some other discount store and get them there.

[PetMom]

I agree with poster who said get the bed pillows, bigger and more luxurious.

You might save up for some shams for them, or research ideas on simple ways
to cover a pillow.

Make sure if you have a small child they are safe - have
read of someone using safety pins on the back of one to hold the covering.

I avoid decorative pillows, like to have a lot of throws to cover vulnerable
couches and chairs (dogs and couches go together this way and they get up
on them without any damage). Also keep a quilt on the actual couch -
lots of protection.

Throws are great now, just loosely wrap a throw around the pillow - throws
at wal mart are about $15.00 (make sure to read the washing instructions).

I have bought a few each week to build up a collection.

[Momma23]

I have used palcemats. Get the fabric kind that are "2-ply." Split the seam open about six inches and stuff with polyfil. (I used an old bed pillow, took stuffing out and refluffed.) Then sew (or use fabric glue) to close.

[snafu]

Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara – How to Sew the Easiest Zippered Throw Pillow on Vimeo

I've used the cheapest, on sale, pillows, re-cutting to sizes wanted using fabric, [I sew] themed pillow cases and even cable,cardigan sweaters from a thrift store. Iron-on tape or glue-on velcro tabs close seams if you don't sew. Discount stores sell terrific 'body pillows,' 20" x 54" which can substitute for 'bolsters' often seen on Daybeds.

Happy your studio apt. is meeting your needs.

[mogoko]

They are so expensive because people know that there are consumers that will pay the high prices for them!!

[Radiance]

Happy your studio apt. is meeting your needs.

Thank you! I am loving it!!!

[YLTL_Dan]

This post cracks me up because just thinking about it. My wife loves to have the bed decorated with pillows, but I just don't understand it. However, she's pretty good at finding cheaper pillows at discount stores (Target, TJ Maxx, etc).