Best Ways to Organize Throw Pillows - Expert Tips for a Clutter-Free Home

Throw pillows hold the ace up the sleeve in home decor. We all have lots of pillows for every occasion. But let's face it - organizing these pillows can be a real pain in the neck, especially when storing them effectively. Let’s get into the nitty gritty details of pillow storage and organization.

Factors to Consider

Let's start by scratching the surface with these three considerations before storing the throw pillows.

Climate and Environment

Humidity levels affect the integrity of the throw pillows. They influence mold and mildew growth. For example, if you live in a coastal region, storing throw pillows in a damp basement or attic can lead to unmanageable mold or mildew growth. A possible option in such a situation would be moisture-resistant containers.

Extreme temperature and prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause fabric deterioration and color fading. Consider shaded areas to store your pillows if you live in a sunny area.

Pillow Size and Shape

Larger, bulky pillows require larger containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Conversely, smaller pillows might benefit from smaller bins. You also have to consider irregularly shaped pillows. Forcing them into unsuitable containers may permanently damage their shape and structural integrity. You may need custom bins or containers to store these types of pillows properly. Think about pillow accessibility before mixing large and small pillows. You must consider your needs and store them accordingly to retrieve them when needed easily.

Frequency of Use

Your use of throw pillows and how often you lean on them will shape how you collect, use, and bring them back into play. The storage method has to be modified accordingly. You should store the throw pillows used daily or seasonally in easily accessible places.

It also helps you in regular rotation and replacement. You can store the pillows you use on special occasions or rarely in less accessible areas to utilize the area optimally. You have to balance accessibility and space efficiency according to your needs. Hopefully, we’ve given you some points to consider before storing your throw pillows.

General Principles

You have to keep a few principles in mind when storing pillows. They are the nuts and bolts in determining the lifespan of your throw pillows.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Your throw pillows must be thoroughly cleaned and free from dirt, dust, stains, and odors. This process depends on the specific pillows. The pillow covers can generally be washed by dry cleaning or spot cleaning. You prevent dirt and stains from spoiling your pillows’ condition by starting the storage process with clean pillows.

You cannot just forget about the pillows after storing them. You must regularly check your pillows for dust accumulation that can affect their cleanliness and exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues if left unchecked. You should also watch for pest infestation, which may be indicated by dropping or chewing fabric. Immediately use pest control methods before they can significantly damage your pillows.

Proper Storage Containers

They preserve the quality of the pillows during storage. You should opt for containers that protect against environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and pests. A clear plastic bin is a population option as it offers visibility while effectively sealing out moisture and pests.

You should consider breathable fabric storage bags as they allow air circulation while protecting against dust and pests. Choose appropriately sized containers that can store the pillows without excessive compression. You should avoid overstuffing or cramming the pillows. We recommend labeling the containers with contents and dates to make identifying and accessing specific pillows easier when needed.

Moisture, Sunlight, and Pests

Moisture leads to mold, mildew, and odors, while excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage the fabrics. Also, pests are incredibly destructive. They damage pillows by chewing or nesting in them. Consider storing your pillows in a cool, dry environment with good ventilation.

You should shield the pillows from direct sunlight. You can consider opaque storage options or areas away from windows. You can also use UV-resistant covers. Regularly inspect the stored pillows for dropping, chewed fabric, or even holes. You can use pest deterrents like mothballs and other natural repellents to prevent pest infestation.

Storage Options

Now, let’s consider some storage options for the throw pillows.

Vacuum-Sealed Bags

You can use vacuum-sealed bags as a space-efficient storage option. They reduce the volume of the pillow as all the air is sucked out before storing. They provide good protection against moisture and humidity. It is easy to use vacuum-sealed bags.

First of all, properly clean the bag. Then, put the pillow in the bag and use a vacuum cleaner to remove all air from the bag. Finally, you should properly seal it. You should not over-compress the pillows while using these bags, as it can damage their integrity.

Storage Bins

Storage bins are the most versatile choice for storing pillows for any duration. They offer reliable protection against environmental hazards. You should easily use clear plastic bins to inspect the pillows’ condition during storage. We recommend against cramming the pillows. You can put the bins under your bed or in closets. You can also choose stackable storage bins to use your space optimally.

Storage Shelves

Use storage shelves dedicated to storing pillows. They contain compartments or cubbies that accommodate pillows of different sizes and shapes. You can prevent pillows from mixing in with other items by using storage shelves. They are great decor items in addition to being good storage units. You can use them to showcase your pillow collection so that they can beautify your space without being in use. These are the most aesthetic storage solutions for throw pillows.

Long-Term Storage Considerations

While it's easy to pack away pillows and forget about them, proper long-term storage needs careful attention. Let’s get into the considerations.

Seasonal Rotation

Variety is the spice of life, and it should be applied to your throw pillow collection. Rotate your pillow collection every season to expose them to fresh air. Using your few favorite throw pillows every day of the year is a recipe for damaging them. Maintaining your pillows by rotating them will save you time and money by reducing how often you need to replace them. But don’t bite off more than you can chew. You can start small by rotating them quarterly.

Inspect and Air the Pillows

You should regularly inspect the stored pillows for any sign of damage. Don't postpone necessary pillow repairs, which could lead to more extensive damage over time. Fix minor issues as they occur to prevent them from snowballing into bigger, more costly problems.

You should clean the storage units sometimes while letting the pillows air out. Also, avoid storing all your pillows in the same place. Distribute them so there's space between each one to reduce the chance of mold, mildew, and pest infestations.

Before Storage

Completely clean your pillows and the storage unit before storing them for a long time. Even minor issues amplify into large problems and irreversible damage to your pillows. Debris, dirt, and dust can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and insects. It leads to minor issues that snowball into irreversible damage.

We hope these expert tips helped you to organize your throw pillows and maintain a clutter-free home. Also, don't beat around the bush regarding your comfort. We offer a diverse collection of throw pillow covers that cater to every nook and cranny of your decor needs. You will be on cloud nine with our pillow covers.