Style. While a pillow is meant to add a touch of flair, it should also meld with the overall environment and style of your home. Is your living room traditional, modern, Asian, or eclectic? What do you want your home want to say, and does the pillow style help say it? Think about the style you already have, and draw inspiration from it. Looking at the textiles that are already present in your home is a great start. Pick up on subtle patterns and colors in your home that you love, and make them stand out with an accent pillow.

Shape and size. When it comes to shapes and sizes, mix it up! Pick some smaller sizes, some larger sizes, some round pillows, and some square pillows. Visualize where the pillows will go before you buy them — you don’t want the size of the pillow to be over or underwhelmed by its surroundings. Choosing something too small or too big can ruin the entire effect.

Fabric. Comfort and practicality are key when it comes to pillowcase fabric. If you have children and/or pets, it’s always smart to choose pillows with covers that are machine-washable. Consider outdoor fabrics too, for extra durability. If your pet sheds a lot, try to avoid any fabric that’s going to be hard to clean. Make sure the fabric actually feels good. The pillow is for decoration, but should be comfortable too. Lastly, check and make sure you know what you’re getting before you order your pillow. Many of these online options are only selling the cover and not the insert. If you don’t have inserts on hand, you’ll need to order a few.