14 DIY Pillows That Are Too Cool to Be a Square

diy pillows that are fun shapes

Squares are cool and all, but when it comes to cuddling up with the perfect DIY pillow, the shape just doesn't always cut it. If you're re-doing your cushy textiles, you might want to consider something a little out of the ordinary for that couch, armchair or bed. Forget about all those typical square pillows and go for a few with a bit more personality. Whether you prefer food-shaped pillows, trendy typographical pillows or a good nature-inspired accent, no couch is complete without a solid collection of pillows of all shapes and sizes. Check out these 14 funky DIY throw pillows that will get your couch thinking way outside the box (and check out our Sewing Online Class to refresh your sewing skills!)

1. DIY XOXO Pillows

Bring the spirit of love into your home with these hugs and kisses pillows. They're great for Valentine's Day and all year long! (via Brit + Co)

2. DIY Circus Animal Cookie

There's nothing better than food-turned-decor, especially with treats as sweet as these. Bring back those favorite childhood snacks and DIY a collection of animal crackers for your couch. (via Studio DIY)

3. DIY No-Sew Funfetti Cake Slice Pillow

If you want to make some gorgeous new pillows without messing with a sewing machine, you'll be drooling all over this sweet slice of cake. Bring on the baking — and by baking, we mean gluing. (via Aww, Sam)

4. DIY Woven Floor Pouf

Add a fun new piece of seating to your little one's room this weekend with a colorful woven pouf. Pull that old saucer sled out from the garage and use it as a base as you weave the pouf together — just don't pull it too tight or you'll end up with an Easter egg shape. (via Brit + Co)

5. DIY Emoji Dog Bed

Every pooch needs an emoji bed. Don't have a dog? Every adult needs an emoji floor pillow. Pick out your fave emoji face and use iron-on stickers to put together this project before you finish catching up on Netflix. (via Studio DIY)

6. DIY Geometric Tasseled Pillows

Take your classic square throw and add four more sides and eight more tassels. With the contrasting colors and flirty trimmings, these poofs are a must for your couch revamp plans. (via Brit + Co)

7. DIY Pet Pillows

Is it crazy to have a pillow that looks just like your pet? Crazy cute, maybe. Take your favorite pics to a printing store and get them to transfer the image onto fabric. Add a colorful backing, and you've finally got a cat who will cuddle with you on demand. (via Yellow Brick Road)

8. DIY Diamonds

Bling, bling. Diamond pillows are your couch's new best friend, especially when you can make them in any color you want. Don't let the angles intimidate you — if you can sew in a straight line, you can “rock" this DIY. (via Little White Whale)

9. DIY Cactus Pillow

Finally, a plant you have no chance of killing. There's no gardening required for these cool, cacti pillows… and they are a no-sew project, which means you're avoiding those needles too. Huge win-win. (via Brit + Co)

10. DIY Mountain Pillow

This snowy peak should definitely be on your “to-make" list — it's quick, useful and adorable. It would also be a great gift idea for any adventure-lovers in your life. (via Design Sponge)

11. DIY Donut

Don't be mad if this pretty DIY has you craving sprinkles. Pink frosting is on point with the Pantone pastel trend and the round shape is the perfect complement to the rest of your square throw pillows. Yummy. (via A Beautiful Mess)

12. DIY Pineapple Pillow

Bring tropical paradise right to your living room with an awesome geometric pineapple pillow. The yellow print is vibrant enough to welcome the warm spring weather *and* it will totally play well with the rest of your throw pillows. (via Caravanity)

13. DIY Conversation Heart Pillows

Just because it's not Valentine's Day doesn't mean you can't wear your heart on your sleeve — er, couch. Show off your loyalty to your bae (pizza, Netflix or your cat, obvz) with these fun conversation heart pillows. (via Brit + Co)

14. DIY Balloon Letter Pillows

Calling all hashtag lovers and typography gurus, this one's for you. Spell out your favorite motto in golden, huggable form. The hardest part of this project is choosing your hashtag #sorrynotsorry. (via Studio DIY)

Which is your favorite DIY pillow? If you make one, we want to check it out! Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more DIY projects.

This post has been updated.

Not everyone is an airplane sleeper, but those who are know just how uncomfortable drifting off after takeoff can be. That’s where a good travel neck pillow can come in, saving you from interrupted airborne naps and potentially sinking into the passenger next to you (and trust… no one wants that).

In a world of entirely-too-cramped aircrafts, these top-rated travel neck pillows – all perfectly plush and dense enough to provide your neck and head with actual support – totally change the game. Sorted from the highest to lowest customer rankings, these 6 travel neck pillows start at $15 and only go as high as $43, so you won’t worry about breaking the bank after spending big on your plane ticket.

Amazon

Weershun Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

Boasting 4.8 out of 5 stars, this travel neck pillow is comfy, easy to adjust, and even easier to travel with. The memory foam it's made of is quite firm, but adapts to your neck and head perfectly. The pillow secures a long velcro strip, making it easily adjustable for a variety of neck sizes. It comes with a removable cover made from a light jersey material which is hand- or machine-washable. You'll enjoy that it's easy to store – just roll it up and compress it into the storage bag! This top-rated pick is $31, with the option to use a 40% off coupon to save more.

Amazon

BSZXD Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

Amazon shoppers granted this travel neck pillow 4.8 out of 5 stars for its comfort level and versatility. You can use it to sleep sitting upright or face down, thanks to the curved shape and divots around the sides. The pillow itself is very lightweight, so it'll be an easy addition to your luggage. The memory foam contours right to your neck but still retains some firmness to offer support. The cover is removable, and easily washable! This pick goes for just $20.

Amazon

BSAMW Vac-Compressed Memory Foam Neck Pillow

With 4.7 out of 5 stars and unique curved design, this memory foam neck pillow boasts unbeatable adjustability. The elastic band locks in the perfect fit to suit all different neck sizes, all without getting in the way. The pillow shape has raised support around the chin, reducing any chance of your head craning forward and causing travel-induced aches. The brand states it's focused on "ergonomic excellence," so you can travel with this product very easily. It's now $30 (was $40), and you have the option to use a 20% off coupon for more savings.

Amazon

Umerci Memory Foam Animal Travel Pillow

This 4.6-star travel pillow is perfect for kiddos, or just the young at heart! The breathable cotton has a soft finish that'll send you right to sleep. It's packed with memory foam for maximum comfort and can even be compressed down to half its size in the matching carrying bag. The pillow comes complete with a coordinating eye mask for further relaxation when the sun's out. This pick is $19, plus an additional option to save 7% off with a coupon at checkout.

Amazon

Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Unlike the other fan-fave travel neck pillows on Amazon, this 4.6-star pick is inflatable. Not only does it quickly inflate in "a couple of breaths," it also deflates in seconds. This aspect makes customizing the pillow's firmness super simple, too, since you control how much air goes in. Once you're done using it, it packs down to be smaller than a water bottle, which proves very helpful for camping or backpacking trips where every inch of space counts. The design is intentionally narrow behind the neck and wider on the sides to fit seamlessly against head rests on cars or planes. The material is a soft, moisture-wicking fabric that is easily washable. This beloved pick goes for $43.

Amazon

Napfun Neck Pillow

Shoppers awarded this travel neck pillow 4.3 out of 5 stars. Its curved shape fits seamlessly against your shoulders, neck, and head, also offering some nice chin support. The memory foam filling boasts a 5-second rebound, so it's not too hard nor too soft. It can be compressed down to a smaller size for easy storage, and the removable pillow case is easily washable in between travel plans! This pillow clocks in at just $15 (was $22)!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

When it comes to decorating your space, never underestimate the power of a throw pillow. Boring couch? Throw pillow. Bedspread missing a piece? Throw pillow. Need a simple boost of serotonin? Throw pillow. It's really a one-step solution to setting up your rooms in style.

Target throw pillows are arguably the best kind out there, because they come in a range of designs, different sizes, and are always very affordable. These 12 Target throw pillows can help you transform your home, all for under $25. Scroll for our top-favorite designs!

Threshold Woven Boucle Square Throw Pillow

Boucle is one of our favorite textures to decorate our rooms with, and this $20 throw pillow will definitely convince you of its magic powers. The neutral off-white color makes this Target-brand cushion super easy to move from your sofa to your bed. No wonder these Target throw pillows have a 5-star customer rating! To make this design last longer, make sure you wash the covers inside-out to preserve the fabric.

Threshold Luxe Velvet Oblong Mauve Decorative Pillow

Though it leans more decorative – and hear us out – this pink cushion would make the most excellent couch nap pillow. It measures 14x20 inches to accomodate all the leaning, laying, and lazing you want to do. The ruched velvet material lends a very luxe feel, but note that you can't remove or replace the insert since this pillow's seams are sewn shut. Nonetheless, this $20 design will retain its shape with loving care.

Opalhouse + Jungalow Round Embroidered Sun Fringe Decorative Throw Pillow

This sunny graphic is perfect for year-round decoration. It will make you long for summer in the wintertime, and allow you to further embrace the warm season once it finally rolls around.

The sun face on this cotton cushion is embroidered on in a thick, contrasting black thread that adds a fascinating texture all your guests will love to feel. As far as Target throw pillows go, this $20 pick works best for incorporating vibrant color into your rooms!

Pillowfort Heart Boucle Kids' Decorative Pillow

Heart-shaped anything always brings a touch of sweetness and self-love, which is as good an excuse as ever to snag this Target throw pillow for only $15! It's made of the same beloved boucle material we mentioned before, which is very cushy and unbelievably comfortable for your sofa, accent chairs, and bedspread alike. This design is available in light pink or a cream white to match your interior to a tee.

Threshold Long Faux Fur Round Throw Pillow

Customers adore this pom-pom pillow for adding a pop of fuzzy fun. One enthusiastic reviewer touts it for its versatility: "It is super soft but firm, very fluffy, seems to be of excellent quality, nice material, cool decor for any usage," they write. "The size is just right."

The rounded, shaggy character of this Target throw pillow is like an elevated take on popular 1990s home decor, infusing your place with a nostalgic feel. This cushion is now on sale for a good deal – $12, down from $20.

Threshold Oblong Windowpane Woven Decorative Green Throw Pillow

This $20 Target throw pillow provides the perfect touch of green without being too overwhelmed with color. It's subdued, but still a nice statement piece!

The front cover does differ from the material on the back, but each side is supremely soft, being crafted with a cotton blend. Consider this piece your plushest partner for evenings spent cozied up on the couch breezing through your current book.

Threshold Woven Striped Plaid Reverse Square Throw Pillow

Boasting one striped side and a plaid side on the other, this $15 square-shaped Target throw pillow is as versatile as they come. Plus, it's generously stuffed with a lavish filling for optimal relaxation, whether you're kicked back for movie night or napping next to your pet. The limited color palette makes this piece feel less grandma's-house and more cozy-chic.

Threshold Square Embroidered Floral Hearts Pillow

This $20 Target throw pillow definitely screams "Valentine's Day," but will last you and your space through the spring and summer seasons due to the tiny floral blooms dotted on the cute velvet cover. It's sure to be the #1 eye-catcher on your couch! Its square shape measures 18 inches long, so there's plenty of space to rest your head or prop up your back.

Mina Victory 'Welcome' Tufted Lumbar Throw Pillow

We love this tufted Target throw pillow because not only does it provide a warm welcome to anyone who walks through the door, it has a removable insert for easy cleaning, fluffing, and styling. This feature is absolutely preferred for regular upkeep, and if you plan to display this pillow in the day-to-day.

Aside from this cute royal blue color, you can shop this 12x21-inch design in blush pink, dark gray, or mustard yellow for just $20.

C&F Home Fern & Frog Pillow

If your interior design style favors earth tones and overall cottagecore vibes, this flora and fauna-covered throw pillow is just the thing your space has been missing! Its moderate size (14x22 inches, also available in 18x18 inches) makes it easy to place anywhere, especially considering its quick-drying, fade-resistant cover is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Grab it in either size for just $20 right now – it was previously $38.49.

Threshold Oversize Woven Jacquard Lumbar Tassel Throw Pillow

Nothing spices up a throw pillow like a few tassels. The brown twine tassels on each corner of this $20 Target throw pillow contrast seamlessly with the pink bohemian pattern spread across the front. The surface is textured, but not enough so that it's uncomfortable to lay on or lean against. The cushioned inside comes out from the inconspicuous zipper section to make cleaning super simple.

One shopper appreciates the quality of these Target throw pillows: "Good quality. It’s stiff enough to hold its shape and provide support but is still plush enough to be comfy. I’ve had mine for a couple months now and they still look great."

Pillowfort Sunshine Kids' Pillow

Give your room a dose of sunshine, even when the sun isn't exactly shining! This playful pillow is sure to put a smile on your face whenever you see it! Both the inside and outside of this $15 sun-shaped Target throw pillow are insanely soft, providing a supremely plush home base for weekend naps and lazy evenings year-round.

Shop more of our favorite cozy home decor through our Amazon storefront!

Images via Target.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.