14 DIY Pillows That Are Too Cool to Be a Square

diy pillows that are fun shapesdiy 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!)

diy xo xo valentine's day

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)!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more top-rated travel essentials!

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

There's nothing more tasty than a fresh slice of buttered sourdough in the morning. But new research suggests you might want to pass on this delicacy to extend your longevity. So isbutter bad for you? Here's what recent studies found!

Scroll to see how your bread & butter intake may be impacting your health!

Felicity Tai

A recent study conducted by Harvard University and Mass General Brigham found that people who consumed more butter had a 15% higher risk of early death compared to those who used it in moderation. On the flip side, people who preferred plant oils had a 16% lower risk of mortality.

The results shed light on the ongoing question of whether butter or plant-based oils are the better choice for your health. Sadly for butter lovers, the findings suggest that replacing even two teaspoons of butter with the same amount of plant oil could lower the risk of early death by approximately 17%.

Polina Tankilevitch

For the study, the research team examined dietary data from three major studies: the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They tracked over 220,000 Americans' butter consumption, including for both cooking and spreading, as well as their intake of various plant oils, like olive, soybean, canola, corn, and safflower oils.

Over the course of 33 years, the researchers gathered this information via food surveys every four years. Then, they used the data to calculate averages and gain a clearer picture of eating habits.

Nadin Sh

A total of 50,932 deaths occurred throughout the study, with 12,241 from cancer and 11,240 from heart disease. The team adjusted for variables such as age, physical activity, weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which revealed a distinct trend.

Higher butter intake was associated with increased death rates; meanwhile, higher consumption of plant oils was tied to lower death rates. However, not all plant oils had the same effect, as corn and safflower oils showed no significant benefits.

Mareefe

Still, increasing plant oil intake by roughly two tablespoons a day was linked to an 11% reduction in cancer death risk and a 6% decrease in the risk of dying from heart disease.

"Replacing three small pats of butter (approximately 15 grams) with one tablespoon of plant-based oil (approximately 15 grams) in the daily diet could contribute to lowering the risk of premature mortality," the team wrote.

Kaboompics.com

Now, this doesn't mean you need to cut out butter entirely. In fact, the study actually found that butter used for baking or frying wasn't strongly linked to mortality risk. This may be because it's used in smaller quantities or less often.

Butter being spread directly on foods, like bread, showed the strongest connection. So, the researchers suggest making small switches, like swapping out butter for olive oil or canola oil, to maintain taste and enhance your health.

"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," concluded Dr. Daniel Wang of Harvard's Department of Nutrition.

To read the study's complete findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine, visit the link here.

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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.

Trader Joe’s current lineup of Easter goodies is better than ever. They’ve got so many sweets on deck – including chocolate bunnies, of course – as well as festive spring snacks that simply make the perfectEaster basket additions! This year, there’s really no shortage of fun TJ’s finds to brighten up your season.

Scroll on for 11 Trader Joe’s Easter finds that are totally worth grabbing before they’re gone!

Trader Joe's

Milk Chocolate Bunny Bar

This adorable bunny-shaped chocolate bar is topped with tons of bright candy gems and rainbow nonpareils (which are crafted with dyes from natural ingredients) to liven up your Easter snack collection! This limited-time item will definitely not last long on shelves, so run to TJ's soon!

Trader Joe's

Peas & Carrots Sour Gummy Candies

Shaped like tiny little peas and carrots, these bites are far from actual veggies. In fact, they're made of a delicious gummy candy tinged with just the right amount of sourness that balances out the sugary goodness.

Trader Joe's

Break Apart Bunny

This is not your average chocolate bunny. While still hollow like most traditional treats, this one's actually loaded up with a handful of carrot-shaped gummy candies – like a perfect little (and edible!) Easter-themed piñata. Your Easter basket recipients won't be able to resist breaking it open!

Trader Joe's

Chocolate Truffle Eggs

Ooh, fancy. Perfectly packaged for Eastertime gifting, this collection of egg-shaped chocolate truffles boats 7 distinctive flavors that feel oh-so bougie. You're def going to want to grab one for yourself – we're absolutely eyeing that pistachio egg. 👀

Trader Joe's

Raspberry Mousse Cakes

These lil' cakes are almost too cute to eat! Each one starts with a base of moist vanilla cake that's topped with raspberry-flavored mousse. The batch then is covered in a sweet confectionary coating (including an edible leaf!) to emulate the sheer magic of raspberries on one easy-to-eat treat.

Trader Joe's

Italian Chocolate Eggs

Add these eggs to your Easter candy bowl, stat! This pack comes with 4 decadent flavor pairings encased in colorful coatings so you can easily sneak in a bite of springtime joy throughout the day.

Trader Joe's

Sea Salt Brownie Bites

We are obsessed with these brownie bites. The added sea salt on top of 'em adds some extra flavor oomph that feels super elevated and perfectly fancy for a special occasion such as Easter.

Trader Joe's

Teensy Candy Bars

Basically like 'teensy' versions of a Snickers bar, these micro-sized candy bars are dangerously easy to snack on. Your little ones will adore them!

Trader Joe's

Chocolatey Drizzled Strawberry Kettle Popcorn

Drizzled with freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate, this kettle corn is unlike anything you've tried before. The fruity notes most definitely qualify it as a great spring snack, while the chocolate adds Eastertime decadence.

Trader Joe's

Organic Sparkling Rosé Tea Beverage

For something to sip on, this can is the epitome of spring flavors. It's made with a blend of four teas along with white grape juice, hibiscus flowers, orange peel, and rose hips for some insanely good floral and citrusy notes!

Trader Joe's

Tangerine Probiotic Sparkling Beverage

Crafted with probiotics, this bubbly bev contains a "light, refreshing, sweet-tart flavor" that'll have you hooked from first gulp.

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One Tree Hill fans were heartbroken (and a little bit confused) when season 6 ended and Peyton (Hilarie Burton) and Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) left without a trace. It had been a season of danger, life-threatening situations, and literal murder, and for two of the show's leads to just fall off the face of the earth felt inconsistent with how tight-knit the friend group had always been. And viewers weren't the only ones to think so.

"This is the problem: They didn't give us enough to make where our friends went make sense," Drama Queens host Sophia Bush said of the "unfortunate" decision to write Hilarie and Chad out of the show. (Hilarie has said in a previous episode of the rewatch podcast that both her and Chad were "treated badly, and he defended me...Chad was my teammate.")

Keep reading for what Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Robert Buckley's thoughts on Peyton and Lucas leaving One Tree Hill.

Sophia Bush thought Peyton and Lucas leaving 'One Tree Hill' was "really weird."

Warner Bros. TV

One Tree Hill season 6 ended after Peyton almost died giving birth to her and Lucas' daughter, and after introducing baby Sawyer to the rest of the crew, they just...drive off into the sunset.

"I don't even remember where they moved. Where did they go?" Bethany Joy Lenz says, to which Robert Buckley replies, "They left in a convertible, so I'm gonna guess maybe the West Coast where it's a bit warmer and less rainy."

But no matter where Peyton and Lucas moved, the One Tree Hill cast can't quite wrap their heads around the fact that, in the story, Brooke literally never hears from Peyton again. "I used to ask, 'Why can't Brooke [Davis] be getting text messages from Peyton? Why can't you see them texting? Like, why am I not getting photo updates of this baby? It feels really weird.'"

And while Lucas returns for an episode in season 9, he was also radio silent for his three-season absence, as was his mom Karen. "Everybody, they just faded off into the distance," Bethany says. "I do wish they had kept that up in some more clear way. I don't think it would have been hard."

While Bethany Joy Lenz think is was because of "personal beef" behind the scenes.


But Bethany theorizes the onscreen confusion boils down to behind-the-scenes drama with creator Mark Schwann, whom the cast accused of sexual harassment in 2017. The women of the show wrote an open letter explaining how “many of us were, to varying degrees, manipulated psychologically and emotionally," and how "more than one of us is still in treatment for post-traumatic stress."

"I think it was some sort of personal beef behind the scenes," Bethany adds in the Drama Queens episode. "He was hoping the audience would just forget about them."

"Which seems so stupid because it's a choice rooted in ego," Sophia adds. "It's like, 'Dude, you wrote those characters, so you knew they were great. So why are we suddenly pretending they're not?'"

Fred Norris/Warner Bros. TV

Hopefully we'll see all our favorite Tree Hill Ravens return for a One Tree Hill sequel series. While the show hasn't been officially greenlit at Netflix yet, Hilarie Burton exclusively told Brit + Co that everyone involved in the show is "really proud of the work that we did back then too. And so to see the public support this little show we made 20 years later, that's so special and it's so rare."

You can stream all of One Tree Hill on Hulu now — and read up on Chad Michael Murray's Perfect Idea For The One Tree Hill Reunion.