Decorative pillows can be an effortless and inexpensive way to update the look of a room or provide for multiple impressions that may be altered with the seasons or for special occasions. Typically, decorative pillows for sofas, chairs and beds come in standard sizes such as twelve, fourteen, eighteen, twenty and twenty-four inch squares. Pillows exceeding a twenty-four inch square will more than likely be too large to be incorporated onto a sofa or chair, and should be considered as a possibility for a throw pillow for the floor or as an alternate to shams on the bed. A floor throw pillow should be a minimum of thirty inches square to allow for sufficient surface area to rest on or comfortably sit on. Pillows add warmth and can make a setting inviting, often allowing color or pattern to be easily incorporated due to lack of serious commitment. Although the upholstery on a sofa or chair is a decision most homeowners will have to stick to for several years, rendering that decision less reversible and changeable, bright or bold decorative pillows can be economically and efficiently changed out and can often be viewed as more of an impulse decision. In addition to size, decorative pillow composition, both internally and externally, varies widely and should be examined carefully for application suitability. Delicate external shells, such as fine silks and antique linen, should be reserved for light use applications, while more durable corduroys, mohairs and ultra-suedes may be used virtually anywhere. Internally, decorative pillow composition may include synthetic, natural or combination of both. Keep in mind that natural fillers, such as down and feather, may affect allergy sensitive individuals.