Transform an Unused Bed Pillow into Two Stylish Accent Pillows with This DIY Guide



An old bed pillow by itself may not scream “glamorous home decor.” However, with a bit of creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can transform this pillow into not just one, but two stylish accent pillows. As demonstrated by the crafty TikToker @caitconquers in a video, it’s remarkably easy to take an old or inexpensive bed pillow and turn it into two chic accent pillows, perfect for your couch, bed, or cozy reading nook.

In the video, she begins by taking a basic, inexpensive pillow, laying it flat, and using scissors to cut it in half widthwise. She mentions that cutting through the middle of the pillow might be challenging, but you don’t need to stress too much about cutting it evenly. Once the pillow is halved, she gently pushes down the stuffing on each side to redistribute it, ensuring each new pillow has an even amount of stuffing. While a little variance can be nice, you don’t want two drastically different sizes, especially if you’re aiming for a twin pillow look. She then pins down the open edges to prevent the filling from spilling out and stitches each end shut with a simple straight stitch on a sewing machine. If you lack a sewing machine, your city might have a power tool library where you can rent one. Alternatively, hand-stitching the pillows closed is also an option.



You can personalize the pillows

Instead of overspending on a bunch of fancy accent pillows (why are they so expensive, anyway?), this crafty technique allows you to update an old item with as much personalization as you desire. This trick not only saves you money but also breathes new life into something you might have otherwise left in the back of your linen closet. Additionally, saving money on the pillows themselves gives you more to spend on selecting the perfect fabric covers to match your space’s aesthetic. When making your own accent pillows, you aren’t restricted to whatever designs are available in stores. Choosing the right throw pillow for your home’s decor requires some thought, but it can make all the difference.

Once you’ve sewn the pillows shut, simply slide them into pillow covers that fit the new, smaller size, or get creative with ways to turn any fabric into a stylish pillowcase. Eye-catching accent pillows are a fantastic way to refresh a room, adding a pop of color and texture with minimal effort. Moreover, matching or similarly themed accent pillows can make a living space feel more cohesive.

Whether you’re aiming for trendy colorful patterns, timeless neutral shades, or fun seasonal designs that you can swap out throughout the year, this DIY hack enables you to update your home decor without breaking the bank. Plus, when guests admire your stylish new pillows, you can proudly say, “Thanks, I made them myself!”

Reg Miller Award
Reg Miller Award

Reg Miller Award recipient, Lewis Lydon with OA Chairman, Pete Shadbolt and CEO, Lechelle Earl.