As far as we’re concerned, the best lumbar pillows are the unsung heroes of the entire world of cushions. They’ve appeared scattered around homes featured in AD’s archives—from supermodel Paloma Elsesser’s Brooklyn haven to a classically decorated Southern charmer—and fit perfectly on beds and sofas.

As the name suggests, their slim design is optimal for supporting your lower lumbar region, but we also think they have enough visual appeal to take your pillow arrangement to the next level. (We certainly know a thing or two about an attractive bed setup). Characterized by their elongated shape, lumbar pillows come in a few notable styles—cylindrical, skinny angular cushions, and classic rectangular shams. And while this list doesn’t focus on purely ergonomic designs that tackle serious issues like sciatica, you will find that these cushions bring in an element of color and texture to your decor scheme. Below, peruse our picks for the best lumbar pillows, no matter if you want to support your back or your pillow habit.

Our Top Picks for the Best Lumbar Pillows:

This ruffled bolster marries childlike stripes with delicate ruffles for an overall whimsical effect. Just imagine how nice it would look perched on a rocking chair in a nursery or propping you up as you lean back into your dining banquette at Sunday brunch.

If your goal is a simple hint of color, you can’t go wrong with this style-agnostic design. These pillows are made from the same linen as Quince’s best-selling sheets, so you know you’re in for a soft surface. And since they come in some of the same hues, a color-coordinating moment is in the cards.

The ruffles on this floral-accented pillow throw back to something you might have grown up with in your childhood bedroom. We’re all for leaning into nostalgia, especially with a piece like this that has aged exceptionally well—not too childlike or dated but still very sweet.

This extra long bolster made in collaboration with AD-beloved stylist Colin King is a testament to the power of slightly mismatched patterns. The overall effect reminds us of a shibori dye—understated and elegant enough to make the whole room feel slightly more special.

Textured lumbar pillows are an excellent way to add dimension to your pillowscape. This pick from the Citizenry is made of a chunky wool that’s handwoven by a group of master artisans in Uruguay.

When we peeked inside Ariel Kaye’s airy bedroom, we weren’t surprised to find the Parachute founder styled her boudoir with one of the brand’s signature lumbar shams. Personally, we like that the Nomad cover can also add depth to a sectional sofa in a similar hue.

Sunday Citizen’s lumbar pillow hits a sweet spot that balances attractive and practical. The pillow’s memory foam filling is a real treat if you’re trying to target lower back pain or prevent slouching.

Corduroy is an excellent way to soften otherwise rigid-looking furniture with too many harsh lines. This lumbar featuring the tactile, wintery fabric comes in more than 20 colors—from serene blue to sage—so you can work it into any design.

The tassels on these coastal-influenced cushions from Serena & Lily act as an exclamation point on your bed. We also like that the brand carries the same design in a square silhouette so you can mix and match while maintaining cohesion.

Pottery Barn’s lumbar pillow selection seemingly has something for every design aesthetic out there. We think this delicate floral sham would blend perfectly with a modern farmhouse decor du jour.

On the other hand, this graphic pillow from Allmodern screams midcentury modern. We could see it dressing up an Eames lounger or pairing well with a wooden bed frame and some color-matching sheets.

Never underestimate the power of a simple yet surprisingly versatile polka dot. This chic design feels like something plucked out of a Parisian home tour, giving your chamber a je ne sais quoi moment that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

This patchwork beauty from Joon Loloi, which remixes gingham and vintage-looking floral prints, proves that neutral color palettes don’t have to be boring. A budget-friendly pick at under $50, it can lean into a quaint cottagecore vibe or muted Shaker-style furniture.

The exposed seams on this Coyuchi throw pillow cover give it an especially lived-in feel if you’re aiming for a laid-back Mediterranean cottage aesthetic. Let it fly solo or swath your whole bed in the brand’s organic French flax linen (available in regular pillow shams, fitted sheets, and duvet covers) for a relaxed breakfast-in-bed scenario.

AD100 designer Sarah Sherman Samuel is always a name you can count on to have fun with fabrics and shapes. This checkerboard bolster pillow looks like if a checkerboard souk rug and a bolster pillow had a baby, combining to a very playful, lighthearted effect.

This geometric blue pillow cover reminds us of one we saw in Paloma Elsesser’s very chic Brooklyn apartment. Toss it on a sofa to wake up the entire room.