Fluffy Wool Cushion Cover: Choosing and Styling Tulu Covers
Quick answer: A fluffy wool cushion cover in the Anatolian tradition is a tulu cover, cut from a shaggy hand-made wool rug. It has a deep real-wool pile, a cotton back and a concealed zipper. Choose an insert 1 to 2 inches larger than the cover, keep it out of the washing machine, and brush the pile gently.
What is a fluffy wool cushion cover?
A fluffy wool cushion cover is a pillow cover with a long, soft, textured wool surface. In Anatolia the traditional version is a tulu: a shaggy, hand-made wool rug with a deep pile, traditionally woven for warmth and sleeping. Our tulu pillow covers are cut from real antique tulu rugs and finished with a cotton back and a concealed zipper. They are the most tactile covers we make.
If you want to know more about the rugs themselves, see what a tulu rug is. This article focuses on choosing and using the covers.
How does a tulu cover feel and look?
The surface is dense, with long wool tufts that move when you touch them. The texture reads as a mix of fleece and rug, but it is genuine wool, not a synthetic pile. Colour comes from the rug it was cut from, and ranges from natural cream and burgundy to purple and mustard. Each cover is unique, since it comes from one rug and no two cuts are identical.
A few traits to expect:
- Depth. The pile is thick, so the cover looks fuller than a flat-woven one.
- Slight variation. Tufts may differ in length and colour from one area to another, which is part of the character.
- Weight. Wool is heavier than most synthetic fluffy fabrics, so the cushion sits with a solid, settled feel.
Tulu, kilim or rug cover: which should you choose?
| Cover type | Surface | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tulu | Long, shaggy wool pile | Soft seating, beds, cosy corners |
| Rug | Short knotted pile, detailed pattern | Sofas, armchairs, traditional rooms |
| Kilim | Flat-woven, graphic geometry | Modern rooms, daily-use seating |
Our comparison kilim vs rug vs tulu pillow covers goes through each in more detail. You can browse the full range under tulu pillow covers.
What size are the covers and what insert do you need?
Our tulu covers are small pillow sizes, sold singly or as a pair. Inserts are not included, so you buy the insert separately. As a rule, pick an insert about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) larger than the cover so the cushion looks full. For example, a 16 x 16 inch (40 x 40 cm) cover looks best on an 18 x 18 inch (45 x 45 cm) insert. Always check the exact measurements in the listing before you order, since each cover is cut from a different rug.
Down and feather inserts give a soft, slumped look. Polyester fill holds shape better and costs less. For shaggy wool a firm insert is usually the better choice, since the pile already supplies the softness.
How do you style fluffy wool cushions?
- Use them as the soft layer. Put one or two tulu covers on a sofa that has otherwise smooth upholstery, and you add contrast without more colour.
- Pair them with flat textures. A tulu next to a kilim cover looks deliberate: shaggy against flat, soft against graphic.
- Repeat a colour. Pick a tulu in a shade that already appears in the room, such as burgundy for a red rug.
- Use pairs on a bed. A matching pair at the head of the bed looks balanced and tidy.
- Keep the count low. Two to three cushions with different textures is usually enough.
More ideas are in how to style Turkish rug pillow covers.
Which tulu covers are available now?
Because every cover comes from a single antique rug, stock is small. Right now, Termessa, an antique Konya tulu shaggy pillow cover set of 2 in purple and yellow, and Iconia, the burgundy and yellow set, are available. You can also look through all cushion covers if you want a different texture.
Can you wash a wool cushion cover?
We recommend not putting wool tulu covers in a home washing machine. Heat and agitation can matt the pile and may shrink the wool. Instead:
- Shake the cover out outdoors and brush the pile gently with a soft brush.
- Blot spills with a clean, damp cloth, working from the edge towards the centre.
- For a deeper clean, ask a wool or rug cleaner.
- Let the cover dry flat, away from direct heat.
Our care guide, how to care for kilim and rug pillow covers, covers all three types.
Are they worth it?
If you like texture, yes. A tulu cover is cut from a real hand-made antique rug, so you are buying a small piece of that rug, not a printed imitation. Free worldwide shipping, pre-paid import duties for the US, UK, EU and Canada, and a 14-day return window apply to these as to every other item in the shop.
Who are tulu covers best suited to?
They suit anyone who wants a cushion that is as pleasant to touch as it is to look at. We find that people choose them for reading chairs, window seats, bedroom benches and the head of a bed, where the cushion is handled often. They are less suitable for places where food and drink are common, because long pile can trap crumbs and is slower to clean than a flat-woven kilim cover.
Think about the rest of the room before you buy. A tulu cover has visual weight, so it balances best with other heavy textures such as a wool throw, a jute rug or a linen sofa. In a very sleek room with glossy surfaces it can look out of place, while in a room with plain walls and natural materials it feels at home. If you are unsure, start with one pair and live with them for a few weeks. Because tulu covers are cut from antique rugs, the colours are usually earthy and settled rather than bright, so they work with most existing colour schemes.
Finally, remember the practical details: the cotton back keeps the cover stable on the insert, the concealed zipper lets you remove the cover without damaging the pile, and you can store it flat in a cotton bag when not in use.
Pieces from our collection
Every piece below is one of a kind and in stock today:
- Termessa — Antique Konya Tulu Shaggy Pillow Covers, Set of 2
- Iconia — Antique Konya Tulu Shaggy Pillow Covers, Set of 2
Frequently asked questions
Are tulu pillow covers the same as faux fur?
No. Faux fur is a synthetic knit with a fibre pile. A tulu cover is cut from a hand-made antique wool rug, so the surface is real wool tufts. It looks and feels more natural, is heavier, and differs from cover to cover because each comes from a different rug.
Are inserts included with the covers?
No. Inserts are not included. The covers have a cotton back and a concealed zipper, so you slip your own insert in. We suggest an insert 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) larger than the cover for a full look.
Can I buy a single cover instead of a set?
Yes. Our pillow covers are sold singly or as a pair. Because each is cut from a unique rug, pairs are matched from the same rug, and singles are one of a kind. Check the listing for what is offered on each product.
Will the wool shed?
A little loose fibre in the first weeks is normal for long-pile wool. Brushing gently with a soft brush and shaking the cover out removes it. Shedding settles quickly with ordinary use, and does not affect the cover's life.
Written by the team at Heritage Nomadic Art Gallery in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, the gallery behind TurkishRug.com, where every rug and pillow is chosen, washed and photographed by hand. Last updated October 23, 2026.
