---
title: "Custom Bolster Cover or Just One Bolster? Both Are Made"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/buy-single-bolster-or-bolster-cover/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Harlan Pruitt, The Elder of High Point"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/harlan/"
published: "2026-07-08"
updated: "2026-07-08"
keywords: "custom bolster cover, single bolster pillow, zippered bolster cover, replacement bolster cover, round bolster cushion"
---

# Can I buy just a bolster, or only a bolster cover?

*The cover wears thin long before the bolster gives up. Here is how to buy the one piece you actually need, and nothing you don't.*

Also asked as: Do you sell these bolster cushions individually?; Can I start with one or two bolster covers?

> **The quick answer:** Yes, you can order a single bolster or just a custom bolster cover. Round bolsters are made on their own in any color, even matched to the exact color of an earlier order, and zippered covers are cut to your bolster's diameter and length, such as 13 in diameter by 32 in long. Mixed sets are priced through an offer or a custom link.

![Two forest green velvet bolsters with self piping on an ivory box cushion inside a black wrought iron scroll daybed](https://cushionguide.com/media/bolster-pillows/forest-green-velvet-bolsters-black-iron-daybed-1600.webp "Deep green velvet against black ironwork and an ivory box cushion, lit by a side window.")

## Key facts

- Round bolsters can be ordered on their own, in any color on the chart.
- A new bolster can match the exact color of a previous order.
- Covers alone are made to size, for example for a 13 in (33 cm) diameter x 32 in (81 cm) bolster.
- Zippered bolster covers have been made at 9 x 22 in (23 x 56 cm), 8 x 24 in (20 x 61 cm) and 4 3/4 x 22 in (12 x 56 cm).
- Custom combinations are priced through an offer or a custom link.

## The cover wears out first. The bolster rarely does.

A round bolster takes elbows, heads and the odd Sunday nap, and the cover tires long before the fill. So yes, you can buy only the piece you need. Round bolsters are made singly in any color on the chart, and a new one can match the exact color of an earlier order.

If the fill is still good, a [zippered cover](https://cushionguide.com/glossary/#zippered-cover) alone is the thriftier road. Covers are cut to your bolster's diameter and length: one was made for a 13 in (33 cm) diameter x 32 in (81 cm) bolster, another at 9 x 22 in (23 x 56 cm) with a zipper, and a pair in [corduroy](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/corduroy/) at 8 x 24 in (20 x 61 cm) and 4 3/4 x 22 in (12 x 56 cm).

A seam is a promise, my friend, and a cover cut to the right numbers keeps it. Browse the [bolster pillows](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bolster-pillows/) in the Atlas for shapes, or the [bolster size Pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/bolster-pillow-size-diameter/) if you are starting fresh. What does your old bolster measure end to end?

## What to send for a cover-only order

- ✓ The bolster's diameter, measured across the round end
- ✓ Its length, end to end
- ✓ The fabric family and color, or the color of your earlier order
- ✓ A zipper closure, as on the 9 x 22 in (23 x 56 cm) cover
- ✓ Any mix of shapes, so the set can be priced through an offer or custom link

## Two black bolsters and a dark brown set

A buyer in the US came back for two 34 in (86 cm) round bolsters to sit beside an earlier order. They were made in the exact black of that first order, sold as a pair, nothing else attached.

Another buyer in the US wanted a mix: three 32 in (81 cm) cylinder cushions with two 18 x 37 in (46 x 94 cm) rectangles, all in dark brown. Mixed sets like that are priced through an offer or a custom link rather than a standard option.

> **Tailor's margin:** A bolster cover order needs two numbers, diameter and length, such as 13 x 32 in (33 x 81 cm). The rest is color.

> Round bolsters can be bought one at a time in any color, and a new bolster can match the exact color of an earlier order.
>
> — Harlan

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Do you sell the round bolster cushions on their own?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. A pair of 34 in (86 cm) bolsters was made on its own, in the exact black of the buyer's earlier order. Any color on the chart works.

**A common question:** Can I order just one bolster, or only the covers?

**The workshop's answer:** On the floor-sofa listing, bolsters normally come as part of the set, but covers are made on their own: one for a 13 in diameter x 32 in bolster, sold singly or as a pair, and a 9 x 22 in (23 x 56 cm) zippered cover.

**A common question:** Can you make cylinder bolsters and zipped bolster covers?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. One order paired three 32 in (81 cm) cylinder cushions with two 18 x 37 in rectangles in dark brown; another was zipped corduroy covers at 8 x 24 in (20 x 61 cm) and 4 3/4 x 22 in (12 x 56 cm).

**A common question:** Can my bolster have contrast piping?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Bolsters can take same-fabric piping, contrast piping in a second fabric, or be made entirely in a contrast or stripe fabric, in any length and diameter, ordered through a private custom link.

## Questions buyers ask next

### What diameter should a replacement bolster be?

The standard is 8 in (20 cm) across, with an armrest bolster's length matching the seat depth. Any diameter can be made, from slim 4 in (10 cm) bolsters for thin cushions up to 10 in (25 cm), and a long bolster can be split in two.

### Will a new bolster match the set I bought last year?

It can. Bolsters have been made in the exact color of a buyer's earlier order, such as a pair of 34 in black bolsters. Tell the workshop which color you ordered the first time and the new piece is made to match it.

### Can round bolsters serve as armrests on a window seat?

Yes. Armrest bolsters are made in the seat's fabric and piping, one per end, usually cut to the seat depth. They arrive filled, in indoor or outdoor fabric, and the set can be mocked up before it is sewn.

## Related at the atelier

- [Crimson Bolster Pillow on a White Daybed: Zipper and Fit](https://cushionguide.com/readings/crimson-heathered-bolster-white-daybed-slats/): A bolster pillow on a daybed seldom needs ties: the slatted end, the back panel and the seat cushion hold it in the corner on three sides.
- [Bolster Pillow in Sage Corduroy: Where to Spend, Where to Save](https://cushionguide.com/readings/sage-corduroy-bolster-terracotta-sofa-arm/): A bolster pillow is the cheapest way to make a hard, boxy sofa arm comfortable for lying down, because it fixes the arm without new seat cushions.
- [Bolster Pillow in Greige Linen-Look on a Taupe Daybed](https://cushionguide.com/readings/greige-linen-look-bolster-taupe-daybed-tonal/): For a calm tonal daybed, order the bolster pillow in the same linen-look weave as the seat but one shade lighter, with self piping on the ends.
- [Can I get bolster pillows with piping or contrast piping?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/bolster-pillow-contrast-piping/): Yes, bolster pillows can have piping in the same fabric as the body or contrast piping in a second fabric, and a bolster can also be made entirely in a contrast or stripe fabric.
- [Will a bolster stay in place, or can it be attached?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/attach-bolster-strap-hook-and-loop/): A bolster ships loose, with no strap, unless you ask for one on the order.
- [Can I order matching bolsters later for a cushion I already bought?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/add-matching-bolsters-to-existing-cushion/): Yes, a matching bolster for an existing cushion can be made later, because the workshop keeps fabric stock and can cut the same fabric and color as your original order, even a year on.
- [Bolster pillow sizes: choosing diameter and length for a seat or daybed](https://cushionguide.com/guides/bolster-pillow-size-diameter/)
- [Reading nook bolsters, back pillows and a seat depth that invites a nap](https://cushionguide.com/guides/reading-nook-cushion-bolsters/)

*Sit well. — Harlan*

---

Written by Harlan Pruitt (https://cushionguide.com/masters/harlan/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/buy-single-bolster-or-bolster-cover/