A bed piled with pillows looks inviting, but it’s easy to end up with too many or the wrong sizes. The trick is knowing which pillows are for sleeping, which are for show and how to layer them so the bed looks finished without becoming a chore to make.
Sleeping pillows vs decorative pillows
Sleeping pillows are the ones you actually rest your head on. They’re chosen for support and comfort, with fills like memory foam, down, down alternative or polyester fiber. They go inside regular pillowcases you wash with your sheets.
Decorative pillows are there for color, pattern and texture. They come in many shapes and fabrics, and they’re often not comfortable to sleep on. Their covers usually need different care from your sheets.
For help choosing a pillow to sleep on, see our guide to choosing a bedding pillow.
Common pillow sizes
Most US bed pillows come in three sizes:
- Standard: about 20 x 26 inches. Fits twin and full beds and works on a queen.
- Queen: about 20 x 30 inches. A little longer, which fills a queen bed nicely.
- King: about 20 x 36 inches. Made for king beds.
Decorative sizes include:
- Euro squares: usually 26 x 26 inches. Big squares that stand at the back of the bed.
- Accent squares: often 16 to 20 inches. The colorful pillows at the front.
- Lumbar or boudoir pillows: small rectangles that finish the front row.
When buying covers for decorative pillows, check the insert size too. Many people choose an insert an inch or two larger than the cover so the pillow looks full and plump rather than flat at the corners. Feather inserts hold that full shape well, while polyester inserts are lighter and often easier to wash.
Shams and pillowcases
A pillowcase has an open end and is meant for sleeping. A sham is a decorative cover with an opening at the back, often with a flange or trim around the edge. Shams usually match the bedding, and many people use them on a second set of bed pillows that stays on display during the day.
Three easy ways to arrange pillows
Simple and practical
Two sleeping pillows in pillowcases, one accent pillow in front. Quick to make each morning and great for kids’ rooms and guest rooms.
Classic layered look
Back row: two sleeping pillows. Middle row: two shams that match the bedding. Front: one or two accent pillows. This is the look you’ll see in most catalogs.
Full hotel-style bed
Back row: two or three euro squares standing upright. Next: sleeping pillows and shams. Front: a lumbar pillow centered, with a pair of accent pillows on either side. This suits a king or queen bed with a tall headboard.
How many pillows do you need?
There’s no rule, but these are good starting points:
- Twin: one sleeping pillow and one accent pillow.
- Full or queen: two sleeping pillows, two shams and one to three accent pillows.
- King: three standard or two king pillows, two or three euro shams and a few accents.
If you’re tired of moving a mountain of pillows every night, cut back the front row first.
Mixing colors and patterns
Pull pillow colors from your bedding and curtains. Mixing a solid, a stripe and a small print works well when they share colors. Odd numbers of accent pillows often look more relaxed, while pairs look formal. Our guide to matching bedding and curtains uses the same color ideas.
Shop the gear
Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.
A 16-inch accent like the striped double horseshoe hook pillow adds a western touch to the front row, while a bed sheet, quilt cover and pillowcase kit gives you matching pillowcases for the back.
Care and storage
Wash sleeping pillowcases with your sheets. For decorative pillows, check whether the cover zips off and follow its label. Many inserts can be fluffed in the dryer on low. At night, a basket or bench at the foot of the bed keeps decorative pillows off the floor. For a step-by-step bed routine, see how to make a bed.
FAQ
Can you sleep on decorative pillows?
You can, but they’re usually firmer or lumpier than bed pillows, and their covers aren’t made for nightly washing.
What size are euro pillows?
Euro pillows are usually 26 x 26 inches.
Do shams have to match the duvet?
No. Matching looks tidy, but contrasting shams in a coordinating color can look more relaxed.
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