Is there really such a thing as too many pillows?

Ask a room full of people, and you’ll likely get a different answer from each one. There are some people who hate decorative pillows, while there are others who will fill an entire room with cheap throw pillows galore.

Deciding how many pillows you really need on your bed comes down to your desired pillow arrangement, your budget, and your sleeping preferences. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the optimal levels of pillows for your needs - as well as how you can maximize the pillows you have for chic style and maximum functionality.

Pillow Types and Sizes

There are countless types of pillows that you can choose to include in your bedroom. In general, these can be broken down into two categories - sleeping pillows and decorative pillows.

A good set of bed pillows can make or break a good night’s sleep. Here’s what to look for.

Sleeping Pillows

Sleeping pillows are pretty easy to choose and categorize based on your bed size. There are standard pillows, which generally measure 20” x 26”, queen pillows, which measure 20” x 30”, and king pillows, which are usually 20” x 36”.

Choose the pillow size that corresponds best to the size of your bed. If you’re looking for pillows for a twin or full-sized bed, for instance, a standard pillow will look the best. If you need pillows for less common bed sizes, like a California king, usually a king pillow will do the trick.

You will also want to consider other features, like fill, comfort, and support, when shopping for sleeping pillows. These features aren’t as important when you’re shopping for decorative pillows because you won’t be resting your head upon them at night.

If you’re looking for light support, choose a soft fill, like silk or down feathers. Options like wool and organic cotton will be a bit firmer. If you need a ton of support, you may want to choose a gusseted pillow that has sidewalls to help it maintain its shape.

On the other hand, if your neck and shoulders have been bothering you, you might want to opt for a natural latex foam pillow. This can relieve pressure points in your neck, as it’s molded to fit to your shoulders, neck, and spine. There are even eco-friendly pillows that you can choose that are made out of non-toxic ingredients in Fair Trade facilities.

However, if you have trouble getting comfortable, your pillow arrangement might be to blame. Look for a pillow with hypoallergenic features, memory foam filling, ergonomic support features, or other elements to help make the most of the space.

Remember, if you can’t find a standard pillow that you like, you’re not alone. Most standard pillows are encased in bland pillowcases that are nothing to write home about. That’s where the beauty of a pillow sham comes in. shams are pillow covers that coordinate with sheets and can be used for more decorative pillows.

Decorative Pillows

When it comes to decorative pillows, your options will be more plentiful. You can find cheap throw pillows in just about any size - but you may have to custom order one based on your design preferences and required space. 

When shopping for decorative pillows, you might want to consider the Euro pillow. This option measures 25” x 25” - it’s a perfect square. You’ll often find Euro pillows in places like living rooms.

Other options include the deco pillow, which measures 20” x 20”, 18” x 18”, or 16” x 16”. Again, all of these pillows are perfect squares, but their unique sizes make them ideal for crafting a more unique statement. You can choose deco pillows that are all the same size for a classic feel, or mix and match for a more eclectic, trendy vibe. 

Another option when you are selecting decorative pillows for the bedroom is the boudoir pillow. This pillow measures 12” x 16” and is perfect for the bedroom. Another common pillow, found in both bedroom and living room spaces, is the neckroll pillow. Neckroll pillows provide superior support for your head and neck and usually measure about 6.5” x 13”.

You can also purchase long lumbar pillows or body pillows that are meant to provide more support than your typical decorative pillow. These can have dimensions like 14” x 36”, 12” x 24”, or 12” x 20”.

Decorative pillows are often referred to as “accent pillows” because they provide a gorgeous finishing touch along with depth and contrast.

Stacked vs. Propped or Combo

To stack or not to stack - that is the question.

Until recently, most people propped their pillows against the headboard to create an artistic statement in the bedroom. Now, more people are choosing to stack their pillows - including the standard sleeping pillows and any shams.

The stacked look is definitely one that is easy to achieve - there’s not a lot you need to do except layer the pillows on top of each other. Come bedtime, all you’ll have to do is remove the shams and the stack will be ready for your head. 

The stacked look offers a minimalist, natural-looking approach and is incredibly utilitarian. However, if you like a more classic propped look, that is definitely an option for you, too. This also tends to be the best option if you have several shapes and sizes that you want to incorporate in your design. 

Not sure which method you want? You can always opt for a combination of the two!

Deciding whether to stack or prop your pillows will come down to your unique style preferences as well as your headboard type. In fact, if you have a stylish headboard, you might want to skip the stacked pillows, as they’ll conceal it. Measure your mattress, box spring, and headboard before they arrive so you can decide on the option for pillow stacking or propping that works best for you.

What Does Your Headboard Look Like?

Before deciding how you want to arrange your pillows - and how many pillows you really need on your bed - consider the look of your headboard. A headboard that is more than two feet high will do well with multiple pillows propped up against it for the best decorative effect. If you don't have a headboard, you may do better with a stacked pillow arrangement, which will help conceal some of the blank wall space behind the bed. 

Similarly, if you have an open-frame metal headboard, you’ll do well with just a few pillows that will not cover up this uniquely decorative appearance. A solid, uniform headboard will be the most versatile when it comes to ornating your bed with a throw pillow.

You’ll also want to carefully plan the color scheme of your headboard, throw pillows, and bed. If you’re just starting out and have the whole bedroom to do from scratch, you’re in luck. You can pair and design an entire set of complementary bedroom furniture, bedding, and other decorations that will create the gorgeous look you desire. 

But if you've already chosen the colors or style for your bedroom, don’t worry. You can still use the throw pillows that you want to enhance your desired theme. Just pay attention to her fabric, shape, and colors of the pillows for the most cohesive feel. 

Not sure where to start? You may want to choose the throw pillow first. If you have a throw pillow in mind that you just can’t forget, you might want to base the rest of your arrangement on that. Then, you’ll be able to create a unique style that puts the throw pillow front and center.

Different Pillow Arrangements (4 Ways For A Queen Mattress)

The queen mattress is one of the most commonly chosen bed types in America. It’s the perfect size for two people and offers a balance between just enough space while not taking up an excessive amount of space in the room. 

You can use larger queen-size pillows or standard pillows, depending on how much space you want between your standard sleeping pillows. The methods for pillow arrangement below can usually be applied to full-size beds, too.

Option 1

In this first option, you need two euro pillows, one bolster pillow (or neck pillow), and two standard or queen-sized pillows.

It’s easy to put together. All you need to do is prop your two standard pillows in the back, then put the two euro pillows in the front. The bolster will rest at the very front. It only takes a few minutes to put together, but looks like you’re straight out of a hotel room.

Option 2

The next option takes things a little further. You will need four standard pillows, two euro pillows, and two accent pillows. 

You will begin by propping two of the standard pillows against the headboard. Center two euro pillows in front of them, then place the other two standard pillows in front of those. Then, put your accent pillows at the front of the entire arrangement. You can position these accent pillows however you’d like, either offset or completely centered above your duvet or comforter.

Choose the right accent pillow, and this method will allow you to switch things up depending on your mood and the seasons, too. You can mix and match the various pillow shams to give your room a unique look whenever things start to get stale.

If you’re looking for girls’ bedroom ideas, for instance, you may want to incorporate bright colors and sequins. If girls room ideas aren’t on your agenda and you’d rather go for a seasonal approach, you can always use holiday-themed shams or those with scenes inspired by nature.

Option 3

For a truly minimalist appearance, you might want to consider this third option. You’ll need just four standard pillows, enough for two people, and a neck pillow. Simply prop your standard pillows up against the headboard, with one in front of the other. Use interchangeable shams to make your pillows look different from each other, or use the same shams for a uniform look.

You’ll put the neck pillow at the very front of the propped arrangement for an elegant finish.

Option 4

A final option lets you stack and prop pillows for a look that is elegant - yet simple. For this design plan, you will need four standard or queen-sized pillows and two unique accent pillows.

Begin by stacking four standard pillows in a vertical pile. This will create a simple backrest for your accent pillows to lean on. Then, you can center the accent pillows, angle them in a cockeyed fashion, or play with their arrangement in some other way for a unique added dimension.

The stacked standard pillows will leave the bed ready for sleeping, while the throw pillows will add a unique decorative finish that makes the bed look polished and stylish.

The Amount Of Pillows Is Dependent Upon Your Organic Mattress Size

Did you know that, when pillows were originally invented in around 7000 BC in Mesopotamia, they weren’t necessarily used to improve comfort...but to keep your head elevated enough to keep bugs out of your mouth? 

That’s a gross fact, but one that can help keep you in check when you start getting overwhelmed by all of the design options out there. In fact, back in 2055 BC, pillows in ancient Egypt were made out of wood and stone!

Therefore, you shouldn’t let yourself get stressed by trying to decide how many pillows including decorative pillows and cheap throw pillows you really need on your bed. There are lots of choices, and while the right pillow arrangement can take the style of your room from zero to chic in a flash, you shouldn’t lose sleep over this decision. After all, comfort and functionality are the most important elements.

How many pillows you need on your bed depends primarily on your bed size. On a twin bed, you’ll want a standard pillow and maybe one or two accent pillows. For a full-size bed, choose two standard pillows, two Euro pillows, and an accent pillow or two. Queen beds can be outfitted with two queen pillows and shams, along with three accent pillows or a neck pillow.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of options for pillow arrangements for everyone from the “Guy Who Just Wants to Lay His Head Down” to the interior decorating maven.

Rebekah Pierce is a professional social blogger and has worked on several online publications including Citrus Sleep. Rebekah is an experienced content writer and copyeditor. You will find many of her works throughout CitrusSleep.com that cover a wide array of subjects including sleep education, natural, sleep products, electronics, fashion and many more. She is passionate about her work and family.

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