How to Arrange Pillows on a Bed – Our Bedding Styling Guide

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Pillows and cushions are one of the most controversial topics when it comes to interior design. The reason for this might be that there are so many opinions and solutions on how to arrange pillows on a bed, all depending on the type and size of the bed, the style of the pillows, and, of course, the amount of effort you are willing to go through disassembling the pillows before bed. Controversies and variables aside, there are right and wrong ways when it comes to arranging pillows on a bed as well as a few key elements to consider when it comes to how to arrange pillows on a bed, which will all be discussed throughout the article.

Things to Consider When Arranging Pillows on a Bed

There are many things to consider when planning the pillow arrangement for your bed that directly influence the size, configuration, and number of pillows you will be able to make use of. Among these are the size of the bed, the size, and style of the headboard, as well as the available standard sleeping and decorative pillow sizes that are available.

The Bed Size

The size of the bed is the most important variable to consider when planning a pillow arrangement for your bed. Bed and mattress sizes directly correlate with some sleeping pillow sizes (which will be discussed later). The different bed sizes are as follows:

The Headboard Size and Style

The size and style of your headboard are very important elements to take note of when considering your pillow arrangement. The headboard height will determine whether you can include European pillows as the base for the pillow arrangement, or whether you should stick to practical, standard pillows.

It is advised that you should measure the height of your headboard from the top of the mattress to the top of your headboard when referring to sleeping and decorative pillow sizes.

The style of your headboard also plays a significant role when selecting the types of pillows that should be purchased for your bed. For example, a metal framed headboard is very minimalistic and will clash with an arrangement of excessive pillows on the bed. If this is the case, rather stick to a minimal and practical pillow arrangement that will emphasize the design of the headboard instead of hiding it.

Some cases call for a minimalistic approach that is done to such an extent that no headboard is needed for the bed. In this case, it is best to make use of larger decorative pillows such as the large European square sizes behind the sleeping pillows to act as extra support and as an alternative to a headboard.

Different Pillow Sizes

When planning a pillow arrangement for your bed, it is important to consider that there are many different pillow sizes, even more than you might have realized. As with everything, the pillow sizes you choose depend heavily on the size of your bed, your headboard, as well as your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Sleeping Pillow Sizes

Sleeping pillows are the pillows that will most likely always stay on your bed. These pillows are physically used to rest your head when sleeping. Although these pillows are meant to be functional and not decorative, some choose to cover them with beautiful pillowcases to display them as part of the decorative pillows and contribute to the overall look of the bedroom. Sleeping pillows mainly come in three standard sizes:

The above pillows coordinate with the three standard mattress sizes: twin, queen, and king. Two standard pillows should fit perfectly next to each other on a twin bed, and the same goes for queen pillows on a queen bed and king pillows on a king bed.

King pillows do fit on a queen bed, although designers strongly advise against this pairing, as (depending on your headboard), the layout could become visually cluttered.

Decorative Pillow Sizes

Decorative pillows are the pillows that you will have to remove from your bed at night, as they are only for decorative purposes. Decorative pillows come standard in the following sizes:

How to Arrange Pillows on a Bed

Bed pillows are one of the most apparent ways in which you can play around with the décor of your bedroom. They come in a large variety of patterns, sizes, and textures to choose from. Be sure to experiment, especially with the decorative pillows.

Now that you are aware of your bed size, headboard size, and style, as well as the various pillow sizes that are available, it is time to look at a few examples of pillow arrangements for your bed. Below we will be looking at two examples for each of the following bed sizes: king, queen, twin, and daybeds. If you happen to have a California king bed, simple king bed pillow arrangement examples will apply. The only difference will be that there will be a little more breathing room and room for even more decorative pillows if that is what you are going for.

Keep in mind that the below layouts are not set in stone.

Get creative by adding more pillows if eclecticism or maximalism is the style that you want to achieve, or even taking away if minimalism is more suited to the route you are wanting to go in your bedroom.

Pillow Arrangement on a King Bed

A king bed is a very large canvas that you can play with when it comes to pillow arrangements. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of layers comprised of sleeping pillows as well as decorative pillows. Just because a king-size bed is big, does not necessarily mean that it needs more pillows. A selection of larger pillows will balance out the style of the large bed and look more proportionate than having many small pillows.

King Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 1

Try not to overcomplicate the pillow arrangement of a king-size bed simply because you have more area to work with. A simple king bed pillow arrangement consists of two king pillows right at the back, followed by two queens or standard pillows, and concludes the arrangement with a decorative pillow or a large lumbar pillow.

Steer clear from the smaller 16” x 16” decorative or boudoir pillows here, as their small scale will look odd against the large scale of the bed.

King Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 2

A typical pillow arrangement on a king-size bed is as follows: Start with three European sham pillows against the headboard, followed by two king pillows. Lastly, add your decorative pillow(s), no smaller than 18” x 18”.

King Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 3

If you really want to fill your king-size bed with pillows, to achieve a full look, then this pillow arrangement should work for you. Same as with the king bed pillow arrangement option two, you will have three European sham pillows against the headboard, followed by two king pillows, and a further pair of queen or standard sleeping pillows.

Complete the arrangement with one or more 18” x 18” decorative pillows or lumbar pillows.

Pillow Arrangement on a Queen Bed

A queen-sized bed is perfect for playing around with different pillow arrangements without going overboard because of the scale of the bed. Most people have queen-size beds, which means there are many tried and tested ways to arrange pillows on these size beds. Let’s have a look at a standard pillow arrangement on a queen bed as well as a few other options.

Queen Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 1

A standard bed pillow arrangement on a queen bed consists of two queen pillows, followed by two standard sleeping pillows. Another popular option is to substitute the standard pillows with an additional pair of queen-size pillows for a fuller, more dynamic look. If you wish, you can add a decorative pillow of 16” x 16”, or more if you prefer.

Queen Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 2

If you wish to hide your sleeping pillows, you could place two queen sleeping pillows against the headboard and cover them with two European sham pillows.

Follow up with two standard sleeping pillows and one or two decorative pillows.

Queen Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 3

Another typical way of arranging pillows on a queen bed consists of two queen sleeping pillows, which are placed against the headboard, followed by two European sham pillows. Make use of one or more decorative pillows no smaller than 18” x 18”, as any smaller would look odd against the large European shams.

Pillow Arrangement on a Twin Bed

The consensus is that there is not much to work with when it comes to pillow arrangement options on a twin bed. However, there are quite a few options you can play around with to level up the design and look of the entire room.

Twin Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 1

Start with a sleeping pillow against the headboard, which can either be a queen or a standard pillow. Follow up with a European sham pillow and finish the look with a decorative pillow of 18” x 18”.

Resist the temptation to opt for very small decorative pillows simply because you are working with a small bed, as very small pillows tend to look off when placed against a large European sham pillow.

Twin Bed Pillow Arrangement – Option 2

If you want to make use of the sleeping pillow as part of the décor display in the pillow arrangement, you can start with the European sham against the headboard, followed by your standard sleeping pillow. In this case, you can finish the look with 18” x 18” decorative pillows, or smaller pillows.

This is a good pillow arrangement option if your twin-size bed does not have a headboard, as the European sham will act as a headrest.

Pillow Arrangement on a Daybed

Daybeds are a great versatile option for beds that aren’t regularly slept in or rooms that serve more than one function. Their versatility, however, tends to cause confusion as to how to style them or arrange pillows on them. First, consider how the bed is mostly used: for sleeping or sitting. As this will determine how to arrange the pillows.

Daybed as a Bed Pillow Arrangement

Placing the pillows in a bed formation means that the pillows will be arranged on the narrow side of the bed. Apply any of the before-mentioned twin bed pillow arrangements here.

Daybed as a Sofa Pillow Arrangement

Making use of a daybed as a sofa means that you have a lot of real estates to work with when it comes to arranging pillows. Most of the king bed pillow arrangement options can be applied here, with the addition of a bolster pillow on each side to act as faux armrests.

When it comes to how to arrange pillows on a bed, pillows are a tried and tested way of elevating the design of any bedroom. By sticking to the large-to-small rule, and being vigilant to not overdo it, you can surely find an arrangement that will suit your bed as well as the style of your bedroom. Luckily, pillows aren’t permanent fixtures and can be changed out regularly to play around with the style. Sometimes the best way to learn is through the mistakes that you make when figuring out how to arrange pillows on a bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Simple King Bed Pillow Arrangement?

Start with two king pillows right at the back, followed by two queens or standard pillows, and conclude the arrangement with a decorative pillow or a large lumbar pillow. Steer clear from the smaller 16” x 16” decorative or boudoir pillows here, as their small scale will look odd against the large scale of the bed.

What Is a Pillow Sham?

Pillow shams are large pillow covers used over traditional-sized pillows for the sake of decoration. Pillow shams usually have a decorative front, with a plain back, which includes the opening for the pillow insert (instead of on the size, as with standard pillow covers).

How Do You Decorate a Bed With Pillows and Shams?

The easiest way to decorate a bed with pillows, regardless of the size of the bed, is to start with the biggest pillows, or the shams at the back, and gradually place smaller pillows towards the front of the bed.

How Many Pillows Should Be on a Queen Bed?

The standard pillow arrangement for a queen bed is two queen pillows, two shams, and two to three decorative pillows, as well as an optional bolster pillow.

How Many Pillows Should Be on a King Bed?

There is a lot of space on a king bed but be careful not to overdo it. Three shams fit perfectly on a king bed, instead of the two that we are used to seeing on a queen bed. In front of the shams, two king pillows can be placed, which can be followed by two queen pillows, or decorative pillows ranging from big to small.

How Many Pillows Should Be on a Bed?

The number of pillows needed on a bed depends largely on the size of the bed as well as the look you are trying to achieve. Queen and king-size beds usually have at least four sleeping pillows on them, with the addition of a few decorative pillows. A twin-size bed has at least one sleeping pillow with either a European sham and/or one or more decorative pillows.

Where Should I Put Pillows When I Sleep?

A chest or bench at the end of a bed is a great place to store decorative pillows during the night when they are not on display.

What Does a Full Bed Pillow Arrangement Consist Of?

Wondering how to achieve a hotel bed-look? A simple full bed pillow arrangement consists of two standard pillows, followed by an optional additional two standard sleeping pillows. Finish the arrangement with a decorative pillow of 16” x 16”, or more if you prefer.

What Are Decorative Pillows for Bed Ideas?

What are some decorative pillows for bed ideas? There are a few decorative pillows you can make use of for your pillow arrangements: Large European square/shams (26” x 26”), small European square/shams (18” x 18”), large lumbar (14” x 36”), small lumbar (12” x 24”), 16” x 16”, boudoir (12” x 16”), large bolster (9” x 30”), and small bolster (7” x 10”).