How to Take the Headache Out Of Arranging Pillows on a Bed

Do you want to style your bed flawlessly? Would you like a mix of decorative and functional pillows to add fluff, cozy, and taste to your bedroom decor?  Looking for tried-and-true arrangements to have your bed-looking designer touched quickly? Are you wondering how to:

  • Fix up your bedroom
  • Arrange decorative pillows on your bed
  • Add a modern flair to your bedroom décor
  • Update your bedroom colors
How to Take the Headache Out Of Arranging Pillows on a Bed

How to Take the Headache Out Of Arranging Pillows on a Bed

A gorgeous bedroom with a dazzling arrangement of throw pillows will add just the right touch and it’s easy to do. A beautiful set of coordinated throw pillows adds texture and interest to your bedroom decor, along with improved luxury and support. The great thing about pillows arranged on your bed is there is no actual wrong way to do it. However, there are some basic techniques you can use to create a beautiful pillow arrangement.

Bed Basics

Before you start selecting and styling pillows, there are some things to keep in mind.

Your headboard

If you use a headboard, a headboard that is 24 inches high or more is well suited for a hearty arrangement with lots of pillows for maximum embellished effect. If there is no headboard to speak of, then consider a more simple arrangement. Beds with open-frame metal headboards tend to look best with a small number of pillows so the decorative framework is not hidden. In general, beds with solid, evenly shaped headboards are usually the most flexible when decorating with throw pillows.

 Your color scheme

Next, let’s think about your color scheme. Whether you are starting new or already have a color palette you love, choose throw pillows to enhance your style of décor. Pay attention to texture, color, and shape to get a pulled-together look. You can;

  • Get a whole new look – You have the liberty to get bedding to create the look you want.
  • Enhance your existing décor – You already have bedding and want an uplift your color palette.
  • Work backward – You have a pillow you love and want to build your color scheme around it.

Whichever process you pick, creating your unique look is refreshing and fun.

Your style

Lastly, after reflecting on the overall look and style you want to achieve. Think about your lifestyle. How much time do you want to devote to making your bed? How many pillows will your partner arrange before protesting? There are lots of different ways to arrange pillows on a bed. So, let’s get started.

Pillow Sizes

Standard pillow – 20″ x 26”

One standard pillow fits a twin bed, two side-by-side fits across a full or queen bed, and three next to each other fit a king bed.

Queen pillow – 20″ x 30”

These pillows use a standard pillowcase, they’re a little longer and two side-by-side fits a full or queen bed.

King pillow – 20″ x 36”

These pillows are extra-long and fit inside king pillowcases. Two side by side usually work across a king bed and one fits a twin bed.

European (Euro pillow) Square – 26″ x 26”

These square pillows use euro shams and like the standard pillow one standard fits a twin bed, two side by side fits across a full or queen bed, and three next to each other fits a king bed.

Accent Pillows – various sizes.

The pillows come in a multitude of sizes and shapes.

Bed Pillow Arranging

King Size Bed Pillow Arrangements

A king-size bed has ample space for stretching out along with lots of room for a beautiful pillow arrangement. Typically you can use three standard-size pillows or a pair of king-size pillows or three European squares. Here are some ideas

How to Arrange Pillows on a King Bed Option 1

King Size bed with 2 king pillows, 3 euro pillows, 1 jewel pillow, and 1 bolster

Option 1 – King size bed with 2 king pillows, 3 euro pillows, 1 jewel pillow, and 1 bolster

Start with three euro pillows resting against a headboard or wall. Add a pair of king-size pillows encased in shams followed by the jewel pillow in the center and a bolster in front. This luxury arrangement is inviting and sure to please a passionate pillow fanatic. Prop up three European shams in the back, against the wall or headboard.

How to Arrange Pillows on a King Bed Option 2

King Bed with 3 euro pillows, 2 king pillows, and 4 accent pillows

Option 2 – King Bed with 3 euro pillows, 2 king pillows, and 4 accent pillows

Place your three euro pillows against the headboard and arrange your three king pillows in front of them. Your accent pillows go at the very front of the arrangement. The accent pillows can be centered and staggered and centered, or placed in front of each other in a triangular formation. This high headboard in this arrangement provides an elegant backdrop.

How to Arrange Pillows on a King Bed Option 3

King bed with 2 king pillows, 3 euro pillows, and 2 accent pillows

Option 3 – King bed with 2 king pillows, 3 euro pillows, and 2 accent pillows

Prop two king pillows along the back of the bed as the backdrop. Lean them against your headboard or wall. Then for the second layer place three euro pillows in front. The accent pillow comes next. In this instance the accent pillows are bolster pillows on the gaps; but, feel free to experiment with smaller square or round accent pillows

How to Arrange Pillows on a King Bed Option 4

King bed with 2 king pillow shams, 1 accent pillow or bolster

Option 4 – King bed with 2 king pillow shams, 1 accent pillow or bolster

Start by placing the king-size pillows in sham against the headboard. Then place the accent or bolster pillow in the center. This arrangement is simple yet elegant; and highlights the low headboard.

Queen Bed Pillow Arrangements

This is most likely the most popular bed size. It is great for couples as well as singles. The queen bed provides a worthy amount of space for a hearty pillow arrangement. Queen-size pillows are available, but feel free to mix and match pillow sizes if you want less space between your standard sleeping pillows.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Queen Bed Option 1

Option 1 – Queen Bed with 2 standard pillows, 2 euro pillows, and 6 accent pillows

Begin this robust arrangement by propping two standard pillows up against your headboard. Center two euro pillows in front of them. Place your accent pillows at the forefront of the arrangement, either centered or offset slightly. Play with different textures and sizes to achieve the look and feel you want.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Queen bed Option 2

Queen Bed with 4 standard pillows, 2 euro pillows, and 2 bolsters

Option 2 – Queen Bed with 4 standard pillows, 2 accent pillows, and 2 bolsters

This classic pillow arrangement is simple to achieve. Start with two standard pillows, then place two standard pillows directly in front.  Next place two accent pillows and finish with 2 bolsters this formation takes just a few seconds to assemble and leaves your bed looking hotel-fresh.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Queen Bed Option 3

Queen Bed with 2 euro Pillows, 2 queen pillows, and 2 accent pillows

Option 3- Queen Bed with 2 euro Pillows, 2 queen pillows and 2 accent pillows

Sometimes, simpler is better. Arrange your two euro Pillows and two queen pillows one in front of the other. Leave a gap between the Euro pillows.  Use coordinating shams to give your pillows different looks. Add two accent pillows of different sizes and shapes at the front for a touch of whimsy.

How to Arrange Pillows on Queen Bed Option 4

Queen Bed with 2 euro pillows 4 queen pillows and 1 accent pillow

Option 4 – Queen Bed with 2 euro pillows 4 queen pillows and 1 accent pillow

Start by placing your two euro pillows against the headboard on their points with an equal amount of space between them and on either side. Then place your four queen pillows next in two rows of two, one in front of the other. Center your accent pillow at the forefront. Experiment with different combinations of shams and pillowcases in colors and patterns to complete this great look.

Full-Size Bed Pillow Arrangements

A bed for a small space can still be dressed up with a luxury pillow arrangement. These designs use artfully arranged pillows that only take a few minutes to put together while adding just the right amount of comfort and style.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Full Bed Option 1

Full Bed with 2 euro pillows, 1 king pillow, and 1 accent pillow

Option 1 Full Bed with 2 euro pillows, 1 king pillow, and 1 accent pillow

Center your two euro pillows against the headboard or wall. Place your one king pillow next centered in front, followed by the accent pillow. Placing them off-center adds a whimsical touch.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Full Bed Option 2

Full Bed with 3 Euro Pillows 5 accent pillows and 1 bolster

Option 2 – Full Bed with 3 Euro Pillows 5 accent pillows and 1 bolster

This arrangement starts by standing two of your euro pillow against the headboard. Then place the third euro pillow centered in front. Then scatter your accent pillows ending with the bolster pillow. Don’t forget to mix up the accent pillows with color and texture.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Full Bed Option 3

Full Bed with 2 standard pillows and 2 accent pillows

Option 3 – Full Bed with 2 standard pillows and 2 accent pillows

Start with your two standard pillows propped against the headboard. Place the accent pillows centered in front. This easy and quick arrangement works wonders. Easy peasy.

Twin Bed Pillow Arrangements

Even a space-conscious bed can have pillow arrangements that are classic yet fun. These designs may not use many pillows; but, they only take less time to pull together.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Single Bed Option 3

Twin Bed with, 1 euro pillow 1 standard pillow, and 1 bolster

Option 1 Twin Bed with, 1 euro pillow 1 standard pillow, and 1 bolster

Center the euro pillow and rest it against the headboard or wall. Place the standard pillow in front of it, followed by the bolster. Make sure to have them all in line with each other for maximum effect.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Single Bed Option 1

Twin Bed with 1 euro pillow, 3 accent pillows

Option 2 – Twin Bed with 1 euro pillow, 3 accent pillows

For this arrangement, start by standing the euro pillow against the wall headboard. Place two accent pillows centered in front of it. Then end with a round accent pillow offset to one side. You can use a circular pillow or bolster, whichever you like.

How to Arrange Pillows on a Single Bed

Twin Bed with 1 bolster and 4 accent pillows

Option 3 – Twin Bed with 1 bolster and 4 accent pillows

Start with placing the bolster pillow against the headboard. Then place two accent pillows off-center. Then place the remaining two accent pillows in front of them. Try using accent pillows in different sizes. Place the accent pillows one in front of the other, with the smallest in the front. 

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In Conclusion

Achieving a pulled-together bedroom starts with the focal point of the space, the bed. There are countless ways to display your pillows, some more formal some quirky, and some in between. You can stack them, prop them, mix sizes, add decorative shapes, go asymmetrical or symmetrical, or pile your pillows with abandon. So get started and go make your home beautiful.

P.S. For more ideas you can browse our “Bedroom Styling” board on Pinterest. You’ll be surprised at the many pillow combinations.

Here are other ideas you may like

Fresh & Fun – 15 Easy Ways to Update Your Living Room

17 Great Tips to Arrange your Pillows like a Designer

12 Great Ways to Find the Perfect Color Scheme

How to Take the Headache Out Of Arranging Pillows on a Bed

4 Responses to “How to Take the Headache Out Of Arranging Pillows on a Bed”

  1. Jackie Henaire

    My brother suggested I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

    • Debra Wiggins

      Thank you so much for the feedback and comment. Please sign up for our weekly newsletter for more ideas and tips.

      Deb

  2. Linda Guerra

    I always thought bout the pillows should go the only problem I have is finding euro pillow cases can someone please tell me where I can order some

    • Debra Wiggins

      Hi Gloria;

      Thanks so much for reaching out.

      I recommend looking into handmade sellers on sites like Shopify and ETSY. This will give you a range of items from which to choose.

      Please let me know how it works out.

      Deb