How to Effortlessly Arrange Pillows on a King Size Bed
A king size bed offers luxurious sleeping space, but arranging all the pillows can be a challenge. With the right strategy, you can effortlessly style your king bed with an abundance of plush pillows. Read on for a step-by-step guide to help you determine the ideal number, choose the right styles, and artfully arrange pillows on your king mattress.
The expansive width of a king bed allows ample room to lavish it with a hotel-worthy pillow display. But before you start tossing every cushion onto the mattress, it's important to plan out your arrangement thoughtfully. Follow these tips to create a comfortable, balanced and beautiful pillowscape.
Calculate the Total Number of Pillows Needed
When it comes to pillows, more does not necessarily mean better. Piling on too many cushions can quickly make your king bed feel cluttered and crowded. As a general rule, plan on having 6-8 pillows total on your king mattress.
This number includes a mix of pillow types and purposes:

- 3-5 back/sleeping pillows - These are the functional pillows you'll actually sleep on for comfort and support. Popular options include Euro sham, king and queen sizes.
- 1-3 decorative front pillows - Accent pillows like throws and shams inject visual interest, color and texture along the front edge of the bed.
The exact number of pillows you use should be tailored your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Room size - More pillows allow for a fuller look, but avoid overcrowding a small space.
- Decor style - For a minimalist aesthetic, reduce accent pillows. For maximalism, pile them on.
- Personal preferences - If you sleep with multiple pillows, increase the number.
- Medical conditions - Certain conditions require extra pillows for support.
Choose the Right Pillows
Now that you know approximately how many pillows your king bed can accommodate, it's time to choose the right mix of styles and fill types. Let's explore some top options for both your back support pillows and decorative front pillows.
Back Support Pillows
The pillows lined up against your headboard need to provide proper spinal alignment and a comfortable night's rest. Popular choices include:
- Euro sham pillows - Extra large and square for optimal back support.
- King pillows - Longer than standard sizes to span a king mattress.
- Queen pillows - Offer comfortable support for side sleepers.
- Firm vs soft - Match the density to your sleep position and preference.
- Fill types - Down, memory foam, microbeads and more.
Front Accent Pillows
The pillows lining the front edge of your bed mainly serve decorative purposes. Consider these tips when selecting accent pillows:
- Choose a variety of sizes and shapes - Mix it up with square, rectangular and cylindrical.
- Introduce unique textures and patterns - Faux fur, velvet and embroidered add visual interest.
- Coordinate colors - Pull accent hues from bedding, walls and decor.
Arrange the Pillows Properly
Once you've gathered the perfect mix of Euro shams, king pillows and decorative accents, it's time to artfully arrange them on the bed. Follow these steps for a polished hotel-worthy look:
- Start by lining up your back support pillows, with the tallest Euro shams in the center. Stagger heights for ergonomic comfort.
- In front of the back row, evenly space out the pillows you'll actually sleep on - king or queen sizes work well.
- Finish by placing accent pillows along the front edge. Vary heights, shapes and clusters for visual interest.
- Step back periodically to ensure overall balance, scale and space.
Finishing Touches
A few final tips will help keep your pillow arrangement looking flawless:
- Use removable pillow covers to easily launder shams.
- Fluff and arrange pillows before retiring each evening.
- Store excess accent pillows in a bench or chest at bedtime.
- Replace old pillows regularly to maintain support and hygiene.
Arranging a gorgeous pile-on of posh pillows on your king bed may seem intimidating. But with the right number of cushions, a tailored mix of styles and our foolproof arrangement tips, you can easily curate a comfortable and decadent pillowscape. Transform your master suite into a luxurious oasis by lavishing your king bed with an abundance of plush pillows.