How to Arrange Pillows on a Bed

Bed Decoration Basics

The best thing about arranging pillows on your bed is that there’s no real wrong way to do it. However, there are some basic methods that you can build on to create a gorgeous pillow arrangement. Before you start stacking pillows, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

First, think of your headboard:

A headboard that is 2 feet high or more lends itself well to a robust arrangement with multiple pillows propped up for maximum decorative effect.
If you have no headboard to speak of, then you may want to consider a more basic arrangement using stacked pillows.
Beds with open-frame metal headboards also look best with a small number of pillows that won’t obscure the decorative framework.
In general, beds with solid, uniformly shaped headboards allow the most versatility when it comes to decorating with throw pillows.

The second thing to plan is the color scheme of your bed and throw pillows:

If you’re starting from scratch, you have the freedom to bring home an entire set of complementary bedroom furniture, decor, and bedding that creates the look you want.
If you have already established a bedroom color palette or style, then choose throw pillows that further your desired theme. Pay attention to the color, shape, and fabric of pillows or shams to ensure a cohesive bedroom feel.
Or, you could work backwards by finding a must-have throw pillow that the rest of your arrangement can be based on. Whatever method you choose, creating your own unique look can be refreshing and fun.

Finally, before you get decorating, consider the overall look and style you want to achieve:

There are a number of different ways to arrange pillows on a bed, whether you enjoy the streamlined look of only a few necessary sleeping pillows or the luxury aesthetic of multiple decorative throws. A beautiful set of coordinated throw pillows adds texture and interest to your bedroom design, along with the benefit of increased comfort and support.

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King Bed Pillow Arrangements

A king-size bed has plenty of space for stretching out at night along with a good amount of room for a beautiful pillow arrangement. You’ll need king-size pillows to make these decorating schemes work – standard pillows look tiny against a king headboard.

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4 Ways to Arrange Pillows on a King Bed

Arranging pillows on a king bed can enhance its aesthetic appeal and comfort level. You have 4 versatile methods, these include:

1. Classic Trip

2. Euro Shams Accent

3. Layered Luxury

4. Symmetrical Balance

The Classic Trip

Classic Pillow Organization on a King Bed

What You’ll Need:

4 king pillows
3 euro pillows
1 large bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Start with two king pillows resting against your headboard.
Place your three euro pillows next, followed by the remaining two king pillows.
Center your bolster at the front of your formation. This robust arrangement is sure to satisfy even the most ardent pillow enthusiast.

Euro Sham Accents

What You’ll Need:

2 king pillows
3 euro pillows
3 accent pillows

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Place your king pillows against the headboard.
Arrange your three euro pillows in front of them.
Your accent pillows go at the very front of your arrangement and can be centered and staggered, or you can place one in front of the other two in a triangular formation.

Layered Luxury

What You’ll Need:

3 euro pillows
2 king pillows
2 standard pillows
1 accent pillow

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

This arrangement uses euro pillows as the backdrop. Lean them against your headboard.
Then place your two king pillows in front of them.
The standard pillows come next, followed by the accent pillow front and center. The way the pillow heights cascade down lends a particular emphasis to the smallest and most visible pillow up front.

Symmetrical Balance

Arranging pillows symmetrically on a king bed

What You’ll Need:

2 euro pillows
4 king pillows
1 bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Start by placing your two euro pillows against the headboard with an equal amount of space between them and on either side.
Place your king pillows next in two rows of two, one in front of the other.
Center your bolster at the forefront.
Experiment with different combinations of shams and pillowcases to achieve just the right look.

Queen Bed Pillow Arrangement

Arranging pillows on a queen bed is similar to a king bed, but there are a few changes to consider due to the smaller size of the mattress.

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Classic Trio

Classic Way To Arrange Pillows on A Queen Bed

Start your queen-size pillow arrangement by What You’ll Need:

2 euro pillows
4 standard pillows
2 accent pillows

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Start your queen-size pillow arrangement by propping two standard pillows up against your headboard.
Center two euro pillows in front of them, followed by your two remaining standard pillows.
Place your accent pillows at the forefront of the arrangement, either centered or offset slightly.
You can play around with different colored pillow shams to change up the look and feel of your bed.

Euro Sham Accent

What You’ll Need:

2 standard pillows
2 euro pillows
1 bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

This classy pillow arrangement is simple to put together. Start with two standard pillows in the back.
Then add two euro pillows and a bolster in front. This formation takes just a few seconds to assemble and leaves your bed looking hotel fresh.

Layered Luxury

What You’ll Need:

4 standard pillows
1 bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Sometimes, simpler is better. Arrange your four standard pillows in two rows, one in front of the other.
Use shams to give your pillows different looks.
Add a bolster at the front for a touch of elegance.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical Pillow Arrangement on a Queen Bed

What You’ll Need:

4 standard pillows
2 accent pillows

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Stack your four standard pillows vertically to create a backrest for your accent pillows to lean on. Having standard pillows laying vertically is an attractive option for those who like their pillows a little more sleep-ready.
Center your accent pillows one in front of the other or angle them off each other for some added dimension.

Twin Bed Pillow Arrangements

A space-conscious twin bed can still be dressed up with a simple pillow arrangement. These designs don’t use many pillows and only take a few seconds to put together, but they can add just the right amount of comfort and style to make a difference.

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Simple and Sweet

Simple and Romantic Pillow Organization for a Twin Bed

What You’ll Need:

1 standard pillow
1 euro pillow
1 accent pillow

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Center your standard pillow and rest it against the headboard.
Place your euro pillow in front of it, followed by the accent pillow.
Make sure they are all in line with each other for a balanced look and feel.

Cozy Corner

What You’ll Need:

1 euro pillow
1 standard pillow
1 bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

For this arrangement, start by standing your euro pillow against the headboard.
Place the standard pillow and bolster in front of it. You can use a circular or rectangular bolster, whichever you prefer.

Layered Comfort

What You’ll Need:

1 standard pillow
2 accent pillows

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Start with your standard pillow propped against the headboard.
Place the accent pillows one in front of the other, with the smallest in the front. Using a neutral accent pillow along with a colorful accent pillow will really make your secondary color stand out.

Simple Layers

Simple Layered Look of Pillows on a Twin Bed

What You’ll Need:

1 standard pillow
2 accent pillows
1 bolster

How to Arrange Your Pillows:

Lay your standard pillow flat on the mattress.
Stack a neutral accent pillow on top of it.
Use this vertical arrangement to prop up your secondary accent pillow and bolster, which can be centered or placed to either side of the stacked pillows, facing forward.