Pillows are fun. They’re soft, comfy, and, of course, excellent for a little tussle now and then. Pillows also set the tone for the ambiance of any bedroom, not just the master bedroom. Selecting pillows for your bedroom is as much about comfort as it is about creating a certain look.
Imagine stacking your pillows on your bed, from the largest (and most useful) to the smallest (and least useful). Some people prefer so many pillows that half of the bed is buried under the pile, while others opt for a simpler arrangement, adding just one accent pillow on top of their sleeping pillows.
Very few people sleep with just one pillow. In fact, over 89% of hotel guests request additional pillows within the first few hours of check-in. So, for the sake of addressing the majority, let’s assume that we need at least four basic sleeping pillows in the bedroom.
Choosing the Right Pillows for Comfort and Style
The first four pillows should be chosen based on the individual who will be using them every night. For guest rooms, pillows should fall somewhere in between the flat and fluffy range, or you could provide one of each. For the master bedroom or rooms of those who live in the home full-time, it’s best to encourage each person to pick out their own sleeping pillows. Sleeping with the wrong pillow can easily result in neck pain or a headache.
Pillowcases should be used to cover these pillows. Shams, on the other hand, are generally for decorative pillows and can even be ruined if slept on. To be safe, choose neutral pillowcases with a slight decorative scalloping along the edge or a simple bold color. Keep in mind that bold colors can show dirt—dog hair, for example—more easily. They also highlight other bodily fluids that may occur during sleep (yes, it’s a thing we all pretend doesn’t happen). Heavy droolers should definitely stick with lighter shades, as dried fluids can leave a crusty appearance. While you could change the pillowcase every morning, who wants to add one more chore to their already busy routine? Of course, the one time you don’t change it will be the day someone notices your pillowcase “leftovers” from the night before. It’s better to stick with lighter shades to avoid any embarrassing moments.
The next set of pillows should be a bit smaller, almost like you’re constructing a pyramid of pillows, which you will then lay on its side. Since we’ve already selected comfortable sleeping pillows, the next set, which will serve as decorative pillows, should be a little puffier.
These pillows can be covered either with pillowcases or shams. From a practical standpoint, a sham keeps the pillow from slipping out of the case, while also signaling that it’s a decorative pillow rather than a sleeping one. Decorative shams can be much more intricate than pillowcases, often featuring embroidery, lace, or delicate needlework, making them a beautiful contrast on the bed.
When selecting pillows for the bedroom, it’s important to complement the rest of the room’s décor. If your room features a high-class, formal vibe, go ahead and choose a bedspread with a delicate, fancy design. A formal bedroom can be both appealing and perfectly livable. However, if your décor is more contemporary or casual, over-dressing the bed could disrupt the room’s balance. You can certainly use your bed’s décor to elevate the room’s look, but don’t try to change the entire ambiance with just the bed. The goal is to complement, not compete.
The use of contrasting but unique colors can make a room stand out, while bold, simple colors can make the room feel more formal. Choose a color that works well with the room but avoid matching every color in the space. Let’s say we start with a pale, neutral color for the sleeping pillows. For the decorative pillows, you could go for a deep burgundy, bold blue, navy, or even a soft rose. Contrasting colors will naturally make the decorative pillows pop, drawing attention to them.
While there’s no set rule for how many pillows you can use on your bed, the most common and safest approach is to start with a set of sleeping pillows, topped with a smaller set of decorative pillows, and then add an even smaller set on top. When choosing pillows for the bedroom, remember that you can always add another set later if needed. It’s okay to play with color schemes and patterns to enhance the overall look of the room. Most importantly, have fun, trust your decorating instincts, and figure out what works best for you.
