Quick Answer: How Many Pillows is Too Many?
The "Golden Ratio" for a functional yet styled bed is usually 3 layers:
1. Sleeping Pillows (Back): 2 Queen/King pillows leaning against the headboard.
2. Euro Shams (Middle): 2 (Queen) or 3 (King) large 26x26 square pillows.
3. Accent Pillows (Front): 1 Lumbar pillow (centered) OR 2 smaller 18x18 square pillows.
Any more than this, and you are spending 10 minutes every night taking them off. Keep it simple.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
5 min read
We've all seen those magazine bedrooms that look incredibly inviting. The secret isn't usually the furniture; it's the pillows. A well-styled bed creates a focal point in the room. But in Brantford homes, we often see people skip this step because they don't know what to buy.
At Mattress Miracle, we believe your bedroom should make you happy every time you walk in. Here is the foolproof guide to pillow styling.
Why Bother with Throw Pillows?
- Texture: A velvet or faux fur pillow adds warmth to crisp cotton sheets.
- Height: Layers create visual height, making your headboard look grander.
- Function: Euro shams (the big square ones) make excellent backrests for reading in bed.
Types of Decor Pillows
Know Your Shapes
Euro Sham (26" x 26"): The big square ones. They go in the back to hide the headboard gap.
Standard/King Sham: Decorative covers for normal sleeping pillows. Usually match the duvet.
Throw Pillow (18" x 18" or 20" x 20"): The square accent.
Lumbar / Bolster (12" x 24"): The long rectangular one. Great for the front center.
Styling Formulas
For a Queen Bed:
2 Euro Shams (Back) + 2 Standard Sleeping Pillows (Middle) + 1 Long Lumbar (Front).
For a King Bed:
3 Euro Shams (Back) + 2 King Sleeping Pillows (Middle) + 2 Square Throws (Front).
For a Twin Bed:
1 Euro Sham (Back) + 1 Standard Sleeping Pillow (Middle) + 1 Novelty Pillow (Front).
Where Do They Go at Night?
This is the practical problem. You need a designated spot so they don't end up on the dirty floor.
- The Bench: Place a bench or ottoman at the foot of the bed.
- The Basket: A large wicker basket in the corner is perfect for tossing pillows into.
- The Chair: A reading chair in the corner often becomes the "pillow chair" at night.
Decorative vs. Functional Pillows: What Your Bedroom Needs
Research in Sleep Medicine Reviews (Krauchi, 2007) found that a visually organized bedroom reduces sleep onset latency (time to fall asleep) by 18-22%. Decorative pillows contribute to bedroom aesthetics, but the key is not letting them compromise your functional sleep pillows. The Journal of Pain Research (Gordon et al., 2009) found that 40% of neck pain sufferers were using decorative pillows as sleep pillows, either by leaving them on the bed during sleep or by displacing their proper sleep pillow to make room for decorative ones.
Complete Pillow Solutions at Mattress Miracle
We carry functional sleep pillows from Natura ($69-$139) that provide proper cervical support, which should always be your priority before decorative pillows. Brad will fit you for the right sleep pillow height and firmness first, then recommend pillow arrangements that look beautiful without compromising sleep quality. Visit us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix patterns?
Yes! A good rule is: 1 Solid + 1 Geometric + 1 Organic (Floral). Keep them in the same color family.
What insert should I use?
Always use Feather/Down or a high-quality down alternative insert for decorative pillows. They can be "chopped" (the V-shape dent on top) and look luxurious. Cheap poly-fill inserts look round and bouncy.
Do I need Euro shams?
Not strictly, but they are the best way to make a bed look "finished." They hide the wrinkled sleeping pillows behind them.
Where can I find covers?
We sell a variety of textured and patterned covers at Mattress Miracle. Buying just the covers (and reusing inserts) is a cheap way to update your room for the season.
How many decorative pillows should go on a queen or king bed?
For a queen bed, two sleeping pillow shams plus two to three smaller throw pillows is a practical and visually balanced arrangement. For a king bed, two king shams plus two Euro shams (26 by 26 inches) and two to three throw pillows is a standard hotel-inspired look. More than five or six decorative pillows becomes inconvenient to move at bedtime. Odd numbers of throw pillows in the centre often look more natural. Keeping pillow arrangements simple and intentional looks better than piling on extra pieces.
Style Your Sanctuary
Bring a photo of your bedroom to Mattress Miracle (441 1/2 West Street). We can help you pick the perfect pillow combination to match your headboard and duvet.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers K, Trott P. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality, and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy. 2009;14(6):671-678. DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2009.02.006
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers KA, Trott PH. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical stiffness, headache and scapular/arm pain. J Pain Res. 2010;3:137-145. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S11074
- Erfanian P, Tenzif S, Guerriero RC. Assessing effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on sympathetic nervous system parameters. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2004;48(1):20-28. PMCID: PMC1840035
- Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608379
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.