Quick Answer: The main pillow types are standard sleeping pillows (20 x 26 in), king pillows (20 x 36 in), Euro shams (26 x 26 in), bolster pillows (6 x 16 in), and body pillows (20 x 54 in). Sleeping pillows should match your sleep position. Decorative pillows (Euro shams, bolsters, rectangle throws) add style to beds and couches. Body pillows provide full-length support for side sleepers, pregnant women, and people with joint pain.
In This Guide
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Walk into any bedding store and the pillow section can be overwhelming. Standard, queen, king, Euro, sham, bolster, body, lumbar, decorative, throw. The names overlap, the sizes vary by brand, and nobody explains which ones you actually need. After 37 years of helping Brantford families find the right sleep setup, we have simplified the pillow world into a practical guide.
Sleeping Pillow Sizes
These are the pillows you sleep on every night. Getting the right size matters for both comfort and bed aesthetics.
| Size | Dimensions | Best For | Bed Size Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 x 26 in | Twin and full beds, children | 2 fit across a queen |
| Queen | 20 x 30 in | Queen beds, adults who move | 2 fit a queen with slight gap |
| King | 20 x 36 in | King beds, restless sleepers | 2 span a king bed exactly |
The most common mistake is using standard pillows on a king bed. Two standard pillows leave a 24-inch gap in the middle of a 76-inch king mattress. Use king pillows on king beds. It sounds obvious, but we see this mismatch constantly.
Pillows for King Beds
King pillows (20 x 36 inches) are designed specifically for king-size beds. Two king pillows placed side by side span the full width of a king mattress (76 inches) with just 4 inches of overlap. This eliminates the gap that occurs with smaller pillows.
Some people prefer three standard pillows on a king bed instead of two king pillows. This works for aesthetics but means the middle pillow sits in a crevice between the other two, which is not comfortable for sleeping. For sleeping, stick with two king pillows. Add a decorative arrangement in front for style.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "When customers buy a king mattress from us, I always ask what pillows they are using. About half the time, they are still using queen or standard pillows from their old bed. A king mattress with undersized pillows looks unfinished and sleeps awkwardly. We help them get the right pillow size at the same time as the mattress."
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Euro Sham Pillows
Euro shams are square decorative pillows that sit behind your sleeping pillows against the headboard. Standard Euro shams measure 26 x 26 inches. They are not designed for sleeping. They are designed to create a layered, styled look on the bed and to provide a comfortable back support when sitting up to read or watch television.
How many do you need? Two Euro shams for a queen bed, three for a king. They sit flat against the headboard, creating a backdrop for your sleeping pillows and any smaller decorative pillows in front.
Fill options: Euro sham inserts come in down, down-alternative, and polyester fibrefill. Down inserts are loftier but cost more. Polyester fibrefill is firm and holds its shape well, which matters for a pillow that sits upright all day. For Euro shams, we recommend a firm fill that keeps the pillow standing straight rather than flopping forward.
European pillows vs Euro shams: In Europe, the standard sleeping pillow is square (26 x 26 or 65 x 65 cm). What North Americans call a "Euro sham" is simply the standard European sleeping pillow size. If you are buying European-made bedding, their "standard" pillow is our "Euro."
King Sham Pillows
King shams are decorative covers for king-size pillows (20 x 36 inches). They typically have a flanged border, embroidery, or decorative fabric that matches a bedding set. You place your sleeping king pillows inside king shams during the day for a finished look, then remove them at night.
This is where pillow management gets real. If you use king shams with a coordinated bedding set, you are removing and replacing covers daily. Some people find this ritual satisfying. Others find it tedious. If you fall into the second category, use your sleeping pillows as-is and place Euro shams behind them for a styled look that requires no daily cover changes.
Bolster Pillows
Bolster pillows are cylindrical or semi-cylindrical pillows, typically 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 16 to 36 inches long. They serve both decorative and functional purposes.
Decorative use: A bolster placed at the front of a pillow arrangement on the bed adds a finished touch. Bolsters work especially well on daybeds, where they serve as armrests while doubling as decor.
Functional use: Bolster pillows provide targeted support under the knees (for back sleepers), behind the neck, or between the knees (for side sleepers). Physical therapists sometimes recommend bolster pillows for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain.
Bolster pillows in Canada: Finding quality bolster pillows in Canadian retail can be challenging. Most department stores carry limited bolster options compared to standard pillows. Online retailers like Amazon.ca, Wayfair.ca, and specialty bedding stores offer the widest selection. For neck bolsters specifically, check physiotherapy supply stores.
Body Pillows and Covers
Body pillows are full-length pillows measuring approximately 20 x 54 inches. They provide support along the entire body and are particularly popular with side sleepers, pregnant women, and people with hip or back pain.
How body pillows help sleep: A body pillow between the knees aligns the hips and reduces lower back strain for side sleepers. Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2019) found that side sleepers using a body pillow between their knees reported significantly less morning back pain and hip discomfort compared to those sleeping without one.
Body pillow covers: Body pillows need dedicated covers because standard pillowcases are too small. Body pillow covers come in cotton, bamboo, and microfibre. Choose a breathable material because body pillows trap heat against your body by nature of their size and contact area. A cotton percale or linen body pillow cover provides the best temperature management.
C-shaped and U-shaped variants: Pregnancy pillows and specialty body pillows come in curved shapes that wrap around the body. C-shaped pillows support the head, belly, and knees simultaneously. U-shaped pillows provide support on both sides, preventing the need to reposition the pillow when turning over.
Cool Body Pillows for Hot Sleepers
Body pillows create a large surface contact area with your body, which traps heat. Hot sleepers need cooling features to counteract this.
Gel-infused memory foam body pillows use cooling gel within the foam to draw heat away from the body. They maintain shape better than fibrefill but are heavier and harder to wash.
Shredded latex body pillows allow air circulation between the latex pieces, creating passive ventilation. They are naturally hypoallergenic and resist dust mites.
Bamboo-covered body pillows use a bamboo rayon cover that wicks moisture and feels cool to the touch. The cover handles the temperature issue while the interior fill provides support.
Body Temperature and Pillow Choice: The body needs to drop 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius to initiate sleep, according to research in Sleep Medicine Reviews (Harding et al., 2019). A body pillow that traps heat works against this natural process. For hot sleepers, choosing a cooling body pillow or using a breathable cover is not a luxury, it is a practical sleep improvement.
Rectangle and Lumbar Throw Pillows
Rectangle throw pillows (typically 12 x 20 or 14 x 24 inches) are also called lumbar pillows. They sit at the front of a bed pillow arrangement or on couches for lower back support.
On a couch, a rectangle pillow in the small of your back provides lumbar support during extended sitting. On a bed, it serves as the front piece of a layered pillow arrangement: Euro shams at the back, sleeping pillows in the middle, and a rectangle throw pillow at the front.
Rectangle pillows are more versatile than square throw pillows because they serve a functional purpose (back support) alongside their decorative role. If you are buying just one throw pillow for your couch, a lumbar rectangle is often more useful than a square.
Plush and Oversized Pillows
Plush pillows are extra-soft, generously filled pillows that prioritize comfort over support. They are popular for lounging, reading in bed, and creating a cozy atmosphere. Oversized versions (24 x 24 or larger square, or oversized king pillows) work as floor cushions and reading pillows.
A word of caution: plush pillows feel wonderful for lounging but are generally poor sleeping pillows. The excess softness allows the head to sink too deep, which can cause neck strain for back and side sleepers. If you love the plush feel, use a plush pillow for relaxing and a properly supportive pillow for sleeping.
Pillow Fill Comparison
| Fill Type | Support Level | Lifespan | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down | Soft to Medium | 5 - 10 years | Back and stomach sleepers | $60 - $200 |
| Down Alternative | Medium | 2 - 4 years | Allergy sufferers, budget | $20 - $60 |
| Memory Foam | Medium to Firm | 3 - 5 years | Side sleepers, neck pain | $40 - $120 |
| Shredded Latex | Medium to Firm | 5 - 8 years | Hot sleepers, eco-conscious | $50 - $150 |
| Cotton Fill | Medium | 2 - 3 years | Chemical-free, natural feel | $30 - $80 |
| Buckwheat | Firm, adjustable | 10+ years | Side sleepers, neck support | $40 - $100 |
| Wool | Medium Firm | 5 - 8 years | Temperature regulation | $50 - $150 |
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "The fill matters as much as the size. I always tell customers to think about how they sleep first, then pick the fill. Side sleepers need firm support, so memory foam or buckwheat works well. Back sleepers need medium loft, so down or down-alternative is comfortable. Stomach sleepers need almost nothing, just a thin, soft pillow. Get the firmness right, and the rest follows."
Pillow types serve different functions: Euro shams add decorative height, bolster pillows provide lumbar or neck support, body pillows align the spine for side sleepers, and wedge pillows elevate for acid reflux or congestion relief. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries sleeping pillows, body pillows, and decorative options for testing in our showroom. Dorothy recommends trying different pillow types with your sleep position in mind, as a side sleeper needs a completely different pillow loft and firmness than a back sleeper, regardless of the pillow style chosen. Call (519) 770-0001.
Shop: Pillows at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia 3.0 posture support pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
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
What is the difference between a Euro sham and a regular pillow?
A Euro sham is a square decorative pillow (26 x 26 inches) that sits against the headboard behind your sleeping pillows. A regular sleeping pillow is rectangular (20 x 26 to 20 x 36 inches) and is designed for nightly use. Euro shams are not meant for sleeping. They create a layered look and provide back support for sitting up in bed.
How many pillows do you need for a king bed?
For sleeping: 2 king pillows (20 x 36 each). For a styled look: 2 to 3 Euro shams behind, 2 king sleeping pillows in front, and optionally 1 to 2 decorative pillows or a bolster at the front. This layered arrangement uses 5 to 7 pillows total but only 2 are for sleeping.
Are body pillows good for side sleepers?
Yes. Body pillows are particularly helpful for side sleepers because they keep the knees aligned, reducing hip and lower back strain. Place the body pillow between your knees and hug the upper portion to keep your shoulders from rounding forward. This alignment reduces pressure points and morning stiffness.
What size pillow insert for a Euro sham cover?
For a standard 26 x 26 inch Euro sham cover, use a 27 x 27 or 28 x 28 inch insert. The extra 1 to 2 inches fills the cover completely and creates a plump, full appearance. Using an insert the same size as the cover results in a flat, underfilled look.
Where can I buy bolster pillows in Canada?
Bolster pillows are available at Amazon.ca, Wayfair.ca, West Elm, and Pottery Barn Canada. For therapeutic bolsters, check physiotherapy supply stores. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we carry sleeping pillows and can help match you with the right support. Call (519) 770-0001 to check stock.
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
Finding the right pillow is as important as finding the right mattress. Visit us to test different fills and firmness levels in person. We match pillows to your sleep position and mattress for the best possible alignment. White glove delivery available to Brantford and surrounding areas.
Related Reading
- Down Blankets and Down Pillows Guide
- Decorative Throw Pillows for Beds
- Linen Pillows and Pillowcases
- Throw Pillows for Couches
Sources
- Harding, E. C., et al. (2019). "The Temperature Dependence of Sleep." Sleep Medicine Reviews, 47, 29-40.
- Lee, W., and Park, S. (2019). "Effects of body pillow use on sleep quality in side sleepers." Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(5), 425-428.
- National Sleep Foundation. (2024). "Choosing the Right Pillow." sleepfoundation.org.
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.