Pillows have been an essential part of human comfort for thousands of years, evolving from simple head supports in ancient civilizations to the diverse array of shapes, sizes, and purposes we see today. This guide explores the various types of pillows, their sizes, and their specific uses, helping you understand how to choose the right pillow for your needs.
Pillow Guide Chart
|
Pillow Type |
Typical Size |
Best For |
|
Standard Pillow |
20" x 26" (51 x 66 cm) |
Twin, Full, Queen Beds |
|
Queen Pillow |
20" x 30" (51 x 76 cm) |
Queen Beds |
|
King Pillow |
20" x 36" (51 x 92 cm) |
King & California King Beds |
|
Euro Pillow |
26" x 26" (66 x 66 cm) |
Decorative, Back Support |
|
Body Pillow |
20" x 54" (51 x 137 cm) |
Side Sleepers, Pregnant Women |
|
Bolster Pillow |
Cylindrical Shape |
Lumbar Support, Decorative Accent |
|
Neck Roll Pillow |
Small Cylinder |
Neck Support |
|
Lumbar Pillow |
Rectangular, Curved |
Lower Back Support, Decorative Accent |
|
Throw Pillow/Decorative Pillow |
16" x 16" to 20" x 20" |
Accent Decor, Casual Comfort |
|
Boudoir Pillow |
12" x 16" |
Decorative Accent |
|
Floor Pillow/Floor Cushion |
Varies |
Floor Seating, Decorative Element |
Standard Pillow
Standard Pillow, measuring 20" x 26" (51 x 66 cm), is commonly used on twin, full, and queen beds. It’s a versatile and affordable option that fits most pillowcases and provides adequate support for back and stomach sleepers. Initially designed for basic comfort, it’s still a popular choice for its balance of softness and medium firmness.
Queen Pillow
Queen Pillow, measuring 20" x 30"(51 x 76 cm), is designed specifically for queen-sized mattresses. Its width offers better alignment for side sleepers, ensuring the pillow stays in place throughout the night. Ideal for those who need more head support, this pillow maximizes comfort for queen bed owners.
King Pillow
King Pillow, measuring 20" x 36"(51 x 92 cm), is designed for king and California king beds. The extra length provides ample surface area, ensuring support on both sides. Its large size makes it ideal for back or side sleepers, offering full coverage and comfort on bigger mattresses, and it's perfect for those seeking a pillow that complements larger beds.
Euro Pillow
Euro Pillow originates from European bedding styles, where large square pillows were used to create a luxurious, layered look. Over time, this style spread internationally, and the term "Euro Pillow" became widely recognized. Measuring 26" x 26"(66 x 66 cm), the square-shaped Euro Pillow is typically placed behind standard pillows to provide extra comfort when sitting up and enhance the overall aesthetic of the bed, offering both decorative appeal and back support.
Body Pillow
Body Pillow, typically 20" x 54"(51 x 137 cm), provides full-body support, making it ideal for side sleepers and pregnant women. This long pillow helps alleviate pressure points and ensures a comfortable night’s sleep. Its popularity grew among side sleepers who benefit from extra support along the body during rest.
Bolster Pillow
Bolster Pillow is a cylindrical pillow often used for lumbar support or as a decorative accent. It can be placed in various positions on the bed or couch and is known for providing support for the neck, legs, or as an armrest. Historically, bolsters were used to provide firm support and structure, and today they serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Neck Roll Pillow
Neck Roll Pillow is a small, cylindrical pillow used primarily to support the neck. Whether sleeping, reading, or lounging, it helps maintain proper alignment and reduces neck strain. This type of pillow was originally used to prevent neck stiffness and is still favored for its practical and supportive role.
Lumbar Pillow
Lumbar Pillow is a rectangular pillow, often curved, designed to support the lower back. It is often used in living rooms or office spaces to improve posture while sitting. Historically, lumbar pillows were designed to prevent back pain, and today they continue to serve this purpose while also adding a decorative touch.
Throw Pillow/Decorative Pillow
Throw Pillows, typically measuring 16" x 16" to 20" x 20", are used for accent decor and casual comfort. They are placed on sofas or chairs to enhance the visual appeal of a room. These pillows became popular as versatile accent pieces, offering a quick and easy way to change the style of a space.
Boudoir Pillow
Boudoir Pillow, measuring 12" x 16", is a smaller decorative pillow often placed on beds for an elegant look. This pillow is commonly used to add a luxurious touch to bedding arrangements and is great for layering with larger pillows. Its compact size and refined design make it perfect for a more sophisticated aesthetic.
Floor Pillow
Known also as a pouf or Floor Cushion, Floor Pillow is placed on the floor to provide extra seating or act as a decorative element. Its large, cushioned design makes it perfect for informal gatherings, adding a relaxed vibe to any room. These pillows have evolved into functional seating options that also enhance the casual ambiance of a space.
How to Choose the Right Pillow Size for Your Bed
1. Consider Your Bed Size and Pillowcase Size
The size of your bed plays a significant role in how your pillows will look and fit. For instance, a larger pillow, such as a king or body pillow, may appear oversized on a twin bed. On a larger bed like a king or California king, standard pillows might look too small. Be sure to match your pillow size with the size of your bed for a balanced, cohesive look. Don't forget to choose the right pillowcases to fit each size appropriately.
FADFAY duvet cover set and sheet set come with pillowcases in various sizes, carefully matched to the specific set. Whether you're selecting for a twin, queen, or king-sized bed, you’ll find the perfect pillowcase size to complement your bedding, ensuring both style and comfort.
2. Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position should also influence your pillow choice. Side sleepers often benefit from larger, firmer pillows that offer more neck support, while stomach sleepers typically prefer thinner, softer pillows. If you tend to move around at night, a larger pillow might help provide more comfort and stability. Consider your sleep style to choose a pillow that best supports your body and promotes restful sleep.
3. Style and Aesthetic
Pillows can dramatically change the look of your bedroom. A carefully styled pillow arrangement can add sophistication or create a minimalist feel. Layering Euro pillows in front of standard ones, for example, adds depth and elegance, while stacking pillows of the same size creates a more modern vibe. Consider the overall look you want to achieve in your bedroom and choose pillow sizes that complement your design.