Boutique hotels may not have the perks of a big chain, but they pay close attention to the details—the locally sourced complementary coffee, the original artworks on the walls, and, most importantly, their beautifully curated bedding. Ever wonder how to layer pillows for a hotel quality bedscape? We’ll study every step here, and recommend colorful pillows to bring your bedroom to life.
How to layer pillows on a bed like a designer
Layering pillows is a customizable art, and you can add or remove pillows to your liking. In general, set up at least three rows of pillows no matter your bed size.
How to layer pillows on a twin bed
Just because a twin bed is small doesn’t mean you need to keep your bedscape minimal.
Option 1
- 1 queen pillow in the back
- 1 Euro sham in the middle
- 1 throw pillow
Option 2
- 1 Euro sham in the back
- 1 standard pillow in the middle
- 1 throw pillow in the front
How to layer pillows on a queen bed
These pillow arrangements work well for a full size bed too.
Option 1
- 2 standard pillows in the back
- 2 Euro shams in the middle
- 2 standard pillows in the middle
- 1 throw pillow in the front
Option 2
- 2 Euro shams in the back
- 2 standard pillows in the middle
- 1 throw pillow in the front
How to layer pillows on a king bed
You have more freedom with a king size bed, given the sleeping real estate you have to work with. Mix and match pillow patterns for a more visually interesting pillow arrangement.
Option 1
- 3 Euro shams in the back
- 2 king pillows in the middle
- 3 decorative pillows in the front
Option 2
- 3 Euro shams in the back
- 2 king pillows in the middle
- 2 standard pillows in the middle
- 2 decorative pillows in the front
One final tip: In place of throw pillows, you can use another small, decorative pillow such as a neckroll or bolster.
Colorful throw pillows to try
A bed layered with colorful pillows elevates a room, ensuring your bedscape is the focal point.
Green pillows
Sage green pillows and true green throw pillows for a bedroom that restores wellness.
Sage green pillows or emerald green pillows are particularly relaxing. Pair with white, blue, or brown.
Moonlit Taj ~ Exotic Turquoise Pillow Sham Flanged
Moonlit Taj (CP) ~ Exotic India Turquoise Floral Cushion Cover
Woodland Ferns ~ Botanical Print Pillow Sham Cover
Woodland Ferns (CP) ~ Botanical Print Pillow Sham Cover
Woodland Ferns (CP) ~ Sage Green, White Throw Cushion Cover
Woodland Ferns ~ Sage Green, Light Blue Throw Cushion CoverRed pillows
Red throw pillows and euro shams for a spirited bedroom that sparks inspiration.
Ruby Kilim ~ Rustic Red Black Throw Pillow Cushion Cover
Ruby Kilim ~ Rustic Red Black Pillow Sham Flanged
Spice Route ~ Red Orange Moroccan Indian Throw Cushion Cover
Spice Route ~ Red Orange Moroccan Indian Pillow Sham
Tropical Garden(CP)~Colorful Country Cottage Throw Cushion CoverYellow pillows
Yellow throw pillows and gold pillows for a global style—from rustic country to French royalty.
Morning Dew (CP) ~ French Country Trellis Yellow Pillow Sham
Morning Dew ~ French Country Medallion Yellow Blue Pillow Sham
Morning Dew ~ French Country Medallion Yellow Blue Throw Pillow
Morning Dew (CP) ~ French Country Trellis Yellow Throw Pillow
Versailles ~ French Yellow Grey Medallion White Pillow Sham
Gardens of Versailles ~ Yellow Grey Floral White Throw PillowOrange pillows
Orange throw pillows and shams for a fresh, lush bedroom.
Indian Summer ~ Decorative Orange Paisley Throw Pillow Cover
Indian Summer (CP) ~ Orange Paisley India Sari Pillow Sham
Indian Summer (CP)~ Decorative Orange Paisley Throw Pillow Cover
Indian Summer ~ Orange Paisley India Sari Pillow Sham
Orange Blossom ~ Persian Mediterranean Floral Pillow Cover
Orange Blossom ~ Persian Mediterranean Floral Cushion CoverBlue pillows
Royal blue, light blue, and navy throw pillows and shams for a calm mood and peaceful bedroom.
Casablanca Blues - Blue ~ Moroccan Quatrefoil Cushion Cover
Casablanca Blues - Blue ~ Moroccan Theme Quatrefoil Pillow Cover
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English Gardens (CP) ~ Decorative Throw
Pacific Blue (CP) ~ Rustic Navy Blue Ocean Oriental Throw Pillow
Starry Nights (CP) ~ Blue Batik Pillow Cover Sham FlangedPink pillows
Pink throw pillows and pink pillow shams for a dreamy, romantic bedroom.
Dahlia Daydreams ~ Pink Floral Romantic Pillow Sham
Dahlia Daydreams - CP ~ Pink Floral Romantic Pillow Sham
Dahlia Daydreams ~ Pink Floral Romantic Throw Cushion Cover
Dahlia Daydreams - CP ~ Pink Floral Romantic Throw Cushion CoverWhite pillows
White throw pillows and shams for an exquisite bedroom that highlights geometric patterns and colorful accents.
Royal Mansour Quartz ~ Moroccan Gray Trellis Toss Cushion Cover
Royal Mansour ~ White Pillow Sham
Vanilla Glace ~ White Gold Romantic Elegant Luxury Throw Pillow
Vanilla Glace ~ White Gold Romantic Elegant Luxury Pillow ShamColorful pillows
Colorful throw pillows for a room filled with life and eclectic decor.
Enchanted - Ivory ~ Pillow Sham
Enchanted - CP ~ Pillow Sham
Enchanted - CP ~ Euro Pillow Sham Cover
Enchanted - Ivory ~ Euro Pillow Sham Cover
Enchanted - Ivory ~ Throw Cushion Cover
Enchanted - CP ~ Throw Cushion Cover
Mosaique Bleue - Earth ~ Moroccan Tile Print Blue Pillow Sham
Mosaique Bleue - Earth ~ Moroccan Tile Print Blue Euro Sham
Mosaique Bleue - Earth ~ Moroccan Tile Print Blue Cushion CoverTypes of pillows
Pillows on a bed can be grouped into two main types: decorative and pillows for sleep.
Decorative pillows
- Throw pillows/cushion pillows (16 x 16 in or 18 x 18 in)
- Shams (Various sizes around 26 x 20 or 36 x 20 in)
- European sham (26 x 26 in)
- Bolsters (Various sizes)
Pillows for sleeping
- Standard (20 x 26 in)
- Queen (20 x 30 in)
- King (20 x 36 in)
- Body pillows (~20 x 54 in)
- Lumbar pillows (Various sizes)
Decorative pillows like throws can be used throughout your home for color and texture. Once you’ve perfected your bedscape by layering pillows like a master stylist, learn how to decorate with throw pillows in the living room, workspace, entryway, and more.
