How Many King Bed Decorative Pillows Do You Really Need? A Comprehensive Guide

Beyond the pillows you actually sleep on, there’s a whole world of decorative options designed to make your bed look polished and inviting. Understanding these types is key to building a successful pillow arrangement.

Euro Shams: The Essential Back Layer

Think of Euro shams as the foundational layer of many layered pillow arrangements, especially on larger beds. A Euro sham is a large square pillow cover, and the pillow insert that goes inside is called a Euro pillow. The standard size for a Euro sham and pillow is 26 inches by 26 inches.

Their primary role is to add significant height and create a substantial backdrop against your headboard or the wall. Because of their size, they help fill that wide space on a king bed effectively. For a standard king bed, the common and most visually appealing number of Euro shams is three. Placed side-by-side, three 26-inch Euro shams span 78 inches, which perfectly fills the 76-inch width of a king bed, often with a slight overlap that looks full and luxurious. Using only two Euro shams on a king bed usually leaves too much empty space in the middle, disrupting the visual balance.

Euro shams are often covered in fabric that coordinates with your duvet cover or quilt, helping to anchor the entire bedding ensemble.

King Shams: Matching Your Sleeping Pillows

King shams are designed to fit standard king-size sleeping pillows, which typically measure 20 inches by 36 inches. Unlike standard pillowcases, shams usually have a more finished edge, often with a flange (a decorative fabric border), and an opening in the back (either an envelope closure or a zipper) rather than an open end.

These shams serve a dual purpose: they make your functional sleeping pillows look presentable during the day, and they add a layer of decoration. On a king bed, two king shams placed side-by-side cover 72 inches, fitting neatly in front of Euro shams or serving as the main layer if you skip the Euros. They often come as part of a duvet cover or comforter set, making them an easy starting point for your decorative pillow collection.

Standard Shams: An Alternative or Additional Layer

Standard shams fit standard-size pillows (20×26 inches). While king shams are the natural fit for king sleeping pillows, standard shams can still be used decoratively on a king bed. You might use three standard shams across the width for a slightly different look than king shams, or use them as an additional layer in front of larger pillows. Using standard shams can sometimes offer more variety in patterns and styles, as they are a very common size.

Throw Pillows (Accent Pillows): Adding Personality and Texture

Throw pillows, also widely known as accent pillows, are where you can really let your personality shine. These come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, fabrics, and patterns. They are typically placed in front of the larger shams and are primarily for decoration, adding pops of color, interesting textures, and unique patterns to the bed.

Common square throw pillow sizes include 18×18 inches, 20×20 inches, and 22×22 inches. Mixing these sizes adds depth and visual interest to your arrangement. You can use one large square pillow, a pair of matching squares, or even three smaller ones depending on the overall look you’re going for.

Lumbar Pillows: The Elongated Accent

A lumbar pillow is a type of accent pillow characterized by its rectangular shape that is wider than it is tall. Standard lumbar sizes might be around 12×20 inches or 14×22 inches, but you can also find much longer versions, sometimes up to 40 inches or more, designed to span a significant portion of the bed’s width.

Lumbar pillows are great for breaking up the monotony of square shapes and adding a strong horizontal line to the arrangement. They are often placed front and center, or slightly off-center, as a focal point. They can also provide actual lumbar support if you’re sitting up in bed.

Bolster Pillows: Cylindrical Style

Bolster pillows are cylindrical in shape. They can range in size from small, firm rolls to longer, softer cushions. Bolsters add a unique shape to a pillow mix and can be placed at the ends of the bed, in the center, or even layered within the arrangement. They offer a touch of classic elegance or a modern, clean line depending on their size and fabric.

Let’s not forget the pillows that serve the most important function: helping you sleep comfortably! While they might get tucked away or covered during the day, your sleeping pillows are the base layer on which your decorative arrangement is built.

Most couples using a king-size bed will use either two king-size sleeping pillows (20×36 inches) or three standard-size sleeping pillows (20×26 inches). Two king pillows fit snugly across the width. Three standard pillows also fit, often with a slight overlap.

When styling your bed for the day, you have a few options for your sleeping pillows. You can lay them flat at the head of the bed and layer decorative pillows in front. Alternatively, you can prop them up against the headboard and place shams and decorative pillows in front of them. Some people choose to remove their sleeping pillows entirely before arranging the decorative ones, especially if they use standard pillowcases that don’t match the decorative scheme.

There’s no single “correct” way to arrange pillows on a king bed, and the number you need depends heavily on the look you want to achieve. Here are some popular arrangements and the typical pillow counts associated with them:

The Minimalist Approach: Simple and Clean

This style is perfect for those who prefer a tidy, uncluttered look and easy bed-making. The focus is on a few carefully selected pillows that add a touch of style without overwhelming the bed.

• Typical Count: Your sleeping pillows (2 king or 3 standard) + 2 to 3 decorative pillows.
• Arrangement: Often, the sleeping pillows are propped up against the headboard (either in their regular cases or covered with shams), and then two matching square accent pillows (around 20×20 or 22×22 inches) are placed in front. A single lumbar pillow centered in front of the squares is another popular minimalist option. This look is clean, functional, and easy to maintain.

The Classic Layered Look: Timeless Elegance

This is a widely popular arrangement that creates a sense of depth and structure, often seen in hotels and design magazines. It typically involves three distinct layers.

• Typical Count: Your sleeping pillows (usually hidden) + 3 Euro shams (26×26 inches) + 2 King shams (20×36 inches) + 2 to 3 accent pillows (e.g., two squares or one lumbar).
• Arrangement: The three Euro shams form the back layer, propped against the headboard. In front of the Euro shams, the two king shams are placed side-by-side. Finally, two matching square accent pillows or a single lumbar pillow are centered in front of the king shams. This creates a full, balanced look that fills the width of the king bed beautifully.

The Luxurious and Full Look: Plush and Inviting

If you love a bed piled high with plush pillows that scream comfort and luxury, this is the style for you. It involves more layers and a greater variety of sizes and textures.

• Typical Count: Your sleeping pillows (usually hidden) + 3 Euro shams (26×26 inches) + 2 King shams (20×36 inches) + 3 to 5 or more accent/lumbar/specialty pillows.
• Arrangement: Start with the three Euro shams in the back. Layer the two king shams in front. Then, add a mix of accent pillows. You might use two larger squares (22×22 inches), followed by two smaller squares (18×18 or 20×20 inches), and finish with a lumbar pillow or a uniquely shaped accent pillow (like a round or bolster). The key here is to mix sizes, shapes, textures, and patterns to create a rich, inviting display. The exact number depends on how full you want the bed to look and how many different pillows you want to incorporate.

Asymmetrical Arrangements: Modern and Unique

While many arrangements are symmetrical, placing the same pillows on both sides, asymmetrical styles break this mold. This can create a more relaxed, less formal, or more artistic look.

• How it differs: Instead of mirroring the pillow placement on each side, you might have a cluster of pillows on one side, or a mix of sizes and shapes that aren’t balanced left to right.
• Pillow Count: The number of pillows in an asymmetrical arrangement varies greatly depending on the specific design. It could be fewer than a classic layered look or even more, focusing on a curated, artful placement rather than strict symmetry. This style requires a good eye for balance and proportion, even without perfect symmetry.

As you can see, there’s no single magic number of decorative pillows for a king bed. Your ideal count depends on several factors beyond just the size of the mattress.

Your Personal Style and Aesthetic

Are you drawn to clean lines and minimal adornment, or do you prefer a cozy, layered look with lots of texture and color? Your personal style is the biggest driver of how many decorative pillows will feel “right” on your bed. A minimalist might be happy with just two or three accent pillows, while a maximalist might want ten or more. Consider the overall aesthetic of your bedroom – is it modern, traditional, bohemian, or something else? Your pillows should complement that style.

Desired Look and Feel

Think about how you want your bed to feel. Do you want it to look like a perfectly styled display bed that’s almost too pretty to touch? Or do you want it to feel like an inviting, comfortable haven you can sink into? More pillows generally lean towards the “display” end of the spectrum, while fewer pillows are more practical for everyday use and a relaxed feel. Consider if you want a formal, structured look or a more casual, relaxed vibe.

Comfort and Functionality Needs

Be honest with yourself: will you actually use these decorative pillows for support while reading or watching TV in bed? If so, consider including some firm Euro shams or larger accent pillows that provide good back support. If the decorative pillows are purely for show and will be removed every night, you might be less concerned with their comfort level and more focused on their visual impact. Balancing aesthetics with how you actually use your bed is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

Budget and Maintenance Considerations

More decorative pillows mean a higher cost, not just for the pillow inserts and covers initially, but potentially for cleaning as well. Also, consider the time and effort involved in arranging all those pillows every morning and removing them every night. If you’re someone who struggles to make your bed daily, a simpler pillow arrangement with fewer pieces might be a better choice to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task. More pillows require more maintenance.

Your Headboard Style

The style and height of your headboard can also influence your pillow choices. A tall, prominent headboard can easily support a multi-layered arrangement with Euro shams providing height against it. If you have a low headboard or no headboard at all, you might need to rely more on stacked or propped pillows to create a sense of height and presence at the head of the bed. In such cases, using three Euro shams becomes even more important to build a visual “headboard” effect.

Once you have an idea of the general number and types of pillows you might want, it’s time to think about how to combine different sizes, shapes, and styles effectively.

The Layering Strategy: Back to Front

The most common and visually pleasing way to arrange pillows on a king bed is by layering from back to front, generally moving from largest to smallest.

1. Back Layer: Start with your tallest pillows against the headboard. This is typically where three Euro shams go on a king bed. If you’re not using Euro shams, your propped-up sleeping pillows (in shams) would form this layer.
2. Middle Layer: Place the next largest pillows in front of the back layer. On a king bed, this is often where two king shams fit perfectly. If you used three standard shams in the back, you might use two larger square accent pillows here.
3. Front Layer(s): Add your smaller accent pillows, lumbar pillows, or uniquely shaped pillows in front. This is where you can mix and match sizes (e.g., two 20×20 squares, then one lumbar) and shapes to create visual interest.

This layering strategy creates depth and a sense of abundance, making the bed look inviting and well-styled.

Mixing Shapes, Textures, and Patterns

To keep your pillow arrangement from looking flat or boring, mix things up! Don’t just use all square pillows in the same fabric.

• Shapes: Combine square shams with rectangular lumbar pillows or cylindrical bolsters. This variety adds visual dynamism.
• Textures: Introduce different fabric textures like smooth cotton or linen, cozy knit, luxurious velvet, or tactile faux fur. Mixing textures makes the arrangement more visually appealing and inviting to touch.
• Patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, but do so thoughtfully. A common approach is to mix a large-scale pattern, a medium-scale pattern (like a stripe or geometric), and a small-scale or solid texture. Stick to a consistent color palette to ensure the mixed patterns look intentional and not chaotic. For instance, combine a large floral print with a striped pillow and a solid velvet pillow, all within a similar color family.

Considering Scale and Proportion

As mentioned earlier, the scale of your pillows relative to the king bed is important. Using pillows that are too small can make the bed look like a giant backdrop for tiny cushions. Using pillows that are too large can overwhelm the bed and look disproportionate.

For a king bed, Euro shams (26×26 inches) and king shams (20×36 inches) are appropriately scaled for the back and middle layers. For accent pillows, sizes like 20×20 or 22×22 inches work well as the main front squares, providing enough presence without looking tiny. Lumbar pillows should be long enough to feel substantial across the bed’s width, perhaps 20 inches or more in length. Pay attention to how the pillows look together and how much of the bed they cover. A good guideline from designers is to aim to have pillows cover roughly one-third to one-half of the bed’s length, leaving the bottom portion clear for the duvet or quilt.

Let’s break down some common scenarios with specific pillow counts to give you a clearer picture. Remember, these are starting points, and you can adjust based on your preferences.

For the Minimalist:

If you want a clean, simple look that’s easy to maintain, you’ll likely need fewer decorative pillows.

• Option 1 (Simple Squares): Your 2 king sleeping pillows (propped or flat) + 2 square accent pillows (around 20×20 or 22×22 inches) placed in front. Total decorative: 2.
• Option 2 (Square + Lumbar): Your 2 king sleeping pillows (propped or flat) + 2 square accent pillows (around 20×20 or 22×22 inches) + 1 lumbar pillow (e.g., 14×22 inches) centered in front. Total decorative: 3.

In these minimalist examples, your sleeping pillows might be covered with simple shams or just their regular pillowcases, depending on how much you want to hide them.

For the Classic Look:

This layered approach is a popular choice for a polished, put-together bed.

• Standard Classic: 3 Euro shams (26×26) + 2 King shams (20×36) + 2 square accent pillows (around 20×20 inches). Total decorative: 7.
• Classic with Lumbar: 3 Euro shams (26×26) + 2 King shams (20×36) + 1 lumbar pillow (e.g., 14×36 inches or longer) centered in front. Total decorative: 6.

These classic arrangements assume your sleeping pillows are either laid flat and covered by the duvet or removed from the bed during the day. The shams are the primary decorative elements layered in front of the Euros.

For the Luxurious Display:

If you love a plush, abundant bed, you’ll embrace more layers and more pillows.

• Option 1 (Mixed Squares & Lumbar): 3 Euro shams (26×26) + 2 King shams (20×36) + 2 larger square accent pillows (around 22×22 inches) + 2 smaller square accent pillows (around 18×18 or 20×20 inches) + 1 lumbar pillow. Total decorative: 10.
• Option 2 (Adding More Layers): 3 Euro shams (26×26) + 2 King shams (20×36) + 3 square accent pillows (e.g., three 20×20 inches) + 1 or 2 smaller accent pillows (e.g., 16×16 inches or round pillows) + 1 lumbar or bolster pillow. Total decorative: 10 or 11.

For the luxurious look, feel free to mix and match sizes and shapes more freely in the front layers. The exact number can go even higher depending on the sizes of the accent pillows and how many layers you want to create.

It’s important to reiterate: these counts are guidelines. You might find that two Euro shams and a mix of other pillows work for your specific style and headboard, or that you prefer three king shams across the back instead of Euros. Experimentation is key!

Once you have your collection of decorative pillows, arranging them effectively makes a big difference in the final look. Here are some practical tips:

• Start with the Back Layer: Always begin by placing your largest pillows (usually Euro shams) against the headboard or wall. Prop them up so they stand tall and form a solid backdrop.
• Prop Pillows Upright: For a structured, polished look, prop your shams and square accent pillows upright rather than laying them flat. This adds height and dimension.
• Fluff for Fullness: Before placing each pillow, give it a good fluff to ensure the insert fills the sham or cover completely. A well-filled pillow looks much better than a limp one. Using pillow inserts that are slightly larger than the cover (e.g., a 20-inch insert in an 18-inch cover) can help achieve a fuller look.
• The “Karate Chop” (Optional): For square accent pillows with down or down-alternative inserts, some people like to give the top edge a gentle “chop” with their hand after propping them up. This creates a slight indentation and a relaxed, designer-like look. It doesn’t work well with very firm or foam inserts.
• Consider Color and Pattern Placement: Think about how colors and patterns interact. Place bolder patterns or brighter colors where you want the eye to go. Use solid or textured pillows to provide visual breaks between patterns. Distribute colors and textures evenly across the bed, or create intentional clusters for an asymmetrical look.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The best way to find what you like is to try different arrangements. Play with the order of the layers, the placement of the accent pillows, and the mix of shapes. Take a step back and look at the bed from different angles. What feels balanced and appealing to you?

Even with the right pillows, it’s possible to make mistakes that detract from the overall look. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Too Many Pillows That Overwhelm the Bed: This is a frequent issue. While a full bed can be luxurious, having so many pillows that they spill onto the floor or make it difficult to get into bed isn’t practical or aesthetically pleasing. If you have to move ten pillows just to sit down, you might have too many. Aim for a balance where the pillows enhance the bed, not consume it.
• Too Few Pillows That Make the Bed Look Bare: On the other hand, a king bed is large, and just two standard sleeping pillows can look lonely and underscaled. If you prefer a minimalist look, ensure the few decorative pillows you use are appropriately sized for the bed’s scale.
• Using the Wrong Size Pillows for a King Bed: Trying to fill a king bed with only standard-size decorative pillows will likely result in a sparse, unbalanced look. Embrace the larger sizes like Euro shams and king shams to properly fill the width.
• Clashing Colors, Patterns, or Textures: While mixing is encouraged, ensure the different elements work together harmoniously. Avoid combining patterns or colors that clash or create a chaotic look. If in doubt, stick to a limited color palette and mix solids with one or two complementary patterns.
• Ignoring Comfort and Making the Bed Unusable: Remember that a bed is primarily for sleeping and relaxing. Your decorative pillow arrangement should not make the bed uncomfortable or a chore to use daily. If you hate having to move a mountain of pillows every night, scale back the number.
• Not Considering the Headboard or Overall Room Style: The pillows should look like they belong in the room. Consider the style, color, and scale of your headboard, as well as the overall decor of your bedroom, when selecting and arranging your pillows.

So, how many king bed decorative pillows do you really need? As we’ve explored, there’s no single definitive answer. The ideal number is a blend of practical considerations like the size of your bed and the types of pillows, combined with your personal style, comfort needs, and willingness to maintain the arrangement.

For a king bed, a good starting point often involves three Euro shams for the back, followed by two king shams. From there, you can add anywhere from two to five or more accent pillows in various sizes and shapes to achieve your desired level of fullness and style, whether that’s a simple, minimalist look or a lush, luxurious display.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a bed that looks beautiful, feels inviting, and functions well for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and arrangements until you find the perfect balance. Your king bed is a significant piece of furniture; dressing it with the right number and style of decorative pillows can transform your bedroom into the cozy, stylish sanctuary you deserve. Have fun styling your sleep space!