The right pillow can help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. If you have the wrong pillow, on the other hand, your sleep may be restless or uncomfortable. The size of your pillow matters. So what size should it be? Well, let’s find out!
Bedding Pillow Sizes
There are four basic sizes for pillows:
- Standard – 20” x 26” (51 cm x 66 cm): This is the most common size and it’s ideal for back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, make sure to buy two standard pillowcases; one that can fit your face and one that fits your neck.
- Queen – 20” x 30” (51 cm x 76 cm): This is the most popular size for a pillow. It’s also ideal for back sleepers, but it can accommodate side sleepers as well. It’s wider than the standard size, so it provides more support.
- King – 20” x 36” (51 cm x 91 cm): This pillow size is ideal for those who need a lot of support. It’s the best choice for people who sleep on their sides and stomachs because it offers more comfort than other pillow sizes. Learning about the king bed pillow arrangement is also great if you have different preferences when it comes to pillows.
- European/Contour – 26” x 26” (66 cm x 66 cm): This is a standard pillow that has been slightly curved to better fit your neck when you’re sleeping on either your back or side.
Types of Pillows and Their Ideal Sizes
There are many types of pillows. Let’s look at the most popular ones and their ideal sizes.
Decorative Pillows
These are meant to add style and color to your bedroom. Some have a specific purpose, such as adding extra support or elevating your head while you sleep. Their standard sizes vary. However, there’s no rule as to how many you should have in your bedroom – it all depends on the size of your bed and what looks best aesthetically. Here are some types of decorative pillows and their ideal sizes:
- Square – 20”x20” (51 cm x 51 cm)
- Rectangle/Oblong – 16” x 26” (41 cm x 66 cm)
- Crescent – 14″x22″ (36 cm x 56cm)
Body Pillows
Body pillows are long and can either be straight or curved. They’re designed to help support your neck, back, hips, legs, and stomach while you sleep on a side. Their size varies from 50” x 28” (127 cm x 71cm) for petite body pillows up to 54″x34″(137 cm x 86 cm) for larger body pillows.
Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are usually designed for decoration and comfort. They can be used to add a splash of color or pattern, but they’re also great when added to your bedding ensemble for extra support. Their sizes range from 12” x 12” (30 cm x 30cm) up to 20″x20″(51 cm x 51 cm).
Bolster Pillows
These pillows are long and cylindrical. They’re designed to be used when you want extra support for your neck, back or legs while in a sitting position. Most have covers that can easily be removed so they can be washed regularly. Their sizes vary from 12” x 15″ (30 cm x 38 cm) up to 26″x14″(66cm x 36cm).
Round Pillows
These are also known as poufs or ottomans. They’re usually used for decoration, but they can be useful if you have a small space where you need to put an extra seat. Their sizes vary from 18″x18″(46 cm x 46cm) up to 36″x36″(91 cm x 91cm).
Floor Pillows
These pillows are particularly useful in a living room or family room. They come in many sizes and shapes, so you can choose the one that best fits your space. For example, armrest floor pillows measure 20″x38″(51 cm x 97cm), while neck roll floor pillows have a diameter of 14” (36 cm).
How to Choose the Right Pillow Size
Choosing the right pillow size depends on a few factors. They include:
- Bed size: If you are buying a memory foam pillow for your bed, make sure to get one that’s at least six inches bigger than the mattress.
- Mattress thickness: If you have a pillow top or memory foam mattress, choose a standard size pillow; if not, go with king-size for more support and comfort.
- Sleeping position: Side sleepers usually benefit from body pillows and king-size pillows. If you’re a back sleeper, use standard or queen-sized pillows for extra support.
- Personal preference: The size you choose also depends on your personal preference and what looks best in your space.
Final Thoughts
The size of your pillow can make a huge difference in how you sleep. Now that you know what to look for, the next step is deciding which size suits you best and how many pillows are ideal for your bedroom. Good luck!