Standard Sleeping Pillow Sizes
Sleeping pillows come in standardized sizes designed to fit different bed widths and sleeping preferences.
| Pillow Size | Dimensions | Best For | Number Per Bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20" × 26" | Twin, Full beds | 1-2 (Twin), 2 (Full) |
| Super Standard | 20" × 28" | Twin, Full beds | 1-2 (Twin), 2 (Full) |
| Queen | 20" × 30" | Queen beds | 2 (sleeping), 2-3 (decorative) |
| King | 20" × 36" | King, California King beds | 2 (sleeping), 2-3 (decorative) |
| Body Pillow | 20" × 54" | Side sleepers, pregnancy | 1 (in addition to head pillow) |
| Euro | 26" × 26" | Decorative, back support | 2-3 (decorative layering) |
Pillows by Bed Size
Choose pillow sizes that fit proportionally across your bed width for balanced aesthetics and comfort.
| Bed Size | Bed Width | Recommended Pillow Size | Standard Arrangement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39" | 1 Standard (20" × 26") | 1 sleeping pillow |
| Twin XL | 39" | 1 Standard (20" × 26") | 1 sleeping pillow |
| Full/Double | 54" | 2 Standard (20" × 26") | 2 sleeping pillows side-by-side |
| Queen | 60" | 2 Queen (20" × 30") | 2 Queen pillows fit perfectly |
| King | 76" | 2 King (20" × 36") | 2 King pillows fit perfectly |
| California King | 72" | 2 King (20" × 36") | 2 King pillows fit perfectly |
Pillow Size Math
- Queen bed (60"): 2 × Queen pillows (30") = 60" perfect fit
- King bed (76"): 2 × King pillows (36") = 72" (4" gap total)
- Full bed (54"): 2 × Standard pillows (26") = 52" (2" gap total)
- Alternative: Can use 3 Standard pillows on Queen bed for fuller look
Decorative & Throw Pillow Sizes
Decorative pillows add style and layering to beds, sofas, and chairs. Square sizes are most common.
| Size | Dimensions | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Square | 16" × 16" | Accent pillows, chairs, small sofas |
| Standard Square | 18" × 18" | Most common throw pillow size, sofas |
| Large Square | 20" × 20" | Larger sofas, beds, statement pieces |
| Extra Large Square | 22" × 22" | Sectionals, large beds, floor pillows |
| Euro Sham | 26" × 26" | Bed layering behind sleeping pillows |
| Lumbar/Kidney | 12" × 18" or 12" × 20" | Lower back support, accent pillow |
| Standard Rectangle | 12" × 16" | Decorative accents, beds, sofas |
| Large Rectangle | 14" × 20" or 16" × 24" | Beds, large sofas, daybeds |
Specialty Pillow Sizes
Specialized pillows designed for specific sleep positions, health needs, or uses.
Support & Sleep Pillows
| Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Body Pillow | 20" × 54" |
| Pregnancy Pillow (C-shape) | 24" × 56" |
| Pregnancy Pillow (U-shape) | 30" × 60" |
| Wedge Pillow | 24" × 24" × 7-12" high |
| Cervical Pillow | 20" × 12" × 4-5" high |
Travel & Specialty
| Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Travel Pillow | 12" × 16" |
| Neck Pillow (U-shape) | 11" × 12" × 4" |
| Reading Pillow | 18-24" W × 18" H with arms |
| Floor Cushion | 24" × 24" × 4-6" thick |
| Pet Bed Pillow | 18-36" various shapes |
Pillowcase Sizes
Pillowcases are sized slightly larger than pillows to allow for easy insertion and fabric drape.
| Pillow Size | Pillow Dimensions | Pillowcase Size | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20" × 26" | 20-21" × 26-32" | Fits Standard & Super Standard |
| Queen | 20" × 30" | 20-21" × 30-34" | Fits Queen pillows |
| King | 20" × 36" | 20-21" × 36-42" | Fits King pillows |
| Euro | 26" × 26" | 26-27" × 26-27" | Square sham |
| Body Pillow | 20" × 54" | 20-21" × 54-60" | Full-length cover |
Pillowcase vs. Sham
- Pillowcase: Simple envelope or zippered cover for sleeping pillows
- Sham: Decorative cover with flange or trim, often matches bedding
- Standard sham: Adds 2-3" border around pillow on all sides
- Euro sham: Square decorative cover for 26" × 26" pillows
Pillow Fill & Loft Guide
Pillow thickness (loft) and fill material affect comfort and support based on sleep position.
| Fill Type | Typical Loft | Best For | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down | Low-Medium (3-4") | Stomach sleepers | Soft, moldable, luxurious |
| Down Alternative | Medium (4-5") | All positions | Hypoallergenic, affordable |
| Memory Foam | Medium-High (4-6") | Side, back sleepers | Contours, pressure relief |
| Latex | Medium-High (5-6") | Side, back sleepers | Responsive, cooling, durable |
| Polyester Fiber | Medium (4-5") | All positions | Affordable, machine washable |
| Buckwheat | Adjustable (3-6") | Side sleepers | Firm, adjustable, breathable |
Loft by Sleep Position
- Stomach sleepers: Low loft (3-4") to prevent neck strain
- Back sleepers: Medium loft (4-5") for neutral spine alignment
- Side sleepers: High loft (5-7") to fill space between ear and shoulder
- Combination sleepers: Medium loft (4-5") for versatility
Bed Pillow Arrangement Guide
Create hotel-style pillow arrangements with proper layering and sizing.
Minimalist (2 Pillow)
- 2 sleeping pillows only
- Use Queen pillows on Queen bed
- Use King pillows on King bed
- Clean, modern aesthetic
Standard (4 Pillow)
- 2 Euro shams against headboard
- 2 sleeping pillows in front
- Classic hotel look
- Functional and decorative
Luxe (6-8 Pillow)
- 2-3 Euro shams at back
- 2 standard shams in front of Euros
- 2 sleeping pillows at front
- Optional: 1-2 accent pillows
- Full, layered, luxurious look
Statement (8+ Pillows)
- 3 Euro shams at back
- 2 King shams in front
- 2 standard/queen sleeping pillows
- 2-3 decorative accent pillows
- Maximum drama and style