Pillow Sizes: A Guide to Understand Dimensions

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Before you go pillow shopping, it is essential that you look at all your size options and figure out which pillows best fit your requirements. You must also figure out how many pillows you need, and which arrangement will look the best on your bed.

Different pillow sizes offer different levels of support, and some pillows can be easier to maintain than others. Further, the feel of the fill varies from pillow to pillow, and the fabric also makes a massive difference in the comfort of the pillow. 

Working the details out can seem like a daunting task, but understanding pillow sizes first should uncomplicate the whole process of your pillow search. 

In this post, we’ll go over the different pillow sizes and also help you find the right pillow arrangement, pillow style, and pillowcase style.

Understanding Pillow Sizes

Pillows come in a variety of sizes, and every size matches a particular type of bed correctly. For instance, super standard pillows are perfect for a twin size bed. 

But before we get into the specifics of what pillow is right for which bed, let’s have a quick look at the most popular pillow sizes.

Standard And Super Standard Size Pillows

These are pillows anyone can sleep on comfortably, regardless of their preferred sleeping position. These pillows are short and compact, which makes them firm and easy to carry. Additionally, the small size makes Standard and Super Standard pillows cheaper than other cushions. 

One downside with getting one of these pillows is that they're not very fluffy, and the fill gets pushed away to the edges very easily. Standard pillows also tend to be less firm, and if you experience back or neck pain, it is best if you avoided these pillows.

Queen Size Pillows

Getting a queen size pillow is an excellent idea if you toss and turn a lot when you're asleep. The large size gives you a lot of room to comfortably shift about, and it will keep your spine aligned properly even when your head is on the edges of the pillow. 

A large pillow can feel luxurious, and since queen pillows tend to be soft and fluffy, getting a queen pillow will help you fall asleep faster.

King Size Pillow

King size pillows have extended widths because they were designed for large King and California beds. However, you can use these pillows on a twin size bed, too, if you like a large pillow and toss and turn a lot in your sleep. 

King size pillows make an excellent back support pillow and are perfect for when you're reading or working on a laptop on the bed. A King size pillow can also double as a shorter body pillow.

Euro Size Pillow

Euro pillows are probably the only pillows with so many variations in their standard size. However, the tons of options you have also gives you the flexibility of using them as décor pillows. 

Here is a pillow size chart that will help you figure out what pillow should be right for your bed.

Coupling some small pillows with some larger ones and arranging them properly will not only give your bed a good look, but it will also improve the overall comfort of the bed. 

Let us now look at how you can mix and match different pillow sizes and enhance the look and feel of your bed.

Best Pillow Arrangements

Plainly buying a King pillow for your King size bed may work, but it will make your bed too bland looking, and it will have no appeal. 

A good rule of thumb is first to get a pillow that has the same size as your bed. After you’ve found the right fill, fabric, and size, you can get creative. 

If you have a Twin size bed, getting two good pillows will make the bed both comfy and appealing. Ideally, you must get one super standard pillow and one euro square pillow (24-inch or 26-inch version) for a twin size bed. 

If you have a Queen size bed, consider getting two Super Standard pillows and couple them with two Euro square pillows (24-inch or 26-inch versions). A cushioned up Queen size bed has its own unique appeal.

Lastly, if you have a King size or a California size bed, you’ll have plenty of room to mix it up. Start with three large Euro square pillows, layer with two King and two Standard pillows, and finish with a cute accent pillow. 

Putting your own spin into your pillow arrangements will give your bed a comforting personal touch.

Finding The Right Pillowcases

Pillowcase sizes and pillows have a different relationship than pillow sizes and bed sizes. Although you can get a King size pillow for your King size bed and not have to think about it much, it doesn’t work that way with pillowcases.

There are two main pillowcase sizes: Standard and King. The Standard size will fit three different pillow sizes: Standard, Super Standard, and Queen. 

You do not have to worry about your pillow looking shabby or the pillowcase not fitting your pillow. Manufacturers accommodate for all the different variations of pillow sizes when they size their cases. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll probably have a pillowcase that has more room than required.

If you want your pillow to fluff up and conform freely, make sure you get a bigger pillowcase than needed. Gusseted and down pillows, in particular, require a bigger pillowcase to supply optimum loft.

If you want your pillow to retain its volume and not compress, or you want to increase its height, consider getting a smaller pillowcase than needed.

You can also use the smart hotel trick of tucking in the ends of the pillow tightly for extra pillow height and volume.

Getting The Perfect Pillow Style

The style of pillow you need depends on your preferred sleeping position. If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, you’ll like a squishy, lofty-yet-moldable pillow better than a firm pillow. 

Sleeping on the side also happens to be good for your health. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, getting a Standard or Super Standard size memory foam pillow is a great idea. 

On the other hand, if you sleep on your back, and love a soft, fluffy pillow, you should get a Queen- or King-size down or down-alternative pillow. It will support your head just enough and lull you to sleep quickly.


Getting a pillow too big or too small for your bed can reduce the quality of your sleep and make you unnecessarily uncomfortable. 

Now that you know what pillow size is right for you, and have learned about the correct pillowcase size and style of pillow you should get, you will be able to find the perfect pillow in no time.

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