How to Style a King Bed With Pillows in 5 Easy DIY Steps

Step 1: Gather Your Pillows

Styling a king bed with pillows begins with gathering a variety of pillows in different sizes, shapes, and textures. This combination not only adds visual interest but also layers of comfort and sophistication. Here’s a breakdown of the types of pillows you’ll need:

1. Sleeping Pillows: These are the standard pillows that you actually sleep on. For a king bed, you’ll typically use four sleeping pillows—two per side. They can be standard, queen, or king size depending on your preference.
2. Euro Shams: Euro shams are large, square pillows, typically 26 x 26 inches. These pillows are primarily decorative and can add height and dimension to your pillow arrangement. Most king beds look balanced with three Euro shams.
3. Standard or King Shams: These shams cover your sleeping pillows and often match your bedding set, providing a cohesive look. They help blend the functional pillows with the decorative elements of your bedding.

   

4. Decorative Pillows: These are the accent pillows that you use to add personality and style to your bed. Decorative pillows come in various sizes and shapes such as square, rectangular (lumbar), and even round. They can feature different textures, patterns, and colors, allowing you to get creative with your bed styling.

When selecting your pillows, consider the overall color scheme and design theme of your bedroom. Choose colors that complement or contrast with your bedding to create visual interest. Mixing different textures, like combining smooth silk with chunky knits or velvet, can also add depth and richness to your pillow arrangement.

Remember that the number of decorative pillows is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a minimalist look with just a few well-chosen pillows, while others enjoy a more opulent arrangement with multiple layers. There’s no right or wrong way, but having a clear plan and a good variety of pillows will set you up for success.

Step 2: Arrange the Euro Shams

Now that you have gathered all your pillows, the next step is to start arranging them on your king bed, beginning with the Euro shams. Euro shams are large, square pillows that play a crucial role in adding height and structure to your pillow arrangement. Here’s how to effectively position your Euro shams:

1. Placement: Place the Euro shams directly against the headboard. This serves as the backdrop for the rest of your pillows and creates a supportive layer that helps to prop up the smaller pillows in front. For a king bed, using three Euro shams is ideal. The three pillows will cover the width of the bed nicely, providing a balanced look.
2. Symmetry and Balance: When arranging Euro shams, aim for symmetry. Evenly spaced, the three Euro shams should touch each other or have a slight gap, depending on your preference for a snug or a more relaxed look. The idea is to create a uniform backdrop that anchors the pillow arrangement.
3. Choosing Covers: Select covers for your Euro shams that complement your bedding. If your duvet or comforter is patterned, consider using solid colors for the shams to avoid a busy look. Conversely, if your bedding is solid, patterned Euro shams can add visual interest. Textured fabrics like quilted cotton, velvet, or linen can also add depth to the arrangement.
4. Height and Support: Euro shams provide height and a solid foundation for the rest of your pillows. This height difference helps to showcase the various sizes of pillows and creates a cascading effect as you layer smaller pillows in front.
5. Adjusting for Comfort: Although Euro shams are primarily decorative, they can also add comfort when sitting up in bed to read or watch TV. Make sure they are plump and firm enough to offer good back support. Fluff them regularly to maintain their shape and ensure they look inviting.

By starting with the Euro shams, you establish a structured and elegant base for your pillow arrangement. Their size and presence make a bold statement, setting the stage for the subsequent layers of pillows.

Step 3: Add the Sleeping Pillows

With the Euro shams in place, the next step is to add your sleeping pillows. These pillows are not just functional but can also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your bed. Here’s how to incorporate them effectively into your arrangement:

1. Quantity and Size: For a king bed, you’ll typically have four sleeping pillows—two for each side. These can be standard, queen, or king size, depending on your personal preference and comfort needs. King size pillows provide more coverage and can add to the luxurious feel of the bed.
2. Placement: Place your sleeping pillows directly in front of the Euro shams. There are a few ways to arrange them:
   • Side-by-Side: Lay the two pillows for each side flat, side-by-side. This creates a wide, uniform base.
   • Stacked: Stack the two pillows for each side on top of each other. This arrangement adds height and depth.
3. Shams and Covers: Use pillow shams that match or coordinate with your bedding set to cover your sleeping pillows. This helps tie the whole look together and ensures a cohesive appearance. If your bedding is patterned, using solid or subtly patterned shams can prevent the arrangement from looking too busy.
4. Creating Depth: The sleeping pillows add depth to your arrangement, creating a layered look when viewed from the front. They act as a middle layer between the tall Euro shams and the smaller decorative pillows that will come in front.
5. Functionality: Remember that these are the pillows you will use every night. Make sure they are easy to access and remove, and consider how you will store them when the bed is in use. Some people prefer to have a decorative arrangement for daytime and a simpler setup for nighttime.
6. Comfort and Support: Ensure that your sleeping pillows provide the right level of comfort and support for a good night’s sleep. Investing in high-quality pillows that suit your sleeping style (side, back, or stomach) is crucial.

By thoughtfully placing your sleeping pillows, you enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bed. They bridge the gap between the large, decorative Euro shams and the smaller, more intricate decorative pillows.

Step 4: Position the Standard or King Shams

After placing the Euro shams and sleeping pillows, the next step is to add the standard or king shams. These shams cover your sleeping pillows and enhance the overall look of your bed by tying together the color scheme and design. Here’s how to position them effectively:

1. Selection of Shams: Choose shams that match or complement your duvet cover or comforter. This ensures a cohesive look. If your bedding is solid, consider using shams with a subtle pattern or texture. If your bedding is patterned, solid-colored shams can help balance the visual effect.
2. Placement: Place the standard or king shams directly in front of your sleeping pillows. Here are two common ways to position them:
   • Standing Upright: For a more formal look, stand the shams upright against the sleeping pillows. This adds height and structure to your pillow arrangement.
   • Laying Flat: For a more relaxed, casual look, lay the shams flat on the bed in front of the sleeping pillows.
3. Layering Technique: The standard or king shams act as a middle layer between the larger Euro shams and the smaller decorative pillows that will follow. This layering technique adds depth and dimension to your bed, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
4. Cohesive Design: Ensure that the colors and patterns of the shams complement the overall color scheme of your bedroom. For example, if your bedroom features a neutral palette, shams in soft, complementary colors will create a serene look. If your bedroom is more vibrant, choose shams that pick up on accent colors from other elements in the room.
5. Comfort and Practicality: Standard or king shams not only add to the aesthetics but also offer additional comfort. When sitting up in bed to read or watch TV, these shams provide extra support. Make sure they are filled with pillows that are plump and comfortable.
6. Maintaining Balance: The key to a well-styled bed is balance. When placing the shams, ensure that they are evenly spaced and symmetrical. This creates a harmonious and inviting look.

Positioning the standard or king shams adds a polished layer to your bed styling, making the arrangement look complete and thoughtfully designed. These shams help blend the functional aspects of your sleeping pillows with the decorative elements, creating a seamless transition.

Step 5: Arrange the Decorative Pillows

The final step in styling your king bed with pillows is to arrange the decorative pillows. This step allows you to infuse your personal style and creativity into the bed’s design. Decorative pillows come in various sizes, shapes, and textures, and they play a significant role in the overall aesthetic. Here’s how to arrange them effectively:

1. Choosing Decorative Pillows: Select decorative pillows that complement the colors and patterns of your bedding and bedroom decor. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and textures to create a visually interesting arrangement. Common types of decorative pillows include:
   • Square Pillows: Typically 18×18 inches or 20×20 inches, these are versatile and easy to layer.
   • Lumbar Pillows: Long and rectangular, these pillows provide a nice contrast to the square pillows.
   • Round or Bolster Pillows: These add unique shapes to the mix and can serve as a focal point.
2. Symmetrical Arrangement:
   • Step 1: Place two larger square decorative pillows in front of the standard or king shams. These pillows should slightly overlap the shams, adding depth to the arrangement.
   • Step 2: Add two smaller square pillows or lumbar pillows in front of the larger ones. These can be centered or slightly offset to create a layered look.
   • Step 3: Finish with a unique-shaped pillow, such as a small round or bolster pillow, in the center. This acts as the focal point and adds a finishing touch to the arrangement.
3. Layered Arrangement:
   • Step 1: Place a pair of large decorative pillows in front of the standard or king shams. These pillows should cover the shams partially, creating a cascading effect.
   • Step 2: Add a set of medium-sized pillows in front of the large ones. You can choose pillows with different textures or patterns for added interest.
   • Step 3: Complete the look with a few smaller pillows or a single lumbar pillow in the front.
4. Asymmetrical Arrangement:
   • Step 1: Place a larger decorative pillow on one side of the bed, in front of the shams.
   • Step 2: Add two or three smaller pillows in a cascading style next to the larger pillow. This creates a dynamic and less formal look.
5. Color and Texture Coordination: When choosing decorative pillows, consider the overall color scheme and texture of your bedding. Mixing different textures, such as velvet, linen, and embroidered fabrics, can add depth and richness to the arrangement. Choose colors that either match or provide a pleasing contrast to your bedding to create a cohesive look.
6. Adjust for Comfort and Practicality: While decorative pillows add style, they should also be easy to move and store when you use the bed. Arrange them in a way that is aesthetically pleasing but also practical for daily use.

By thoughtfully arranging your decorative pillows, you complete the look of your king bed, making it both stylish and inviting. The right combination of pillows can transform your bed into a focal point of your bedroom, reflecting your personal style and creating a cozy, luxurious space.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, styling a king bed with pillows is a delightful way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom. By following these steps, you can achieve a beautifully layered and balanced look that combines both functionality and style. Starting with Euro shams for height, layering with sleeping pillows for comfort, adding standard or king shams for cohesion, and finishing with decorative pillows for personal flair, each step contributes to creating a welcoming and luxurious bed.

Remember to choose pillows that complement your bedding and bedroom decor, and to balance symmetry with creativity to reflect your unique taste. With these tips, your king bed will become a stunning centerpiece in your bedroom, inviting you to relax and unwind in comfort and style.

With these steps, your king bed will be beautifully styled and ready to impress. If you have any specific preferences or questions about the arrangement, feel free to let us know in comments section.

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