Have you ever stared at a hotel bed and wanted that same perfect look? I did too, until I learned the secret.
Euro pillows aren’t just pretty decorations. They actually serve a real purpose.
These pillows give you better back support for reading and watching TV. They also make your bed look full and expensive. Your bedroom instantly feels more luxurious and put-together.
Ready to get that five-star hotel look at home? Keep reading to learn exactly how many Euro pillows your king bed needs and where to place them.
What are Euro Pillows?
Euro pillows are large, square pillows that measure 26 inches by 26 inches. They’re also called European pillows or Euro shams.
Unlike regular pillows that are rectangular, Euro pillows create a perfect square shape. This square design helps them stand upright better against your headboard.
They serve multiple purposes. During the day, they make the bed look professionally styled. At night, they provide excellent back support when I’m reading or using my laptop in bed.
The key difference between Euro pillows and regular pillows is their function. Regular pillows are primarily for sleeping. Euro pillows focus on style and support when you’re awake.
How Many Euro Pillows for King Bed
When asking how many euro pillows for king bed, the perfect number is 2-3 pillows. This creates the right balance between style and function without making your bed look overcrowded
For a Clean, Simple Look: Two euro pillows create a clean, balanced style that’s perfect for smaller bedrooms. This simple arrangement provides beautiful symmetry without overcrowding your bed, making it easier to maintain every morning.
For a Luxurious, Hotel-Style Look: Three euro pillows create a luxurious, hotel-style appearance with the middle pillow serving as a focal point. This fuller arrangement works best in larger bedrooms with higher headboards for impact.
Why Does This Number Work Best?
For king-size beds, 3 Euro pillows work best. This number provides perfect visual balance without overcrowding the space. Three pillows also give you more flexibility for different sleeping positions and better back support when sitting up.
King beds measure 76 inches wide, and each euro pillow is 26 inches wide, which means 2-3 pillows fill the width perfectly without overcrowding.
More than 3 pillows start to look cluttered and overwhelming, while fewer than 2 pillows appear sparse and leave too much empty space across the headboard.
The width of your headboard also matters. If you have a tall, wide headboard, 3 Euro pillows work beautifully. For standard headboards, 2 pillows often look more proportional.
Where and How to Place Euro Pillows?
Proper placement makes all the difference in how your Euro pillows look, especially when deciding how many euro pillows for king bed arrangement.
I’ve tried different arrangements over the years, and these methods work best for king beds.
The basic placement rule – euro pillows always go against the headboard as the back layer. They create the foundation for your other pillows.
Step-By-Step Placement for 2 Euro Pillows
- Place both euro pillows flat against the headboard
- Space them evenly across the width of the bed
- Leave about 12 inches between each pillow and the bed edge
- Make sure they stand upright and straight
Step-By-Step Placement for 3 Euro Pillows
- Place the centre euro pillow directly in the middle
- Position the side pillows with a slight overlap
- Each pillow should touch the next one lightly
- Keep all three pillows standing straight and tall
Layering Order of Pillows from Back to Front
Back Layer
The back layer features euro pillows placed directly against the headboard. These large square pillows create the foundation for your entire pillow setup.
They should stand tall and straight, providing the backdrop that makes everything else look organized and intentional.
Middle Layer
The middle layer includes your standard sleeping pillows that you actually use at night. Place these in front of the euro pillows, but keep them visible.
These rectangular pillows should be fluffed and positioned so they look neat while remaining easy to grab for sleeping.
Front Layer
The front layer consists of decorative pillows or shams that add colour and style. These smallest pillows go at the very front of your arrangement.
They can include throw pillows, accent colours, or patterned designs that tie your bedroom decor together beautifully. Each layer should be slightly shorter than the one behind it. This creates depth and visual interest.
Different ways to style euro pillows
Euro pillows can be arranged in many different ways to create the exact look you want for your king bed.
Pattern 1: Start with 3 euro pillows against your headboard as the back layer. Put 2 king sleeping pillows in front of them, then add 2 decorative throw pillows and finish with 1 small accent pillow in the centre.
Pattern 2: Place 2 euro pillows at the outer edges of your bed against the headboard. Put 2 king sleeping pillows centred between the euro pillows, then add 1 long lumbar pillow across the front for a clean, simple look.
Pattern 3: Start with 3 euro pillows covering the full width against your headboard. Layer 2 standard pillows in shams, then 2 king sleeping pillows, followed by 3 small throw pillows of different sizes and 1 tiny accent pillow for extra colour.
Pattern 4: Place 2 euro pillows on one side and 1 on the other against your headboard. Add 2 standard pillows placed off-centre, then finish with 2 small accent pillows in different bright colours. This asymmetrical arrangement creates a contemporary, designer look that feels relaxed and much less formal than traditional styling.
Choosing the Right Covers for Maximum Impact
The right pillow covers can make or break your euro pillow arrangement. I’ve learned that the cover you choose affects both the visual appeal and the overall feel of your bedroom.
Let me share the key factors that will help you select covers that truly enhance your space.
1. Fabric choice matters most – Linen offers a relaxed, lived-in look while cotton provides crisp, clean lines that work well in modern bedrooms.
2. Colour coordination creates harmony – Match your covers to existing bedding or choose complementary shades that tie your room’s colour scheme together.
3. Texture adds visual interest – Mix smooth cotton with textured linen or add subtle patterns to create depth without overwhelming the space.
4. Size accuracy ensures proper fit – Euro covers should measure 26×26 inches to fit standard Euro pillows without bunching or looking loose.
5. Quality fabric lasts longer – Invest in well-made covers that maintain their shape and colour after multiple washes for lasting beauty.
Types of Euro Pillow Covers
Euro pillow covers come in different styles, and choosing the right type can change your entire bedroom look, especially when you know how many euro pillows for king bed work best.
I’ve found that understanding these options helps you pick covers that match both your style and practical needs.
Here’s what you need to know about each type.
Euro Shams
Euro shams are the most popular choice for bedroom styling, featuring decorative fronts with envelope or zipper closures that make washing simple and convenient.
These high-quality covers add polish to your bedding that standard pillowcases can’t match, coming in countless colors, patterns, and textures to suit any style preference.
Best Fabric Choices for Euro Shams:
- Velvet – Creates luxury and richness, perfect for high-end bedroom feels
- Silk – Provides smooth, shiny finishes ideal for formal or refined designs
- Linen – Offers relaxed, casual looks with natural texture that stays timeless
Pattern Guidelines:
- Choose simple designs like thin stripes or small dots over busy patterns
- Match covers to your duvet or use the same color family for cohesive looks
- Bold options like navy blue, deep green, or charcoal grey add style while working with most room colors
Standard Pillowcases
Standard pillowcases offer basic covers without decorative elements, costing much less than shams while providing budget-friendly options.
They work perfectly for casual or minimalist bedroom styles where simplicity creates your desired look. They’re often included in standard bedding sets for easy coordination.
Best Fabric Choices for Standard Pillowcases:
- Cotton – Easy to wash, comfortable, and breathable for year-round use
- Linen – Creates relaxed, casual looks with natural texture
- Cotton blends – Offer durability and easy care for everyday use
Pattern Guidelines:
- Neutral winners like white, cream, and soft grey work with any bedding
- Choose covers one shade lighter or darker than main bedding for subtle contrast
- Keep patterns minimal to maintain the simple, clean aesthetic these covers provide
How to Maintain the Euro Pillows for a Longer Longevity
I’ve learned that regular maintenance prevents costly replacements and keeps your bedroom looking its best.
- Remove covers for washing if they look dirty or smell stale, checking care labels first.
- Air out pillow inserts by placing them near an open window and vacuum lightly to remove dust.
- Wash covers in cool water using a gentle cycle to protect fabric fibres.
- Spot clean pillow inserts with mild soap and water since they’re too large for regular machines.
- Store in dry, breathable places to prevent mould and avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
- Replace when pillows lose shape after fluffing or develop persistent odours that won’t wash out.
- Time for new ones if you see visible wear, tears, permanent stains, or loss of firmness and support.
The Bottom Line
Euro pillows can change your king bed from plain to beautiful. How many euro pillows for king bed? The best number is three euro pillows for most king beds.
Why does this help? A nice bed makes your whole bedroom look better. You’ll feel happier when you walk in and more relaxed at bedtime.
Ready to start? Measure your headboard and buy Euro pillows with matching covers. In just a few hours, your bedroom will look much more expensive and welcoming.
