Let’s be honest—nothing gives a bed that “designer magazine” look quite like perfectly styled throw pillows. But getting that effortless, chic vibe? Not always as easy as it seems. The good news is, once you know the basics, styling your bed can actually be fun—and even a little addictive.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to style your bed with throw pillows like a pro. From choosing the right sizes to mixing colors and textures, we’ll get your bed looking photo-worthy in no time.
The Basics of Throw Pillow Styling
What Are Throw Pillows and Why Use Them?
Throw pillows (also called decorative pillows) are the little extras that pull your bed’s look together. They’re not just for show—they can add texture, color, and comfort. Think of them like the accessories of your bedroom.
Common Shapes and Sizes
Here are the go-to pillow shapes you’ll want to know:
- Square (18×18 or 20×20) – The classic throw
- Lumbar (12×20 or 14×36) – Great for layering and adding visual interest
- Bolster – Cylinder-shaped and perfect for a touch of drama
How Many Throw Pillows Should You Use?
There’s no hard rule, but for queen or king beds, 3 to 6 throw pillows usually looks best. It really depends on your personal style—minimalist or full glam.
Choosing the Right Throw Pillows for Your Bed
Match Pillow Size to Bed Size
- Twin bed – 1–2 decorative pillows
- Queen bed – 2–4 works great
- King bed – 3 large pillows or 5 mixed shapes and sizes
Pick a Color Palette
I like to stick to two to three main colors and then play with tones or accents. Think: neutral base, one bold color, and one print that ties them together.
Play with Texture and Pattern
Mix velvet with linen, or leather with cotton for contrast. You can combine florals, stripes, and solids—just make sure there’s some cohesion, like a shared color tone.
How to Arrange Throw Pillows Like a Pro
Go Symmetrical for a Clean Look
This layout works best if you love things neat and orderly:
- Two large squares in the back
- Two smaller squares in front
- One lumbar across the middle
Try a Layered, Casual Look
More relaxed and cozy:
- Start with big euro pillows
- Add textured squares or patterns
- Finish with a unique shape (like a bolster or oversized lumbar)
Use the Rule of 3
Designers swear by the “odd number” rule. Three pillows of different sizes and styles arranged asymmetrically can make your bed feel effortlessly styled.
Tips for Matching Throw Pillows with Bedding and Decor
Coordinate with Your Bedding
Don’t match exactly—coordinate. If your duvet is solid, use patterned or textured pillows. If the bedding is bold, choose neutral or solid pillows to balance it out.
Think About the Room as a Whole
Match your pillows to other accents in your room—like a rug, wall art, or even your headboard.
Style for the Season
Switch it up! Lighter linens and bright colors in summer, cozy knits and velvet in winter. A simple pillow swap can totally refresh your space.
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Too Many Colors or Patterns
Stick to a consistent theme. Too much going on can feel chaotic rather than curated.
Flat, Sad Pillows
Avoid under-filled inserts. For the fluffiest look, use inserts that are 1–2 inches larger than the cover.
Mismatched Sizes and Proportions
Scale is everything. A tiny pillow on a king bed looks off. Make sure the size of your pillows makes sense with your bed size.
Best Throw Pillow Inserts and Covers to Use
Down vs. Down-Alternative Inserts
- Down feels super plush and shapes beautifully
- Down-alternative is hypoallergenic and more affordable
Firmness and Fluff Factor
You want pillows that feel soft but keep their shape. Avoid cheap, overused inserts—they flatten fast and lose their charm.
Fabric Matters
- Cotton and linen for everyday use
- Velvet or boucle for a luxe touch
- Outdoor fabric if you want stain-resistant options
Maintaining and Refreshing Your Pillow Setup
Change Covers Seasonally
It’s an easy way to update your decor without buying new pillows every time. Plus, it keeps things fresh.
Keep Them Looking Full
Give your pillows a daily karate chop (yes, really) to keep them fluffy. Rotate inserts occasionally and store extras in bins under the bed or in a closet.
Easy Pillow Care
Most pillow covers are machine washable. Just check the tags. For inserts, a quick fluff in the dryer can work wonders.
FAQ: Styling Throw Pillows on a Bed
How many throw pillows should be on a bed?
It depends on your bed size and style, but 3–6 is a solid range for most beds.
What’s the best size for bed throw pillows?
For a queen bed, 20×20 squares and a lumbar work great. For a king, bump up to 24×24 squares.
Can I mix different fabrics and prints?
Totally! Just keep at least one element consistent, like color tone or pattern scale.
How do I keep throw pillows from going flat?
Use quality inserts and fluff them regularly. Down inserts keep their shape best.
Should throw pillows match the bedding?
Not exactly—just coordinate. You want everything to look like it belongs together without being too matchy-matchy.
Conclusion
Styling your bed with throw pillows doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you get the hang of size, color, and arrangement, you’ll be layering pillows like a pro in no time. Whether you want that clean, modern look or a cozy, lived-in vibe—there’s a pillow combo for that.
Have fun experimenting! Pillows are one of the easiest ways to add personality, color, and comfort to your space. If you need ideas for specific color combos or product picks, I’ve got you—just ask!