Euro Pillows on Bed: A Simple Guide to Styling and Sizing

If you’ve ever seen a hotel bed or a beautifully styled bedroom on Instagram, chances are you’ve noticed those large square pillows behind the standard ones.

Those are euro pillows, and they’re not just for looks—they add plushness, support, and symmetry to your bed. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about placing and using euro pillows on bed setups, no matter your mattress size.

How to Use Euro Pillows

Euro pillows (typically 26" x 26") are versatile and elegant. Whether you’re propping yourself up with them during a morning coffee or adding the finishing touch to your bed, they serve both function and style.

Styling Euro Pillows:

• As a backdrop: Place euro pillows against the headboard to create a cozy and structured frame for the rest of your pillows. This not only provides visual balance but also gives you extra cushioning for sitting up comfortably.

• Layering: Stack standard pillows in front of euro pillows, then add decorative or lumbar pillows for dimension. Vary textures, colors, and patterns to create a rich, welcoming bed setup that feels stylish yet approachable.

• Accent: Use euro pillows in bold or textured covers to match your room’s seasonal palette. Try swapping out covers every few months to keep your bedroom feeling fresh and reflective of the season—think breezy linens in summer and plush velvets in winter.

Functional Uses:

• Great for reading or watching TV in bed, providing a soft yet firm support behind your back.

• Support for upright lounging during weekend coffee mornings or late-night chats.

• A plush layer behind standard or king-size pillows that enhances the depth and softness of the entire bedding arrangement.

We keep a set of neutral euro pillows that we rotate through seasons with different covers. And when laid out on our Puffy Lux Mattress, the entire setup just feels elevated and complete—perfect for winding down after long days.

How Many Euro Pillows for King Bed

A king bed is large and luxurious, and the number of euro pillows should reflect that scale.

Best Setup for King Beds:

• 3 euro pillows is the classic recommendation.

• Arrange them in a single row, either upright or slightly tilted to create a structured headboard effect.

Add-On Tips:

• Use king-size pillow shams or euro covers in statement patterns, coordinating them with your duvet or quilt for a cohesive look.

• Layer with two king pillows, two standard, and a lumbar or bolster for a full, rich look that adds depth and variety.

• Incorporate a color gradient, starting with deeper tones on the euro pillows and moving toward lighter shades in front.

• Finish with a textural accent like a fringed lumbar pillow or chunky knit throw to balance softness with dimension.

How Many Euro Pillows for Queen Bed

Queen beds benefit from a slightly smaller arrangement that still looks plush without overwhelming the headboard.

Best Setup for Queen Beds:

• 2 euro pillows side by side

• Place standard pillows and a small decorative pillow in front to create a layered, welcoming look.

Styling Notes:

• Keep euro pillow covers complementary to your bedding’s base color. Consider matching them with your duvet for a cohesive and polished appearance.

• Great opportunity to introduce a pop of texture—think linen or velvet—and add variety with subtle patterns or tone-on-tone embroidery.

• Try mixing fabrics like crisp cotton with heavier knits or even metallic threads for an elegant touch.

• Use piping or flange edges on euro covers for added dimension and visual interest.

On our Puffy Cloud Mattress, two euro pillows provide the perfect base for extra back support. When paired with soft knit throws, the result is effortlessly cozy and polished.

How Many Euro Pillows for a Full Bed

A full-size bed needs a smaller-scale approach to maintain proportion and avoid clutter.

Best Setup for Full Beds:

• 1 to 2 euro pillows depending on your style preferences

• If using 2, keep layering minimal with just one standard and one small lumbar in front to avoid overwhelming the bed’s proportions.

Tips:

• Choose lighter fabrics or solid colors to maintain a clean look, especially in smaller rooms where too many bold prints can feel cluttered.

• Try mixing one patterned euro with a neutral for subtle contrast, such as pairing a soft floral or geometric print with a plain linen.

• Stick with thinner or more breathable pillow inserts for a more polished, low-profile appearance.

• Opt for envelope-style covers with clean lines to keep the arrangement neat and structured.

Choosing the Right Euro Pillow Inserts and Covers

Euro pillows should be as comfortable as they are stylish. When shopping, keep in mind:

Inserts:

• Down or down-alternative for plushness and adaptability, perfect for achieving that cloud-like feel without losing support.

• Medium to firm fill if you want upright support for reading or lounging, especially ideal for layered setups that double as headrests.

• Choose hypoallergenic fill options if allergies are a concern, especially for beds used by guests or children.

Covers:

• Removable and washable, making maintenance easy and practical for high-traffic or frequently used pillows.

• Seasonal rotation: cotton or linen in summer to stay breathable and light, velvet or wool in winter for extra warmth and luxury.

• Use envelope closures or zippers for a cleaner finish that keeps your covers snug and eliminates bunching.

• Try textured or quilted covers for added depth, or coordinate with throws and shams to unify the entire bedding ensemble.

Final Thoughts

Adding euro pillows on bed setups can totally transform the look and feel of your bedroom.

With just a few well-placed pillows, your bed becomes more inviting, supportive, and stylish.

Whether you’re curling up with a book or hosting weekend guests, euro pillows add that hotel-style comfort right at home.