TOP TIPS FOR ARRANGING YOUR BED PILLOWS FOR FUNCTION + DECORATION

Arranging sleeping pillows and decorative pillows is one of the items my interior design clients here in Midland, Texas frequently ask me about so, today, I thought I’d share with you some of the considerations I go through for them { and what you might want to consider, too } before deciding how to dress a bed with both the pillows needed for sleeping comfort as well as the ones used for decorative purposes only.

I’ve found the chart above, prepared by fellow designer Marissa Waddell, who pens http://roost-home.blogspot.com very helpful as a first step in helping my clients visualize potential combinations and I hope you will find it useful, too.

First, the basics:

The pillows we sleep on our “sleeping pillows”, that are readily available, come in 3 standard sizes and there are pillow manufacturers who will always make custom sizes for you if that’s required.

Standard Size Pillows are: 20″ tall x 26″ wide { A twin mattress is 39″ wide x 75″ long; two of these fit almost too tightly together side by side - another combination is more desirable }
Queen Size Pillows are: 20″ tall x 30″ wide { A queen size mattress is 60″ wide x 80″ long; 2 queen size pillows fit the mattress exactly. }
King Size Pillows are: 20″ tall x 36″ wide { A king size mattress is 78″ wide x 80″ long; two king size pillows side by side will leave a space of 4″ between them }

This chart makes it easier for you to see the standard sizes, { notice how they are all the same height, only the width differs } as well as some standard sizes for decorative pillows and the popular large 26 x 26″ square Euro pillow.

On to the major considerations:

Number one: Before selecting pillows, inquire with everyone who will be sleeping on, near or making the bed, if they have any allergies. Many people are allergic to down, even the tiniest amounts can make them choke. Be sure to check.

Number two: It’s important to know ahead of time the height of the mattress and box spring you will be using and then to find out how high those two items will sit against the headboard you will be using, purchasing or having custom made.

For instance, here’s a headboard, mattress and box spring combination where the pillow combination the homeowner is trying out doesn’t work - as you can see, the pillows cover up the headboard fabric { Do notice, though, the zip on pillow cover, before the final pillowcase has been added - this is an excellent idea and will protect your fine pillows for years to come as it can be unzipped and washed.}

If you’re headboard is very high, like the one below, you have a lot of flexibility regarding the number of sleeping pillows and decorative pillows that can be added.

If you’re working with a bed with a beautiful decorative detail on the headboard, as in the example below, you’ll need to carefully consider the height of the mattress and box springs you have or plan to purchase so that the pillows you must have for sleeping and those you plan to add for decorative purposes will not cover it up.

In addition, you’ll want to consider the depth of the pillows and how far down on the bed they will come, once they are stacked against each other-if this is the look you prefer, as this will determine how you will choose or design the coverlet, duvet cover, bedspread and any additional blankets that will be used on the top of your bed.

If you’re working with a canopy bed that will be seen straight on when you enter the room, like this one from Phoebe Howard’s exquisite pink bedroom, you’ll want to consider the effect of the entire composition from a distance. Some of my clients would be fine with the way the flanged edges on these two queen pillowcases {and the pillows themselves} extend slightly beyond the edges of the upholstered and curved headboard, but others might not. I often draw complete elevations for my clients so they can visualize what I’m speaking of before they purchase expensive materials for their bedding ensembles.

This beautiful bedding ensemble from Dallas designer, Avrea Wagner, uses [ 3 ] 26″ x 26″ Euro Sham pillows, monogrammed by Leontine Linens, instead of 3 standard or 2 king pillows and pillowcases, as well as a decorative bolster to tie it together. Notice how the double row of nailhead detailing sits elegantly above the top edge of the Euro shams so it ties into the linear shape of the tape on the front of the Euro Shams. This beautiful ensemble has been carefully and expertly planned so all the elements come together to create a serene and balanced composition.

Another important consideration is the placement and depth of the nightstand, relative to the bed hangings, if there are to be any. This will determine how many pillows you can add to the bed so that you or your client can still reach to the left or right to get a glass of water in the middle of the night, see the time, pick up the phone, or turn off a light. This beautiful vignette in Century Furniture’s Boston showroom features the Atlanta canopy bed, designed for them by Charlotte Moss.

For a little extra food for thought for you, here’s an excellent spread from an issue of LONNY magazine, sharing what to consider placing above your bed. I appreciated their helpful illustrations showing different options.

My 18 year old daughter, Amy and her friends, who read Lonny, would probably appreciate this pillow and bedding ensemble from Matouk Linens:

Whereas I appreciate this one more, from Sferra’s Tullia collection.

Readers, has this post helped you think through your pillow choices more carefully? Do you have any additional tips to add that I’ve left off that would be helpful for my readers based on your experiences? Which bedding ensemble do you love the most? Please let me know in the comments.
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Thank you so much for reading and subscribing to Hadley Court - I appreciate your time and invite you to also follow Hadley Court on Pinterest, G+, Facebook and Twitter.

Have a blessed day ~

Leslie Hendrix Wood, Decorator
Chancellor Interiors
Midland, Texas

Founder

http://hadleycourt.com

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Image Credits:

http://roost-home.blogspot.com

http://potterybarn.com

http://nexpeditor.net

http://a-touch-of-luxe.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-white-company-bedding-with-touch-of.html

http://pandoradebalthazar.com

http://www.phoebehoward.net/recent-projects/the-power-of-pink/1-of-7.aspx

http://www.leontinelinens.com/index.php/look_at_my_leontine

http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2012/09/seen-in-boston-century-furniture.html

http://www.lonny.com/magazine/May+2012/RsZCV3lZK7D/1#60

http://www.finelinens.com/p-2416-parterre-by-matouk.aspx

http://opulenceofsouthernpines.com/bed/designer-bedding/sferra/sferra-sferra-tullia-collection

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