Pillows

We LOVE them. So comfortable. So stylish. So fun. They come in so many sizes, colors and fabrics. Embellished with tasseled trim, tape trim, or plain, they help establish a piece they are designed for. They add that finishing warm- and -welcoming touch that says ” Come sit down and cuddle with me ” or ” You’ve just stepped into ‘The Luxury Zone’ “.

 

  Let’s Get Down to the Nitty-Gritty

Someone finally asked me about pillows. They wanted to know more about these soft little piles of fluff. Specifically, how many are just too many on a bed? Do you just have the ones you sleep on or do you have eight. Their significant other that was with them said: Eight? Why would you need eight? We don’t need eight.

I totally understood. To some, that may be too many. To others it’s just the right amount. There are so many things to consider when it comes to pillows and how many you should or could have. I always start off with this, when it’s an insightful answer from a design standpoint: Do you have time to talk?

The number of pillows is based on the style you have chosen for the room, your comfort level, and it’s final presentation.

What does THAT mean? Well, it means that you should think of the outcome. Are you a Contemporary style person with  a minimalist approach? Then consider no more than two pillows per person- one sleeper, one decorative. You can pile them on top of one another so you can see two per person on the bed.

Are you a Transitional or Traditional style person? If so you can do more. Two to four per person, not including the one you sleep on or the decorative Euro Pillows that would dress the bed, nor the lumbar or neckroll at the very front. This makes the bed look fuller, richer and that is what is used most in magazines and advertisements.

 

And then you have Shabby Chic which calls for tons of pillows in their decor advertisements. This one has two different sized Euro Shams, ruffles shams, decorative pillowcase shams and decorative throw pillows, plus one tootsie-roll [It’s that cylindrical pillow with the ruffled ends at the very front]. That’s quite a few.

There is no right number. Only what you are comfortable with.

Pillows are cozy and stylish. They get thrown around, tossed aside, used for pillow fights. Use the number that works for you, the amount you are comfortable with removing and re-setting on the bed you have everyday. Use the quantity that will give you the look and feel you are working towards. If you want easy, go with a minimal approach. If you want that “Am I supposed to sleep in here because it looks like it should be in a magazine?” reaction from a guest, fill it up and pile it high with pillows. [Yes, one of my clients messaged me with that comment from one of his guests. We laughed. It’s the look he wanted for the guest room.] Add the Euro Shams, the flanged shams, the decorative pillow cases, the throw pillows and the bolster/neckroll/or lumbar pillow. Throw them all in and make it fabulous. Yet, not having all of these does not make the bed any less fabulous. As a Design Professional, I can appreciate a bed with lots of pillows and at the same time, I can fall in love with one that has only one or two per person.  It’s all personal preference. 😉

 

Here’s a recent project for an amazing couple. They have their sleepers hidden behind the Euro Pillows. They have one set of flanged shams to match the duvet cover, one set of decorative pillow cases, one set throw pillows and the lumbar at the front.  The pillows  took over the bed while giving it a warm, comfortable and peaceful feel they were looking for, despite the cooler colors. Go ahead and tell me what you think! I love good feedback!

 

If you have any questions regarding pillows -sizes, use, or function- feel free to contact me or use the comments thread below to ask for advice. If you find that you need a little professional assistance and want a consultation, contact me via this site’s contact page. Thanks for visiting!