Choose the Perfect Pillowcase Size for Your Pillows
Don't lose sleep over picking the right pillowcase size.
Just as there are many clothing options to choose from, there are also a multitude of pillowcase sizes available. Before looking at pillowcase sizes however, you will need to start off with the best mattress (read our Mattress Buying Guide if you need help) along with the right type of pillow (read our guide Pillow Types for a Good Night's Sleep for more info). Once you have established these basics, you will need to find the right pillowcase size before you can get into the different designs, colors, and aesthetics of your pillowcase itself. Read on to find the pillowcase size that is just right for your pillow.
A pillowcase is the part of bedding that fits directly over your pillow in order to protect it from stains and keep it clean. Pillowcases usually have an opening on one side so they can be removed and washed frequently to remove any dirt and allergens that you will be exposed to as you sleep. Due to the fact that you sleep on your pillow case, it will likely be made from a simple and unembellished fabric that is breathable and doesn't irritate your skin at night.
Choosing the right pillowcase sizes for your pillow can ensure your pillowcases stay put during the night, which is vital to keeping your pillows protected from wear and tear. The pillowcase material you choose can provide a comfortable texture to rest your head upon while extending the life of your pillow.
Finally, when you use the right pillowcase size, you will instantly elevate the look of your bedding, particularly with the wide range of colors and styles available.
What Are the Different Pillowcase Sizes?
When it comes to pillowcase sizes, there are several different sizes suitable for several different types of pillows, including standard bed pillows, decorative pillows, and throw pillows. Many of the decorative and throw pillows are available in an array of materials, sizes, and shapes.
Standard Pillowcase Sizes
The right pillowcase should fit over your pillow perfectly, make your bed look vibrant, and (most importantly) match your personal preference. Most manufacturers make their pillowcases a little large to accommodate variations in pillow sizes. When purchasing a pillowcase, it is always better to err on the large side to avoid the possibility that the pillowcase may be too small.
Standard: The most common pillowcase size is the standard size, also called a twin- or double-size pillowcase. A standard pillow itself measures around 20" x 26" and a twin or double pillowcase size should fit perfectly on these pillows. It's worthwhile to know that many twin or double pillowcases are made with additional fabric that gives a little leeway in sizing. A single standard pillow fits on a twin mattress, while two fit on a double or queen mattress. Standard-size pillows and pillowcases work well for sleepers who stay in the same position all night, as their head will not roll off and will remain supported throughout the night.
Queen: A queen pillowcase measures 20" x 30". This is 4 inches longer than the standard size and allows for two of these pillows to stretch perfectly across a queen-size mattress. Some queen pillows can fit into a standard pillowcase, though a queen pillowcase is best for the optimal fit. A queen pillow will also fit well on a king or California king mattress. If you are a tosser and turner, then you might want a longer queen pillow to leave enough room on either side of your head as you switch positions in the night.
King: A king pillow measures 20" x 36", 10 inches longer than a standard pillow. These pillows require much larger, king-size pillowcases; likewise, a king-size pillowcase will not fit on any other pillows. Two king-size pillows are designed to fit side-by-side across the 76" width of a king-size mattress. They are also able to fit comfortably on a California king mattress. It is possible to use two king pillows on a queen mattress, though it may be a tight fit.
Euro: Euro pillows are one of the largest pillow options available, measuring in at 26" x 26". As such, these pillows require specialized Euro pillowcases. Euro pillows were popularized in Europe, where they are used as regular sleeping pillows. In the U.S. however, Euro pillows are primarily used as decorations or supportive pillows to prop yourself up against. This pillowcase size cannot be used for any other pillow and is more often than not a decorative formality rather than a functional pillowcase to be slept on. That being said, a Euro pillowcase will still work to protect the pillow from spills and stains.
Tip!
For extra height and volume, you can use the hotel trick of tucking the ends of the pillowcase in tightly.
Pillow Sham Sizes
When compared to a pillowcase, a pillow sham is more of a decorative covering. Though some people do sleep on pillow shams, they are often made of a more textured fabric that wouldn't necessarily be the most comfortable to sleep on. Shams work similarly to ordinary pillowcases, though shams are designed to give your pillows a more creative appearance. The pillowcase sizes for pillow shams are similar to those of regular bed pillowcases, ranging from standard size to Euro size.
Throw pillows are a purely decorative furnishing that are usually smaller than pillow shams and standard bed pillows, measuring 20" x 20" or smaller.
They often come in a wide range of textiles such as cotton, leather, velvet, and chenille and can be square, round, bolster (cylindrical), or lumbar (long and rectangular). Throw pillows make a great addition to sofas or armchairs, but they are often used on beds too. The simplest throw pillows commonly do not have any opening and are "loose-filled," meaning the filling is inserted directly into the decorative pillowcase rather than into a separate pillow. Additionally, there are other throw pillows that use a zippered pillowcase which can be removed and exchanged. Throw pillows have the largest range in color, pattern, and design and can easily be used in interior design to match your style or be changed on a whim.
Tip!
Throw pillow covers match the sizes of your throw pillow inserts! Add extra flair to your pillows for a decorative cover as a nice touch to your bedding.
If you are ready to buy but are unsure of what pillowcase size you need, you will need to size your pillow first. You should be able to recognize what size pillow you have by checking the manufacturer label. Pillows usually range through several sizes: standard (which can also be labeled as twin or double), queen, king, and Euro. If you can't find a label, you can simply measure the width and length of your current pillow to get an idea of the pillowcase sizes that will fit properly.
In the end, you can have as many or as few pillows as you want. As long as you have the correct pillowcase sizes, you can arrange and rearrange your pillows as you see fit. These will give you a chance to play with colors, textures, and patterns to match or stand out against your decor.
